Former Top CFB Recruits Down to Their Last Chances in 2018
Top prospects regularly provide hope for the future of college football programs, but a fair number of them struggle to make an impact at the next level.
Entering the 2018 campaign, 10 former top-75 prospects from the classes of 2014 or 2015 have their final opportunities to back up their recruiting billings.
In some situations, it's simply that a stacked roster prevented the player from climbing the depth chart. Injuries can also derail a prized prospect.
However, not every story is a minor setback at an inopportune moment. In addition to a lack of progression, suspensions and dismissals may derail a player's college career.
Whether it's at the player's original school or elsewhere, 2018 is the last chance for the following long-awaited breakout years.
Christian Miller, LB, Alabama
1 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 3 OLB | No. 40 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Considering the talent ahead of Christian Miller during his first three seasons, it's no surprise he played sparingly. The problem is that in 2017—when Miller finally had his opportunity—an arm injury limited him to just four appearances.
What must go right: Just stay healthy. Miller is a leading contender to start at one edge-rushing spot. Even if Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis earn those roles, Miller will be called upon as a regular reserve. Among players on the list, he certainly has one of the brightest outlooks in 2018.
George Campbell, WR, Florida State
2 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 3 WR | No. 19 OVR in 2015
What's gone wrong: George Campbell arrived at Florida State with massive hype. He mostly played special teams as a freshman, which was no surprise given the top-heavy receiving corps. But he needed a redshirt in 2016, and a core injury cut his 2017 to four appearances. Campbell has just nine career catches for 164 yards.
What must go right: Before we even think about the depth chart, he needs to be healthy. Campbell has missed a majority of spring practice. With a handful of wide receivers set to arrive in the summer, this could've been a chance for Campbell to create separation on the depth chart. And if he struggles to secure a leading role by the fall, FSU might be happy to see what its freshmen can do instead, which may keep the redshirt junior on the bench this year and next year.
Michiah Quick, WR, Fresno State
3 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 8 ATH | No. 57 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Michiah Quick pulled in 25 receptions as a freshman, but his Oklahoma career steadily went downward from there. He grabbed nine catches in 2015 then shifted to cornerback as a junior and logged 12 tackles before a sprained MCL ended his year and a violation of team rules resulted in his dismissal.
What must go right: Although Quick is dealing with a foot injury, Robert Kuwada of the Fresno Bee noted offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer called the transfer a "pretty special player" when he's healthy. KeeSean Johnson is the undisputed No. 1 target, but Quick can help replace the 57 catches of Da'Mari Scott.
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Ed Paris, S, LSU
4 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 3 S | No. 41 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Ed Paris spent three years as a rotational piece, appearing in 37 games from 2014-16, but he managed just 17 tackles. Last season, he collected eight stops and four pass breakups before a knee injury ended his campaign. Paris received a medical redshirt and returned for 2018.
What must go right: More than anything, he needs to avoid another injury. Paris has missed a portion of spring practice with a knee issue, and every practice rep he's not taking is going to promising young players such as Grant Delpit and JaCoby Stevens. Once Paris is physically ready, he must attempt to leap the sophomores on the depth chart.
Gerald Willis III, DT, Miami
5 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 2 DT | No. 35 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Everything? Florida dismissed Gerald Willis III after his freshman year due to off-field problems. He sat out 2015 as required by NCAA rules. A torn right MCL shortened his 2016 season. Personal issues kept Willis off the field in 2017.
What must go right: Not only is Willis hoping for a strong finish to his college career, Miami is counting on him to anchor the defensive interior. RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton both declared for the NFL draft. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz called Willis the team's "top tackle," per Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald.
Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
6 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 1 TE | No. 63 OVR in 2015
What's gone wrong: After a promising freshman season with 13 catches and 190 yards, Alize Mack missed the entire 2016 campaign due to an academic suspension. He mustered 19 catches for 166 yards in 2017, which ended with head coach Brian Kelly suspending Mack for the Citrus Bowl due to an internal matter.
What must go right: Yes, Notre Dame's passing game needs to be more effective. But if Mack doesn't start producing soon, the program has a trio of 4-stars—Cole Kmet, Brock Wright and George Takacs—vying for their own first opportunities.
Keller Chryst, QB, Tennessee
7 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 3 pro-style QB | No. 51 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Following a redshirt and one year as Kevin Hogan's backup, Keller Chryst spent half of 2016 behind Ryan Burns. After a rough six-game stretch led to Burns' benching, Chryst stepped in and posted a 6-0 record—but a torn right ACL kept him from a crucial year of development. K.J. Costello supplanted Chryst last season, causing him to leave Stanford and pick Tennessee.
What must go right: Once he arrives in Knoxville, Chryst must quickly learn the playbook to compete with Jarrett Guarantano—the top-rated dual-threat quarterback in the 2016 class—and Will McBride. Chryst must leave no doubt he's the best option, since Tennessee may be willing to let Guarantano deal with growing pains.
Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
8 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 4 DT | No. 14 OVR in 2015
What's gone wrong: Daylon Mack impressed as a freshman with 9.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, but the worry is he plateaued in 2015. Despite not missing a game during the last two seasons, the defensive tackle mustered just 7.5 stops for loss and 2.5 sacks. Mack has yet to secure a full-time starting role.
What must go right: Jimbo Fisher is looking to build a championship-caliber roster, but Texas A&M doesn't have a shortage of talent at Mack's position. Kingsley Keke and Justin Madubuike will cut into the senior's snaps, unless he starts producing at a higher level.
Soso Jamabo, RB, UCLA
9 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 2 RB | No. 32 OVR in 2015
What's gone wrong: As a freshman, Soso Jamabo tallied 6.1 yards per carry in limited action behind 1,300-yard rusher Paul Perkins. It seemed UCLA's rushing attack would be in great hands. However, consistent problems on the offensive line over the last two years limited Jamabo to 767 yards during that span.
What must go right: The effectiveness of the run-blocking unit. Though the Bruins lost Kolton Miller and Scott Quessenberry up front, the arrival of Chip Kelly offers hope that an offensive system can partially atone for that weakness. Jamabo needs to beat out Bolu Olorunfunmi, who started four of UCLA's last five games in 2017.
Drake Harris, WR, Western Michigan
10 of 10
Recruiting info: No. 7 WR | No. 68 OVR in 2014
What's gone wrong: Injuries, injuries and more injuries. They started during his senior year at Grand Rapids Christian, and Drake Harris never managed to shake various ailments with Michigan. Hamstring and ankle problems limited him to 25 appearances, nine catches, two tackles and one position change.
What must go right: Harris' college career has been a mix of health issues and failing to capitalize when given the opportunity. Although Western Michigan brings back all five wideouts who notched 12-plus catches last year, only D'Wayne Eskridge topped 500 yards. If Harris gets healthy, he'll have a chance to crack the rotation.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, 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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