50 Names You Need to Know for 2015 College Football Season
It’s here. Well, almost.
For those of you starving for college football, this week marks a significant milestone: Teams across the nation will convene for preseason practice, ramping up preparations for the 2015 college football season, which kicks off Sept. 3 with a standout slate of Thursday night games.
This month, teams will decide which players they can trust and get ready for the grind ahead. There will be stars, new names and old names in new places.
Here’s a look at 50 names you need to know for the 2015 college football season. They’re a mix of established stars, names you know and those you might not. Either way, they’ll matter this fall.
LSU S Jamal Adams
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LSU has a strong tradition of excellent defensive backs, and it looks like Jamal Adams is the next great Tiger secondary member.
He had a strong freshman season, earning a starting role by November and finishing with 66 tackles, five tackles for loss and five pass breakups. He cemented that starting role in spring practice and should develop into one of the SEC’s top defenders this fall. He also has solid tackling and coverage ability.
You’ll get to know him even better in 2015.
Oregon QB Vernon Adams
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Oregon has established itself as a national power, but the Ducks have one huge question as they prepare to open preseason practice: Who will replace Marcus Mariota?
The Heisman Trophy winner is beginning his career with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans after leading Oregon to a national-runner-up finish last fall, but his replacement is an open question.
The most intriguing option is Vernon Adams, an athletic force who will finish his career with the Ducks as a graduate transfer.
Adams will battle Jeff Lockie, Mariota’s backup, who finished spring as the leader for the job. Adams is still finishing up his EWU degree requirements, according to Ryan Thorburn of The Eugene Register-Guard.
He has yet to practice with his new teammates, so he’ll have a steep, fast learning curve. If he can conquer that, he has the skills to excel in the Pac-12 and nationally in Oregon’s talented, deep offense.
Washington S Budda Baker
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Washington returns only four defensive starters from a unit that was one of the Pac-12’s best last fall. But there are no issues with the Husky secondary, which is anchored by sophomore safety Budda Baker.
Baker was an immediate starter last fall, making 80 tackles with six pass breakups and an interception.
He has excellent athleticism and should only get better in his second collegiate season. He’s already Washington’s best player and has room to grow as he develops into a true leader.
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Tennessee DE Derek Barnett
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Tennessee was one of the nation’s most improved teams last fall, finishing 7-6 and making their first bowl since 2010, a TaxSlayer Bowl rout of Iowa. A strong defensive line played a big role in that transformation.
One of its best players was a freshman, defensive end Derek Barnett. Barnett was consistently productive, making 20.5 tackles and 10 sacks. He stands 6’3”, weighs 268 pounds and has great pass-rushing ability off the edge.
As the Vols get better with experience, Barnett should only improve along the way.
Iowa QB C.J. Beathard
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A well-used canard says that the most popular man on a college campus is the backup quarterback. Last fall, that was C.J. Beathard. Now we’ll see if Beathard can maintain that popularity in the lead role.
Last season, he threw for 645 yards and five touchdowns against two interceptions, completing 56.5 percent of his passes.
Fans clamored for him after he led a comeback win at Pitt and a win at Purdue while starter Jake Rudock was sidelined with an injury, and they got their wish in a TaxSlayer Bowl loss to Tennessee. Shortly afterward, Beathard was elevated to No. 1 on the depth chart, and Rudock transferred to Michigan.
Now the big-armed passer will attempt to inject some life into Iowa’s offense. We’ll see how popular he is by December.
Missouri DT Terry Beckner Jr.
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Missouri has proven to be a strong fit in the SEC, with back-to-back SEC East titles. The Tigers need to recruit strongly to stay in the SEC hunt, and getting players like Terry Beckner Jr. helps.
The East Saint Louis, Illinois, native was rated by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 13 overall recruit and was a major signing day coup for Gary Pinkel’s staff. He chose MU over Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State.
