Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Freeman likely could’ve gotten away with going pro, but he decided to stay in school after a down year. Freeman is a constant threat to score touchdowns — he had nine last year, but 17 as a sophomore and 18 more as a freshman. There is no reason he can’t get back to those numbers — he ran for 1,836 yards as a sophomore, after all.
Richie James, WR, Middle Tennessee
A speedy wide receiver who has doubled as a wildcat quarterback, James is a dangerous and versatile threat for Middle Tennessee. He has racked up 2,971 receiving yards through his first two seasons in college, returned three career kickoffs for touchdowns, and added four rushing touchdowns to his repertoire in 2016. He has been effective pretty much everywhere the team has put him.
Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa
Jewell wasn’t quite as good in 2016 as he was in 2015, when Iowa nearly made it to the College Football Playoff, but Iowa’s star linebacker remains a force to be reckoned with. He had nine passes defended last season, and in 2015, his three sacks and four interceptions made him the linchpin of Iowa’s vaunted defense. He still is, and will be again, a threat to do something on every play.
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Kirk should really come into his own during his junior year, with a double-digit touchdown season well within reach. Kirk has explosive, game-changing speed that keeps defensive backs on their toes, as he can blow past them at any time on short or mid-range passes. There’s a reason Texas A&M has him returning punts — he’s taken five of them to the house in his first two college seasons.
Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia
One look at the numbers demonstrates the ability that the senior linebacker brings to the Virginia defense. No Power 5 player had more tackles than Kiser (133), and he made an impact in pretty much every category. As a junior, he had 6.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and even an interception. He’s back for one more season and he will continue to devastate opposing offenses.
Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Overshadowed in 2016 by the speed and flash of fellow wide receiver John Ross, Pettis will be a top target for the Huskies in 2017. He’s certainly ready for it. Even with Ross on the roster he had 15 touchdown receptions in his junior season, averaging an impressive 15.5 yards per catch. He’s an explosive special teams threat too, with five career punt returns for touchdowns.
Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn
The big, quick bruiser had a breakout season in 2016, rushing for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns and firmly establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the SEC. A former fullback, Pettway is a combination of speed and quickness, and will be a huge part of Auburn’s efforts to return to the SEC elite in 2017.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Alabama’s star wide receiver had something of a down sophomore year, racking up only 769 yards and seven touchdowns as the offense adjusted around quarterback Jalen Hurts. Those numbers should go up in 2017. On pure talent and playmaking ability, Ridley is one of the nation’s best wideouts. He is going to provide valuable talent and experience for Hurts in the QB’s sophomore year.
Arden Key, LB/DE, LSU
Arguably the most feared defensive playmaker in the nation, Key was a nightmare for SEC offenses in 2016. He had 12.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, and forced two fumbles, while wreaking havoc on offensive lines every time he played. He’ll be a top NFL Draft prospect as well, and is poised for a monster junior year that could see him put up huge numbers once again.
Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
There is a reason that cries of “Let Bo Loose” became commonplace late in Alabama’s 2016 season. He finally looked like he was blossoming into a superstar, having scored two touchdowns in the Peach Bowl and two more before breaking his leg in the National Championship Game. Ultimately, it is injuries that have held Scarbrough back. He will become one of the nation’s elite running backs if he can stay healthy.
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
The top wide receiver in SMU’s potent offensive system, Sutton is poised to put up more gaudy numbers. He broke out in 2016, posting 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 16.4 yards per catch, demonstrating serious big play ability. He’ll be the star attraction of the SMU offense and has a very reach chance to improve on those numbers across the board.
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
There’s a good argument to be made that Washington is the nation’s best receiver. The senior has averaged 19.2 yards per catch over his three-year career thus far, with 26 total touchdowns on top of it all. The speedy receiver is poised for another big season, no doubt, and should be a top NFL Draft pick next April.
