Projecting College Football's 2017 All-Breakout Team
Finding breakout players is an exciting part of the college football offseason. Which player is going to make my team a conference—or even national—championship contender?
Whether due to experienced depth on the roster last year, limited snaps, simply a poor season or even age, he stayed out of the spotlight in 2016. That, however, is about to change.
Preference was given to players who previously held minimal roles. While that leaves a little room for subjectivity, we're highlighting new full-time starters in 2017.
The list features the premier candidate at each offensive and defensive position plus an all-purpose player.
Quarterback: Shea Patterson, Ole Miss
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What's held him back: Ole Miss had little reason to give Shea Patterson the starting job at the beginning of last season. Yes, he was a top recruit, but Chad Kelly shattered program records in 2015. Patterson couldn't be expected to match that production.
What's changed in 2017: Kelly has exhausted his eligibility, so the Rebels need a new starter. And there's no question it will be Patterson, who opened the final three games of 2016 after a knee injury ended Kelly's final college campaign.
What to expect: Despite the offseason turmoil surrounding the team, Shea Patterson is still in a decent spot to put up impressive numbers. Ole Miss has a wonderful set of receivers, led by Van Jefferson and A.J. Brown. Limited team success will keep Patterson off an All-SEC group, but he'll be worthy of honorable mention status.
Running Back: Bryce Love, Stanford
2 of 14
What's held him back: You may be familiar with Christian McCaffrey, the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2015. Bryce Love moved into a second-string role last season, but he logged 10 carries or fewer in eight of his 12 appearances while backing up McCaffrey.
What's changed in 2017: Stanford's backfield belongs to Love now. The Carolina Panthers selected McCaffrey with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.
What to expect: Perhaps it's surprising to see someone with 783 rushing yards last season be a breakout player. Considering Love's role, though, that production reinforces his potential. The rising junior barely managed meaningful time behind a superstar yet still threatened the 1,000-yard mark.
Wide Receiver: Devin Duvernay, Texas
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What's held him back: Devin Duvernay wasn't held back as much as it's difficult to excel as a freshman. He caught 20 passes for 412 yards. While encouraging, those aren't eye-popping numbers.
What's changed in 2017: The speedster has enjoyed a full cycle with Texas, so Duvernay knows exactly what to expect at the college level. Plus, Texas hired offensive mastermind Tom Herman this offseason, and quarterback Shane Buechele will be a sophomore, too.
What to expect: Duvernay will be a high-volume target for the Longhorns. In each of the last two seasons, the slot receiver in Herman's offense at Houston amassed 98 receptions. Duvernay should also contribute in the running game.
Tight End: Maaseiah Francis, South Alabama
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What's held him back: Maaseiah Francis has been waiting behind an NFL-caliber tight end. Gerald Everett led the Jaguars in all major receiving category two years ago and then tallied 49 receptions, 717 yards and four touchdowns last season.
What's changed in 2017: In addition to the Los Angeles Rams drafting Everett, South Alabama lost its top three wide receivers in Josh Magee, Kevin Kutchera and Tyrone Williams. Francis is the offense's leading returning pass-catcher.
What to expect: Francis has the opportunity to triple his production from 2016, when he reeled in 18 throws for 261 yards. Besides, a healthy majority of it happened in a single game. Returning quarterback Dallas Davis should be eyeing Francis early and often.
Offensive Tackle: Chuma Edoga, USC
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What's held him back: Chuma Edoga notched a pair of starts in both 2015 and 2016, but Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner otherwise occupied the tackle spots. Edoga has also overcome a wrist injury while serving as a top backup.
What's changed in 2017: Wheeler and Banner both exhausted their eligibility, leaving Edoga as an obvious choice for one spot.
What to expect: As of now, Edoga is penciled in as the starter at right tackle. If the Trojans need to tweak the lineup during the year, he may be asked to protect Sam Darnold's blind side. Either way, Edoga should solidify a promising USC front.
Offensive Guard: Navaughn Donaldson, Miami
6 of 14What's held him back: Navaughn Donaldson couldn't play for Miami in 2016 because he was in high school. Pretty simple.
What's changed in 2017: College enrollment! But strictly on the field, the Hurricanes struggled up front until November came around, and now they must replace Danny Isidora, a guard whom the Minnesota Vikings snagged in the 2017 draft.
What to expect: Donaldson wasted no time making an impression in Coral Gables and was the first-string right tackle on the first day of spring practice. The 6'6" Donaldson has since shifted inside to guard and is expected to start immediately.
Center: Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
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What's held him back: Tyler Biadasz took a redshirt during his first season in Madison, which is neither a surprise nor a problem. Still, according to Jason Galloway of the Wisconsin State-Journal, the coaching staff considered using Biadasz immediately.
What's changed in 2017: It's good to have a versatile player like Michael Deiter. He started at both guard and center over the last two years, and the Badgers recently moved him to left tackle. That's a credit to Deiter's ability and Biadasz's development.