Beckner stands 6’4”, weighs 293 pounds and has excellent quickness and skills at the point of attack. He is a constant presence in opponents’ backfields, making 117 tackles as a high school senior. He’ll get early playing time, and plenty of it, this fall.
Baylor WR KD Cannon
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New Baylor starting quarterback Seth Russell is a lucky man. Russell takes the reins to Baylor’s offense with two excellent targets to throw to in Corey Coleman and KD Cannon, both of whom went over 1,000 yards receiving in 2014.
Cannon was excellent as a freshman last fall, catching 58 passes for 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6’0”, 175 pounds, Cannon has excellent deep speed, making him a perfect fit in Baylor’s wide-open offense.
Cannon closed strong with eight catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns in the Cotton Bowl but could become more consistent. He had four games with at least 124 yards receiving and six games with less than 40. If he comes to play hard every week, watch out.
Georgia RB Nick Chubb
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For the second consecutive season, Georgia has a Heisman Trophy contender at tailback. With Todd Gurley now in the NFL as the St. Louis Rams’ first-round draft pick, that mantle falls to Nick Chubb, who was very impressive as a freshman last fall.
Chubb used Gurley’s four-game NCAA suspension for accepting payment for his autograph and an ACL tear that ended his season shortly afterward to break out. He went for 1,547 yards with 14 touchdowns, rolling up eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games, the first Georgia player to do so since Herschel Walker.
At 5’10”, 228 pounds, Chubb is a force of nature who is very hard to tackle with excellent speed. If he stays healthy and Georgia contends for the SEC title, he’ll be a very strong Heisman candidate.
Wisconsin RB Corey Clement
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Last fall, Melvin Gordon put together an incredible season in Wisconsin’s backfield. He rushed for 2,587 yards (the second-best single-season total in the FBS ranks) with 29 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. It was no surprise that he declared early for the NFL draft, where he was the San Diego Chargers’ first-round pick.
Next man up? Junior Corey Clement.
Last fall, Clement was solid as Gordon’s understudy, rushing for 949 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He is a speedy, powerful back, and as the lead man in new coach Paul Chryst’s offense, those numbers should receive a healthy boost in 2015.
Alabama QB Jake Coker
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For Jake Coker, it’s now or never.
Last fall, Coker was expected to win Alabama’s starting quarterback role after transferring from Florida State. But Blake Sims won the job and led the Crimson Tide to an SEC title and College Football Playoff berth.
Now a senior, Coker must hold off a group of four young quarterbacks this fall, led by freshmen Blake Barnett and David Cornwell. It’s his final opportunity to thrive in an Alabama uniform, and he’ll need to be more consistent than he was in spring practice to take full advantage of it.
South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper
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2014 was a lost year for South Carolina, as the Gamecocks slipped to 7-6 following a run of four consecutive 11-win seasons. But one clear highlight was the emergence of wide receiver Pharoh Cooper as a bona fide playmaker.
Cooper (5’11”, 201 pounds) made plays all over the field as a sophomore. He had 69 receptions for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Gamecocks in all three categories. He could even play as a Wildcat-style quarterback if necessary.
Expect Cooper to make lots of noise as a junior.
Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty
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Brandon Doughty might be the best player you’ve never heard of. Last fall, Doughty led the FBS in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
So why don’t you know his name? Because he plays for Western Kentucky.
In 2014, Doughty threw for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns, completing 67.9 percent of his passes and leading the Hilltoppers offense to 44.4 points per game, No. 4 nationally. He's an NFL prospect at 6’3”, 216 pounds.
He was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after suffering season-ending injuries in 2011 and 2012, which is big news for the Hilltoppers offense. Maybe America will get to know him this fall.
Arizona State WR D.J. Foster
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Even with quarterback Taylor Kelly and standout wide receiver Jaelen Strong gone, Arizona State’s offense shouldn’t take much of a dip this fall.
Senior quarterback Mike Bercovici should step ably into Kelly’s shoes, and he’ll have an excellent weapon in the passing game in D.J. Foster.
Foster was one the nation’s top all-around tailbacks last fall, rushing for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 62 passes for 688 yards and three scores. He has moved out to slot receiver to replace Strong and could prove even better as a receiver than he was in the backfield for a potent offense.
LSU RB Leonard Fournette
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Leonard Fournette began last season as one of the game’s most hyped players and the consensus No. 1 overall recruit, according to 247Sports. He got off to a slow start, but by season’s end few were doubting that ranking.
He finished the season very strong in the Music City Bowl, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries and adding a 100-yard kickoff return score. That capped a season that saw him rush for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns. More is expected this fall, as he should assume an even bigger role in LSU’s offense.
At 6’1”, 230 pounds, he possesses an excellent blend of power, size and speed—and he’s only improving.
He should be one of the top tailbacks and overall players in college football and a strong Heisman Trophy contender.
Memphis Coach Justin Fuente
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Want an early preview at this winter’s coaching carousel? Take a good look at Memphis coach Justin Fuente.
Fuente has turned around a moribund Memphis program in just three seasons. The former TCU offensive coordinator led the Tigers to a 10-3 record in 2014, the program’s first bowl trip since 2008 and its first 10-win season since 1938.
Fuente’s teams are aggressive, mixing a strong running game with an excellent passing attack. Quarterback Paxton Lynch is one of the AAC’s top quarterbacks, throwing for 3,031 yards in 2014.
If Lynch and the Tigers excel again this fall, Fuente could be on his way up to a bigger job.
Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett
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Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin lured John Chavis away from LSU to improve the Aggies’ middling defense, which has lagged behind A&M’s potent offense during Sumlin’s tenure.
One of the selling points was surely the opportunity to coach defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett had an incredible freshman season. He made 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks, blowing past Jadeveon Clowney’s SEC freshman sack record.
Clowney is now just down the road in Houston after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans, but Garrett will show NFL scouts why he’ll be playing in that league soon this fall. He stands 6’5”, 255 pounds and has excellent edge-rushing skills.
How will Chavis use him? It’ll be a lot of fun to watch, unless you’re an opposing offensive tackle.
Cal QB Jared Goff
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After going from 1-11 to 5-7 last fall, Cal could be on the verge of a breakthrough in 2015. If it happens, Jared Goff will play a huge role.
In 2014, the Golden Bears passed for 346 yards per game, No. 6 nationally, scoring 38.3 points per game, No. 11 nationally. Goff was the offense’s centerpiece.
At 6’4”, 210 pounds, Goff is an excellent pocket passer. In 2014, he passed for 3,973 yards with 35 touchdowns against seven interceptions, taking a big leap from his freshman numbers of 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
If he takes a similar leap upward this fall, fans across the nation will know his name.
TCU RB Aaron Green
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Everyone knows about quarterback Trevone Boykin, the leader of TCU’s high-flying air raid offense which averaged 46.5 points per game last fall, No. 2 nationally.
But Boykin, a Heisman Trophy contender, isn’t the only weapon the Horned Frogs have—far from it.
Senior tailback Aaron Green provides major balance for the pass-happy attack. Despite not becoming a starter until November, he had 922 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He finished strong, too, with four 100-yard games in TCU’s last seven games.
If Green gets more carries this fall, he’ll easily surpass 1,000 yards and give Boykin an occasional breather.
Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg
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Christian Hackenberg is one of the nation’s most interesting case studies this fall.
Although he had an ugly sophomore season, the Penn State quarterback’s NFL draft stock hasn’t fallen much. Joe Juliano of the Philadelphia Inquirer believes he's almost certainly a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
Hackenberg is just focusing on this season, via Juliano:
"I haven't really thought about (the draft). It would be unfair to even come out and say that I've thought about it to my teammates. I'd be cheating them. So for me, it's one day at a time, just trying to raise my game and help our team win as many games as they can and play my role in that."
