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Athlon Sports: College Football's Top 25 Players on the Rise for 2015
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:33 pm
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:33 pm
Which players are poised for a breakout year?
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2. Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn
Johnson varies slightly in style to former starter Nick Marshall, but Auburn’s offense shouldn’t miss a beat in 2015. The Alabama native ranked as the No. 11 pro-style quarterback in the 2013 signing class and has played well in limited action over the last two years. Johnson completed 29 of 41 passes for 422 yards and six scores in 2013 and threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. He also has two starts under his belt, including one against Arkansas (2014). Johnson may not have the dynamic mobility of Marshall, but the junior is going to have a huge season directing the offense for coach Gus Malzahn.
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3. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Fournette was regarded as the No. 1 player in the 2014 247Sports Composite and certainly didn’t disappoint in his Baton Rouge debut. In 13 appearances, Fournette rushed for 1,034 yards and 10 scores. He also made an impact on special teams, averaging 26 yards per kickoff returns and one touchdown. With LSU struggling to find consistent production from its passing game, the ground attack will have to carry the offense in 2015. With Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard out of eligibility, Fournette should see an uptick in carries and production next year and should be considered a lock for All-SEC honors this offseason.
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16. Kyle Allen, QB, Texas A&M
Since joining the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have averaged 41.3 points per game. Life after Johnny Manziel presented a few challenges in 2014, but the arrow on Texas A&M’s offense is pointing up headed into 2015. Allen started the final five games for coach Kevin Sumlin, including a four-touchdown performance against Auburn and a 294-yard effort against West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl. The Arizona native finished 2014 with 1,322 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. Allen will be pushed by talented freshman Kyler Murray this offseason, but the edge in experience should help the sophomore hold onto the starting job. With a talented receiving corps returning, Texas A&M’s passing offense should be among the SEC’s best once again in 2015.
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17. Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee
The insertion of Dobbs into the starting lineup in late October sparked Tennessee to a 4-2 finish over its last six games. The Georgia native threw for 192 yards against Alabama after replacing Nathan Peterman in the first half and guided the Volunteers to a 45-42 upset win over South Carolina by accumulating 467 total yards and five scores. Dobbs also played well in the bowl win over Iowa by accounting for 205 yards and three scores. The junior should have more help from his supporting cast in 2015, as Tennessee should be healthier at receiver, and a young offensive line has a full offseason to grow. Dobbs should push for All-SEC honors in 2015.
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23. Harold Brantley, DT, Missouri
Missouri has been a factory for All-SEC talent at defensive end over the last two seasons, but don’t overlook Brantley’s contributions to the defense in 2014. The Pennsylvania native made six starts as a freshman in 2013 and emerged as the team’s top interior player last year. In 14 games, Brantley recorded 30 tackles (five for a loss) and three pass breakups. With two seasons under his belt, Brantley should be poised for his best year in a Missouri uniform.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:34 pm to joeyb147
But fournette only had 9 yards vs the piggies
Weeeeet weeeet weeeet
Weeeeet weeeet weeeet
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:36 pm to joeyb147
I feel like Carl Lawson should be on there. I think he's going to wreck some offensive lines on his way to the NFL draft.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:38 pm to jledet
quote:IMO, Jovon Robinson starts over him. He's that good.
Roc Thomas
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:41 pm to jledet
quote:
Roc Thomas
Indications from spring practice are he's running east to west too much. That won't cut it with Malzahn and his offense. I think Jovon gets the lion's share, although Thomas will a respectable amount.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:41 pm to TTsTowel
The JUCO kid... I figured with Thomas being in the system last it would be him.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:44 pm to joeyb147
Dobbs should be #1, Fournette #2.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:44 pm to joeyb147
Based on his performance vs Arky last year, Johnson looked like a much better passer than Marshall. Do Auburn fans see it this way?
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:44 pm to AUbagman
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Indications from spring practice are he's running east to west too much. That won't cut it with Malzahn and his offense. I think Jovon gets the lion's share, although Thomas will a respectable amount.
That was my fear while watching what little we were able to last year. Too focused on dodging/shifting, kind of like playground football. Can't count on him to get those tough last few possible yards considering he'll stop to make a move. Hope he proves me wrong, otherwise he's gonna need to be the sweep runner as you described.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:45 pm to Grit-Eating Shin
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Based on his performance vs Arky last year, Johnson looked like a much better passer than Marshall. Do Auburn fans see it this way?
Without question. Nick could throw a fantastic ball from time to time, especially deep, but by all accounts Johnson is his passing superior in pretty much every area.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:46 pm to joeyb147
Davon Godchaux and Jamal Adams should be honorable mention
Posted on 4/9/15 at 3:47 pm to Grit-Eating Shin
quote:I think Auburn fans have always viewed him as a better passer than Nick Marshall. No knock on Nick Marshall, who improved a ton in 2014, but Jeremy Johnson seems like one of those guys that just has it.
Based on his performance vs Arky last year, Johnson looked like a much better passer than Marshall. Do Auburn fans see it this way?
One thing we will miss without Nick Marshall is his pocket mobility, quickness and ability to be clutch in the moment. That guy was extremely clutch when a play needed to be made.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 4:29 pm to Othello
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Dobbs should be #1, Fournette #2.
No.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 4:52 pm to Vols&Shaft83
Brantley recorded 54 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. You had one job stat guy.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 5:33 pm to joeyb147
Personally, as an A&M fan, I might have Myles Garrett higher than Allen. The fact that he isn't on the list period(not even the defense only list) seems strange to me.
Posted on 4/9/15 at 5:34 pm to DFWAggie09
quote:
The fact that he isn't on the list period(not even the defense only list) seems strange to me.
It's safe to say he had a breakout year last year.
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