25 College Football Players Set to Shock the College Football World in 2016
Every year, the college football world sees a player and thinks, "Where did he come from?" or "He's that good?" The 2016 season is set to bring a vast collection of those talents.
While many who appear on the list are young guys preparing for their first season as a starter, others are established faces with remarkable potential.
This isn't necessarily a rundown of breakout candidates, because the names aren't always new. Rather, it's drawing attention to players who are poised to draw national attention because of stats, accolades or a rise on draft boards.
Tim Williams, LB, Alabama
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Tim Williams racked up 10.5 sacks last season, but he was basically a third-down specialist. The typical college football fan likely underestimates exactly how explosive Williams really is.
"I look forward to every third down watching Tim get up on the edge because it's kinda like fireworks going off coming off the edge," Denzel Devall said of his teammate, per Rivals.
Since Alabama has an absurd amount of talent, Williams won't be an every-down player. However, that means he'll be fresh—and dominant—for his regular snaps, especially during late-game situations.
Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
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We know Carl Lawson is really good. We also know he's injury-prone.
The Auburn defensive end missed the 2014 season because of a torn left ACL, and then a cracked hip—which sounds just awful to endure—shortened his 2015 campaign.
In 18 career games, Lawson has 10.5 tackles for loss with 5.0 sacks. His presence is obviously seen and absence clearly noticed. Auburn's effectiveness—or lack thereof—is dependent on Lawson's availability.
Should the All-American-caliber player stay on the field, this is the year Lawson will be a fixture in the headlines.
KD Cannon, WR, Baylor
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Corey Coleman and Jay Lee are headed to the NFL, but quarterback Seth Russell returns to lead a perennially explosive Baylor attack. His favorite target is almost certain to be KD Cannon.
Last season, the speedster averaged 17.4 yards per reception. Yet Cannon only topped the 100-yard mark three times. Coleman did in six consecutive outings.
As long as Russell and Jarrett Stidham avoid being injured at the same time, the nation will see Cannon racking up yards and touchdowns each week.
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Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU
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Jamaal Williams withdrew from BYU and sat out the 2015 season, but the running back has returned for spring practice.
He's the clear starter for 2016, since Algernon Brown and Francis Bernard have moved to fullback and linebacker, respectively. The Cougars are expecting big production from the senior.
Finding good news isn't hard, though. Williams led the team in rushing during each of his three previous seasons, including a 1,233-yard campaign as a sophomore.
Williams will regain his previous form and carry the BYU backfield.
Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
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Expecting replacements to match the combined production of Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd is a foolish endeavor, but Clemson has an encouraging outlook.
Along with Christian Watkins, Austin Bryant is the next in line.
Last year, the reserve notched a quiet 23 total tackles—including 1.5 sacks—and a quarterback hurry, but Bryant flashed his potential down the stretch, especially during the Orange Bowl.
Remember his name, because quarterbacks will see Bryant's face quite often in 2016.
Davis Webb, QB, Colorado
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Oh right, this guy! Davis Webb competed with Baker Mayfield at Texas Tech in 2013. He then gained and lost the starting role in 2014 before serving as Patrick Mahomes' backup last season.
Since Mahomes is entrenched at Texas Tech, Webb took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and plans to enroll at Colorado. Incumbent starter Sefo Liufau is expected to miss the upcoming campaign because of a Lisfranc injury, per Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports.
No one realistically expects Webb to be a miracle worker and help the Buffs rise from the bottom of the Pac-12 standings. However, Liufau's single-season school record of 3,200 yards is certainly within reach for the gunslinger.
Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
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Florida State might have the best defensive line in the country next season, and Josh Sweat should be a leading piece.
As a true freshman, he broke into the starting lineup and compiled 41 tackles with two sacks. The most impressive part of the production is Sweat was still recovering from a significant knee injury.
Since the 'Noles are built to compete for the College Football Playoff, Sweat will garner plenty of praise off the edge.
Duke Catalon, RB, Houston
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Greg Ward Jr. is the primary reason for Houston's 2016 hype, but he needs a new backfield partner following the departures of Kenneth Farrow and Ryan Jackson as well as the dismissal of Javin Webb.
The Cougars lost 339 carries from the aforementioned trio, and Ward already logged nearly 200 attempts last season. The dual-threat quarterback shouldn't handle a considerably larger load.
Say hello to Duke Catalon, who transferred from Texas. He was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school, redshirted in 2014 and then elected to switch schools.
Though Catalon must officially win the job over Kaliq Kokuma and Mulbah Car, the reward is 200-plus carries in 2016.
Arden Key, DE, LSU
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If LSU settles the vacancies at linebacker, anything short of a top-10 defense would be stunning. But all success starts up front anyway.
A 6'6", 231-pound defensive end, Arden Key didn't take long to make an impact as a freshman. He started eight games and accumulated 38 total tackles, notching five sacks.
The switch to Dave Aranda's 3-4 base defense should result in more chances off the edge, and Key is primed to be the main beneficiary.
David Njoku, TE, Miami
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Brad Kaaya is comfortable working the middle of the field, and new Miami head coach Mark Richt loves to get tight ends involved. That's a match made in heaven for David Njoku.
After redshirting in 2014, Njoku grabbed 21 passes for 362 yards last season. His 17.2-yard clip would've ranked 38th nationally and No. 1 among power-conference tight ends had it qualified for Football Bowl Subdivision rankings.
The 6'4", 244-pounder can also be split wide, so Kaaya and the Hurricanes have a big mismatch to exploit.
Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan
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He played cornerback, strong safety, running back and wide receiver, and he returned kicks and punts. Add linebacker to Jabrill Peppers' duties.
Versatility is appealing, but Peppers seemingly has no limits other than playing on the offensive or defensive line. He's college football's definition of versatile.
The shock won't be that the redshirt sophomore is really good. It's that Peppers keeps finding new positions and still excels. Michigan can try him anywhere and be comfortable results will follow.
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
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Connor Cook and Aaron Burbridge headlined the 2015 Michigan State team that reached the CFP, but the program will return to its defensive-minded roots next season.
Whenever the Spartans are mentioned, Malik McDowell will regularly be the topic of conversation.
"He will play everywhere, that's for sure," defensive line coach Ron Burton said, per Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press. "No maybes. He will play everywhere."
Opportunities won't be scarce for the junior with All-American potential. Don't forget his name, even if MSU drops off for a year.
Tarean Folston, RB, Notre Dame
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Notre Dame will remain in the headlines throughout the spring and summer because of its quarterback competition—and deservedly so. The battle between DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire won't end soon.
But that means Tarean Folston could soon become an overlooked weapon in the Irish offense.
Two years ago, he paced Notre Dame with 889 rushing yards on 5.1 per carry. Unfortunately for Folston, he tore the ACL in his right knee during the season opener last year.
Folston is back for 2016, and it won't take long to remember his talent.
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
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Joey Bosa is a first-round pick. Replacing him shouldn't be easy.
Yet the Buckeyes can turn to Sam Hubbard. In 2015, the redshirt freshman registered a modest 28 total tackles. Eight of those 28 being for loss, however, is stellar disruption.
Hubbard, who was recruited as a safety—a safety!—is already projected to perform among the nation's best defensive ends.
The redshirt sophomore has a special skill set that will frustrate opponents throughout the 2016 campaign and lead to major recognition for Hubbard.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
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Although Baker Mayfield will be without top target Sterling Shepard, that's not going to stop offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley from dialing up 30 passes per game.
Granted, Shepard and Durron Neal combined for 130 receptions, 1,847 yards and 14 touchdowns, so they leave significant voids. But Dede Westbrook (44-743-4) looks ready to assume the No. 1 role.
While Westbrook isn't a physically dominant wideout, he certainly showed big-play ability during his initial season with the Sooners. This year, he'll be the focal point.
Charles Nelson, WR, Oregon
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Theoretically, Bralon Addison's departure means Charles Nelson will settle in at wide receiver.
Please make it happen, Oregon.
Either way, Nelson will contribute at a high level. Last season, he tallied 46 tackles and two interceptions, adding 1,261 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns.
Just imagine what the junior could do when the Ducks allow Nelson to focus on offense with a little bit of returning mixed in.
Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
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Jordan Whitehead isn't a household name, but he should be.
As a true freshman, the safety amassed 110 total tackles and defended six passes. Whitehead, who also scored two rushing touchdowns, was named ACC Rookie of the Year.
What's next?
Perhaps his carries will be limited to very sporadic uses, since Qadree Ollison is back and James Conner could return from Hodgkin lymphoma. But Whitehead's possible progression under defensive wizard Pat Narduzzi is attractive, to say the least.