After throwing for 2,955 yards with 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions as a freshman, the Penn State quarterback threw for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in 2014, which included a four-touchdown day against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl.
That wasn’t all his fault. Hackenberg suffered behind an awful offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 44 times as a sophomore, as opposed to 21 times as a freshman. He has an NFL-ready body at 6’4”, 234 pounds, as well as a strong arm.
Let’s watch him this fall and see if his offensive line can protect him better and keep his NFL stock high.
Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh
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If you haven’t heard about Jim Harbaugh’s exploits as Michigan’s new head coach, you just haven’t been paying attention. To Twitter. Or any sports media. Or any media, period.
Michigan’s hire of Harbaugh has generated copious attention, and he hasn’t been afraid to generate more, whether it’s an awkward interview with Colin Cowherd or taking on the SEC over satellite recruiting camps or movies being played on Michigan’s campus.
Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde thinks that his hire has been a "stroll down Memory Lane" for Michigan. Now he’s about to get down to the real reason he was hired: leading Michigan to success.
The Wolverines return 10 starters from 2014’s 5-7 team, but Harbaugh must pick a quarterback between Iowa transfer Jake Rudock, junior Shane Morris and a trio of untested freshmen. The Wolverines open at Utah and also face Oregon State and BYU in the first month.
Harbaugh is known as a program-builder but did get off to a slow start at Stanford, going 9-15 in his first two seasons. There’s little question he’ll have success with Michigan’s support. The only question is how fast it will happen.
Alabama RB Derrick Henry
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It’s finally Derrick Henry’s turn in the spotlight.
For two years, the Alabama tailback has waited for his chance to be the lead back in the Crimson Tide offense, and with T.J. Yeldon gone to the NFL, it’s his time.
Last fall, Henry had 172 carries to Yeldon’s 194 but outrushed him 990-979 and averaged 5.8 yards per carry to Yeldon’s 5.0. He has an imposing mix of power and speed, and at 6’3” and 241 pounds is a huge force for opposing tacklers to bring down.
It’ll be fun to see what he can do with even more carries in Lane Kiffin’s offense in 2015. Alabama needs Henry to be good, as it is breaking in a new starting quarterback for the second consecutive season.
UCLA LB Myles Jack
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Under coach Jim Mora Jr., UCLA is emerging as a national force with back-to-back 10-win seasons.
The Bruins have talent across their roster, and one of their most fascinating players is junior Myles Jack. Two years ago, Jack was the Pac-12’s Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
With Paul Perkins emerging as the No. 1 tailback and Anthony Barr’s departure to the NFL, Jack focused more on defense in 2014, making 88 tackles, 8.0 for loss and a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Alamo Bowl against Kansas State.
He had 113 yards rushing last fall, but leading tackler Eric Kendricks’ graduation means Jack will be a leader for the Bruin defense again. He has the athleticism to make an impact wherever he plays.
Colorado State WR Rashard Higgins
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New Colorado State coach Mike Bobo must find a new quarterback following Garrett Grayson’s graduation, but there’s no question who that guy will be throwing the ball to: wide receiver Rashard Higgins.
Higgins was one of the nation’s best receivers in 2014, making 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. He stands 6’2”, weighs 188 pounds and is reliable with excellent speed.
CSU might take a step back from 10-win status in Bobo’s first season, but it won’t be Higgins’ fault.
Southern California CB Adoree' Jackson
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This fall, Southern California is expected to push for a College Football Playoff berth, and one of the best pieces on a loaded roster is sophomore cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. Jackson excelled in multiple roles as a freshman on both sides of the ball.
Jackson (5’11”, 185 pounds) broke into the starting lineup at cornerback by midseason and made 10 pass breakups. He also had 10 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown, keyed by a 71-yard catch-and-run score against Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl and averaged 29.7 yards per return with a pair of long kick return touchdowns.
He’ll be a key figure for the Trojan defense with great speed and athleticism, but Steve Sarkisian should try to get the ball in his hands as often as possible. Good things happen when he does.
