College Football's 10 Most Valuable Backups for 2016
College football teams always need meaningful contributions from non-starters, but coaches try to stack the rosters with game-ready backup plans.
Several of the nation's top reserves in 2016 will occupy a weekly role. Others, though, are top-notch insurance policies for an unquestioned—or eventual—starter.
Quarterbacks are the featured players on the list, which is intended to show the 10 players who could replace a starter yet still help his team achieve its ultimate goal. A few 5-star freshmen and young backups also claim a spot.
Each program represented is considered a preseason contender for a conference championship or the national title.
Saivion Smith, LSU
1 of 10Saivion Smith arrived at LSU as one of the nation's best cornerback prospects. Kevin Toliver's injury and Donte Jackson's absence made the 4-star a first-stringer in spring practice.
According to Jerit Roser of the Times-Picayune, head coach Les Miles was impressed with the freshman.
"Saivion Smith came in so ready to play in our conference at a high level and to be with us this spring," Miles said. "If we can get a couple of guys like that to go with us, an experienced team, I think we'll be right where we wanna be."
Smith capped his first session on campus with an interception during the spring game. LSU's defense is a major strength of the 2016 roster, and Smith only adds to the talented depth.
Damien Harris, Alabama
2 of 10
The Bo Scarbrough hype train is storming down the tracks. Don't forget about Damien Harris.
Alabama will feature a run-based attack, especially since the offense must break in a new quarterback. Not only will Scarbrough need a few breaks—his injury history is a small yet legitimate concern. Plus, the running back depth is thin.
Last season, Harris managed 157 yards on 46 carries. During the spring game, he logged 20 attempts for 114 yards.
"Damien Harris had a really nice day," head coach Nick Saban said after the exhibition, per Matt Zenitz of AL.com. "He looked quick and explosive and did a nice job."
Shea Patterson, Ole Miss
3 of 10Barring injury, Chad Kelly isn't losing his starting spot. The dual-threat quarterback assembled one of the most productive offensive seasons in SEC history last year.
If anything happens, though, Ole Miss can turn to Shea Patterson—the top-ranked signal-caller and No. 4 overall player in the 2016 class.
Patterson's four-touchdown, zero-interception performance in the last scrimmage was a highlight of Ole Miss' spring.
"I thought Shea from week two until the end started to really pick things up," head coach Hugh Freeze said, according to Dave Bevan of 247Sports. "He has a really good football IQ and a good understanding of what we are trying to do."
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Jamauri Bogan, Western Michigan
4 of 10
Western Michigan is a leading contender to win the MAC in 2016, and the depth of its backfield is an important reason why.
Jarvion Franklin rushed for 1,551 yards and 24 touchdowns two years ago. He struggled last season but technically remained the starter. Still, Jamauri Bogan amassed a team-best 1,051 yards and 16 scores.
Bogan said he was the short-yardage back, per Alex Kolodziej of Today's U. But with four 100-plus-yard outings—including 215 in the Bahamas Bowl—Bogan is capable of being the featured runner.
Whether or not Bogan is the official starter doesn't matter. He'll be an important piece of the Broncos offense next season.
Rashan Gary, Michigan
5 of 10
College football fans knew Michigan's defensive line would be a serious problem next season. That was even before Rashan Gary committed to the Wolverines on national signing day.
A 6'5", 293-pounder, Gary is already built for the college game. Jim Harbaugh and Co. plan to tack 18 pounds of muscle on the No. 1 overall recruit, per Nick Baumgardner of MLive.
Gary will begin his college career at defensive end, but Michigan can manipulate the line in a handful of ways thanks to the versatility of both Gary and Chris Wormley.
"I'm ready for anything," he said. "I'm going to stay prayed up, work hard and fit in wherever I fit in. Only [D-line] coach [Greg] Mattison knows that answer, but hard work always shows at the end of the day."
Jarrett Stidham, Baylor
6 of 10
As long as Seth Russell is healthy—and he recently announced his neck has healed perfectly—he should be Baylor's starter.
Backups don't get much better than Jarrett Stidham, though.
The No. 2 dual-threat QB of the 2015 class completed 75 of 109 passes for 1,265 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions before an ankle injury ended his freshman season.
Stidham's first career start was a Thursday night game at Kansas State. His second was at home to 12th-ranked Oklahoma. His third was on the road against No. 6 Oklahoma State.
That experience is invaluable.
Nick Bosa, Ohio State
7 of 10
Nick Bosa's dad and uncle played in the NFL, and his brother Joey is headed there now. The 5-star should eventually, too.
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said, per Steve Helwagen of 247Sports. "You know that what he has that is in there. I've had a chance to work with Nicky at camps, I've spent some time with him, talked to him, we've really engaged. I think he has a chance to be a special player."
Bosa arrived in Columbus this summer and is still recovering from a knee injury that shortened his final high school season.
Consequent to the departures up front, however, Bosa will be a factor in 2016. He could play both end and tackle, so one injury could move Bosa from a rotational spot to a starting role.
Florida State's Backup Quarterback
8 of 10
By the end of spring practice, Deondre Francois assumed the first-string spot on the healthy depth chart. Fall camp will determine if he's Florida State's overall No. 1 option under center.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher said Sean Maguire—who started the final six games in 2016—will enter fall camp as the starter, according to Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel.
Francois has more upside due to his youth and mobility. Maguire owns the experience, boasting 21 career appearances.
Whichever player secures the starting job will have a talented backup ready to replace him—and not simply if there's an injury. A couple of poor performances could lead to a switch.
Bryce Love, Stanford
9 of 10
Christian McCaffrey is really good, really versatile and really important. He can do everything, but he can't do everything.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren hopes to limit McCaffrey to 20-24 carries per game, according to Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated.
But that's not going to stop Stanford from running the ball. Remound Wright used up his eligibility, and Barry Sanders Jr. transferred to Oklahoma State. The top backup is Bryce Love, who tallied 7.8 yards per attempt as a freshman.
Love's role is twofold: Keep McCaffrey fresh, and help the Cardinal sustain drives in the process.
Notre Dame's Backup Quarterback
10 of 10
No position battle has received more attention than Notre Dame's quarterback competition between DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire.
Zaire grabbed the starting role during the 2014 Music City Bowl and earned MVP of the game. He essentially forced Everett Golson to transfer, taking control of Notre Dame's offense for 2015. But then a broken right ankle ended Zaire's season after seven quarters.
Kizer—a redshirt freshman—stepped in and excelled. He accounted for 3,400 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns, helping the Irish finish 10-3 and reach the Fiesta Bowl.
Head coach Brian Kelly will declare a winner at some point during fall camp, but that might not be the product of separation.
"I think I'm going to have to make a judgment call," Kelly said, per Evan Sharpley of 247Sports. "There will be a time when I'm going to have to say, that's our quarterback, let's go with him, we're all in, and let's move forward. They are both that good; I already know that."
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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