CFB: EVERY FBS Teams "Player to Watch" in 2021 (Part 2)

Read Part One HERE

Hawaii - Calvin Turner, All Purpose

Calvin Turner is the most fun player in college football that you haven’t heard of. The Georgia native didn’t play in the FBS level until 2020, playing for the now-defunct Jacksonville Dolphins. In his year with Hawaii Turner was a versatile threat who could run the ball, catch the ball, and make plays on special teams. Turner opted to remain in school for one more go, rather than enter his name in the NFL Draft.

Houston - Damarion Williams, Cornerback

Damarion Williams is one of the more defensive backs in college football. An uber aggressive corner, Williams gets his hands on the football consistently for the Cougars. A tough player, Williams is a fearless tackler who does all the little things for the Houston defense.

Illinois - Jake Hansen, Linebacker

Super Senior! Jake Hansen has been a big-time contributor for the Illini defense over the past two years, and he looks to take an even bigger step forward in 2021. One of the best tacklers in football, Hansen has racked up over 200 tackles in his collegiate career. A staunch run defender, Hansen looks to help get Illinois football back on the right track.

Indiana - Michael Penix Jr, Quarterback

Michael Penix is currently the best quarterback in the Big Ten until proven otherwise. Few quarterbacks can go punch for punch with Justin Fields, but that’s exactly what Penix did in his near 500 yard five touchdown performance against the National Runner Ups. He’s a big time player who elevated his game in key moments last year and looks to take another step this year.

Iowa - Tyler Linderbaum, Center

Tyler Linderbaum is potentially the best overall player in college football. There are few who dominate opponents like the Iowa center, and it seemingly came out of nowhere for the former defensive tackle recruit. Linderbaum has the perfect combination of power and athleticism, able to make blocks on the move and clear running lanes for a very good Iowa rushing attack. Watching Linderbaum is eerily reminiscent of Eagles center Jason Kelce.

Iowa State - Mike Rose, Linebacker

Mike Rose was named the best defensive player in the Big 12 conference last year, and it’s easy to see why. He plays with grit, toughness, high motor, and is willing to do whatever the Cyclones ask of him. He’s a high-level run defender, with great instincts and tackling ability. He can also get it done in coverage as well.

Kansas - Velton Gardner, Running Back

Things aren’t great for Kansas right now… like at all. The Les Miles era ended in disaster, the Jayhawks failing to win a single game in 2020. Velton Gardner is a solid back for Kansas, showing promise in his first two years in Lawrence.

Kansas State - Deuce Vaughn, Running Back

Deuce Vaughn looked like a player to keep an eye on in his freshman year. While only 5’6, the former three-star running back was a big-time player last season. Vaughn was the Wildcats' offense, leading Kansas State in rushing yards, touchdowns, and receiving yards. The Darren Sproles/Tarik Cohen comparisons will be very loud over the next year for Vaughn.

Kent State - Dustin Crum, Quarterback

Dustin Crum has arguably been the most underrated quarterback in college football over the past two years. Over the past two seasons (17 games) the Kent State signal-caller has thrown for 32 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Crum has also added 10 touchdowns on the ground over that span as well. Look out for Crum’s name to rise in 2021.

Kentucky - Darian Kinnard, Offensive Tackle

Darian Kinnard has a sure argument for the best offensive tackle in the nation. Kentucky had one of the better rushing attacks in all the nation last year, led by right tackle Kinnard. Kinnard has great size and power, with a special ability to move defenders. In the run game, Kinnard is similar to former Oklahoma State right tackle Teven Jenkins.

Liberty - Malik Willis, Quarterback

All of the attention in Lynchburg is heading towards quarterback Malik Willis, and for good reason. The former Auburn quarterback found himself at Liberty last season, becoming one of college football’s premier players. With a big arm and ability to outrun nearly anyone, look for Willis to be Liberty’s highest selected player in school history.

Louisiana - Bralen Trahan, Safety

The Ragin Cajuns have become one of the top dogs in the Sun Belt, thanks in large part to a very good defense. Safety Balen Trahan is the single high safety team’s dream of who can make plays and cause turnovers. Trahan led Louisiana in pass deflections with nine and interceptions with four.

Louisiana Monroe - Traveion Webster, Linebacker/Safety

Versatile Traveion Webster was a bright spot on a very underwhelming Louisiana-Monroe team last year. Last season he led the Warhawks in tackles with 82, tackles for loss with 8.5, and sacks with 2.5. He is one of the more underrated defenders in college football today.