Florida State S Derwin James
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As a national program, Florida State doesn’t rebuild—it reloads.
2015 will be something of a “reloading” season, but getting players like Derwin James helps. James, an impact safety, is the nation’s No. 5 overall recruit, according to 247Sports. He has well-rounded skills and can cover receivers with his physical nature.
He went through spring practice with his new teammates and is getting up to speed very quickly. He won’t start immediately but could push for a starting role at some point this season and build from there.
Auburn QB Jeremy Johnson
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Auburn will look a little different under center in 2015, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Dual-threat quarterback Nick Marshall, who passed for 2,532 yards with 20 touchdowns against seven interceptions and added another 798 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores, is gone, but he’ll be replaced by former understudy Jeremy Johnson.
At 6’5”, 230 pounds, Johnson has a big arm and the ability to run the ball as well. Last fall, he had 436 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, starting the season opener against Arkansas while Marshall served a suspension.
He isn’t former Auburn star and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, but it’s obvious where the comparisons come from. We’ll get to know him a lot better this fall.
Cincinnati QB Gunner Kiel
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Last fall, Gunner Kiel proved he was worth the wait. After originally committing to LSU, the talented quarterback signed with Notre Dame and then transferred to Cincinnati following his redshirt year, costing himself a year of eligibility.
He had an excellent debut under Tommy Tuberville’s watch, throwing for 3,254 yards with 31 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and completing 59.7 percent of his passes. In his collegiate debut, he torched Toledo for 418 yards. His six touchdowns set a Cincinnati single-game record and tied an AAC single-game mark. He led the Bearcats to a share of the AAC regular-season title, too.
Cincy should be an AAC favorite again this fall, and Kiel’s continued presence is a huge reason why. He should only improve in his second season as a starter.
Auburn DE Carl Lawson
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New Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp hopes to give the Tigers’ uneven defense a big boost in his first season back on Jordan-Hare Stadium’s sidelines.
One of his biggest tasks will be fixing a woeful pass rush. Auburn ranked No. 95 nationally in sacks per game, with linebacker Kris Frost and DaVonte Lambert sharing the team lead with 3.5 sacks apiece.
A huge factor in improving the pass rush? The return of defensive end Carl Lawson.
Lawson missed last season recovering from a torn ACL but was a freshman All-American in 2013. He had 20 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss as a freshman and should improve on those numbers this fall as a key piece of Auburn’s defensive line.
Clemson DE Shaq Lawson
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Clemson boasted the nation’s top overall defense last fall, but after major graduation losses, only two starters return, and only two members of the 2014 defensive line two-deep are back.
That means the Tigers will reload, and one of the most important pieces is junior defensive end Shaq Lawson, who will replace Clemson career sack leader Vic Beasley, a first-round pick of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Lawson has excellent pass-rush skills and was a freshman All-American in 2013. Last fall, he had 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Clemson will need him to boost those numbers significantly this fall if it hopes to contend for the ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth.
Florida State QB Sean Maguire
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Florida State will retool this fall following multiple key NFL draft departures and graduations, returning only 10 starters. But the biggest question will be at quarterback, where FSU must replace Heisman Trophy winner and top overall NFL draft pick Jameis Winston.
Winston attracted controversy but knew how to win games, with the only loss of his FSU career coming in the Rose Bowl to Oregon. Junior Sean Maguire must prove he is as adept at leading the Seminole offense. He has some experience, guiding FSU to an overtime win over Clemson last season with Winston suspended.
He ended spring as the leader for the role but will face a preseason challenge from Notre Dame transfer Everett Golson. If Maguire wins the job, he’ll have to grow up quickly while throwing to a group of talented young receivers.
Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey
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Stanford slipped to 8-5 last fall, and an uneven ground game played a role in the slide. The Cardinal failed to have a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since 2007.
If Christian McCaffrey has his way, a new streak will begin this year.
Last fall, the son of former NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey rushed for 300 yards on 42 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He has excellent good athleticism, speed and burst.
