CFB Breakout Players | scarletbuckeye's Blog

Every year players breakout into stardom, here are some players I feel are ready to make the leap into stardom.

QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State, Junior

You can claim that Freeman had his breakout season last year throwing for 3353 yards, and 18 TD's against 11 picks, but I don't feel that e is done. A big kid at 6-6 250, I may be in the minority, but to me he is a JaMarcuss Russell clone. And I feel that like Russell in year 3 he will breakout and go on to be a top 10 pick. A big armed gunslinger, though he lost his biggest weapon in Jordy Nelson I still see a big year coming. Evidence of Freeman's improvement, over the second half of last year Freeman threw 13 TD's against 4 picks, and over 1,800 yards passing. Expect that Freeman to show up this year, and this may be bold, but if KSU goes 9-3, or 10-2 (which would be shocking), expect Freeman's name to come up in heisman consideration.
Projected Stats: 65%completion, 3,600 yards passing, 30TD's, 10INT's

RB Keiland Williams, LSU, Junior

Williams is another player, who not only could have a big college season, but shoot up the draft boards, and become a first round pick. The last 2 years Williams has combined to run for 1,014 yards and 11 TD's on only 146 carries. Now that he will be more of the featured back in the LSU RB system with Jacob Hester gone, I expect similar numbers this year from Williams, to his career numbers. A big back at 6 foot 225, Williams has power, but great speed as well. He will be very tough to stop, and if LSU's QB comes along expect Williams, despite sharing carries with Charles Scott, Richard Murphy, and Trinton Holliday, should play at an all-SEC level.
Projected Stats: 200 carries, 1,150 yards 12 TD's, 25 catches 320 yards

RB Johnathon Dwyer, Georgia Tech, Sophomore

Dwyer is a big fantasy sleeper in your league, so watch out to select him. Last year despite playing backup he was impressive as a frosh recording 9 TD's and 436 yards on only 82 carries. Dwyer should see a huge leap in carries now that he will be the starter for GT, and because of new coach Paul Johnson's run heavy triple option offense. Dwyer is a small back, but very elusive and fast, so should be a good fit in the triple option offense, that Paul Johnson will incorporate. Expect big things from the speedy Dwyer, an him to become one of the top backs in the nation.
Projected Stats: 250 carries, 1475 yards, 17 TD's, 2 kick return TD's, 20 catches, 250 yards

WR Kyle Jefferson, Wisconsin, Sophomore

Last year Jefferson was not expected to contribute, but stepped up due to injuries, and rose up the depth charts to record 26 catches for 412 yards and a pair of scores. Now this year with the graduation of all of Wisconsin's top WR's except Jefferson, he should become the #2 target behind Travis Beckum for the new Wisky QB. Jefferson is tall at 6-5, but lanky at only 195lbs. If he can get stronger and put on some weight, he will be a much improved receiver especially over the middle, but I still think a big year is in store for Jefferson, who is very talented, and a hard worker. I expect big things from Jefferson, and a possibly to emerge as one of the top 5 or 6 receivers in the Big Ten.
Projected Stats: 55 receptions, 855 yards, 7 TD's

DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida, Sophomore

Dunlap, plain and simple is a crazy athlete. He has been dubbed "Freak 2, or The Freak" by his teammates, and was one of the spring stars for the Gators. He ran a 4.6 40, at 6-7 285. That my friend is speed. In the spring game he had 4 sacks, and was an all-around terror. Though as a Frosh he didn't have the impact he would've liked (7tackles, 1 sack), he has clearly improved and is primed for a big time season, as one of the top DE's in the nation. A Florida team that lost Derrick Harvey last year will have Dunlap to take over, and I'm calling it, Dunlap will have a better season. Expect double-digit sacks, and all-american honors for Dunlap, who by the end of the year may be the most feared pass rusher in the SEC.
Projected Stats: 40 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 4 forced Fumbles, 2 kicks blocked

DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech, Senior

It may seem weird that a Senior would be on this list, but Johnson has never really gotten his chance to shine. The past 2 years as a situational DE/OLB Johnson has recorded 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 55 tackles over the past 2 years, but this season, he should burst out as a full time starter. Johnson is a great athlete who is at 6-7 255 still runs a 4.65 40. He is a good pass rusher, but also is solid against the run. This year expect Johnson to burst on the scene and also earn some all-american honors, though a lot of his plays will be taken away by Vance Walker, and Darryl Richard. Just consider this despite not starting Johnson still initially declared for last years draft and was given a late first-day grade. Now as a starter, and a player who should receive more playing time, I expect a first round pick to be used on Johnson.
Projected Stats: 45 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU, Junior

Jean-Francois showed flashes of what he can do in the BCS title game against OSU recording 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss 1 pass defended, 1 blocked kick, and half a sack, allowing him to garner Defensive MVP honors. Francois should have a big year, actually being allowed to play after only playing 2 games last year. He showed great potential as a true Frosh, recording 27 tackles and 3 sacks. Francois has good speed and, is very underrated against the run. His great athleticism allows him to make a lot of plays many lineman can't, and he should have a big year thanks to those skills. the only reason he could be held back is the amount of line depth for LSU, but otherwise expect an all-SEC type year from Francois.
Projected Stats: 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks.

OLB Martez Wilson, Illinois, Sophomore

Wilson can have a big year after having a big time season last year despite sharing time with others. He had 29 tackles and 3 sacks last year, and he should be able to easily double those numbers in his new starting role. Wilson is a sick athlete at 6-5 240, who runs a 4.5 40, and can play DE as well. A great pass rusher, who has great speed, and is actually pretty smart. Expect a big time season and possibly some all-big ten honors for Wilson, this year and a much improved player now that he will be starting.
Projected Stats: 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles