Breakout Player to Watch on Every Power 5 College Football Team in 2015
College football has plenty of big names back for 2015, from offensive stars such as TCU's Trevone Boykin and Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott to defensive greats such as Arizona's Scooby Wright and Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III.
But every year a handful of players take the nation by storm to become All-Americans or all-conference greats.
These players might have been buried in the depth chart the year before, under the radar after solid seasons or waiting to hit the field for the first time in their college careers.
Every team in college football is hoping it has that one player who can make an impact that few saw coming.
So here are the players to watch on each Power Five team in college football—the new starters, the elite freshmen and the unheralded contributors who could become household names by the end of 2015.
Alabama
1 of 65
S Hootie Jones
During Nick Saban's time as head coach in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has become a factory for producing elite safeties, with Landon Collins joining the ranks of Mark Barron and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the NFL this offseason.
The Crimson Tide need a new face to step up and continue that streak of All-American safeties, and Jones fits the bill perfectly. Jones, the former 4-star recruit from Louisiana, gained some experience as a true freshman in 2014, and he now has his eyes on replacing Collins as the next breakout defensive back at Alabama.
Arizona
2 of 65
LB Derrick Turituri
Arizona had one linebacker, Scooby Wright, explode for a monstrous breakout season in 2014. The Wildcats could use more help alongside the award-winning defensive star this season, and Turituri answered the call this spring.
Opposing offenses will try to minimize Wright's impact in 2015, so Turituri could continue his progress from this offseason and have a breakout campaign of his own at outside linebacker. With Arizona needing another player besides Wright to become a menace in opposing backfields, Turituri could rack up the sacks this season.
Arizona State
3 of 65
RB Demario Richard
Arizona State had a 1,000-yard rusher in D.J. Foster last year but decided to move him to slot receiver this offseason.
Part of the reason Foster made the position change is that Arizona State wants to feed Richard the rock a lot more in 2014. Foster averaged 5.7 yards per carry as a true freshman last season and had an impressive two-touchdown performance in the Sun Bowl victory over Duke. As the primary option at running back this season, Richard should get plenty of opportunities to impress in the Sun Devils' offense.
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Arkansas
4 of 65
DE JaMichael Winston
Arkansas will look to take the next step this season under head coach Bret Bielema, but the Razorbacks will have to do it without standout defensive linemen Trey Flowers and Darius Philon.
Fortunately, Arkansas can rely on the talented Winston, who made major progress during spring practice and has the tools to be the star of the defensive front this season. According to ESPN's Edward Aschoff, the 6'4", 272-pound junior "really jumped out" for Bielema at the Hogs' heavy end position and recorded three sacks in the spring game.
Auburn
5 of 65
QB Jeremy Johnson
Johnson, the former Mr. Football for the state of Alabama, takes over for Nick Marshall this year as a junior who has already showcased his skills several times in his young Auburn career. In the three games in which he saw extended time at quarterback, Johnson has thrown for 643 yards, eight touchdowns and just two interceptions.
While he doesn't have the running ability of Marshall, Johnson is an extremely polished passer who will give head coach Gus Malzahn more opportunities to open up his dangerous offensive system. If the Tigers can continue to click on offense this season, Johnson has the potential to put up numbers worthy of a Heisman campaign.
Baylor
6 of 65
QB Seth Russell
Baylor has handed the reins of its blistering attack to Russell, a junior who has already spent three years learning Art Briles' hyper-speed system. In addition to his skill as a passer in the pocket, Russell brings extra dual-threat capabilities to the position, as he ran for more yards in limited action last season than starter Bryce Petty.
Bears quarterbacks have thrown for 3,500 yards or more in each of the past five seasons, with two of them passing the 4,000-yard and 30-touchdown mark. With Baylor looking to break into the playoff this year, Russell should have plenty of opportunities to let it fly for huge numbers.
Boston College
7 of 65
QB Darius Wade
Last season, quarterback Tyler Murphy was the leading rusher for the Eagles, and he will most likely be replaced this year with another running signal-caller in the sophomore Wade. The former Delaware high school star impressed this spring and has coaches buzzing about his potential in the offense.
"He’s starting to get a good handle on the offense," coach Steve Addazio said during the ACC's spring teleconference, according to the Boston Globe's Michael Vega. "He throws the ball extremely well. He’s very deceptive. He has outstanding quickness and athletic ability. As spring wore on, he really started to make great plays and manage the offense properly. So we’re excited about Darius."
