chunk of school soccer’s offseason is dedicated to the ever-changing quarterback panorama, however QBs aren’t the one gamers primed to impression video games this fall.
This spring, I requested coaches and others about non-quarterbacks who may turn into among the sport’s high playmakers throughout the 2025 season. Some are changing NFL first-round draft picks. Others are coming off accidents. There are gamers who discovered new groups by means of the switch portal, whereas others have waited for his or her flip within the highlight. The listing beneath consists of established gamers who’ve earned all-conference recognition and shined on the most important phases, in addition to others who have not seen a lot time within the highlight.
The 2024 season featured two non-quarterbacks from exterior blue-blood packages — Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and Boise State working again Ashton Jeanty — who distanced themselves within the Heisman race. The quarterback group for 2025 initiatives higher than the one which produced solely one of many high 24 NFL draft picks in April, and arguably the 2 glitziest place teams within the draft have been defensive deal with and working again.
What follows is a listing of 25 non-quarterback playmakers to look at this season. The listing is heavy on working backs, huge receivers and move rushers, however options others whose skills can be within the highlight.
Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot-3, 215 kilos
2024 stats: 1,315 receiving yards, 76 receptions, 15 TDs
Why he is right here: Any listing of non-quarterback standouts has to start with Smith, who occupies a singular place. He is the nation’s greatest participant at his place, a bona fide Heisman Trophy contender and nonetheless should play two extra full seasons in school earlier than transferring on to the NFL draft. “It is insane,” a Massive Ten coach stated. “That man, it is insane.” Smith shattered Cris Carter’s Ohio State freshman receiving data and gained Massive Ten awards for high huge receiver and high freshman. He led the nation in receptions of fifty yards or longer with six, and he completed within the high 4 nationally in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Smith had three or extra receptions in each regular-season recreation, caught landing passes in his first seven school contests and had 5 TD grabs whereas averaging 20.1 yards per catch throughout Ohio State’s run to the nationwide championship.
“For a real freshman to come back in and win the Massive Ten Broad Receiver of the 12 months, have the yards that he is had and command the sort of consideration and protection that he commanded, it is like, ‘Wow,'” a Massive Ten defensive coordinator stated.
Vitals: Senior, 6-5, 265 kilos
2024 stats: 42 tackles (24 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 compelled fumbles, 1 fumble recovered, 1 interception, 9 quarterback hurries, 3 move breakups
Why he is right here: Dennis-Sutton performed reverse Abdul Carter, the Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the 12 months and No. 3 general NFL draft decide. However those that confronted Penn State, significantly throughout the CFP, stated Dennis-Sutton was as noticeable, if no more so, than his extra embellished linemate. Dennis-Sutton had 4.5 sacks in Penn State’s three CFP video games and had a breakout efficiency within the semifinal in opposition to Notre Dame with two sacks, together with a strip-sack fumble, and an interception. He has ideally suited measurement on the finish spot, and has recorded at the least three sacks in every of his first three seasons at Penn State.
The senior will obtain added consideration with out Carter on the sector however has each alternative to shine below new coordinator Jim Knowles.
“He is lengthy; he is actually good,” stated a coach who confronted Penn State final season. “He’ll be one of many higher ones within the nation.”
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Ryan Williams makes preposterous, bobbling catch for Alabama
Ryan Williams bobbles Jalen Milroe’s 54-yard move, then recovers it in Georgia territory.
Vitals: Sophomore, 6-foot, 175 kilos
2024 stats: 865 receiving yards, 48 receptions, 8 TDs, 120 punt return yards, 48 dashing yards, 2 dashing touchdowns
Why he is right here: Earlier than Ohio State’s Smith emerged because the nation’s high freshman and fairly probably the game’s high huge receiver, Williams held that label after a blistering begin to his profession. He made the defining play of September — a 75-yard landing with a video game-like spin transfer to beat Georgia after Alabama had blown a 28-0 lead on its dwelling area. He had landing receptions his first 5 video games and averaged 28.6 yards per reception throughout the span. Williams had a robust efficiency at Tennessee earlier than coming again to earth a bit throughout the second half of the season.
