College Football 2011: The 25 Players with the Biggest Shoes to Fill
The college football offseason is upon us and spring practice is starting all over the country, meaning it is time to start learning the names of the newest crop of studs to be looking at for next year.
There were some really fantastic college football players in 2010, and in 2011 there will be some very large shoes to fill by the new guys.
Here we count down 25 guys who have the biggest shoes to fill. There will be some guys replacing first-round picks, and there will be guys replacing later-round picks, but all of them will have to replace solid-and-productive college players.
Which guys are you most excited to see in the 2011 football season? Let us know.
25. Kip Smith, K, UCLA
1 of 25
Replacing: Kai Forbath, 2009 Groza Award Winner
How He Will Succeed: Kai Forbath might not seem like a big name to replace, but he is among the best kickers in NCAA history. He finished his career with 85 career field goals, just two away from the top spot in NCAA history.
Kip Smith redshirted last year as a freshman, so he got to learn behind Forbath for a season before being pressed into duty. Smith has a big leg and all he will have to do is show that he has the consistency to make the kicks he is supposed to make.
If He Struggles: Another guy the Bruins could turn to is current punter Jeff Locke. Locke has been punting for two years now and has been the backup kicker during that stretch too. He has a big leg and could end up stepping in if Smith has a tough time replacing Forbath.
24. Robbie Frey, RB, UConn
2 of 25
Replacing: Jordan Todman, 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns
How He Will Succeed: Jordan Todman is not the most recognizable guy coming out of college football, but he was a very productive running back who helped lead the Huskies to a BCS bowl game.
Is UConn expecting Robbie Frey to step in and reel off a 1,600-yard season next year? No. But if they are going to compete in the Big East in 2011, they are going to need good production from him.
If He Struggles: If Frey struggles, then the Huskies could end up turning to USC-transfer D.J. Shoemate, who had a tough time finding the field in LA. However, Shoemate is an explosive runner who could end up passing Frey even if he doesn't struggle.
23. Herschel Sims, RB, Oklahoma State
3 of 25
Replacing: Kendell Hunter, 1,548 yards and 16 touchdowns
How He Will Succeed: Kendell Hunter had a very good career at Oklahoma State. He wasn't the biggest or the fastest guy, but he was a perfect fit for the Cowboys' explosive offense. He was also a solid receiving target out of the backfield.
Herschel Sims is the fifth-rated running back coming out of high school this season. He isn't a big guy, but he has great vision and he is very elusive. Sims is a true home-run threat running the ball.
If He Struggles: If Sims isn't able to step in and get carries immediately, then the Cowboys will turn to Joseph Randall, who had a very good freshman year as Hunter's backup. He doesn't have the explosion of Sims, but he is a bigger guy who could take the constant pounding.
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22. Jason Ford, RB, Illinois
4 of 25
Replacing: Mikel Leshoure, 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns
How He Will Succeed: Jason Ford proved a capable backup for Leshoure in the 2010 season. However, in 2011 he is going to have to prove he can carry the full load Leshoure did.
Ford isn't going to be expected to have the same level of productivity as Leshoure, but he will score touchdowns and be able to take the constant beating expected of a running back in the Big Ten.
If He Struggles: If Ford has a tough time taking over for Leshoure, another guy the Illini could turn to is Bug Golden, who was the fourth-stringer in 2010. He would have to leap over two guys who will be seniors in 2011, but he is a big running back capable of taking a pounding.
21. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
5 of 25
Replacing: Greg McElroy, 24-3 record, 168.98 QB Rating
How He Will Succeed: Greg McElroy wasn't the most physically-gifted and he didn't have the best numbers, but he just got the job done while leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
A.J. McCarron is fairly similar to McElroy, but he is probably a little more polished overall. However, he doesn't have the experience McElroy had. All McCarron has to do is play game manager and rely on the talent around him.
If He Struggles: If McCarron isn't able to fill McElroy's shoes, the Tide could turn to vaunted freshman Phillip Sims, who is a very gifted pocket passer.
20. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
6 of 25
Replacing: Gabe Carimi, 2010 Outland Trophy Winner
How He Will Succeed: Ricky Wagner will literally have big shoes to fill after taking over for Gabe Carimi. However, Wisconsin just seems to churn out great offensive tackles, and Wagner will be the next to get his shot at a starting spot.
Wagner is going to be just a sophomore this year, but his 6'6", 322-pound frame should be able to live up to the pounding of the Big Ten.
If He Struggles: If Wagner isn't able fill in for Carimi, the Badgers could move Casey Dehn over to Carimi's spot, or they could try giving freshman Rob Havenstein a shot to win the job in his first year on campus.
19. Geraldo Hiwat and Aaron Burks, WR, Boise State
7 of 25
Replacing: Austin Pettis and Titus Young, 2,166 yards and 19 touchdowns combined
How They Will Succeed: With quarterback Kellen Moore coming back for his senior season, he is the best chance for both Geraldo Hiwat and Aaron Burks to succeed this year with one of the all-time great college quarterbacks throwing them the ball.
I don't know that this pair will be able to put up numbers like Pettis and Young, but I think they will be productive.
If They Struggle: Honestly there is some young talent at receiver, but if this group can't fill in for Young and Pettis then it will be more of a failure on the part of Moore than on the group of receivers.
18. Jon Budmayr, QB, Wisconsin
8 of 25
Replacing: Scott Tolzien, 5,271 yards 32 touchdowns (two years)
How He Will Succeed: The really nice thing for Jon Budmayr stepping into the starting quarterback role at Wisconsin is that he will just have to be able to hand the ball off a lot. He isn't going to be expected to win games with his arm.
Budmayr does have more mobility than Tolzien had and I think that actually could make him more dangerous, even if he doesn't quite compete with Tolzien's arm.
If He Struggles: If Budmayr does struggle, I think it will be very tough to notice. However, if Wisconsin decides to go away from Budmayr, I think they will turn to freshman Joe Brennan, who is more physically-gifted than Budmayr.
17. Sam Roby, C, Florida
9 of 25
Replacing: Mike Pouncey, starter on national championship team
How He Will Succeed: Judging centers is a very difficult thing for people who aren't professional scouts or who played the position. However, I think the key for Sam Roby is just going to be about staying healthy.
The kid has the skill to take over for Pouncey, but he needs to remain healthy enough to stay on the field.
If He Struggles: The Gators have a good insurance policy at the center position if Roby struggles. They could turn to Nick Alajajian instead if problems occur.
16. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
10 of 25
Replacing: Ryan Mallett, led the team to first BCS bowl in school history
How He Will Succeed: Tyler Wilson is one of the guys on this list who I don't worry about how he will fill in for the guy he is replacing. Wilson did get a lot of time against Auburn this year when Mallett got knocked out of the game; he lit it up and had his team in the lead in the fourth quarter.
Wilson is a lot more mobile than Mallett too, which could make him more dangerous.
If He Struggles: If Wilson isn't able to live up to the expectations, then I think Arkansas will turn to Brandon Mitchell, a big-bodied sophomore who could end up being something special after picking Arkansas over the likes of Michigan a few years ago.
15. Keith Price, QB, Washington
11 of 25
Replacing: Jake Locker, polarizing pro prospect and great athlete
How He Will Succeed: Keith Price is a very mobile quarterback, but living up to the mark left by Jake Locker is going to be a tough task. The good news for Price is that he is taking over a much more talented roster than the one Locker had.
Price just needs to be able to show he can remain healthy and run the offense designed by Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian.
If He Struggles: I actually don't think the job is Price's to lose. Behind Price sits Nick Montana, the son of Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Montana. Nick could end up winning the job in spring camp, but either way, whichever guy wins the job, the backup could step in if the starter struggles.
14. Ryan Dannewitz, OT, Colorado
12 of 25
Replacing: Nate Solder, probable first-round pick
How He Will Succeed: Honestly, I think Ryan Dannewitz is going to have the toughest job filling the shoes of his predecessor. That isn't meant to be an indictment of Dannewitz's skills, but more of a praise of Solder's skills.
If Dannewitz is able to even get all-conference consideration, Colorado fans should be stoked about it.