California
8 of 65
WR Carlos Strickland
With many of quarterback Jared Goff's targets returning to the team, pass-happy Cal doesn't particularly need a new receiver to step up this season. But the Golden Bears might not be able to keep a player like Strickland on the sidelines.
The star of Cal's most recent recruiting class, the 6'5", 4-star receiver has the physical gifts and talent to play early and often in this offense. Goff will spread the ball all over the place this year, but the receiver with the biggest upside on the roster has to be Strickland. If Cal gives him a chance to make an early impact, he could post some of the biggest numbers of any freshman wide receiver.
Clemson
9 of 65
DE Shaq Lawson
After backing up stars Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford in one of the nation's fiercest defenses, Lawson is ready to be the leader for Clemson's front seven in 2015. Even though he hasn't been a starter yet, Lawson is the ACC's lone returning player who has registered double-digit tackles for loss in back-to-back seasons.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told the Anderson Independent-Mail's Brandon Rink that Lawson is "going to bring some certain things to the table that [Beasley] didn’t." That's incredibly high praise for this ACC Defensive Player of the Year candidate, considering Beasley was a top-10 pick in this year's NFL draft.
Colorado
10 of 65
LB Jaleel Awini
Yes, the above picture is correct. The key to Colorado's possible turnaround on defense—114th in the nation last season—could come from a former Air Force quarterback.
Awini sat out last season for the Buffaloes after transferring from Air Force and made a position change to outside linebacker in order to get on the field as early as possible. Awini became the surprise star of the spring for Colorado with his athleticism shining on a defense that desperately needed it.
Duke
11 of 65
RB Shaun Wilson
Shaquille Powell is back as Duke's primary running back this season, but Wilson should get a lot of touches after what he was able to show his coaches in 2014. Wilson broke a school record for rushing yards in a game with his 12-carry, 245-yard and three-touchdown performance in the Blue Devils' rout of Kansas.
Although Wilson never hit the 100-yard mark again last season, he still finished with the most rushing touchdowns on the team and averaged 7.67 yards per carry. Duke will have to rely on its running game more this season as it makes a transition at quarterback. Giving Wilson more chances to break off big plays could be the difference for the offense this fall.
Florida
12 of 65
WR Brandon Powell
As a freshman last season, Powell recorded a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in limited action for Florida. Powell then made a move to wide receiver this offseason, and Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee called him the team's breakout player to watch in 2015.
"You put him up in the slot, and he is a very dangerous weapon," Sallee said. "He can stretch the field deep, or he can take the ball with one cut and be gone. ... A guy like Brandon Powell could really help ease the transition for head coach Jim McElwain."
Florida State
13 of 65
S Derwin James
The 5-star James wasted no time in proving he belonged in Florida State's rotation by dominating spring practices and recording a pick-six in the Seminoles' Garnet and Gold Game. He made a name for himself as someone who simply flies to the football, whether it's for interceptions or massive hits.
James has plenty of time to become a standout defensive back in Tallahassee, but there's a great chance that time is this season. Florida State has showed no fears about starting freshmen, and James has the ability to be an early difference-maker for a transitioning secondary that needs some answers.
Georgia
14 of 65
LB Lorenzo Carter
Georgia already has a wealth of talent at outside linebacker with Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins. Then the Bulldogs can throw in Carter, who recorded seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a freshman last season.
Carter continued his good work this spring for defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and started to train at different positions for the fall, according to Sallee. At 6'6" and 242 pounds, Carter is a physical monster for the Georgia defense and will find a way to get on the field this season, even with the Bulldogs' experience at linebacker.
Georgia Tech
15 of 65
RB Marcus Allen
Georgia Tech needs new blood at its skill positions this year with last season's top four rushers—outside of quarterback Justin Thomas—now gone from campus.
Allen grabbed the top spot on the Yellow Jackets' post-spring depth chart at "B-back" after starring in the spring game, according to the Telegraph's Stan Awtrey. He ran for 77 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmage to cap several standout practices. The junior Allen has played B-back, A-back, wide receiver and even linebacker for the Yellow Jackets, but it looks like he has locked down a real role on this team. He could be the top back for one of the nation's top rushing attacks this season.