KaVontae Turpin, WR, TCU
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There wasn't a more impressive single-game performance from a widely unknown player than KaVontae Turpin scoring four touchdowns versus Texas. He had eight total catches before that day.
Consistency evaded the freshman, however. Turpin often provided an impact, but four catches for 21 yards aren't exactly electric.
Josh Doctson and Kolby Listenbee are bound for the NFL, so it's Turpin's time to shine. Developing a rapport with Kenny Hill is critical, but Turpin can also make a difference as a running back and returner.
Put simply, TCU needs to get Turpin 10 touches every game.
Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
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"Every week you'd go out and you'd just wonder: Are we going to be ready to play today?" Malik Jefferson said of Texas' 2015 season, according to Jeff Howe of 247Sports.
The linebacker said communication issues and the lack of chemistry resulted in what was a frustrating year for the Longhorns. Despite that, he managed 61 tackles as a freshman.
Jefferson is now a leader of the defense while still learning how to play middle linebacker. Last season was merely a first look at Jefferson's development. This year, he'll be among the Big 12's best defenders.
Justin Stockton, RB, Texas Tech
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Justin Stockton is a touchdown waiting to happen.
During the final four regular-season outings of 2015, Stockton scored six times. Overall, the shifty running back reached the end zone on 11 of his 83 offensive touches.
For the Red Raiders to use Stockton most effectively, they must avoid predictability. Defenses will quickly key on Texas Tech's preference to use him as an outside-the-tackles runner.
But Stockton's pass-catching ability is a valuable weapon for the uptempo offense. His speed combined with a defense's fatigue is a recipe for explosive plays.
Keevan Lucas, WR, Tulsa
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Tulsa assembled a top-15 offense in 2015. How much higher could the unit have climbed if Keevan Lucas had been available?
Lucas rocketed out of the blocks, torching Florida Atlantic for 10 receptions, 193 yards and two scores. He caught three touchdowns over the next two games before a right ACL tear ended his year.
Instead, teammate Keyarris Garrett posted an FBS-high 1,588 yards. Lucas is more than capable of filling those large shoes, especially since quarterback Dane Evans is back.
Expect to see Lucas near the top of the receiving leaderboard.
Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
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USC coach Clay Helton was somewhat concerned when Ronald Jones II carried the football last year.
"It was like, 'Oh my God, where is he going?'" Helton said, per Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. "Oh, he scored a touchdown. Awesome."
The latter part is how you know someone is a unique talent.
Jones ran for a team-best 987 yards while splitting carries with Justin Davis and Tre Madden. Since the Trojans return most of their offensive line, Davis' potential in 2016 is scary.
Dwayne Lawson/Jerod Evans, QB, Virginia Tech
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The big asterisk here is Dwayne Lawson or Jerod Evans must actually be named starting quarterback. Brenden Motley and Josh Jackson are in the picture, too.
But there's no question Virginia Tech has the surrounding talent and coaching to ease the transition.
In addition to four returning starters up front, the top three pass-catchers—Isaiah Ford, Cam Phillips and Bucky Hodges—are only juniors. Standout runner Travon McMillian returns.
Under the tutelage of Justin Fuente and Brad Cornelsen, both Lawson and Evans can excel. Whichever dual-threat quarterback wins the job will put up big numbers.
Jake Browning, QB, Washington
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Washington was in no danger of competing for the Pac-12 championship. Allowing quarterback Jake Browning to overcome the inevitable growing pains was a smart choice for the future.
The move started to pay dividends for the Huskies down the stretch, since the freshman completed 74.3 percent of his passes and led double-digit scoring drives.
Browning and classmate Myles Gaskin are poised to bring Washington back to relevance. Don't be surprised when Browning wreaks some havoc in the conference standings this year.
Hercules Mata'afa, DE, Washington State
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Pop quiz! Which freshman led the country in sacks?
If you answered Hercules Mata'afa, you're paying attention. His seven sacks tied Missouri's Walter Brady for the freshman-best mark.
What's in store for Mata'afa as a sophomore? Well, the Cougars lost most of their defensive production. Four players combined for 21 of Washington State's 31 sacks.
Mata'afa has an excellent opportunity to become a quarterback's nightmare and gain national recognition in the process.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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