Nonetheless, he earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a freshman All-America choice, tying for fourth within the league in receiving touchdowns, and was a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist.
“Shoot, he simply explodes to the ball along with his arms,” an SEC coach stated. “He can do it vertically or he can do it yards after catch. He is actually good both method.”
Vitals: Sophomore, 6-5, 245 kilos
2024 stats: 23 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 compelled fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 QB hurries
Why he is right here: Even after a season when South Carolina despatched a report 11 gamers to the NFL mix and had 5 drafted, the staff brings again its two greatest stars in quarterback LaNorris Sellers and Stewart. “Each of them are elite gamers,” an SEC coach stated.
A five-star recruit, Stewart backed up the hype by incomes freshman All-America honors and being a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the 12 months award. He completed third amongst FBS freshmen in sacks and approached Jadeveon Clowney’s South Carolina freshman marks (eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss). Stewart had three tackles for loss and a sack in opposition to Ole Miss, sparking a stretch of three straight video games with a sack. South Carolina desires him to construct on his pass-rushing skills and higher acknowledge protections, formations and offensive terminology — “simply understanding big-picture soccer,” defensive coordinator Clayton White advised me.
“He is obtained that difference-maker kind of playmaking, could cause fumbles and harass your quarterback,” an SEC coach stated. “You’ve got obtained to concentrate on the place he is at.”
An SEC coordinator added: “He is the one everyone feared. You knew Kyle Kennard was a extremely good participant, however we have been simply freaking petrified that Stewart may change the sport.”
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes
Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 205 kilos
2024 stats: 81 tackles (48 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 move breakups, 6 punt returns, 79-yard punt return TD
Earlier faculty: Alabama
Why he is right here: Downs got here to Ohio State as one of many nation’s high non-quarterback transfers after the 2023 season, when he set freshman data at Alabama. He backed up the joy by incomes first-team All-America honors, profitable Massive Ten Defensive Again of the 12 months honors and changing into a finalist for the Thorpe Award, Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Trophy. His greatest moments got here in a few of Ohio State’s greatest video games: Towards Indiana, he had the staff’s first punt return landing in 10 years; in opposition to Texas and Michigan, he recorded interceptions.
He additionally had three move breakups in opposition to Oregon in Ohio State’s dominant win on the Rose Bowl. Downs will enter 2025 as one of many favorites for nationwide defensive participant of the yr awards and will work his method onto the Heisman radar.
Vitals: Junior, 6-foot, 212 kilos
2024 stats: 1,125 dashing yards, 163 carries, 17 dashing TDs, 237 receiving yards, 28 receptions, 2 receiving TDs
Why he is right here: Love supplied the primary landing — and main spotlight — of the 12-team CFP period when he raced 98 yards to the tip zone in opposition to Indiana regardless of having handled flu-like signs getting into the sport. His big-play capability is perhaps unmatched from the working again spot getting into the season, as he averaged 6.5 yards per carry or extra in 9 contests and had at the least one rush of 29 yards or longer in eight video games. Regardless of battling a number of accidents, Love reached the tip zone in each regular-season contest and two of the 4 CFP video games wherein he appeared.
His sturdiness is a little bit of a query, however he added weight throughout the offseason and sure can have an expanded position after greater than tripling his receptions complete from 2023.
“We spent a part of the spring sort of cross-training Jeremiyah extra as a large receiver too,” offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock advised me. “So if somebody is in at working again and we want him in a third-down state of affairs, or we want him within the purple zone or in a important state of affairs to get out in house and make any person look foolish, now we have that capability as nicely.”
Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 237 kilos
2024 stats: 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 4 compelled fumbles, 1 fumble restoration, 1 interception
Why he is right here: Hill’s arrival not surprisingly has coincided with Texas making its first two CFP appearances, largely due to a superb protection. After incomes freshman All-America honors in 2023, he was a second-team All-American final fall, when he led Texas in tackles, compelled fumbles and tackles for loss and completed second in sacks. Hill had a dominant efficiency in opposition to Kentucky (4 tackles for loss) but in addition had at the least a half deal with for loss in 11 video games. He recorded all 4 of his compelled fumbles in opposition to SEC opponents.