If He Struggles: If Dannewitz struggles, I really think Colorado will stick with him because he is going to be a junior and he will have time to really develop into a solid prospect if he just gets an opportunity.
13. Damion Square, DE, Alabama
13 of 25
Replacing: Marcell Dareus, five sacks
How He Will Succeed: Marcell Dareus is a rare athlete when considering his size and skills, but he really became a solid prospect during his last year on the field at Alabama.
The Crimson Tide will be turning to Damion Square to take over for Dareus this coming year. In their scheme, the defensive ends aren't expected to get a ton of pressure, but they are expected to be physical at the point of attack and Square is a big body who can do that.
If He Struggles: Honestly, I don't think it would be a big problem for the Tide if Square struggles, simply because they have a huge amount of talent on defense.
12. Darius Hanks, WR, Alabama
14 of 25
Replacing: Julio Jones, 1,133 yards and 7 touchdowns
How He Will Succeed: I think it will be impossible to impact the game like Julio Jones did during his time at Alabama. Jones not only was a very productive receiver, but he was also able to open up the field for the running game and for other receivers on the team.
Darius Hanks isn't Jones by any means, but he is a good athlete who attacks the ball in the air, and he could end up being a solid player for the Tide.
If He Struggles: If Hanks isn't the answer, Brandon Gibson could be a guy who could step in and be a guy who makes the jump this year.
11. Adam Brockman, DE, Purdue
15 of 25
Replacing: Ryan Kerrigan, 13 sacks
How He Will Succeed: Ryan Kerrigan is one of the best pass-rushing prospects to come out of college this year. He was unblockable at times and replacing him will be a very tough task.
Adam Brockman will get the first chance to replace Kerrigan. The two are similar in size and strength, but can Brockman consistently beat his man and get pressure on the quarterback? That's what we will soon find out.
If He Struggles: Robert Maci could end up being the guy to take over for Kerrigan if Brockman isn't able to cope with the extra attention. Maci is a little bit smaller defensive end, but that smaller size could help him escape bigger and slower offensive linemen.
10. Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M
16 of 25
Replacing: Von Miller, 68 tackles and 11 sacks
How He Will Succeed: Von Miller was one of the most explosive pass-rushers we have seen in recent years in college football, and it is going to be very tough matching his production of 28 sacks over his last two years in college football.
Damontre Moore is going to get the first shot for the Aggies. Moore is good off the line and he has good technique when rushing the passer; now the question will be if he has the same motor as Miller.
If He Struggles: If Moore needs some help getting used to playing the linebacker position, then the Aggies could be forced to move one of their weakside linebackers, like Jonathan Stewart, to the strongside to take over for Miller.
9. Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
17 of 25
Replacing: Patrick Peterson, four interceptions, consensus top five draft pick, 2010 Thorpe Award Winner
How He Will Succeed: Replacing Patrick Peterson is going to be a tall order for anyone, let alone Tyrann Mathieu, who is about five inches shorter than the Thorpe Award Winner.
Mathieu is going to be tested next year, and it is going to be up to him to see if he is ready to take over for a legendary player in Peterson.
If He Struggles: If Mathieu struggles, I think LSU will turn to Tharold Simon or Ron Brooks, who are both closer to Peterson's size, but I don't know about their cover skills in comparison to Peterson's.
8. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
18 of 25
Replacing: Mark Ingram, 2009 Heisman Trophy winner
How He Will Succeed: Trent Richardson has already proven he is capable of replacing the guy he is replacing. Richardson had a great 2010 season as the backup to Ingram, and many fans were left thinking that he could actually be better than Ingram.
Now Richardson is going to have to prove he can do it on his own without an experienced quarterback or a guy like Julio Jones opening up the field for him.
If He Struggles: I don't think Richardson is capable of struggling.
7. Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA
19 of 25
Replacing: Akeem Ayers, 68 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions
How He Will Succeed: The thing that made Ayers so dangerous aside from his ball skills was his versatility. Not only could he cover tight ends, running backs and receivers in coverage, but he could also put his hand in the dirt and get to the quarterback.
