The Perfect College Football Starting Lineup for 2016
(Note: The following is best read in the voice of a sympathetic product spokesperson.)
As a college football fan, we get that you're fed up with the game. There are just so many great players spread across the country that nearly every team has at least one guy who's worth tuning in to watch. It can make Saturdays in the fall quite enjoyable—but also quite time-consuming.
So frustrating, right? It'd be a lot easier if they could all be together on one team—a perfect lineup, if you will—featuring the best players at every position. Watch that one team in action, and the rest of your day would be free!
Lucky for you, we at Bleacher Report have assembled just such a team to make your college football fandom easier. With this lineup there are no flaws, no weaknesses and—most importantly—no reason to look elsewhere for top-quality players.
Quarterback: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 210 lbs
Since we're putting together the perfect college lineup and not necessarily one that would excel at the professional level, that naturally means needing a quarterback who best fits the college game. In other words, the team needs a mobile passer who can also sling it with accuracy and zip.
Deshaun Watson checks off all those boxes, as he showed last year in leading Clemson to the national title game. Along the way, he became the first quarterback in Football Bowl Subdivision history to throw for more than 4,000 yards and add 1,000-plus on the ground. All told, he was responsible for 5,209 yards of total offense and 47 touchdowns, including 478 yards and four TDs against an Alabama defense that had four players drafted in April (and features a few members of our perfect lineup).
And all that happened only a year removed from major knee surgery, yet you couldn't really tell Watson was a player on the mend. He's managed to look better with each appearance, and heading into his draft-eligible season, we still may not have seen his best.
Running Back: Leonard Fournette, LSU
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'1", 230 lbs
Our perfect college football lineup has room for two running backs, preferably one who can run through brick walls. Leonard Fournette's experience to this point has involved demolishing walls of the human variety, which is close enough.
Though fast enough (unfairly, for his size) to run past and around defenders, where Fournette does his best work is when taking on tacklers head on. Or shoulder on, in the interest of safety, though any hits he lays can't really be considered safe.
"Simply put, Fournette is a freak," wrote Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee, adding that the LSU rusher has "track-star speed, bulldozer power and the best vision in college football."
Fournette led the FBS in rushing yards per game in 2015, at 162.75, setting single-season school records for yards (1,953) and touchdowns (22), and that's after establishing the Tigers' freshman rushing record in 2014 with 1,034 yards. The production came in all forms, with 29 percent of his 300 carries resulting in first downs and nearly 36 percent of those in the red zone turning into scores. He also broke off 59 runs of 10-plus yards, which tied for the national lead with 2015 Heisman winner Derrick Henry and West Virginia's Wendell Smallwood.
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'0", 201 lbs
If Leonard Fournette is the thunder, Christian McCaffrey is the lightning. And also the tornado, the monsoon and the blizzard.
In other words, McCaffrey is that do-everything back whose official position is running back, but his role for Stanford has been so much more. In addition to rushing for a school-record 2,019 yards on 5.99 yards per carry in 2015, McCaffrey was also the Cardinal's leading receiver with 45 catches for 645 yards. He added a pair of touchdown passes, too.
The rushing and receiving accounted for the bulk of his FBS-record 3,864 all-purpose yards, the rest coming via punt and kickoff returns where he was able to further display the open-field moves that made him so effective with the ball on offense.
McCaffrey can line up anywhere on the field and has to be accounted for. When he's not the target, he'll make for a great decoy that opens up the rest of the offense.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Wide Receiver: JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 215 lbs
Every quarterback has a favorite receiving target, that one guy who always manages to get open and pull the ball in when it's thrown his way. It helps when that wideout can do something with the ball afterward, not just catch it and go to the ground.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and USC quarterback Cody Kessler might as well have had matching friendship bracelets considering how often they connected in 2015. According to Bill Connelly of Football Study Hall, Smith-Schuster was on the receiving end of 30.8 percent of the Trojans' pass attempts, and he caught 65.9 percent of those targets.
With 89 catches for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns, Smith-Schuster was also the only receiver in the FBS last season to be on the upper half of all receivers in target rate, catch rate, yards per catch (16.3) and yards per target (10.8). Some of that came despite having surgery to repair a broken hand in early November, only to catch eight passes for 138 yards and a TD in a win over Arizona a few days later.