He should be Stanford’s lead tailback in 2015 and could emerge as one of the Pac-12’s better backs.
Florida Coach Jim McElwain
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There’s no denying that Florida football had gone stale under Will Muschamp. The Gators had a strong defense, but offense was a major issue that led to Muschamp’s firing last fall, two years removed from an 11-win season and Sugar Bowl berth.
Enter coach Jim McElwain, who rapidly turned around Colorado State, leading the Rams to a 10-win campaign in his third season.
He had a strong pro-style offense, which surely appealed to Florida officials. Florida’s facilities have fallen behind, and while upgrades have already begun, McElwain hopes to do the same on the field.
With a weak offensive line and no set quarterback, that might not happen in 2015, but it’ll be fun to watch him take his first steps in bringing the Gators back to relevance in the SEC and nationally.
Ohio State LB Raekwon McMillan
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With 14 starters returning from 2014’s national title team, there aren’t many openings on Ohio State’s roster. And it is a testament to the Buckeyes’ depth that they can fill those roles with players like middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
Last fall, McMillan, a 5-star recruit according to 247Sports, served as an apprentice to senior Curtis Grant, making 54 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. Now Grant is gone, and the job is McMillan’s.
He’s a fast, aggressive player who is a big hitter. He'll have the big job of quarterbacking Ohio State’s defense. It’s a huge leap up, but McMillan has the talent to handle it capably.
Ohio State WR Braxton Miller
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One of the most intriguing players in college football will be a guy who didn’t step foot on the field last fall. Braxton Miller’s shoulder surgery forced him into a redshirt season and allowed J.T. Barrett and then Cardale Jones to emerge as stars while leading Ohio State to a national title.
Miller will be back, but it won’t be as a quarterback. He’s moving to H-back/wide receiver to catch passes from either Barrett or Jones, which is probably best for his chances at the next level.
According to Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel, Miller feels it's the right move for him: "This is the smarter thing for right now. God blessed me with a lot of talent and different opportunities. I’m going to have fun with that and still score a lot of touchdowns and help the team out and be dominant at that.”
The two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year threw for 2,094 yards with 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions and rushed for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013. He’ll use his athleticism and speed to make Ohio State’s offense even more dangerous in 2015.
Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon
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Joe Mixon spent last fall as a mostly forgotten man. The highly touted Oklahoma running back was suspended for the entire season after being accused of assault following an incident in which he punched an female OU student, breaking several bones in her face. Mixon was suspended from the team but allowed to stay in school, and returning to team activities in February.
While he was gone, Samaje Perine established himself as one of the nation’s top tailbacks, setting the NCAA single-game rushing record against Kansas. However, Mixon will get a second chance and a fresh start with new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley.
How will he fit into the offense? How will he be received, given his past? Expect him to make a difference, at least on the field, in 2015.
SMU Coach Chad Morris
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For Chad Morris, it wasn't a matter of if, but when. When would he leave a lucrative, fun job as Clemson's offensive coordinator behind for a head coaching job of his own? He flirted with numerous openings during a three-year period, finishing most notably as runner-up when Texas Tech hired Kliff Kingsbury.
The answer came last fall, when Morris, a Texas native, took over at SMU. Following a strong run with June Jones, the Mustangs slipped last fall, finishing 1-11. Morris has a proven offensive system and has the energetic personality to lead a program. The turnaround won't be immediate, but once Morris gets the talent he needs, he'll thrive at SMU.
Nebraska WR De'Mornay Pierson-El
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2014 was ultimately a lost season for Nebraska, resulting in another nine-win campaign and Bo Pelini's firing. New coach Mike Riley brings in a pro-style offense, and one of his best pieces will be sophomore receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El. The 5'9", 185-pounder made an impact all over the field as a freshman. He had 23 receptions for 321 yards and four touchdowns but also had three punt returns for touchdowns thanks to his excellent speed and athleticism.