Illinois
16 of 65
WR Malik Turner
Wide receiver Mike Dudek had one of the biggest breakout seasons of anyone in college football last season, earning Freshman All-American honors for his 1,000-yard campaign. But Dudek is going to miss at least the first few games of the 2015 season after tearing his ACL in April, and now the Illini need other players to step up at the position.
Turner, who finished his freshman season with an 84-yard performance against Louisiana Tech, is the next man up for the Fighting Illini behind No. 2 receiver Geronimo Allison. Illinois targeted Dudek mostly in the slot, where Turner could line up to start 2015. Turner has the physical skills needed to be Dudek's replacement for the beginning of the season and a difference-maker throughout the year.
Indiana
17 of 65
RB Jordan Howard
Howard was the biggest star for now-resurrected UAB last season, finishing seventh nationally with 132.25 rushing yards per game. He is immediately eligible for Indiana, where he will get a bigger spotlight by playing in the Big Ten and replacing the nation's No. 2 running back in Tevin Coleman.
The Hoosiers will look to feed Howard the ball from the start of the season, as he had only four games last season in which he ran for fewer than 100 yards. Indiana's run-heavy offense needs a new star, and this former Blazer is a perfect fit for a big season in a bigger conference.
Iowa
18 of 65
TE George Kittle
Tight end Jake Duzey was Iowa's third-leading receiver last season, but he will miss some games to start the upcoming schedule with a knee injury. Enter Kittle, a surprise performer this spring who rose from No. 3 on the depth chart to the starter for Iowa's spring game.
Although he was a receiving specialist in 2013, he made only one catch in 2014 as his blocking struggles kept him off the field for the Hawkeyes. Kittle improved in that area this offseason and continued to be a weapon in the passing game, finishing with three catches for 50 yards in Iowa's spring game. Now, as a better blocker and receiver, Kittle could take advantage of uncertainty at the position and become a real playmaker at tight end this season.
Iowa State
19 of 65
WR D'Vario Montgomery
While Montgomery was the Cyclones' leading receiver last season in terms of yardage, he came down with only two touchdowns. After another offseason of development and the departure of go-to tight end E.J. Bibbs, Montgomery should be a bigger scoring threat this season.
The Cyclones might even line up the 6'6" junior at tight end some this fall, as someone needs to replace Bibbs' eight touchdowns from 2014. With quarterback Sam B. Richardson back to throw him the ball for another season, Montgomery's size and speed make him a real dark horse for All-Big 12 considerations as Richardson's main target.
Kansas
20 of 65
TE Kent Taylor
The former No. 1 tight end prospect and Florida transfer is probably the most talented player on the struggling Jayhawks' entire roster.
Taylor has some competition from Ben Johnson for the starting tight end job, but he will definitely be on the field for the Jayhawks after sitting out last season. He had an 85-yard touchdown grab in the spring game and could be the difference between improvement or another abysmal year for a beaten-up Kansas offense.
Kansas State
21 of 65
LB Elijah Lee
Lee has made the most of his position change from defensive end to outside linebacker and looks like a future star for the tough Wildcats defense. He was a rare true freshman contributor for Bill Snyder last season, recording the third-most sacks on the team. Lee also had a strong spring game in April, recording 10.5 tackles and a sack.
"Elijah has good quickness and pretty good range … tall with long arms," Snyder told the Topeka Capital-Journal's Ken Corbitt. "He runs around pretty well. The experience of last year has been beneficial for him, but like everybody else he’s trying to get himself better. I see his confidence building."
Kentucky
22 of 65
DT Matt Elam
Elam was one of the biggest freshmen in the SEC last season—literally. The 6'7", 360-pound former 4-star registered 10 tackles in limited action for the Wildcats in 2014, and now he's looking to become a leaner weapon for the rising program this fall.
Kentucky coaches still see the massive Elam as a work in progress, but the potential is there for him to develop into one of the conference's best interior linemen. With more snaps headed his way this season, Elam might be able to make the big breakthrough as a sophomore.
LSU
23 of 65
DE Lewis Neal
Neal lined up as a first-team defensive end for LSU before an ankle injury kept him out of the Tigers' spring game. His name was on almost everyone's lips in Baton Rouge this offseason as a potential star for a defense that continues to shell out top talent.