“He’s unbelievable,” a Energy 4 recruiting director stated. “[He] was so good in highschool, and it is arduous to start out at this degree and be good. He kicked us within the ass. He is the man on protection. Anthony Hill is elite. He’ll be among the finest gamers within the nation this yr.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-foot, 210 kilos
2024 stats: 765 dashing yards, 121 carries, 10 dashing TDs, 10 receptions, 141 receiving yards
Why he is right here: In 2024, Moss was on his technique to the kind of season that might vault him into the NFL, not onto a listing like this one. He had 65 dashing yards or extra and 4 multi-touchdown performances in Texas A&M’s first eight video games final fall earlier than sustaining a knee damage in opposition to South Carolina that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Moss nonetheless earned second-team All-SEC honors after ending second within the league in yards per carry (6.3). Regardless of lacking the ultimate month, Moss was named Texas A&M’s offensive MVP.
He has responded very nicely in his rehab, in accordance with sources, strengthening the knee to the purpose the place it is arduous to inform something occurred.
“I’ve by no means seen something prefer it,” one supply stated.
The Aggies have nice depth on the place with Rueben Owens, who had been the seemingly starter for 2024, getting back from damage and Amari Daniels, who changed Moss, additionally again.
Vitals: Parker — junior, 6-3, 265 kilos; Woods — junior, 6-3, 315 kilos
2024 stats: Parker — 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 6 compelled fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 13 quarterback hurries; Woods — 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 compelled fumble, 5 quarterback hurries
Why they’re right here: The 2 gifted linemen have been paired since their arrival at Clemson and are tough to separate as they enter what needs to be their last school seasons. Each are high NFL draft prospects for 2026, particularly Parker, who set a staff single-season report for compelled fumbles and had Clemson’s highest sacks and tackles for loss totals since Clelin Ferrell in 2018. Parker was the one FBS participant to complete within the high 10 nationally for compelled fumbles, sacks and tackles for loss.
Woods began the 2024 season at defensive finish earlier than transferring again to his extra pure deal with place. He had a few of his most efficient video games in opposition to Georgia and Texas, Clemson’s two hardest opponents. Woods slimmed down throughout the offseason and needs to be a pressure for brand spanking new coordinator Tom Allen.
“He seems superior,” a Clemson supply stated. “He may flip right into a terror.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 218 kilos
2024 stats: 754 receiving yards, 52 receptions, 10 receiving TDs, 14 punt returns, 290 punt return yards
Why he is right here: Baylor’s sturdy end to the 2024 season has created intrigue across the Bears as a possible Massive 12 title contender this fall. Cameron was a part of the surge, each as a receiver and on particular groups, the place he earned All-America recognition on punt returns, with a median runback of 20.7 yards and an extended of 73. He led Baylor in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, logging 4 100-yard performances as the highest goal for Sawyer Robertson, who additionally returns this fall. Cameron enters his senior season as Baylor’s profession chief in punt return common (18.2 yards).
After not discovering the tip zone in his first two seasons with the Bears, he had 10 scoring grabs, tying for tenth on the staff’s single-season listing. Baylor seemingly will line up tight finish Michael Trigg (30 receptions for 395 yards in 2024) out huge extra usually to raised complement Cameron within the passing recreation.
“Josh is absolutely good,” a staff supply stated. “Being 12 months 2 within the offense, he is comfy with all of it.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-2, 249 kilos
2024 stats: 23 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 2 compelled fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 11 quarterback hurries
Why he is right here: Oklahoma did not make a lot of a dent throughout its first season of SEC play, however the Sooners’ protection jumped out, particularly in an upset win in opposition to Alabama. Though Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman Jr. are off to the NFL, coach Brent Venables can construct round gamers resembling Thomas, who confirmed premier pass-rushing abilities final fall. Greater than half of his complete tackles got here for losses, and he earned second-team All-SEC honors in his first season as a starter. Thomas turned the primary Oklahoma participant to report three sacks in a recreation since 2020, and obtained higher as video games went alongside, recording six of his sacks within the fourth quarter. He additionally had a fumble return for a landing and recorded a compelled fumble and a sack in opposition to LSU.