He'll have a bigger role this fall, and that's good news for Nebraska fans and fans of entertaining football. Big Ten defensive backs? Not so much.
San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey
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Playing in the Mountain West and at San Diego State, it's easy for Donnel Pumphrey to get lost in the shuffle. If you look at him, you might feel the same way, as he stands only 5'9", 180 pounds. But opposing defenses know him all too well.
He was exceptional in 2014, rushing for 1,867 yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Pumphrey is a workhorse, too, carrying 276 times last fall. You might not watch many Aztec games, but Pumphrey's big-play ability makes them worth seeking out on your television dial.
Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey
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Florida State has some questions on its defense this fall, but secondary isn't one of them. The Seminoles secondary should be very solid with three returning starters, led by junior Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey earned All-America honors at safety and is moving to cornerback this fall.
Ramsey is a quick, aggressive player who also excels on the FSU track team as a long-jumper and sprinter. He has started every game of his college career. Last fall, he had 79 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 12 pass breakups as well as two interceptions. He should fit in just fine as a corner this fall and one of the nation's best defensive players.
Navy QB Keenan Reynolds
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Navy finally joins a conference this fall, joining the American Athletic Conference. Forgive AAC linebackers, however, if they're not terribly excited about facing off with quarterback Keenan Reynolds.
Reynolds has excellent speed and does a great job running Navy's flexbone option offense, which can be a headache to prepare for on short notice. He fought through injuries last fall but still rushed for 1,191 yards and 23 touchdowns and threw for 843 yards and six scores against three interceptions.
He's a key part of a Midshipmen team that is a perennial bowl contender and will compete for an AAC title in its first season in the league. The American, and Americans, should get to know him better this fall.
Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator Lincoln Riley
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2014 was a year to forget for Oklahoma. The Sooners began the season as College Football Playoff contenders and ended it 8-5 with an ugly 40-6 Russell Athletic Bowl loss to Clemson. Coach Bob Stoops cleaned house on his offensive staff and brought in East Carolina offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, a proponent of the high-flying air raid offense.
ECU averaged 371.8 passing yards and 35.8 points per game last fall, and it'll be fascinating to see how Riley's philosophy meshes with a group that includes hard-charging tailback Samaje Perine. Much will depend on whom he settles on at quarterback. Will it be Trevor Knight, trying to rebound from a disappointing sophomore season, or Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield, who also worked in an air raid system with the Red Raiders?
Either way, it's clear that Riley is a coach on the rise.
Nebraska Coach Mike Riley
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Do nice guys finish first? Nebraska doesn't know, but the Cornhuskers are going to do their best to try with new coach Mike Riley. Following the firing of volatile coach Bo Pelini, Nebraska surprised many by snagging Riley from Oregon State. Riley was 58-63 at OSU but might benefit from a change of scenery as well as Nebraska's improved resources.
He never won so much as a Pac-12 division title at Oregon State and is 61 years old. How will he adjust to the new Big Ten life? Nebraska is betting that a change will do Riley and its program good.
UCLA QB Josh Rosen
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UCLA will return 17 starters from a team that went 10-3 a year ago and should be a strong College Football Playoff contender, but one of the only real holes is at quarterback. That's because dual-threat QB Brett Hundley left early for the NFL.
The Bruins do have a potential star ready to take the offensive reins, however. 247Sports rated true freshman Josh Rosen as the nation's top pro-style quarterback prospect, and he emerged as the leader at quarterback following spring practice. Asiantii Woulard transferred to South Florida, leaving Jerry Neuheisel as the only real remaining competition. Rosen, who stands 6'4", 205 pounds, is set to emerge as one of the nation's top young quarterbacks.
Baylor QB Seth Russell
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Baylor has established itself as one of college football's best programs. The Bears just missed the College Football Playoff last fall and return eight starters from an offense that averaged 48.1 points per game, best in the nation. However, quarterback Bryce Petty is now with the New York Jets, creating a major vacancy at the system's heart.