According to ESPN's David Ching, new LSU assistant Ed Orgeron sees a lot of two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole in Neal, an undersized but fierce defender who can cause unique problems for opposing offensive linemen. Neal made tremendous improvement under Orgeron and the rest of LSU's defensive staff this spring and won three of the team's spring awards.
Louisville
24 of 65
CB Shaq Wiggins
One of the nation's top secondaries from 2014 has several starters it must replace for the 2015 season. Wiggins, a former Georgia Bulldog, should fit right in at cornerback as he becomes eligible for the first time at Louisville.
Wiggins' hard-hitting style, high motor and familiarity with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and fellow Georgia transfer Josh Harvey-Clemons should prevent a major drop-off for the Cardinals' defensive backs this fall. He contributed as a freshman at Georgia and has all the tools to become an All-Conference defensive back this year.
Maryland
25 of 65
RB Wes Brown
Maryland fans are still waiting for Brown, a former blue-chip recruit, to break out and have his big season for the Terrapins. He got constant playing time last season and was a decent playmaker in both the running and passing games for Maryland.
With the amount of talent now gone from College Park at receiver, Brown will have even more responsibility in the Terps' attack this season. After another offseason of progress, 2015 could be the year Brown puts it all together and becomes the star Maryland needs on offense.
Miami (Florida)
26 of 65
DE Chad Thomas
Miami must replace a large amount of pro talent from its defense this year, which could mean a spike in snaps for Thomas. The former 5-star defensive end recorded only one tackle for loss in a small amount of action for the Hurricanes last season, but they could use his skills this year in a big way.
Defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio told the Miami Herald's Manny Navarro that Thomas is "gifted...so he’s got an opportunity where he can just beat guys easily at times." That's the kind of talent Miami needs, so look to Thomas to potentially have a surging sophomore season on a reloading defense.
Michigan
27 of 65
S Jabrill Peppers
Outside of Jim Harbaugh, the name that got the most buzz this offseason around Ann Arbor was Peppers, the standout redshirt freshman whose first year was cut short by injury. After a great spring under Michigan's new defensive staff, the hype is through the roof for Peppers to be a star playmaker as a starting safety.
"We have high expectations for Jabrill. But more importantly, Jabrill has high expectations for himself," defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said, according to Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod. "Anytime those things match together, it’s a great combination."
Michigan State
28 of 65
DT Malik McDowell
McDowell was a freshman All-American last season for the Spartans, and now he has the potential to become an overall All-American as a key figure in Michigan State's punishing front seven.
The amount of defensive experience the 6'6", 285-pound McDowell got last season should be the foundation for greater success in 2015. He finished seventh on a stacked team with 4.5 tackles for loss and recorded one in each of the final three games of the season. McDowell finished strong in 2014 and should start even stronger after a fantastic spring.
Minnesota
29 of 65
RB Jeff Jones
After a season of waiting as a redshirt while star running back David Cobb finished his collegiate career, Jones is ready to rip through defenses as a key player for the Golden Gophers in 2015.
The former 4-star and Under Armour All-American was one of the biggest recruits in recent school history and should get plenty of touches this season, whether on the ground or through the air. During spring practice, Jones emerged as one of the most gifted receiving options on the team, so the coaching staff might find creative ways for Jones to have huge numbers in his redshirt freshman season.
Mississippi State
30 of 65
WR Fred Ross
Mississippi State's No. 2 receiver should have more opportunities to make big plays this fall as star quarterback Dak Prescott and top wideout De'Runnya Wilson return to Starkville this season. Ross had several huge games for the Bulldogs in 2014, culminating in a six-catch, 102-yard performance in the Orange Bowl.
Ross lined up at slot for Mississippi State during practices earlier this year and looked like the real deal at the position, grabbing a touchdown in the spring game. He should get more targets there as teams lock onto Wilson, making him the ideal candidate for a huge season with Prescott.
Missouri
31 of 65
DT Harold Brantley
Missouri's run of producing great defensive linemen looks set to continue with the junior Brantley, who finished third on the team last season with five sacks. The Pennsylvania native has the perfect frame and game to have a huge year as as the top lineman for the Tigers.
Brantley has plenty of starting experience already and will be one of the best returning interior linemen in the SEC this season. While the ends have gotten most of the spotlight at Missouri, this tackle will be one you can't miss in 2015.
