College Football Predictions: Sleeper Picks for Major College Football Awards
Established stars like Deshaun Watson, Christian McCaffrey and Myles Garrett will dominate the college football landscape in terms of preseason award predictions.
Although some favorites will back up the billing, lesser-known players are certain to emerge and chase national honors. A few of these talents might be familiar, but they aren't favorites for the major awards.
Yes, most players featured on the list earned a spot on their respective accolade's watch list. But at this point, it's difficult for proven standouts to not claim that standing.
We've chosen 10 of college football's major awards and identified some underrated names to track in 2016.
Hornung Award
1 of 10
Between opportunity and brand, stealing the crown from McCaffrey will be immensely difficult. But that involves standing out above Jabrill Peppers, Ryan Switzer and Adoree' Jackson, too.
DeVon Edwards has the benefit of chasing an NCAA record. He's returned six kickoffs for a touchdown, one shy of C.J. Spiller's mark.
Plus, after racking up 298 tackles, 21 pass breakups, five interceptions and five forced fumbles in three years at safety, Edwards is moving to cornerback as a senior. He could pile up picks and pass breakups on the outside.
Now, Edwards won't have any offensive stats like Peppers or Jackson. But a few special teams and defensive scores could help the senior claim one of four finalist spots.
Thorpe Award
2 of 10
One of college football's best-kept secrets, Chidobe Awuzie is a lockdown cornerback for a struggling Colorado team.
The 6'0", 195-pounder is entering his fourth season as a starter. He opened seven games in 2013, nine games before suffering an injury two years ago and 12 during the 2015 campaign.
Awuzie holds the third-best overall grade of returning corners, according to ProFootballFocus. He recorded 85 tackles with 12 for a loss—both team-best marks—and two interceptions last season.
With forthcoming matchups against Jehu Chesson (Michigan), Darren Carrington (Oregon), JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC) and Gabe Marks (Washington State), Awuzie has a chance to build a fantastic resume.
Butkus Award
3 of 10
Zach Cunningham registered 103 tackles, including 16.5 stops for loss in 2015. Vanderbilt's second-highest totals in those categories? Just 64 and 9.5, respectively.
The linebacker added four forced fumbles, three pass breakups and 4.5 sacks. Cunningham is truly a force in all three phases: stopping the run, dropping into coverage and attacking the quarterback.
"He is explosive and can cover a lot of ground," head coach Derek Mason said, per Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman, who called the linebacker the most underrated player in the SEC.
"As a blitzer, he finds a way to finish," Mason continued. "As a coverage guy, there's very few guys that can run away from him because he runs like a deer. To have a guy that can do a lot of different dimensions in this defense is what makes Zach great."
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Bednarik/Nagurski Awards
4 of 10
Though knee surgery ended Cameron Smith's stellar college debut, the freshman had already demanded the nation's attention.
USA Today named the linebacker a freshman All-American, and he earned Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. Smith piled up 78 tackles and three interceptions in 10 games.
For Smith to warrant consideration, the Trojans must survive a ruthless slate. But if USC engineers an unexpected run at the College Football Playoff, Smith will be leading the charge.
Head coach Clay Helton expects Smith to be healthy for the season opener, according to Dan Greenspan of the Associated Press.
Outland Trophy
5 of 10
Mason Cole is entering his third season as a starter for Michigan. But in 2016, he'll be holding down a different spot.
After breaking into the lineup at left tackle, Cole is moving to center. Early reviews of the 6'5", 305-pounder's switch are promising.
"He’s got very good lower body girth when you look at him, and he’s got very good initial quickness with his hands," position coach Tim Drevno said, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. "He can really hold point, set the anchor on a pass rush. Thinks quick on his feet. Got good initial (burst). He’s got a lot of different skill sets. You’re like, ‘Wow that’s pretty good.’”
The Wolverines return three other starters up front, and Cole will be an integral part of their efforts improve on last year's average rushing attack.
Mackey Award
6 of 10
Consider him a deep, deep sleeper. David Njoku wasn't even included on the Mackey Award watch list. But Miami has a serious depth issue at receiver, and he can help solve the problem.
Rashawn Scott and Herb Waters both graduated, and Lawrence Cager tore the ACL in his right knee. Other than Stacy Coley—who hasn't reached his potential—the Hurricanes will rely on unproven targets while likely leaning on Njoku to provide a regular impact.
Last season, he snagged 21 passes for 362 yards as a rotational piece. While unspectacular overall, the 17.2-yard average is impressive.
Njoku's expanded role in 2016 is certain to include being split wide, which is great news for Brad Kaaya. "David's always a mismatch, wherever he is," Kaaya said, per Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post.
Biletnikoff Award
7 of 10
Not since 1998 has a non-power conference receiver won the Biletnikoff Award. But the timing might be perfect for Corey Davis, because 2016 is a relatively thin year at the position.
Most fans know Smith-Schuster, Calvin Ridley and Marks. After the departure of Daniel Braverman, though, none of them will have an opportunity like the Western Michigan standout will have.
Per NCAA Savant, Braverman and Davis combined for 279—or 72.7 percent—of the team's 384 targets. The Broncos certainly don't have someone to replace the former, so quarterback Zach Terrell will be looking for the latter even more regularly.
Davis has posted consecutive 1,400-yard, 12-touchdown campaigns. A third straight could bring a national award.
Walker Award
8 of 10
Two words for players attempting to overshadow Leonard Fournette, McCaffrey, Royce Freeman, Nick Chubb and Dalvin Cook: Good luck.
USC figures to showcase a two-headed rushing monster in Justin Davis and Ronald Jones II, but the possibility remains that Jones could cement himself as the No. 1. Last year, he tallied 987 yards and eight touchdowns while splitting carries three ways.
Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer was impressed, saying, "The only question I was left with was why they didn't hand him the ball more."
The Trojans offensive line boasts 131 career starts. Between that experience up front and Jones' potential, a breakout season could be on the horizon.
Davis' availability and production will determine whether or not Jones is an explosive 1,000-yard rusher or a dynamic featured back.
O'Brien Award
9 of 10
Dual-threat quarterbacks are all the rage in today's era of college football. They're a trendy pick for the Davey O'Brien Award, too.
Now that J.W. Walsh is no longer a red-zone touchdown vulture, Mason Rudolph will have the chance to join Jameis Winston as the award's only pro-style winners over the last seven years.
In 2015, Rudolph completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 3,770 yards and 21 scores. The latter number is certain to jump, considering Walsh totaled 26 touchdowns—21 of which came in the red zone.
Yes, unseating Watson for the O'Brien Award is easier said than done, but Rudolph—at worst—has the necessary outlook. Highlighted by James Washington, Oklahoma State's receiving corps is loaded.
And should the Pokes steal the Big 12 from rival Oklahoma, Rudolph will likely be in heavy consideration for national honors.
Heisman Trophy
10 of 10
When you hear the phrase "Oklahoma player who could win the Heisman Trophy," odds are the first thought is Baker Mayfield. Don't forget about Samaje Perine, though.
Best known for a record-setting 427-yard performance in 2014, Perine is a physical force with breakaway speed. But last season—despite totaling 1,349 yards and 16 touchdowns—wasn't dominant.
He managed more than 80 yards just once through six games. The main factors were transition on the offensive line and the Sooners identifying the best way for Perine and Joe Mixon to share touches.
During the final six regular-season outings, Perine amassed 871 yards and 12 touchdowns—Heisman-worthy production.
The junior will be tremendously productive. The question is how much sharing carries with Mayfield and Mixon affects Perine's candidacy.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
