CFB: EVERY FBS Teams "Player to Watch" in 2021 (Part 1)

College football is upon us! The best time of the year is here with 130 programs all vying to be the best in the nation. Who is the player to watch for each team though? We have you covered at Inside The Hashes, presenting the player to watch from EVERY FBS football team in 2021 part one!

Air Force - Brad Roberts, Fullback

Air Force plays old-school smashmouth football, and there’s a new face of the option. Brad Roberts was a breakout player for the Falcons, adding life as the new workhorse fullback in the Mountain West Conference. The sophomore racked up a team-high 461 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over 7.2 yards a carry. He has big-play ability, with over 20% of his carries going over ten yards. With a full workload, Roberts can be a breakout star in the Mountain West.

Akron - Bubba Arslanian, Linebacker

Despite the rest of the team’s woes, Redshirt Junior linebacker Bubba Arslanian has been a bright spot. After a 125 tackle 2019 season, Arslanian managed to collect 72 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, in only six games. A three-sport athlete in high school who placed third at the 2016 OHSAA Division I state wrestling tournament, Arslanian’s only Division One offer came from the Zips, and he has become the heart and soul of the Akron Defense. 

Alabama - Bryce Young, Quarterback

There is a lot of turnover on this Alabama offense. As usual, Alabama always has top-level recruits waiting in the wings, and it looks like another year of National Championship contention for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. Alabama will be relying on former #2 overall recruit and first-year starter Bryce Young to make an immediate impact and keep the tide rolling along.

Appalachian State - Demetrius Taylor, Defensive End

Demetrius Taylor has quietly been one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the country for the last two years. In his previous two seasons, the former two-star recruit has recorded 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. A fifth-year super senior, look for Taylor to help a staunch Mountaineers defense dominate the Sun Belt.

Arizona - Donovan Laie, Offensive Line

2020 was the worst year in Arizona Wildcat football. The program is in an complete rebuild mode under new coach Jedd Fisch, with not many proven consistent parts in the team. Donovan Laie is still there and will provide some much-needed stability. The versatile Californian will be a leader this year for a team in need of guidance moving forward.

Arizona State - Rachaad White, Running Back

Arizona State looks extremely promising for 2021, and the rushing attack is one of the biggest reasons why. JUCO transfer Rachaad White was one of the most explosive big playbacks in all of college football, averaging ten yards a carry and 18 yards per reception. Due to the shortened season, the sample size is limited, but given a full season workload, White can be a breakout star in his senior season.

Arkansas - Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver

Treylon Burks is on NFL radars as one of the top receivers in the 2022 NFL draft and for good reason. Burks checks off all the boxes of a potential star NFL receiver. He is a big receiver who can make catches other receivers wouldn’t even dream of attempting. Not only does he have the size, but Burks has great speed and mobility, using it especially well with the ball in his hands. Burks broke out in his sophomore campaign with an 820 yard 7 touchdown season, and he looks to cement his status as one college football’s elite this year.

Arkansas State - Layne Hatcher, Quarterback

Layne Hatcher has the chance to be a breakout star for the Red Wolves. Splitting snaps with Logan Bonner, Hatcher put up an impressive season. His 19 touchdowns to two interceptions jumps off the screen, almost as much as his 10.6 passing yards per attempt. Hatcher is an extremely accurate deep ball passer, perfect for an Arkansas State system that likes to push the ball downfield. With Bonner now at Utah State, the stage is set for a breakout junior campaign for Hatcher.

Army - Tyrell Robinson, Wingback

The fullbacks will always dominate the work in Army’s system, but a good wing-back will always be crucial to success. Tyrell Robinson was a breakout speedster in his freshman campaign, averaging over seven yards a carry on 60 attempts. Though Army rarely passes the ball, Robinson’s speed was used through the air last year, with the former two-star recruit scoring his two touchdowns in the passing game.

Auburn - Zakoby McClain, Linebacker

Trivia question: which player led the SEC in tackles last year? If you guessed Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain you would be right! McClain was everywhere for the Tigers last season, racking up 113 total tackles. That is nearly double the amount of his 2019 campaign. McClain is putting himself on NFL radars and looks to lead the Tigers defense to another strong season.

Ball State - Yo’Heinz Tyler, Wide Receiver

The Ball State Cardinals posted one of their best seasons in recent memory, and a rock-solid offense was a big reason why. The Cardinals have two top-level receivers in the MAC with Yo’Heinz Tyler and Justin Hall. Tyler had his best season yet, leading the Mid-American Conference in touchdown receptions with eight. Tyler is a big-play threat who uses his great size at 6’3 to dominate in the red zone. With both Tyler and Hall back, look for the Cardinals to compete again for the MAC Championship.

Baylor - Jalen Pitre, Linebacker/Safety

While the offense was a pretty big failure in the first year of the David Aranda era in Baylor, the defense was a strength for the Bears. The defensive specialist made Baylor’s defense a rock-solid unit, giving up 383 yards and 29 points per game. Versatile linebacker/safety hybrid Jalen Pitre is one of the stars of the Baylor defense, leading the team in tackles with 60. An explosive underneath player, look for Pitre to wreak havoc around the line of scrimmage. 