Wide Receiver: Mike Williams, Clemson
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'4", 220 lbs
Possession receivers are great, but we also need a home run hitter to stretch the defense and provide big plays in the passing game. That's what Mike Williams had developed into as a sophomore in 2014, and he was set to expand on that role last season before suffering a scary neck injury in Clemson's first game.
Williams collided with the goal post after hauling in a 16-yard touchdown, his 10th score in 79 career receptions, but a broken bone in his neck ended his season. He returned to the Tigers this spring in a non-contact role but is in line to once again get behind opposing defenses this fall like in 2014 when he averaged 18.1 yards per catch and had 11 receptions that went for at least 30 yards.
He doesn't have to outrace his coverage to contribute, though, because Williams has the size and strength to either outleap defenders or wrestle the ball away from them.
Tight End: Jaylen Samuels, North Carolina State
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 5'11", 223 lbs
We're thinking outside the box at tight end, a massively underused position in college but also one where some interesting hybrid players have been able to thrive. Instead of going for prototypical NFL-style tight ends like Michigan's Jake Butt or Alabama's O.J. Howard, we're more inclined to start someone who impacts the run game just as much as the passing attack.
And in Jaylen Samuels' case, the run assistance is by carrying the ball instead of blocking for other rushers.
North Carolina State lists Samuels as a fullback/tight end by virtue of his varied usage. Last year he led the Wolfpack with 16 touchdowns, seven as a receiver and nine as a ball-carrier. Those rushing scores came on just 56 carries, with eight of his 15 red-zone rushes turning into TDs.
We can't forget about the pass-catching element, as Samuels' 65 receptions were the most by any FBS tight end in 2015.
Offensive Line
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Left tackle: Cam Robinson, Jr., Alabama (6'6", 327 lbs)
Left guard: Pat Elflein, Sr., Ohio State (6'3", 300 lbs)
Center: Ethan Pocic, Sr., LSU (6'7", 309 lbs)
Right guard: Dan Feeney, Sr., Indiana (6'4", 310 lbs)
Right tackle: Mike McGlinchey, Jr., Notre Dame (6'7.5", 310 lbs)
Like any red-blooded college football fan, we have a clear set of expectations for our offensive linemen: that they be big, strong and agile, preferably able to play multiple positions and capable of both opening up running lanes and protecting the quarterback.
The five guys above are all masters in these areas thanks to their combination of physical attributes, natural instincts and game experience. Combined, they've started 121 games, with Pat Elflein and Ethan Pocic logging starts at more than one spot on the line. Elflein is adding a third position this season, slated to be Ohio State's starting center, though with Pocic in tow in the middle, we're keeping him at guard.
Not surprisingly, our starting offensive line is highly coveted by NFL scouts. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller has Elflein, McGlinchey, Pocic and Robinson among his top 50 players for the 2017 draft, and Feeney as his third-best draft-eligible guard prospect.
With this massive load up front, there won't be many sacks or negative rushes.
Defensive End: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'5", 262 lbs
Our defense is so stacked with talent there's no doubt it will set numerous individual and team records. Myles Garrett will be adding to his existing haul since he was already the SEC's most prolific freshman sack man ever in 2014 and last year led the league in tackles for loss.
Yet Garrett feels he's underachieved to this point, which is a scary thing to hear from someone with 24 sacks and 33.5 TFLs in his career.
"I didn't achieve my goals, so I'm going to try and do my best next season to achieve those goals," Garrett told AggieSports.com's Robert Cessna in March. "If you're going to go for anything, you've got to go for being the best."
Garrett's production last year wasn't heavily padded by dominating easy opponents. According to Pro Football Focus' Jeff Dooley, when Texas A&M played Alabama, "Garrett won his one-on-one matchup with Crimson Tide left tackle Cam Robinson."
Defensive Tackle: Jonathan Allen, Alabama
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'3", 283 lbs
Jonathan Allen is built like an interior defensive lineman but played mostly on the outside for Alabama last season due to the Crimson Tide's ridiculous depth up front. He can play anywhere on the line, but in our setup, Allen is best suited to be a run-stuffer in the middle.
Despite not being a full-time starter, Allen was Alabama's leader in tackles for loss with 14.5 and likely would have had more had he been lined up inside.
Allen might also be one of the best interior defenders against the pass. He was credited with four pass breakups and six quarterback hurries in 2015.