What to expect: Wisconsin is known for leaning on the ground game, and Biadasz will be the linchpin of that run-first blocking unit. The 6'3", 316-pounder will contend for All-Big Ten honors.
Defensive End: Rashan Gary, Michigan
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What's held him back: Some may be wondering why Rashan Gary, a much-hyped prospect, didn't start immediately yet has received so much attention this offseason. Michigan's defensive ends in 2016 were Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley, who were drafted in the first and third round, respectively.
What's changed in 2017: Charlton, Wormley and fourth-rounder Ryan Glasgow have all headed to the NFL. Gary has quickly jumped from second-stringer to star, though Maurice Hurst Jr.—more evidence of why Gary was a backup last year—is a tremendous defensive tackle.
What to expect: Gary has All-American potential. Perhaps he won't achieve that lofty mark in 2017, but it's probable he will garner consensus All-Big Ten attention.
Defensive Tackle: Derrick Brown, Auburn
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What's held him back: Transitioning to the non-playing parts of college football can be a major challenge. For example, Derrick Brown said he wasn't given a playbook in high school, per AL.com. Couple that with three-year starter Montravius Adams ahead of him on the depth chart, and Brown's small role in 2016 was understandable.
What's changed in 2017: Adams will be suiting up for the Green Bay Packers this season, and Auburn also lost depth pieces in Maurice Swain and Devaroe Lawrence. Brown is the next man up.
What to expect: The 6'5", 316-pounder will be a menace to contain, especially since Dontavius Russell returns for his third year. Having that experience alongside will ease the pressure on Brown to excel, though he'll rise from seldom-used backup to key starter.
Outside Linebacker: Caleb Kelly, Oklahoma
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What's held him back: Similar to Brown, Caleb Kelly needed some time to adjust. Oklahoma's prized prospect didn't play in two of the first three games and mustered eight total tackles as the Sooners climbed to 6-2. Kelly then moved into the starting lineup.
What's changed in 2017: Kelly showed his 5-star ability with a 12-tackle performance in the Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn. He won't require a learning curve in 2017.
What to expect: Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops set a high bar for the sophomore. "We're not going to take Caleb Kelly off the field, that's for sure," Stoops said, according to Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World. Kelly has All-Big 12 talent and opportunity.
Inside Linebacker: Devin White, LSU
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What's held him back: Some freshmen see a crowded depth chart when they arrive. Devin White looked up and saw nothing but production at the top in 2016. Kendell Beckwith finished his career as a three-time No. 2 tackler for LSU, and Duke Riley collected a team-high 93 stops last year.
What's changed in 2017: White spent his freshman campaign as a reserve, but both Beckwith and Riley used up their eligibility.
What to expect: Between his 6'1", 248-pound frame and being a converted running back, White has a special skill set. He's quick to the ball and must be miserable to see coming at you. He will be a leader for what should be one of the country's best defenses.
Cornerback: Kendall Sheffield, Ohio State
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What's held him back: Kendall Sheffield took a redshirt while Alabama won a national championship in 2015 but decided Tuscaloosa wasn't his long-term home. After spending a year at Blinn College in Texas, he signed with Ohio State.
What's changed in 2017: A 5-star prospect in the 2015 cycle, Sheffield will finally see the field. Plus, the Buckeyes lost a pair of first-round draft picks in Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore.
What to expect: Sheffield will be a weekly contributor for another terrific Ohio State defense. The secondary uses a rotation, but he'll earn a starting role opposite Denzel Ward by season's end.
Safety: Jake Gervase, Iowa
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What's held him back: Brandon Snyder rarely left the field in 2016. Translation? Jake Gervase rarely had a chance between the white lines, tallying four tackles and playing on special teams.
What's changed in 2017: Unfortunately for Iowa, a torn left ACL may have ended Snyder's campaign before it could start. Gervase will take over for Snyder at free safety.
What to expect: It's fair to suggest Gervase won't notch a three-interception day like he did in the spring game. However, the Hawkeyes will rely on the junior to help replace Snyder's contributions, which Gervase will do admirably.
All-Purpose Player: Parris Campbell, Ohio State
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What's held him back: After spending 2015 as a cover man on special teams, Parris Campbell earned his place as the No. 1 kick returner. However, he was a rotational receiver last year and only recently shifted to H-back, a key position in Urban Meyer's offense.
What's changed in 2017: Curtis Samuel, a second-round pick of the Panthers, doubled up any other receiver with 74 catches for 865 yards last season. He also ran for 771 yards. He leaves a glaring void for Campbell, who played running back in high school.
What to expect: Since Meyer previously said Campbell could become the best returner in school history, it seems likely he's not vacating that role. Throw in 10 to 15 touches every week on offense, and Campbell will be one of the most important players on a team with College Football Playoff expectations.
All recruiting information via Scout. 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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