Will the Bears take a step back in 2015? Don't count on it. Expect junior Seth Russell to step in and perform capably as the new starter. He excelled as Petty's understudy in 2014, throwing for 804 yards with eight touchdowns against only one interception. When Petty missed a game with a back injury, Russell stepped in and threw for 438 yards and five touchdowns against no interceptions in a rout of FCS school Northwestern State.
The Bears offense is talented with tailback Shock Linwood and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Corey Coleman and KD Cannon. Russell should fit in just fine.
Southern California WR JuJu Smith
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Despite throwing for 39 touchdowns against five interceptions last fall, Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler is one of the nation's most underrated players. He'll key USC's push for a College Football Playoff berth this fall but must do so without NFL first-round pick Nelson Agholor.
Luckily, he still has sophomore JuJu Smith to throw to. Smith had 54 receptions for 724 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, and his targets will increase significantly this fall. Improved numbers and stardom will follow.
Georgia DT Trent Thompson
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Georgia's defense saw significant improvement in defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt's first season, allowing 20.7 points per game, No. 16 nationally. The Bulldogs hope to take another step forward this fall with an improved defensive line that got a big talent infusion when Albany, Georgia, native Trent Thompson came on board.
247Sports rated the 6'2", 313-pound defensive tackle as the nation's top overall recruit, and he'll fit in as an instant starter. He has excellent explosiveness off the ball as well as good strength and hand quickness and is a star in the making for Georgia's defense.
Clemson QB Deshaun Watson
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Although Clemson returns only six starters this fall, the Tigers hope this is the year they can break through and make a run for the College Football Playoff. A big reason for their optimism? Sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson.
When Watson was on the field last fall, he was electric. He missed parts or all of seven games with injuries that included a broken finger and torn ACL but still threw for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns against two interceptions while displaying excellent dual-threat skills. In his first start, he tied an ACC record with six touchdown passes and threw for 435 yards in a win over North Carolina, and he led a rout of South Carolina despite playing on a torn ACL.
His health is an issue, but the 6'2", 205-pound quarterback will be the centerpiece of another strong Clemson offense and one of the nation's best signal-callers.
Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams
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At Arkansas, Bret Bielema has built an offense that evokes his best Wisconsin teams: ground-based with talented tailbacks and a nasty offensive line. It played a big role in the Razorbacks' 7-6 bowl breakthrough last fall and should do so again this season with four offensive line starters and 1,000-yard rushers Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins returning. They're the only returning 1,000-yard rushing duo in the FBS.
Williams rushed for 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns last fall. He's a complete back who can move between the tackles or in space with power and speed as well as catch passes. If Arkansas makes a move upward in the SEC West, it'll do so with Williams' legs leading the way.
Miami RB Joseph Yearby
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Al Golden faces a pivotal season in Miami. In four seasons, Golden is 28-22 and is coming off a 6-7 record in 2014. Golden needs wins, but he must do so while breaking in eight new offensive starters. The most notable hole is at tailback, where Duke Johnson bolted for the NFL after rushing for 1,652 yards as a junior.
Golden can rest easy knowing that Joseph Yearby is on hand. He had an excellent freshman season, rushing for 509 yards and a touchdown while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He stands 5'9", 192 pounds and has solid speed and potential. His production should skyrocket in Miami's offense.
Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire
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With 16 starters returning from 2014, Notre Dame looks like a strong bet to improve significantly on last season's 8-5 record. That is, of course, if the Fighting Irish get better quarterback play. There's no question who the starter will be: sophomore Malik Zaire.
Zaire threw for 266 yards and one touchdown last fall, stepping in against USC after starter Everett Golson struggled with turnovers while completing 12 of 16 passes for 96 yards. The pair competed for the starting role in spring practice, and Golson transferred to Florida State shortly afterward. This is his offense now, for better or worse. He can move the ball through the air or on the ground, and his growth will determine how far the Irish can go this fall.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
