Five Players Who Will Have Breakout Seasons in 2010
It happens every year. Everyone is thinking, “Where the heck did this guy come from?” Starting in late September, a select group of players not really discussed before the season start making headlines. In 2009, the top two were Toby Gerhart and Ndamakong Suh who quickly showed fans outside of Palo Alto and Lincoln that they were dominant and deserving of the attention.
The Top Five players flying under the radar right now, but definitely ready for breakout season in 2010 will be:
Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M. Long known for its Wrecking Crew defenses, the tide has turned in College Station. The Aggies put up over 6000 yards of offense in 2009, and Johnson led the way passing for 3500 yards with 30 TD’s and rushing for close to 800 yards and eight TD’s. Very few people know Johnson outside of Big 12 territory. They will this year.
BJ Daniels, QB, USF. After Matt Groethe was lost for the season in week three last year, Daniels took over the Bulls offense. He finished the season passing for close to 2000 yards with 14 TD’s and rushing for a 1000 yards with nine TD’s. With new HC Skip Holtz guiding him and 10 returning starters on offense, Daniels is poised to have a highly productive season. If he plays well against Florida in week two, Daniels will be a household name.
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn. Almost by default, Newton has to be in the discussion. OC Gus Malzahn has one of the best offensive minds in the game, and Newton will be the beneficiary. He’s huge, 6’6”/250lbs, and has a big arm. With games against Miss St, Clemson and South Carolina in Sept, Newton has a chance to get out the gate quickly, and show the college football world that he’s an elite level QB.
Shane Vereen, RB, Cal. HC Jeff Tedford is quietly building a running back dynasty in Berkeley. Over the last six seasons, J.J Arrington, Marshawn Lynch and Jahvid Best have been dominant. Vereen is next in line. Filling in for Best after he went down with an injury in 2009, Vereen rushed for almost a 1000 yards with 12 TD’s. Despite having to share the load this season, he’ll likely finish with1500 yards making him a star.
Adam Robinson, RB, Iowa. At the start of the 2009 season, Iowa was thin at the running back position. Expected starter Jewell Hampton injured his knee during the summer and was lost for the season. Robinson steps in to win the job, and finishes the year with just over 800 yards and five TD’s. Although he’ll share time with fellow sophomore Brandon Wegher, Robinson will get the bulk of the carries for the Hawkeyes. With games against Penn St, Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan St in October, Robinson has the potential to steal the spotlight away from his fellow Hawkeye and all-world DL Adrian Clayborn.