Defensive Tackle: Malik McDowell, Michigan State
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'6", 275 lbs
Defenses that feature a nose tackle are looking for that player to immediately drive the center into the backfield and plug up running lanes while also making it hard for the opposing quarterback to throw over the middle. Malik McDowell has shown he can do this, having recorded 17.5 career tackles for loss along with 10 QB hurries.
Amazingly, he's yet to bat down a pass despite sporting a wingspan that "exceeded" 6'9" when he was measured two years ago as a high school All-American, per 247Sports' Barton Simmons.
Michigan State's plans in 2016 are to "play me everywhere up front," McDowell told MLive.com's Mike Griffith. That gives us options on where to place him, but in this lineup, his best fit is destroying the middle of offensive lines.
Defensive End: Carl Lawson, Auburn
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 257 lbs
When healthy, there are few better edge-rushers in college than Carl Lawson. His biggest issue has been staying on the field, having missed all of 2014 and another six games last season because of injuries.
Lawson had his only sack and two of his three tackles for loss in Auburn's season-opening win over Louisville last fall before missing almost two months with a cracked hip. After he returned, he wasn't the same. Without any setbacks this offseason, we're ready to see Lawson at his healthiest since his freshman year.
"When he's on the field, the Tigers just play better as an entire defense, as he brings energy to the whole unit with his immense talent," Bleacher Report's Justin Ferguson wrote.
That energy and enthusiasm will only make our perfect defensive lineup even better.
Outside Linebacker: Tim Williams, Alabama
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'4", 230 lbs
Alabama might have been able to afford having Tim Williams on the third line of its depth chart last season, but we've got him locked in as a starter. Considering he was second on the Crimson Tide with 10.5 sacks despite a limited role in 2015, imagine what he'll be able to do playing every down.
A pass-rushing specialist who is prompting many—including Bleacher Report's Christopher Walsh—to compare him to former Bama great Derrick Thomas, Williams has a nose for the quarterback and to this point has shown he can't be diverted from that path.
We'll want him to do the same against the run as well, and his instincts make that seem very doable.
Inside Linebacker: Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'2", 240 lbs
The vast majority of Ohio State's defense this season will consist of first-time starters, a notable exception being Raekwon McMillan. Not only did he hold down the middle linebacker spot in all 13 games in 2015, he led the Buckeyes' talent-laden defense with 119 tackles.
For some perspective: OSU's second-, third- and fifth-leading tacklers last year were drafted in the first four rounds in April.
McMillan will be a high draft pick in 2017 or 2018, but not before dominating for our team. He'll have the freedom to roam around and help with both the run and pass defense, though he works best in space where his open-field tackling proves most valuable.
Outside Linebacker: Devonte Fields, Louisville
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'4", 245 lbs
Devonte Fields began his college career as a defensive end, tearing up the Big 12 as a freshman for TCU in 2012. An injury shortened his 2013 season, then after being booted from that program in 2014, he spent a season in junior college before reemerging at Louisville as a linebacker.
He can play wherever he wants with us, as long as he's able to produce like in 2015, when he was arguably the best all-around defender in the country. Fields tied for third in the FBS with 22.5 tackles for loss and was tied for 11th with 11 sacks, with more than 35 percent of his takedowns coming behind the line of scrimmage.
Fields also forced two fumbles, broke up three passes and had 12 quarterback hurries. An every-down defender who can be moved around to frustrate offensive coordinators and force audibles, Fields is our team's havoc inducer.
Cornerback: Desmond King, Iowa
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'11", 200 lbs
Our perfect lineup would sweep the national awards after the 2016 season, and for Desmond King, that would mean winning the Thorpe Award as college football's best defensive back for the second consecutive year.
King had eight interceptions in 2015, tied for second most in the FBS, returning one for an 88-yard touchdown against Maryland. He was also credited with 13 pass breakups, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the second-most efficient tackler among corners, with just one missed takedown attempt all season.
As an added bonus, King's skills as a return man could also come in handy. He averaged 24.4 yards on kickoffs and 14.2 yards on punts last season.
Cornerback: Jalen Tabor, Florida
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Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6'0", 191 lbs
Jalen Tabor has spent the first two seasons of college playing second fiddle in Florida's secondary to fellow cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. This often meant teams would try to pick on him rather than throw toward the veteran cover guy, and Tabor responded last year by picking off four passes.
Two of those he returned for scores, the first Gator to do so since Brandon Spikes in 2009, in addition to breaking up another 14 passes. And that was during a season in which he started only nine of 13 games.
Tabor will be getting the toughest assignments for Florida this fall, and if opponents test him, they're liable to get bitten by his quick hands.
Free Safety: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
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Year: Redshirt sophomore
Height, weight: 6'1", 205 lbs
Jabrill Peppers is on pace to play as many different positions as possible for Michigan. He started last year at safety and is slotted as a linebacker in 2016. He's also worked as a receiver and running back for the Wolverines while getting in work as a return man. Before getting hurt early in his true freshman season in 2014, he started his first college game at cornerback.
We love that versatility, and it should serve Peppers well roaming the back line. From the free safety position he can attack both the run and the pass much like he did in 2015, when he recorded 45 tackles (34 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups.
Peppers has the kind of instincts that can't be taught, which is probably why Michigan keeps moving him around. As great as variety can be, though, Peppers might be at his best when locked into one spot on the field and focusing all his energy there.
Strong Safety: Derwin James, Florida State
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Year:
Height, weight: 6'3", 212 lbs
We're entering "watch-list season" in college football, where seemingly every player of substance finds his name among those garnering super-early consideration for some national award. Derwin James is among the 42 players included on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, and the smart money is that won't be his only watch-list mention.
A tremendous freshman season, in which James' 91 tackles were second-best on the team and the most by a first-year Florida State player during coach Jimbo Fisher's tenure, figures to make James a candidate not just for awards devoted to defensive backs but for top overall defenders. His all-around game is conducive to this, with 4.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss along with two forced fumbles, a fumble return and four pass breakups.
"On a per snap basis, there was no Florida State player more efficient at beating offensive linemen and getting to the quarterback than Derwin James," Dakota Moyer of NoleGameDay.com wrote.
Kicker: Josh Lambert, West Virginia
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5'11", 215 lbs
Make enough big late-game kicks, Josh, and you won't have any trouble getting attention from our head coach.
Josh Lambert has made 68 field goals in three seasons for West Virginia, second-most among active FBS kickers behind Arizona State's Zane Gonzalez (73). He booted 30 of those in 2014, one off the single-season FBS record, and that included game-winning field goals against Maryland and Texas Tech.
It was after the Maryland kick that Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen told reporters he was taking a "hands-off approach" to Lambert that included never talking to him. That changed after the 55-yarder to beat Texas Tech on the road, with Lambert tweeting out a picture of him and Holgorsen with the caption "He finally talked to me!!!!"
Lambert needs 21 field goals to pass the FBS career record, set by Florida State's Dustin Hopkins from 2009-12.
Punter: Austin Rehkow, Idaho
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Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6'3", 208 lbs
Idaho is set to drop down to the FCS level in 2018 after getting voted out of the Sun Belt Conference. Austin Rehkow's eligibility will be up by then, but if he were still in college at that point, he'd be far too good not to still be kicking at the highest level.
Rehkow has been the best and most consistent player on an otherwise bad set of Vandals teams from 2013-15, a stretch in which they've gone 6-29. During that time, Rehkow has punted 169 times, including 75 as a freshman in 2013, when his 47.83 average was tops in the country.
He ranked second in 2014 at 47.75 yards per kick, while last year he dipped to 45.92 but still ranked seventh nationally. At 47.24 yards per kick for his career, Rehkow is on pace to obliterate the existing career punting average record of 46.31 set by West Virginia's Todd Sauerbrun from 1991-94.
And in a pinch Rehkow could sub in at kicker. He's 44-of-63 on field goals, and as a high school senior in 2012, he booted a 67-yarder.
Return Specialist: Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
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Year: Sophomore
Height, weight: 5'11", 200 lbs
Christian Kirk couldn't crack our starting lineup on offense despite gaining more than 1,000 yards as a freshman for Texas A&M. He'll make for a valuable backup at that position, one who can run routes in between returning punts and kickoffs.
A little more than 40 percent of Kirk's impressive 1,789 all-purpose yards last season were on special teams, most notably on punt returns. He brought two back for touchdowns, including one against Arizona State in his collegiate debut, and averaged 24.36 yards per return. He only had 14 run backs, however, and wasn't eligible for national statistical honors.
Kirk won't have trouble meeting the minimum on our team, and he'll be back for kickoffs as well.
All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports, unless otherwise noted. All statistics provided by CFBStats, unless otherwise noted.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
