10 upperclassmen poised for a breakthrough
Although hyping up the next big freshman sensation appears to be the prognosticators' preferred offseason pursuit, history dictates that the emergence of overlooked upperclassmen can provide a bigger boon for programs.
Here are 10 talented players poised for a breakthrough in 2015.
Tra Carson, RB, Texas A&M
Carson should impress this season as he assumes major rushing responsibilities. In limited action in 2014, Carson ran for 448 yards and five touchdowns. Although coach Kevin Sumlin is known for his pass-heavy predilection, Carson should still get a fair number of touches.
Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn
Auburn has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the SEC and its junior quarterback is a big reason why. Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound pocket passer, has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons, such as throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas during the first half of the Tigers’ 2014 season-opening win.
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
Mitchell should be a force for Georgia this season, provided he can stay on the field. In his freshman campaign in 2011, Mitchell made 45 catches for 655 yards and four touchdowns. Since then, he has caught only seven TDs, thanks to missing the entire 2013 season and the second half of the 2014 campaign.
Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina
Wilds should assume greater prominence in 2015 than he enjoyed last season muddled in a crowded Gamecocks backfield. The 6-foot-2, 224-pounder finished second in team rushing last year, accruing a respectable 570 yards and four touchdowns on only 106 carries. He should get more touches this season.
Shane Williams-Rhodes, WR, Boise State
Williams-Rhodes is hardly an unknown, but 2015 could be the year his stock skyrockets. In 2014, the undersized wide receiver registered 68 catches for 585 yards and seven touchdowns. But this season, the Broncos are tabbed as a dark-horse contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Byron Marshall, WR/RB, Oregon
Marshall is the rare dual threat who's just as deadly moving the chains as a rusher as he is pulling down catches as a receiver. In 2014, Marshall made 74 receptions for an amazing 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for 392 yards and one touchdown. The previous season, he ran for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. There's still more Marshall can give and 2015 could be his best campaign yet.
DeVon Edwards, S, Duke
There’s no reason Edwards shouldn't be on this list. In 2014, he made 133 tackles - including a team-best 77 solo - 4 ½ sacks, nine passes defended, five forced fumbles, and an interception. He also gained 745 yards and a touchdown in his work as the team’s kick returner and should become a household name in 2015.
Travin Dural, WR, LSU
LSU’s offense may have struggled mightily last season, but Dural certainly shined. He produced seven touchdown catches (on 37 overall), and averaged a lofty 20.5 yards per reception. Watch for him in 2015.
Daniel Lasco, RB, California
Lasco has yet to receive the attention he rightfully deserves, despite tearing through the Pac-12 in 2014. The 6-foot, 210-pound Lasco rushed for 1,115 yards last season, scoring 12 touchdowns. He also hauled in 33 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns.
William Likely, DB, Maryland
Likely notched six interceptions last season, including two he returned for touchdowns. He also recorded 83 tackles (four for a loss), nine broken-up passes, one sack, and a forced fumble.