Boise State - Khalil Shakir, Wide Receiver

Khalil Shakir is one of the most talented receivers returning for the 2021 college football season. In three seasons on the blue turf, the Murrieta native has racked up 131 catches for 1,761 yards and 13 touchdowns. A versatile athlete, Shakir is a crafty route runner who just seems to always get the job done for the Broncos.

Boston College - Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver 

The Phil Jurkovec - Zay Flowers connection has the potential to be one of the deadliest combinations in all of college football. Fort Lauderdale receiver Zay Flowers had a breakout sophomore season last year, with 892 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions. Flowers is a dynamic route runner who leaves defenders in the dust. With the ball in his hands, he’s one of the hardest in the nation to tackle in the open field. With quarterback Phil Jurkovec hopefully taking another step, look for Flowers to be in contention for WR1 in college football.

Bowling Green State  - Terrion Stewart, Running Back

So last year was a year to forget for Bowling Green. The Falcons finished dead last in the MAC, unable to come within 28 points of an opponent. The offense finished second to last, as did the defense. One of the lone bright spots was freshman running back Terrion Stewart. In just three games, Stewart was able to inject some life into the Falcons offense, averaging over eight yards a carry and scoring twice. Look for Stewart to potentially have a big season next year if given the keys to the offense.

Buffalo - Kevin Marks, Running Back

Buffalo is in a rare situation. The Bulls lost the reigning offensive player of the year, Jaret Patterson, to the NFL, and it’s not a doom and gloom situation. For as great as JP was for Buffalo, they have to be pretty confident that senior back Kevin Marks can pick up the workload. Marks over the past three years has received plenty of work despite Patterson, managing to be an extremely productive back. The former two-star recruit managed to put up a 1,000-yard season in 2019 and averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season. 

BYU - James Empey, Center

The Cougars swept the nation last year seemingly out of nowhere with their unstoppable offense. Zach Wilson’s great gunslinging play captured the hearts of the nation, as well as the New York Jets who selected the Brigham Young quarterback 2nd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. In front of Wilson was one of the best lines in all of college football and while most of the line has moved on to the next level, stalwart center James Empey is back. Empey is one of the top returning offensive linemen in the country and will give the Cougars great experience on the line.

California- Cameron Goode, Linebacker

His name is Cameron Goode and not Cameron Bad for a reason. In last year’s COVID shortened season, the outside linebacker one, shined for the Golden Bears. In just four games Goode registered eight tackles for loss and three sacks. In the previous season, Goode brought down the quarterback nine times. Look for the California linebacker to be one of the top players in the PAC-12.

Central Michigan - Kalil Pimpleton, Wide Receiver

Trivia time once again! Who led the MAC in 2019 in both receptions and receiving yards? If you guessed Kalil Pimpleton you’d be correct once again. Despite not putting up lofty numbers in a COVID shortened 2020, it can’t be forgotten that Pimpleton is still one of the premier receivers in the MAC. Look for the former Virginia Tech receiver to bounce back in 2021.

Charlotte - Victor Tucker, Wide Receiver

Victor Tucker has been the main man for Charlotte since he was a freshman. For the past three years, the former three-star recruit has led the 49ers in virtually every receiving category. Through three years the Florida receiver has caught 136 passes for 2,021 yards and 11 touchdowns. Look for a big senior season from Tucker.

Cincinnati - Jerome Ford, Running Back

All eyes are on Desmond Ridder this year, but definitely keep an eye out for junior running back Jerome Ford. With Gerrid Doaks off to the NFL, former Alabama running back now has a chance to be a full-time starter in Cincinnati. Last year as a backup Ford rushed for 483 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

Clemson - DJ Uiagalelei, Quarterback

Clemson has a great shot to win the National Championship this season. Alabama is experiencing a change of guard at quarterback, as is Ohio State. With a defense full of playmakers this might be the Tigers best chance since 2019 to earn the title of National Champions. It all comes down to the new starting quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei. The highly touted recruit performed incredibly well in relief of Trevor Lawrence last season against Boston College and Notre Dame and has #1st overall pick potential. Clemson’s National hopes lay in the sophomore quarterback’s hands.

Coastal Carolina - Grayson McCall, Quarterback

I don’t think anybody expected Coastal Carolina to perform the way they did last year. This is a team who since coming from the FCS had not managed to amass a winning record in the Sun Belt! Then out of nowhere, the Chanticleers were an 11-1 team, a team looking to break into the top 10 in 2021. Pretty much the entire team is back minus a few starters. Most importantly standout quarterback Grayson McCall is back. In his first season starting, McCall put up 2,488 yards on 10 yards an attempt. Completing 69% of his passes, the former two-star quarterback threw 26 touchdowns to only three interceptions. Look out for McCall to become one of the biggest stars in all of football this season.