Nebraska
32 of 65
S Nate Gerry
Under new coaches and a new coverage scheme, Gerry could improve on what was already a big 2014 season for the safety. As a sophomore, he was second on the team in tackles with 88 and first with five interceptions, but he didn't get a lot of love in terms of postseason accolades this season.
That should change this year as he returns as the heart and soul of the Nebraska secondary. Making big plays is already Gerry's specialty, and it could lead to an award-winning year.
North Carolina
33 of 65
WR Mack Hollins
The former walk-on receiver has turned into a dangerous weapon for the Tar Heels. He led the team with eight receiving touchdowns as a sophomore last season and averaged a stunning 17.51 yards per catch.
Hollins' talent as a vertical receiver makes him a can't-miss receiver in the ACC for the upcoming season. With North Carolina returning almost all of its offensive starters for 2015, Hollins could easily hit double digits in touchdowns and break the 1,000-yard mark in a fantastic year for an already-impressive career.
North Carolina State
34 of 65
S Josh Jones
Jones became a starting safety for the Wolfpack late last season, earning starts in the final five games of the year. In those games, which were four wins and a loss to ACC runner-up Georgia Tech, Jones recorded 18 tackles and two interceptions to help N.C. State finish strong.
Now a sophomore with experience, Jones has a safety spot on lockdown for the Wolfpack, who could make some noise in the ACC this season. A heavy hitter with a nose for the football, Jones will be the young leader of a defense that turned things around in 2014.
Northwestern
35 of 65
RB/KR Solomon Vault
Vault cracked the starting lineup last season for Northwestern as a kick returner, ending the season with an 89-yard special teams touchdown against Illinois.
His work as a return man should only get better as he enters his sophomore season. Vault could be one of the Big Ten's best special teams players, and there is also a chance he breaks into the rotation more as a running and receiving option. The Wildcats need more offensive playmakers, so why not get the ball more to someone who already has proven to be a game-changer on special teams?
Notre Dame
36 of 65
QB Malik Zaire
Everett Golson is off to Florida State, and that means Zaire is the new star quarterback for the Fighting Irish. He impressed in Notre Dame's Music City Bowl win against LSU by completing 80 percent of his passes for 96 yards and a touchdown and adding 96 more yards and a touchdown on the ground. He's got the look and attitude of a star in Notre Dame's offense.
"Since arriving at Notre Dame, Zaire has oozed confidence, even as he hovered in Golson's shadows throughout the 2014 regular season," Bleacher Report's Mike Monaco said. “After flashing as the dynamic run-pass option in the Music City Bowl against LSU, Zaire gave more credibility to the horde of Irish fans who clamored for his promotion."
Ohio State
37 of 65
LB Raekwon McMillan
Although he was just a reserve on Ohio State's national championship team, McMillan stood out in his true freshman season with 54 tackles—6.5 of them for a loss. Now the Georgia native, the former No. 1 inside linebacker in the country, is set to step into the starting lineup for the Buckeyes.
McMillan will have a great cast of playmakers around him, including fellow linebackers Joshua Perry and Darron Lee. He will be able to slide right into Ohio State's elite defense this season and push to become one of the best middle linebackers in the country.
Oklahoma
38 of 65
WR Dede Westbrook
While Oklahoma has a deadly receiver one-two punch of Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal already on campus, Westbrook still found room this spring to stake his claim in the Sooners' new Air Raid attack. The newcomer used his explosive speed to turn heads in practices and the Oklahoma spring game.
"The junior college transfer didn't have a ton of production, but what we saw from Westbrook showed that OU coaches seem to be counting on him for the 2015 season," the Oklahoman's Berry Tramel wrote after the spring game. "Westbrook had one catch for 28 yards and gained 22 yards on a reverse. The reverse was particularly telling. Maybe the Sooners will rely on Sterling Shepard come fall for such plays, but Westbrook showed that he's totally capable of being a big-play threat."
Oklahoma State
39 of 65
RB Rennie Childs
Oklahoma State is desperate for a difference-maker at running back after a couple of seasons of mediocre production at the position. The junior Childs looks like he could be the breakout star of the backfield this fall for the Cowboys, who finished 102nd in rushing yards per game last season.
As one of the only healthy running backs on campus this spring, Childs got quicker and lighter as he moved up the depth chart. Now he'll look to use his speed on the ground in a conference known more for its passing attacks. Childs could be the jolt of new energy Oklahoma State needs to make some noise in the Big 12.