Thomas jumped out to a number of SEC coaches, certainly one of whom stated, “He is not on the degree of [Dylan] Stewart, however he is a dynamic child.”
Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 185 kilos
2024 stats: 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 1 pick-six, 2 compelled fumbles, 1 fumble restoration, 8 move breakups
Why he is right here: One in all a number of Duke gamers to shine below first-year coach Manny Diaz in 2024, Rivers returns for his last season in Durham. He earned third-team AP All-America honors final fall, rising as one of many nation’s high cowl corners. Rivers allowed solely 13 completions throughout the season and solely three for 20 yards or extra. He twice had a number of tackles for loss, and he added an interception return for a landing in opposition to Florida State and had three move breakups in Duke’s rivalry win in opposition to North Carolina. Rivers was Duke’s defensive MVP and a first-team All-ACC choice. Rivers has been very sturdy, too, beginning each recreation throughout the previous two seasons.
“Chandler’s changing into extra of a frontrunner within the again finish, simply understanding that now it is his time,” Diaz advised me.
Vitals: Singleton — Senior, 6-foot, 220 kilos; Allen — Senior, 5-11, 217 kilos
2024 stats: Singleton — 1,099 dashing yards, 172 carries, 12 dashing TDs, 41 receptions, 375 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs; Allen — 1,108 dashing yards, 220 carries, 8 dashing touchdowns, 18 receptions, 153 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
Why they’re right here: The Penn State working backs are inconceivable to separate as they each play main roles within the offense. Final season, they turned the primary Penn State tandem to eclipse 1,000 dashing yards every in a season. Regardless of sharing carries all through their school careers, Singleton and Allen each rank among the many high 15 in staff historical past in most main dashing classes.
Singleton led the Massive Ten and ranked seventh nationally in all-purpose yards (1,805). He had 5 landing runs within the CFP, together with three in opposition to Notre Dame, matching Ki-Jana Carter’s staff report for many in a bowl or playoff recreation. Allen had 4 100-yard dashing performances final season, matching his complete getting into the autumn. He completed fifth within the Massive Ten in dashing.
“These guys are each big-time backs,” a Massive Ten defensive coordinator stated. “They each are freaking 4.3, 4.4 guys. They’re just like the Ohio State backs [TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins] from final yr.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-1, 230 kilos
2024 stats: 127 tackles (77 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 compelled fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 4 move breakups, 5 quarterback hurries
Why he is right here: There’s plenty of justified pleasure concerning the gamers Texas Tech added from the portal this offseason, however do not forget about the important thing holdovers. After an injury-marred 2023 season, Rodriguez earned first-team All-Massive 12 honors final fall after main the league in tackles per recreation (9.77) and solo tackles per recreation (5.9). He ranked fourth nationally and second amongst Energy 4 gamers in tackles throughout convention play (97), and had at the least one deal with for loss in eight contests. Rodriguez additionally was concerned in a team-high six takeaways, and recorded all 5 of his sacks in opposition to Massive 12 opponents, together with two, plus a compelled fumble, in a signature win in opposition to Iowa State.
“He would have had a yr fairly near that two years in the past, however he obtained damage and missed so many video games,” coach Joey McGuire advised me. “So having him a full yr is large. He is a grown man. He simply brings a lot expertise. He’s a frontrunner of that protection and a really clever participant.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-3, 275 kilos
2024 stats: 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, 3 compelled fumbles, 1 fumble restoration
Why he is right here: A freshman All-America choice in 2022, Jacas had a considerably quiet 2023 season earlier than reviving his profile final fall for the Illini. He turned one of many Massive Ten’s most disruptive defenders, tying for the league lead in compelled fumbles throughout the common season and tying for second in sacks throughout Massive Ten play (7).
Jacas was extraordinarily productive in opposition to ranked groups, recording 5.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and a pair of compelled fumbles. He was far more than a move rusher too, ending second on the staff in tackles with 13 in opposition to Michigan and eight within the Citrus Bowl win in opposition to South Carolina. He bypassed the NFL and overtures from different school groups to play his last season in Champaign.
