Returning College Football Starters in Danger of Losing Their Jobs in 2016
Becoming a starter in college football is no easy task, and retaining that role in the next season is often just as challenging.
In 2016, several returning players might lose their starting jobs. Whether they performed poorly, an injured teammate is once again healthy or a star freshman has arrived, a lineup change could happen during the upcoming campaign—maybe even in fall camp.
The players who experience a demotion will be disappointed, and rightfully so. Instead of holding key responsibilities on the field, these one-time starters will be cheering from the sideline.
But their motivation will be clear: to win the position back.
Auburn Quarterbacks
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Auburn rotated between Jeremy Johnson (7) and Sean White (6) for 13 starts last season, but a JUCO transfer may relieve both players of the coveted title.
During the spring, John Franklin III garnered the most attention.
"John is the guy to be impressed with," head coach Gus Malzahn said, per Ben Baby of the Dallas Morning News. "He's really won his teammates' respect, which is always important for a new guy coming in. It's very important to him."
Should Franklin claim the position immediately, his Auburn debut will come at home against Clemson.
Tevin Beanum, Arkansas
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Jeremiah Ledbetter moved from end to tackle, leaving a vacancy Deatrich Wise Jr. should fill. At the other defensive end spot, Tevin Beanum needs to hold off a 5-star freshman.
McTelvin Agim enrolled early and took full advantage of Beanum missing most of the workouts due to personal reasons.
"We had expectations of [Agim] coming in, and he certainly met those in the spring," defensive coordinator Robb Smith said, per Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Beanum appeared in all 13 games with eight starts, but the Razorbacks are certainly looking for more than two sacks and one quarterback hurry (CFBStats) from their defensive end.
Ryan Glasgow, Michigan
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Before a shoulder injury, Ryan Glasgow was an underrated part of a stout Michigan defense that finished No. 4 nationally.
When he was healthy, the Wolverines surrendered an average of just 80.6 rushing yards during a nine-game stretch. Without Glasgow in four contests, the number soared to an even 216.
However, between Bryan Mone's return and Maurice Hurst Jr.'s emergence, Glasgow will probably be a reserve this season. He recorded nine starts in 2015 and opened 11 games two years ago.
Yet Michigan might use Glasgow off the bench; the Wolverines defense, quite frankly, is loaded up front.
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Jerrod Heard, Texas
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Jerrod Heard moved into the starting lineup during a 42-28 victory over Rice and exploded for 527 total yards against Cal the following week. Charlie Strong had finally found his quarterback.
Or not.
Heard managed 8.4 completions and 90 yards per game in his next eight starts, battling injuries along the way. Neither he nor Tyrone Swoopes demanded the post for 2015, let alone 2016.
Shane Buechele, a 4-star true freshman, shined during the spring game. Plus, Mike Finger of the Houston Chronicle noted that Charlie Strong is talking like Buechele is the No. 1 quarterback.
In all likelihood, Heard will begin the season on a headset.
DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
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If you believe players don't lose starting roles because of injury, Malik Zaire can be the focus here. Either way, Notre Dame will have an intense quarterback competition in fall camp.
Zaire overtook Everett Golson in the 2014 Music City Bowl and opened the 2015 campaign as the No. 1, but a broken right ankle halted Zaire's season after seven impressive quarters.
Kizer stepped in, guiding the Irish to a final 10-3 record. The redshirt freshman tallied 2,880 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air while running for another 520 and 10, respectively.
Head coach Brian Kelly has a tough decision coming.
Greyson Lambert, Georgia
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Greyson Lambert posted a 63.3 completion percentage and threw just two interceptions. Georgia finished 10-2 with him as the starter.
Why is Lambert's job in jeopardy?
Well, a "game manager" like the senior is perfect for outings against inferior teams. Lambert's conservative mentality limits mistakes—and consequently, bad losses. But he's not a playmaker like 5-star freshman Jacob Eason could be.
No matter if both Nick Chubb and Sony Michel recover from their injuries, it wouldn't be surprising if head coach Kirby Smart initially sticks with Lambert. However, once the Bulldogs struggle against a top opponent—whether that's North Carolina in the opener, Ole Miss or Tennessee—Eason or Brice Ramsey will have an opportunity to steal the starting spot.
Sean Maguire, Florida State
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Slightly bending the rules here, Sean Maguire started five games compared to Golson's eight, but Maguire became the undisputed quarterback by the end of last season.
The same cannot be said for 2016.
Now, head coach Jimbo Fisher has repeatedly said Maguire is tentatively the No. 1. Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel notes the pre-camp depth chart lists the senior atop the position.
Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois isn't far behind, though.
A 4-star recruit in 2015, Francois could leap Maguire on the depth chart prior to the showdown with Ole Miss. At worst, Francois will handle second-string duties and make a case to replace Maguire.
Tanner Mangum, BYU
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Similarly to Notre Dame, BYU faces a decision between an injured former starting quarterback and his replacement.
Taysom Hill accounted for 4,282 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns in 2013. Medical problems have plagued the rest of his career. Hill's 2012 (left knee), 2014 (left leg) and 2015 (right foot) campaigns were each cut short due to injuries.
Last year, Tanner Mangum provided fireworks after replacing Hill in the season opener and led the Cougars to a 9-4 mark. Mangum finished the year with 3,377 yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
But as long as Hill is healthy—though history suggests that's merely temporary—the veteran is probably the best choice.
Anu Solomon, Arizona
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Is the competition real, or is Rich Rodriguez just coachspeaking?
Arizona's head coach hasn't crowned incumbent starter Anu Solomon as the No. 1 quarterback. Instead, there's a battle between Solomon and redshirt sophomore Brandon Dawkins.
"In my opinion, we have two returning starters," Rodriguez said, per Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Wildcat.
Solomon has opened 25 games during his career in Tucson, while Dawkins offers 38 pass attempts in six appearances. But until RichRod actually names a starter, Solomon's job isn't safe.
Joseph Yearby, Miami
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Mark Richt loves the running game. Fortunately for him, Miami already has two excellent options in Joseph Yearby and Mark Walton—in addition to Gus Edwards and Trayone Gray.
Yearby tallied 509 yards as Duke Johnson's backup in 2014 and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with a per-carry average of 4.9 last season. However, it appears Walton—a more dynamic player—will serve as the starting running back in 2016.
According to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, the sophomore leaped Yearby for the first-string role during the spring.
The Hurricanes will utilize both players often, but Walton is the favorite to be Miami's featured runner.
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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