Jordan Zumwalt stepped in last year for an injured Pat Larrimore and played well enough to warrant the job as Ayers' replacement. He is more of a pure linebacker and he isn't quite as versatile as Ayers, but he will fill in nicely.
If He Struggles: UCLA does have a few young linebackers that redshirted in 2010 and could end up seeing the field if Zumwalt isn't able to play the Ayers role. However, I think with UCLA changing up their defensive coordinator, Zumwalt will just be expected to play linebacker and not put his hand in the dirt, meaning he will have more of an opportunity to succeed in 2011.
6. Jeffery Whitaker, DT, Auburn
20 of 25
Replacing: NIck Fairley, 12 sacks
How He Will Succeed: Nick Fairley might end up being the top pick in the NFL Draft this year, and replacing him is going to be a tough thing. But Jeffery Whitaker will get the first chance because Auburn will be replacing three of the top four defensive tackles in 2011.
Whitaker is a big boy and might not have the same explosion as Fairley, but he could develop nicely with time.
If He Struggles: Auburn doesn't really have anyone else who is ready to step in and play right away who can have an impact even close to Fairley.
5. Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson
21 of 25
Replacing: Da'Quan Bowers, 15.5 sacks
How He Will Succeed: Replacing Da'Quan Bowers is no small task. Those 15.5 sacks didn't happen on accident. He is an incredible defensive end with the explosive ability to get to the quarterback.
Malliciah Goodman is probably going to get the first crack at replacing Bowers at end for the Tigers. Goodman is similar to Bowers in terms of size, but until we see him getting a ton of time against ACC offenses, it's tough to tell just how he will do.
If He Struggles: If Goodman isn't able to take over for Bowers, I think they could turn to Andre Branch to move from one end spot to the other.
4. Max Bullough, LB, Michigan State
22 of 25
Replacing: Greg Jones, 105 tackles
How He Will Succeed: Greg Jones is one of the most gifted and smartest middle linebackers in recent memory. He helped lead Michigan State to a first place finish in the Big Ten, and he will likely be a solid pro prospect.
Replacing him will be Max Bullough, who is a very instinctive linebacker and could actually be more productive than Jones if he progresses over the course of his college career.
If He Struggles: If Bullough struggles, I think the Spartans would probably stick with him because of the fact that he needs seasoning before he becomes the player he is expected to become, and that takes time.
3. Tyler Lantrip, QB, Nevada
23 of 25
Replacing: Colin Kaepernick, only QB in NCAA history with 10,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards rushing
How He Will Succeed: Honestly, replacing Kaepernick is going to be nearly impossible after the historical career the dual-threat quarterback had. I mean, head coach Chris Ault designed an offense to make the most of this guy's talents.
Tyler Lantrip will get a chance to win the job this spring, and the reason I have him slated here is because he is the oldest of the returning quarterbacks with size similar to Kaepernick.
If He Struggles: If Lantrip struggles and loses the job, it will be to Mason Magleby, who was recruited as a pistol quarterback.
2. Casey Pachall, QB, TCU
24 of 25
Replacing: Andy Dalton, 10,000 career yards and 71 career touchdowns
How He Will Succeed: Andy Dalton is another guy who is going to be very tough to replace. However, when Casey Pachall first came onto campus at TCU, he barely lost to Dalton in a quarterback battle.
Pachall is a mobile guy with a solid arm, and he could end up making TCU fans forget all about Dalton.
If He Struggles: Honestly, I don't think Pachall will struggle, and even if he does, I think TCU sticks with him.
1. Barrett Trotter, QB, Aubun
25 of 25
Replacing: Cam Newton, 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, 2010 BCS Champion
How He Will Succeed: Replacing what Cam Newton brought to Auburn would be almost impossible. He is a once-in-a-generation athlete and I really don't know how someone could hope to match that productivity.
The good news for Auburn fans is Barrett Trotter almost beat out Newton for the starting job this year, so it's not that he doesn't have talent. He just isn't close to the player Newton is.
If He Struggles: The other good news for Auburn is they have freshman Kiehl Frazier coming in this year. He isn't Cam Newton either, but he is a good athlete, and he could end up being a nice replacement for the Heisman winner.
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