“He has all of the bodily parts to be as disruptive or pretty much as good as any defensive lineman I’ve had the luxurious to be round, whether or not that is enjoying on the sector with J.J. Watt or teaching, regarding the Bradley Chubbs of the world once I was at NC State,” Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry advised me. “He possesses the ability set to be bodily imposing upon his opponent.”
Vitals: Senior, 5-10, 195 kilos
2024 stats: 1,049 dashing yards, 228 carries, 11 dashing TDs, 23 receptions, 254 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs, 11 kickoff returns, 277 kickoff return yards, 1 kick return TD
Why he is right here: Like many first-year coaches, Jake Dickert modified many issues after taking up at Wake Forest, together with overhauling a lot of the roster. However he prioritized retaining Claiborne, a third-team All-ACC choice final season each as a working again and an all-purpose performer. Claiborne tied quarterback Sam Hartman’s staff report for dashing touchdowns and have become solely the second Wake Forest participant to eclipse 1,000 dashing yards and 250 receiving yards in a season. He had 4 video games with a number of landing runs in opposition to ACC opponents, and had his second profession kickoff return landing in opposition to Miami.
Dickert had two of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks throughout the previous three seasons at Washington State in Cam Ward, the No. 1 NFL draft decide in April, and John Mateer, the highest switch participant this offseason. However this coming season, he’ll construct round a working again in Claiborne.
“Demond is likely one of the high 20 gamers in all of school soccer,” Dickert advised me. “To have him right here with us and construct the offense round him is large for us.”
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State Buckeyes
Vitals: Junior, 6-4, 236 kilos
2024 stats: 685 receiving yards, 51 receptions, 4 receiving TDs
Earlier faculty: Purdue
Why he is right here: Purdue had quite a few completed gamers switch to different Energy 4 packages, together with All-Massive Ten honorees in security Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) and defensive finish Will Heldt (Clemson). However the former Boilermaker producing essentially the most buzz turned out to be Klare, whose transfer to Ohio State might be a coup for coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline.
Klare led Purdue in receptions final fall and completed second within the Massive Ten in receiving yards by a decent finish, trailing solely Mackey Award winner and NFL first-round draft decide Tyler Warren from Penn State. Klare was Purdue’s receptions chief in all however one recreation final fall, and led the staff in receiving yards eight occasions.
The Boilers’ general struggles undoubtedly overshadowed his accomplishments, particularly in a league with two first-round draft picks at tight finish (Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland). However coaches took discover of Klare’s potential.
“[Klare] is great,” a Energy 4 offensive coordinator stated. “I believe he would have been the No. 1 tight finish taken this yr [in the NFL draft].”
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Isaac Brown celebrates Louisville TD with ‘Night time Night time’ celly
Isaac Brown does the “Night time Night time” celebration in entrance of the Clemson crowd after his 45-yard run pads Louisville’s lead.
Vitals: Sophomore, 5-9, 190 kilos
2024 stats: 1,173 dashing yards, 165 carries, 11 dashing TDs, 152 receiving yards, 30 receptions, 1 receiving TD, 193 kickoff return yards, 11 returns
Why he is right here: Brown earned ACC Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors after changing into the primary Louisville freshman to eclipse 1,000 dashing yards. The second-team All-ACC choice rushed for a mixed 268 yards in opposition to CFP individuals Clemson and SMU, and had spectacular moments in opposition to Notre Dame. Regardless of sharing some carries with fellow sophomore Duke Watson, Brown averaged 7.1 yards per rush (sixteenth nationally) and was named to a number of freshman All-America groups. He additionally was Louisville’s major kick returner.
“He has some dynamic talents,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm advised me. “He is naturally fast. He is naturally obtained the burst and imaginative and prescient, and he naturally could make some guys miss.”
Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame Preventing Irish
Vitals: Junior, 6-2, 238 kilos
2024 stats: 78 tackles (40 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 compelled fumbles, 2 move breakups
Why he is right here: The nationwide runner-up Irish misplaced 4 gamers to the NFL draft, in addition to coordinator and Broyles Award winner Al Golden, and can have a newish look in 2025. Bowen had a key position alongside Jack Kiser at linebacker, beginning each recreation and showcasing his playmaking prowess. He led the staff in compelled fumbles and ranked third in tackles. He is additionally an efficient particular groups performer, forcing a fumble on a kickoff return in opposition to Louisville. Bowen and returning gamers resembling security Adon Shuler can have larger management roles for a protection now led by coordinator Chris Ash.
“This spring, I’ve requested every participant to present me their opinion on who our high leaders are, and Drayk Bowen is a man that comes up persistently,” Ash advised me. “He is sensible, he is robust, he is clever, he is discovered loads from Jack Kiser about management. It is his time to take that step and turn into the chief of the protection.”
Vitals: Senior, 6-6, 329 kilos
2024 stats: 21 tackles (10 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 compelled fumbles, 1 fumble recovered
Earlier faculty: Louisville
Why he is right here: After a robust end to 2024, Florida has an opportunity to take one other huge step this fall. The Gators venture nicely on protection, particularly up entrance with Banks, Tyreak Sapp and George Gumbs Jr. all returning. Banks has began the previous two seasons for the Gators after transferring in from Louisville. He shined throughout Florida’s signature dwelling wins in opposition to LSU and Ole Miss, recording 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, a compelled fumble and a fumble recovered within the two-week stretch. He left the regular-season finale in opposition to Florida State with an damage.
Banks’ measurement, expertise and talent to get to the quarterback make him a breakout candidate in 2025.
“I believe he’ll in all probability find yourself being the very best inside defensive lineman within the league,” a Energy 4 offensive coordinator stated. “That dude, he is a stud. He can play. Legit.”
Vitals: Junior, 6-5, 270 kilos
2024 stats: 37 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss,10.5 sacks, 2 compelled fumbles, 1 interception, 6 quarterback hurries
Why he is right here: After some sturdy moments as a real freshman, Uiagalelei turned a premier move rusher final season, discovering his position inside a gifted Oregon defensive entrance seven. He led the Massive Ten in sacks throughout the common season and had at the least one sack in 9 video games, with two multisack performances. Uiagalelei had a sack in six consecutive video games throughout Massive Ten play, and had three in Oregon’s last two regular-season video games. The Geese had three defensive linemen chosen among the many high 90 picks of the NFL draft, so Uiagalelei can have added consideration on him as a junior.
“He is obtained a extremely, actually stable recreation,” coach Dan Lanning advised me. “He is continued to form his physique this offseason. That is one thing he is actually attacked, the place he can proceed to get stronger, quicker and may add extra twitch and availability.”
Vitals: Sophomore, 6-1, 230 kilos
2024 stats: 673 dashing yards, 133 carries, 7 TDs, 11 kickoff returns, 237 kickoff return yards
Why he is right here: There’s plenty of buzz round Gators quarterback DJ Lagway as he enters his sophomore season, even with damage issues. However coaches and personnel evaluators say to not sleep on the opposite sophomore in Florida’s offensive backfield. The Gators have been 3-0 when Lagway and Baugh began collectively, and Baugh, regardless of solely 4 begins, led the staff in dashing and in complete touchdowns (8). He had 5 dashing TDs in opposition to Kentucky, essentially the most ever by a Florida participant making his first profession begin and tying the staff report. Baugh additionally contributed on returns and was certainly one of eight SEC gamers to report two runbacks of 30 yards or extra.
Vitals: Junior, 6-3, 253 kilos
2024 stats: 40 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 1 compelled fumble, 1 fumble restoration, 7 quarterback hurries
Why he is right here: Jeanty rightfully commanded many of the consideration round Boise State, however the Broncos had different stars, together with on a protection that completed second nationally in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. Boise State loses Ahmed Hassanein, an NFL sixth-round draft decide, however brings again Virgin-Morgan, who shined throughout his first full season as a starter. He earned first-team All-Mountain West honors, main the staff in sacks and hurries and tying Hassanein for the highest spot in tackles for loss.
Virgin-Morgan had a dominant midseason stretch in league play, recording eight sacks, together with 2.5 in opposition to Hawai’i, over 5 video games. He’ll get extra consideration this fall however is up for the problem.
“He’ll be among the finest edge rushers within the nation,” Broncos coach Spencer Danielson advised me.
