College Football: 10 Most Underappreciated Stars of 2011

While there may not be a clear favorite for the Heisman Trophy as the end of the season approaches, there is hardly a shortage of worthy candidates. 

Stars like Andrew Luck, LaMichael James and Trent Richardson amongst others are expected to battle it out for the right to take home college football’s most prestigious individual honor. 

However, several players have put up strong seasons under the radar and without the spotlight of their peers mentioned above. 

Their reasons for remaining out of the national focus range from being overshadowed by their teammates, to being first-year starters who have burst onto the scene. 

They may not be in contention for the Heisman, or even first-team All-American status, but they have had big years en route to making a name for themselves this season. 

Here are the 10 most underappreciated stars of 2011:

10. Joseph Randle, RB (Oklahoma State)

The Cowboys control their own destiny to make it to the BCS title game thanks to their high-octane offense, which averages better than 565 yards per game. 

While quarterback Brandon Weeden has played his way into Heisman contention as well as wide receiver Justin Blackmon widely regarded as the best receiver in the nation, Randle has thrived in the role of the departed Kendall Hunter.  

The sophomore, who has been held out of the end zone only once this season, has added an explosive element to an already potent attack. 

Season Stats:  169 carries, 993 yards, 21 TD; 32 receptions, 204 yards, 2 TD

9. Bjoern Werner, DE (Florida State)

Werner burst onto the scene as a dominating performance in the ‘Noles loss to Oklahoma. 

He has been the biggest cog in a defensive line unit that has accumulated 32 sacks (third best in the nation) and only allows 85 rushing yards per game (fourth best in the country). 

A 6’4”, 280-pound sophomore originally from Germany, Werner is poised to become the latest in a long line of elite Seminole pass-rushers.

Season Stats:  27 tackles, 6 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery returned for TD 

8. Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

Baylor has become one of college football’s feel good stories, thanks to the outstanding play of quarterback Robert Griffin III. 

However, Wright has been his most trusted wing man en route to becoming one of the most explosive wideouts in a league full of dynamic pass catchers. 

The electric senior is averaging just under 120 receiving yards per game and is on pace to catch over 100 passes this season. 

Season Stats:  81 catches, 1073 yards, 9 TD; 6 carries, 44 yards

7. Bacarri Rambo, S (Georgia)

After losing their first two games, the Bulldogs have run off eight consecutive wins and can clinch the SEC East with a win over Kentucky on Saturday. 

Rambo has spearheaded the ‘Dawgs defensive makeover (Georgia ranks fourth in the nation in total defense), while emerging as one of the SEC’s top playmakers on defense. 

The 6’1”, 218-pound junior has nabbed seven interceptions (second best in the nation) this season.

Season Stats:  40 tackles, 7 INT, 14 passes defended, 4 pass breakups, 1 INT returned for TD

6. Tajh Boyd, QB (Clemson)

The Tigers are in position to capture their first ACC title since 1991 thanks to its first-year starting quarterback. 

Although electric freshman wideout Sammy Watkins has captured the nation’s attention, Boyd has run new offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ system to perfection while directing the top offense in the ACC.

Boyd averages 301.7 passing yards per game (eighth best nationally) and should challenge Virginia Tech’s Wilson for ACC Player of the Year honors. 

Season Stats:  222-for-361, 3017 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT; 100 carries, 191 yards, 4 rush TD

5. Sam Montgomery, DE (LSU)

The top-ranked Tigers have ran through a gauntlet of ranked opponents on the road and came out unscathed thanks to its relentless defensive unit.  

While secondary stars Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne garner most of the accolades, Montgomery is part of impenetrable defensive line that has been stout all season long. 

The sophomore defensive end had a breakout performance in the “Game of the Century” against then No. 2 Alabama, registering two sacks and helping the Tigers prevail in their toughest test of the season.  

Season Stats:  36 tackles, 7 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble

4. Collin Klein, QB (Kansas State)

The Big 12 is full of high-powered offenses, seemingly overflowing with quality quarterbacks. 

Klein has developed into one of the best duel-threat signal-callers in the country, and in the process, has led the Wildcats to their finest season in years. 

With Kansas State sitting at an unexpected 8-2 record, Bill Snyder is one of the favorites for coach of the year honors, and the play of Klein has been every bit as impressive as any quarterback in a league full of outstanding performers at the position. 

Season Stats:  129-for-219, 1504 yards, 10 TD, 5 INT; 241 carries, 1009 yards, 24 rush TD 

3. Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks have overcome a quarterback carousel and the loss of star running back Marcus Lattimore thanks to a stingy defensive unit.

All world freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has played well, but it has been the emergence of Ingram that has carried South Carolina to a 8-2 record. 

A fifth-year senior, the 6’2”, 276-pound Ingram has been a man amongst boys at times this season, including an amazing demonstration of his freakish athletic ability on a fake punt against Georgia. 

Season Stats:  38 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 2 INT, 2 TD returns; 1 rush, 68 yards, rush TD

2. David Wilson, RB (Virginia Tech)

The Hokies lost quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL, but somehow, the Hokies are in their familiar perch atop the Coastal Division of the ACC. 

The biggest reason for their success this season has been the play of Wilson, who has carried them to a 9-1 record and put them in prime position to repeat as ACC champions.  

The 5’10”, 205-pound junior is the nation’s leading rusher, averaging over six yards per carry and 136 yards per game.. 

Season Stats:  210 carries, 1360 yards, 7 TD; 16 catches, 99 yards, TD

1. Darron Thomas, QB (Oregon)

After a season-opening loss to SEC juggernaut LSU, the Ducks have won nine games in a row and are poised to potentially gain another shot at the Tigers in the BCS title game. 

Thomas has been largely overshadowed his dynamic teammate James, and Pac-12 gunslingers Luck and USC’s Matt Barkley, while putting the Ducks in prime position to capture their third straight conference championship.  

While Thomas may not be an NFL-prototype quarterback, it's hard to argue against him since becoming the trigger man for Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense. 

Season Stats:  124-for-205, 1705 yards, 22 TD, 5 INT; 33 carries, 131 yards, 2 rush TD