Louisiana Tech - Tyler Grubbs, Linebacker

Freshman Tyler Grubbs was a standout player for the Bulldogs defense last year. While most attention went to now Philadelphia Eagles player Milton Williams, Grubbs quietly had a really good season in Ruston. Grubbs led the Bulldogs in TFLs with 9.5 and forced a fumble. The freshman led the entire C-USA in total tackles. Look for Grubbs to take a big step in his second year.

LSU - Max Johnson, Quarterback

If given the opportunity, Max Johnson can be a breakout player for the Tigers. The son of Super Bowl winning quarterback Brad Johnson, Max showed good potential as a freshman last year, throwing three touchdowns against Florida and Mississippi. Johnson finished with eight touchdowns to only one interception. There’s potential there if given the starting job.

Marshall - Steven Gilmore, Cornerback

Speaking of relatives to Super Bowl winning players, the younger Gilmore brother Steven has been a standout corner for the Thundering Herd over the past two seasons. He has the athleticism and ball skills of a star, Gilmore breaking up 11 passes last season. Look for Steven to step out from under the shadow of his brother and be known as more than just “Stephon’s Brother” this year.

Maryland - Taulia Tagovailoa, Quarterback

Speaking of relatives to NFL players, the younger Tagovailoa brother has been making waves in Maryland. Though the raw numbers are a bit of a mixed bag, Taulia showed star potential in his 394 yard five-touchdown performance against Minnesota. He also scored three touchdowns against Penn State. If he can limit the bad games, Tagovailoa can be a star in the Big Ten.

Memphis - Calvin Austin III, Wide Receiver

Over the past few years, the running backs have defined Memphis Football. Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, Antonio Gibson, Kenny Gainwell. All four have been drafted by NFL teams. The new star on campus though, is Calvin Austin III. Last year only eleven receivers reached over 1,000 yards, and Austin was one of them. Only three are returning this season including Austin. Look for Austin to further shine in 2021.

Miami (Florida) - Zion Nelson, Offensive Tackle

Zion Nelson has the makings of an elite tackle for the Hurricanes. He might not have all of the technique down yet entering his junior season, but the potential is sky-high for the former three-star recruit. He took big strides from his freshman to sophomore year, and with his good build and athleticism figures to take another step this season. Watch out for Nelson’s name come draft time.

Miami (Ohio) - Jack Sorenson, Wide Receiver

It’s honestly absurd how much Sorenson means to the RedHawks offense. In their three games, the former two-star recruit caught twelve more passes than the next leading receiver. Sorenson was a big-time threat for Miami Ohio, averaging nearly twenty yards a catch last season. Look for Sorenson to continue to be the heart and soul of the RedHawks offense in his senior season.

Michigan - Hassan Haskins, Running Back

There were not a lot of bright spots for Michigan last season. It was a year that was not just bad by Michigan standards, it was bad by any team's standards. A lone bright spot for the Wolverines was junior back, Hassan Haskins. Haskins averaged 6.1 yards per carry as the true #1 back for Michigan, as well as averaged a touchdown a game. With the Wolverines experiencing another change at quarterback, look for Harbaugh to rely on Haskins this year a lot.

Michigan State - Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver

There was not a ton to be excited about with Michigan State football last year. Just like their Maize and Blue counterparts, the Spartans really struggled last season. A bright spot was receiver Jalen Nailor. The speedster led the Spartans in receiving yards and touchdowns and has looked incredibly good over the summer.

Middle Tennessee State - Gregory Grate Jr, Safety

Grate was one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the C-USA last season. Grate led the Blue Raiders in interceptions last year with a conference-leading four interceptions. Grate does everything for the Blue Raiders defense and will look to claim the throne as the top safety in the C-USA this season.

Minnesota - Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle

Last year there seemed to be a ton of hype surrounding Daniel Faalele, I mean how could there not be. Faalele is one of the most literal can’t miss players in college football, his 6’9 400 measurables off the charts. There was a good amount of draft talk regarding the big man, then it all just seemed to go away. Everyone forgot about Faalele, most not even knowing if he was in the draft or not. The massive man from Melbourne is back for another season and looks to put his name back on draft radars with a strong season.