Colorado - Carson Wells, Linebacker

Carson Wells is one of the best in all of college football at making plays off the edge. The junior experienced a breakout season last year, collecting 16 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in only six games. Wells was second in the nation in TFLs, trailing Justin Rice by only three tackles despite playing in four fewer games. Look for Wells to be one of the premier defenders in all of college football once again in 2021.

Colorado State - Trey McBride, Tightend

Trey McBride has the chance to be the highest-drafted Rams pass-catcher since Michael Gallup. Despite very few eyes on the Mountain West tightend, McBride made the leap from a good player to elite college player in 2020. In a season being shortened to only four games, McBride put up numbers on par with any power five tight end. He led all tight ends in the country with 5.5 receptions and 82.5 yards per game. Look for McBride to solidify himself as one of the best tightend prospects in the draft in 2021.

Duke - Mataeo Durant, Running Back

Mataeo Durant has the opportunity to be a breakout star running back in the ACC. Durant was an injection of life into Duke’s offense whenever given the shot, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and reaching the end zone nine times despite his backup status. Durant has the speed to be a star, and with 2020 starter Deon Jackson graduating Durant has the opportunity to break out in 2021.

East Carolina - Holton Ahlers, Quarterback 

He’s back! It seems like Ahlers has been playing for the Pirates for decades now, his fourth year in Greenville. Ahlers has progressed steadily, becoming a more accurate passer over the past three seasons. If he can continue to progress and cut down on the turnovers, Ahlers can be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the American Athletic Conference this season.

Eastern Michigan - Terry Myrick, Linebacker

Terry Myrick has steadily grown into the main guy for the Eagles over the past few years, becoming the backbone for Eastern Michigan in 2020. The team leader in tackles last year will look to continue that trend into his senior season with a full schedule of games in front of him.

FIU - D’vonte Price, Running Back

Price has been one of the more underrated parts of the Panthers offense over the past few years. In the FIU running back committee, Price has over the years been an efficient piece, averaging over five yards a carry. In 2020 Price was given the keys to the backfield and made an impact, putting up a career-high in yards while maintaining efficiency. In a full season, Price could have a good year next year for FIU.

Florida - Emory Jones, Quarterback

Florida is losing a lot of players on offense… like a lot. Kyle Trask and Pitts are both gone, as are Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes. If there’s one returning player to be extremely excited about, it’s quarterback Emory Jones. The former four-star quarterback has all the tools to be a dual-threat college star, and he showed promise in limited playing time.

Florida Atlantic - Jaylen Joyner, Defensive End

In his first year starting for the Owls, Joyner showed potential to be a top edge rusher in the C-USA. In nine games the Florida native recorded a respectable seven TFLS and 5.5 sacks. With the graduation of star senior Leighton McCarthy, the Owls will depend on Joyner to provide the pressure on defense.

Florida State - Lawrance Toafili, Running Back

Florida State wasn’t able to do a ton of things well last year, but the one thing they could do is run the ball. The top four rushers for the Seminoles all averaged over five yards a carry, and though he didn’t get the rock much, freshman Lawrance Toafili impressed whenever his number was called. The speedster averaged over nine yards a carry last year and showed signs as a receiving threat. If given more of a role in the offense, Toafili can potentially be a big-time player at Florida State.

Fresno State - Ronnie Rivers, Running Back

Ronnie Rivers is one of the more underrated running backs in college football. The senior back finds the end zone like few others, averaging at least one touchdown from scrimmage per game. He can get it done on the ground efficiently, as well as through the air. Look for Rivers to continue to be the focal point of an underrated Bulldogs offense.

Georgia - Nolan Smith, Edge Rusher

This is the year Smith breaks out. College football fans have been waiting for the breakout of former #1 recruit Nolan Smith, and signs point to it happening this year. Smith has all the talent in the world and will be given the chance to show it in his junior year, the Bulldogs looking for a new standout pass rusher post-Ojulari. Smith looked extremely good in the Georgia spring game and looks to carry that momentum into the regular season.

Georgia Southern - Derrick Canteen, Cornerback

Five interceptions. That number is enough for any defensive back to be featured, let alone a freshman! Canteen in his first year of play quickly became one of the top defenders in the Sun Belt, consistently making plays for one of the better defenses in the country. One of the premier corners against the deep game, keep your eye on Canteen over the next few seasons.

Georgia State - Sam Pinckney, Wide Receiver

Sam Pinckney was a breakout star in the Sun Belt last season. Pinckney is a big guy standing at 6’4, and he uses every bit of his length to his advantage. With an inane ability to catch anything in his vicinity, Pinckney was one of the more productive receivers in all of college football last season, averaging over 17 yards a reception with seven touchdowns. Look for Pinckney to dominate the Sun Belt this season. 

Georgia Tech - Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back

Jahmyr Gibbs will be one of the premier backs of the 2023 NFL Draft Class, and it all starts with a big season this year. The freshman was a revelation for the Yellow Jackets last year, leading Georgia Tech in all-purpose yards and touchdowns. He has a special ability as a runner and receiver and should elevate to star status in 2022.

All stats courtesy of Sports Reference/College Football

Recruiting Information via 247Sports

Writer

-By Jacob Keppen