College Football's Strongest Returning Positions Groups
2020 saw its fair share of elite position groups: Alabama wide receivers (for like the third year in a row), North Carolina running backs, Miami edge rushers, etc. There was plenty to choose from. Which groups will return and dominate in the 2021 season? Let’s examine.
*NOTE: I will not be including quarterbacks in this discussion, it’s too easy to throw Bryce Young or Sam Howell in there. A position group of one doesn’t count.*
Arizona State Running Backs
DeaMonte Trayanum and Rachaad White were awesome in their respective debut seasons in Tempe. While the Sun Devils struggled to stay on the field (played just four games due to COVID-19 concerns), the two running backs dominated the competition.
Both were effective in their own ways. The shiftier White averaged exactly 10.0 YPC (five touchdowns on the ground, one touchdown through the air on eight catches for 151 yards) while showcasing his speed and his elusiveness in the open field. Trayanum, a much more sturdy 5-11 230 lbs, barrelled through defenders with power much beyond his freshman status (5.9 YPC, four touchdowns.
The two showcase Herm Edwards’ ability to find quality players in different places, whether it be White (junior college), or Trayanum (four-star recruit out of Ohio). Throw in 2020 four-star Daniyel Ngata (Folsom, CA) and you have one of the deeper groups in college football for the 2021 season.
Oklahoma Wide Receivers
Nothing is more helpful to a young starting quarterback than an excellent WR group to throw to. That’s what sophomore Spencer Rattler gets to enjoy in 2021, with the Sooners returning his top three targets (Marvin Mims, Theo Wease, Austin Stogner) out wide.
Mims became the first WR in OU history to earn FWAA Freshman Status when he reeled in 37 receptions for 610 yards and nine touchdowns(an OU freshman record). He might be the next great WR at OU. Wease is no slouch either, also hauling in 37 catches for 530 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. The Sooners have an immense amount of talent returning for the 2021 season, and why many see them in the preseason top five.
LSU Secondary
I’m basing this pick-off projection rather than 2020 production. By all means, 2020 was a rough season for the Tigers, especially on defense. There is still a ton to like about the 2021 production of this group.
The strength of the secondary is in the cornerback group with Derek Stingly and Elias Ricks. Both were All-Americans as freshmen (Stingly in 2019, Ricks in 2020), and a ton of talent. Stingly missed a ton of time last year with illness and injury, and since his draft year is coming up, he’ll want to capitalize on that.
The safety spot is a little less certain. Todd Harris (senior) and Sage Ryan (freshman) are projected as starters for the time being. Harris is entering a prove-it year after an inconsistent 2020 season and injuries have hampered his play. Ryan has yet to play a snap of college football, although is blossoming with talent (a five-star recruit out of Lafayette, LA). This should be an exciting group to watch.
Ohio State Wide Receivers
This choice is almost unfair, but I'll do it anyway. This Ohio State WR room is LOADED. Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Julian Fleming, Jameson Williams, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Gee Scott Jr., Yeesh.
This group still would’ve made this list if Chris Olave decided to leave for the NFL, but the senior (surprisingly) returns to the Buckeyes and adds to the already-loaded group. Both Olave and Wilson excelled in the shortened 2020 season (729 yards and seven touchdowns for Olave, 723 yards, and six touchdowns for Wilson). Williams added a pair of touchdowns as well.
I’m most excited to see the three sophomores, Fleming, Smith-Njigba, and Scott Jr. They combined for 17 total catches in 2020, and it’s going to be tough to get them on the field behind an already-stellar group (they would all start and pretty much any other Big Ten school). We’ll see what Ryan Day can cook up for them.
Writer
-By: TJ Mathewson