Ole Miss
40 of 65
CB Tee Shepard
After missing the entire 2014 season for Ole Miss' attacking "Landsharks" defense with a toe injury, Shepard should slide right into the starting lineup of one of college football's fiercest secondaries.
Replacing Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt won't be easy, but Shepard has the experience and the ability to keep up the production of those top Rebels. In his return to the field in Ole Miss' spring game, Shepard recorded an interception and made plays all over the field. While there are several major questions about Ole Miss heading into the season, Shepard already looks like another star defensive back.
Oregon
41 of 65
WR/CB Charles Nelson
Oregon has plenty of great receivers returning for the 2015 season, so Nelson was scheduled to move to defensive back this spring. But after a great performance at the Ducks' spring game, Oregon might have the latest two-way Pac-12 star on its hands.
Nelson had five catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns on offense while recording three tackles and an interception on defense in the spring finale. Whether Oregon puts Nelson on defense, keeps him on offense (he had five receiving scores last year) or plays him on both sides, 2015 already looks like a breakout year for this talented Duck.
Oregon State
42 of 65
QB Seth Collins
Longtime starting quarterback Sean Mannion is no longer at Oregon State, but the Beavers might have found someone just as exciting to replace him this fall. The true freshman had a stunning spring game, recording 289 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns and a pair of acrobatic hurdles.
While first-year Oregon State head coach Gary Andersen hasn't named Collins the starter yet, he seems like the perfect fit to run the new offense in Corvallis. His athleticism could make him a freshman star this year and one of the Pac-12's most entertaining talents down the road.
Penn State
43 of 65
CB Grant Haley
Haley, perhaps the fastest player on the Penn State roster, was the starting kick returner for the Nittany Lions last season, where he showed off his talent in the open field. Now he's set to become a starter at cornerback, where he took an interception against Temple all the way to the house as a reserve last year.
This special teams star, who also made big plays in kick coverage, should make a seamless transition to becoming a top player on defense this year. Whenever he gets his hands on the ball, whether on defense or special teams, look out—he could be making plenty of highlight reels.
Pittsburgh
44 of 65
S Reggie Mitchell
Mitchell is the type of player who is going to make an impact wherever he plays. A starting cornerback for most of last season, the former Wisconsin Badger made a move to safety later in the year to cover for an injury.
He bounced around the secondary this spring, too. But no matter what position he holds in the 2015 season, Mitchell will be looked to as a leader for Pittsburgh's defense. With more consistent playing time, he has the opportunity to excel under first-year head coach Pat Narduzzi.
Purdue
45 of 65
RB Keyante Green
Purdue's top two running backs from last season have graduated, leaving Green alone at the top of the returning talent list. He was impressive as a freshman by averaging 7.37 yards per his 27 carries and ripped off good runs against Michigan State and Nebraska.
Green isn't guaranteed to be the No. 1 running back for the Boilermakers this season, but he has plenty of big-play potential. If Purdue wants to be in the hunt for bowl eligibility, it is going to need more explosiveness from its offense—and Green should be a part of that quest.
Rutgers
46 of 65
WR Carlton Agudosi
The 6'6" Agudosi is coming off a monster spring for the Scarlet Knights. According to NJ.com, Agudosi caught 15 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns in three spring scrimmages and was heralded as the best breakout player of Rutgers' camp.
With more consistency, Agudosi could be a big-time player for Rutgers this fall. His size makes him a matchup nightmare, and he gained more confidence this offseason. He might be a household name in the Big Ten by season's end.
South Carolina
47 of 65
WR Deebo Samuel
South Carolina has found its tag-team partner for star receiver Pharoh Cooper. After redshirting last season, the underrated Samuel exploded onto the scene for the Gamecocks in spring practice and will be a huge boost to whoever starts at quarterback in 2015.
"Playing the X position where many other Gamecocks have thrived, including Alshon Jeffery, the 6'0", 206-pound redshirt freshman will have plenty of opportunities to make plays," Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard wrote. "That's exactly what he's been doing. While Samuel isn't the fastest receiver on the field, all of the other attributes are present. He did battle some consistency issues this spring, but he still had plenty of moments of brilliance."
Stanford
48 of 65
DE Solomon Thomas
Another key player who benefited from a redshirt year, Thomas is set to be a big-time player on Stanford's consistently tough defensive line in 2015. The former No. 2 defensive end recruit gained weight over the offseason and has the ability to play anywhere in the trenches for the Cardinal.
Thomas was one of the hottest names around The Farm this spring as he excelled in his snaps with the first-team defense. If Stanford has another successful season on defense, Thomas will undoubtedly play a huge role in making that happen.
Syracuse
49 of 65
RB/WR Ervin Philips
Philips ended spring practice as the first-string H-back on Syracuse's depth chart, a position that should give him opportunities to do well as a receiver on the inside and also as a runner. Last season, Philips took 45 carries for 195 yards while recording 57 receiving yards.
Those receiving numbers should take a considerable jump this season, and Philips will also have a chance to be a change-of-pace option out of the backfield. He should be a key figure in Syracuse's attempt at getting out of the bottom half of the ACC's offenses.
TCU
50 of 65
CB Ranthony Texada
Texada was thrown into the fire for the Horned Frogs last season, starting all 13 games at cornerback as a freshman. Since he lined up opposite top corner Kevin White, Texada got a lot of action in pass coverage in 2014 and improved as the season progressed.
This season, he is a source of experience for a TCU defense that has some question marks heading into what could be a title-winning season. If the Horned Frogs can answer the defensive call and be an all-around contender, it will be due in part to the play of Texada.
Tennessee
51 of 65
S Evan Berry
Berry has All-SEC and All-American play in his blood as he is the younger brother of former Volunteer great Eric Berry. After a quiet freshman season on defense—he was still the top kick returner in 2014—Berry showed what kind of potential he has for the rising Tennessee defense this spring.
He was an interception machine during practices, and led all Volunteers with nine tackles in the annual spring game. If he can continue that level of play this fall, Tennessee fans will be happy to see that familiar Berry name make huge plays in the Volunteers secondary once again.
Texas
52 of 65
LB Malik Jefferson
Charlie Strong looks like he has the outside linebacker he can build his defense around in Jefferson. The true freshman enrolled early in Austin and went right to work living up to the high rankings he received as a top recruit from the state of Texas.
Jefferson's athleticism and attacking mentality should make him a Day 1 starter for the Longhorns, who could use a young star on defense. He looks like a surefire candidate for Freshman All-American and could find his way into All-Big 12 teams by the end of the season.
Texas A&M
53 of 65
LB Otaro Alaka
Even with all the young stars Texas A&M has on its roster, the Aggies need the most help on their defense. Former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis has stepped into College Station, and his presence should be a boost for players like Alaka, who had a solid freshman season for a struggling unit.
Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee named Alaka as one of the most underrated players in the SEC. According to Sallee, Alaka is "fast, physical and flies to the football," and that is exactly the type of player Chavis needs to excel in Texas A&M. Alaka should become a name college football fans know by the end of 2015.
Texas Tech
54 of 65
WR Devin Lauderdale
Lauderdale came on extremely strong late last season, recording five of his seven touchdown grabs during the final five games of the Red Raiders' 2014 campaign. He also averaged an eye-popping 19 yards per catch for the entire year.
Stats like those should make Lauderdale a go-to target for Texas Tech's pass-happy attack in 2015. With more catches and targets this season, Lauderdale could post fantastic numbers for a team ready to bounce back from its disappointing 4-8 record.
UCLA
55 of 65
QB Josh Rosen
UCLA head coach Jim Mora Jr. won't formally announce his starting quarterback, but all signs point to the 5-star freshman right now. Rosen enrolled early at UCLA and had an impressive spring in his battle against Asantii Woulard and Jerry Neuheisel.
If and when Rosen gets the nod as Brett Hundley's replacement in Los Angeles, he will join a starting offense that has several fantastic playmakers, including star running back Paul Perkins. The weapons around him give Rosen the potential to have an incredible freshman season as the Bruins' new star quarterback.
USC
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WR JuJu Smith
USC's second-leading receiver from last season is now the top Trojan at the position thanks to some early departures. Smith had one of the best three-game stretches of any player in 2014, grabbing all five of his touchdowns against Colorado, Utah and Washington State.
Cody Kessler needs a new top target, and Smith looks like he will be the man to beat. After making an early impact as a true freshman, Smith has a great chance to be of the top receivers in the entire country, especially with Kessler feeding him the ball.
Utah
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DE Hunter Dimick
Dimick recorded 52 tackles and 10 sacks last season en route to becoming a second-team All Pac-12 player. This season, Dimick is poised to become one of the league's best defensive linemen and a leader for a Utah defense missing some of its star power.
He will be tasked with replacing some of the production of Nate Orchard, who finished second nationally in sacks. Now the No. 1 defender for the Utes, this junior has the experience to become a veteran defensive leader in the conference and the country.
Vanderbilt
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DT Nifae Lealao
While the offense continues to change in Nashville, the Vanderbilt defense should move forward after a bad 2014. Lealao was one of the only true freshmen to see the field for Vanderbilt last season, and now he figures to be one of those top defensive players for the Commodores in 2015.
As one of the biggest recruits in school history, the former 4-star recorded seven tackles as a reserve in his true freshman campaign. Vanderbilt won't be able to keep him off the field for long in 2015 as he has the talent to turn some heads, even on a struggling program.
Virginia
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DT Andrew Brown
The former No. 1 defensive tackle recruit surprised many by choosing Virginia and then not becoming a star player in his first season for the Cavaliers. Brown had only four tackles for Virginia as he struggled to get up to speed while recovering from some nagging injuries.
A full spring of work might be what is needed to unlock Brown's potential for an increasingly star-studded Virginia defense. At 100 percent, Brown looks like a great breakout candidate, especially after the underwhelming start he had to his heavily hyped career.
Virginia Tech
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CB Greg Stroman
Stroman is another player who was a solid return man as a freshman—he was the Hokies' top choice on punts—and a potential difference-maker in other areas this fall.
Even with the Hokies' crowded roster of defensive backs, Stroman is expected to get into the rotation at corner this season. He also got a limited amount of work on the offensive side of the ball for Virginia Tech in 2014, so seeing him catch passes from his teammates isn't out of the question. Stroman's production in all areas should take a dramatic step forward in his sophomore year.
Wake Forest
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DE Rashawn Shaw
After taking a redshirt his freshman season, Shaw went right to work this spring in getting his name into consideration for major minutes on the defensive line. He recorded two sacks in the Demon Deacons' spring game and has the makeup of a freshman star.
Wake Forest's top defensive lineman from last season, Zachary Allen, is gone, taking his 11 tackles for loss and five sacks with him. In order for the Demon Deacons to continue their solid defense, new players need to step up, and Shaw is an early favorite.
Washington
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S Budda Baker
Baker was one of several true freshmen who had to take on major playing time for the Huskies last season. That experience will pay off this year, as Washington now has a secondary looking to improve from a 2014 campaign in which it gave up too many big plays through the air.
The sophomore safety had a strong debut last year by recording 80 tackles and six pass breakups for the Huskies. Now that he is taking snaps on offense and special teams, Baker might be the next big thing to play both ways in a conference that has had plenty of those kind of players in recent seasons.
Washington State
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WR Robert Lewis
While he had only 41 catches for 370 yards last season in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense at Washington State, Lewis is a player who could be a top receiver for the Cougars this season.
At 5'9" and 162 pounds, he's a pure lightning rod on quick strikes and deep balls down the field. Lewis isn't going to break many tackles after the catch, but defenses will first have to get in position to catch him. With more experience after his freshman year, Lewis is the type of player Leach could find useful in his offense.
West Virginia
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WR Shelton Gibson
As a redshirt freshman last season, Gibson made his initial impact on special teams as a kick returner. Now, with Kevin White and Mario Alford gone from Morgantown, West Virginia needs new playmakers at wide receiver this season.
Gibson fits the type the Mountaineers could use on the outside of their potent offensive attack in 2015. He was a 4-star recruit who got several offers from powerhouse programs but instead came to West Virginia. Gibson has the potential to break away from defenders for long passing plays, and he should get his chance to make waves on offense this fall.
Wisconsin
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RB Corey Clement
Melvin Gordon and his record-breaking ways are now off to the NFL. Good thing the Badgers already have a star running back to replace him in Clement, who rushed for just under 1,000 yards last year while finding the end zone nine times.
Clement has been a great backup for Gordon the past two seasons, and now it's his turn to shine behind Wisconsin's powerful offensive line. He might not put up Gordon's numbers, but he has already shown he has the skill to be the next great running back out of Wisconsin.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is an On-Call College Football Writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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