Mississippi State - Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle

Charles Cross comes into 2021 with high expectations of becoming one of the premier tackles in the SEC. In his first year as a starter, Cross flashed some tools that scream potential first-round pick in the NFL. Though rather thinly built, Cross has great length and violence in his play. What stands out most is his great athleticism and mobility. Keep an eye on Cross to take a big leap forward this season.

Missouri - Connor Bazelak, Quarterback

Bazelak is a player pegged to breakout in 2021, and the makings of a great player already flashed in 2020. When given time, Bazelak can throw some special passes. Reminiscent of former Mizzou QB Drew Lock, Bazelak has one of the most natural arms in the SEC. He has to put his game together, but Bazelak can be a breakout star in 2021.

Navy - Diego Fagot, Linebacker

Diego Fagot is the heart and soul of the Navy defense. In a team full of special people and leaders, Fagot has managed to rise above all. Over the past two seasons, Fagot has registered 172 tackles, 23 for a loss, and 8.5 sacks. The linebacker is entering his senior season and looks to put together another strong campaign for the Midshipmen.

NC State - Devin Leary, Quarterback

Here is your breakout candidate at quarterback for 2021. In 2021 the former three-star recruit really started to put it together for the Wolfpack. In only four games Leary threw eight touchdowns to only two interceptions. He was extremely accurate as well. NC State is bringing back a lot of pieces on their team, watch out for Leary in 2021.

Nebraska - Adrian Martinez, Quarterback

It seems the college football world has been waiting forever for Adrain Martinez to hit his true potential. As a runner, Martinez is one of the most electric in all of college football. We’ve known this for years now. Now he has to really take that next step as a passer in his senior season. Is this the year Adrian Martinez puts it all together?

Nevada - Romeo Doubs, Wide Receiver

Remember back to the Calvin Austin entry how there are only three returning 1,000 yards receivers in the FBS, Romeo Doubs is one of the three. Doubs and quarterback Strong quickly became one of the best combinations in all of college football last year, and with another year to develop the sky’s the limit.

New Mexico - Bobby Cole, Running Back

While the team around him has struggled, Bobby Cole has done his thing over the past two years. As a freshman, Cole was a fine rotational piece who provided a spark to the offense when given the chance. Last year given control of the offense, Cole maintained his efficiency, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. With a full season, Cole can have a really good season for the Lobos.

New Mexico State - Juwuan Price, Running Back

It’s a little hard to pick a player for the Aggies, New Mexico State not playing a single FBS school in a COVID impacted 2020 season. Juwuan Price in his two games looked promising, earning 222 yards and a touchdown. Can Price keep that going against FBS schools in 2021?

North Carolina - Ty Chandler, Running Back

The Tar Heels lost a lot of players in the offseason. The two top pass catchers and rushers are gone for North Carolina. Hoping to fill the void at running back is former Volunteer Ty Chandler. Chandler was never truly given the keys to the offense in Tennessee, splitting his time with now Oklahoma running back Eric Gray. Can Chandler have a breakout Super Senior season in Chapel Hill?

North Texas - Deandre Torrey, Running Back

The Mean Green face the tall task of replacing their top player, wide receiver Jaelon Darden. Darden was a thousand-yard receiver last year for North Texas, zooming his way to a fourth-round. North Texas will look to senior running back Deandre Torrey to pick up the slack on offense. Torrey nearly eclipsed 1,000 yards in his freshman year, a year that also saw him reach the end zone 15 times. There’s a lot of talent in Torrey.

Northern Illinois - Tyrice Richie, Wide Receiver

The Huskies relied a lot on JUCO product Tyrice Richie last year, and figure to do so again this season. The former Dodge City receiver had moments of magic last year, averaging 99.5 yards per game last year. Look for Richie to establish himself as one of the stars of the MAC in 2021.

Northwestern - Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle

For a team that lost an insanely great talent at left tackle in Rashawn Slater, the Wildcats still managed to get by pretty well. Freshman Peter Skoronski showed a ton of great potential at left tackle for Northwestern in relief of Slater and looks to be a big-time player for the future. He has really good technique, and once he gets bigger will be an extremely good lineman.

Notre Dame - Jack Coan, Quarterback

The Jack Attack is back, and it’s coming to South Bend! Former Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan has found a home at Notre Dame and is the projected starter. Notre Dame as usual has a very good roster, just needing a quarterback to make it all happen. There is a ton of pressure on Coan to be able to replace longtime starter Ian Book and keep the Irish Fightin.

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen