Chad Rueter Top-25 teams in NCAA based on NFL talent

He doesn't have 1-5 up yet, will edit once he does.

21-25

With fall camps opening around the country this week, here's a look at the 25 college football programs with the most NFL-caliber talent heading into the 2016 season.

Here are the teams ranked Nos. 21-25. I'll unveil five teams per day, counting down to No. 1, this week.


21. Oklahoma State

Players to watch: WR Marcell Ateman, LB Jordan Burton, TE Blake Jarwin, QB Mason Rudolph, RB Barry J. Sanders, S Jordan Sterns, OT Victor Salako, DT Vincent Taylor, WR James Washington, LB Chad Whitener, OG Michael Wilson

The outlook: Everything was looking good for Oklahoma State last fall until three straight losses (Baylor, Oklahoma, Ole Miss) sent everyone home on a down note. Never fear, Cowboys fans, as the team has a chance to compete for the Big 12 title again this season due to a strong contingent of talent. NFL scouts will definitely be interested to see if Rudolph continues to improve. That should be possible with big-play receivers like Washington and Ateman, and a solid tight end in Jarwin, available to him. Mike Gundy hasn't ignored his defense in recruiting, either, bringing in an up-and-coming star in Taylor and other solid players like Sterns and Whitener.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Tralund Webber -- The Cowboys had a mediocre high school recruiting class in 2016, but Webber, a junior college transfer, projects as a starter in 2016. They'll need to get pressure on the quarterback somehow with Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean off to the pros.

22. Oregon

Players to watch: TE Evan Baylis, TE Pharaoh Brown, WR Darren Carrington, RB Royce Freeman, RB Taj Griffin, DT Canton Kaumatule, CB Tyree Robinson, CB Arrion Springs, WR Dwayne Stanford

The outlook: Oregon tied for the 10th-most players drafted over the past five years, so it's clear the NFL respects its athletes. It's no surprise almost all of the players listed above play on offense, as the team's up-tempo offense has been its calling card since Chip Kelly was in charge. Freeman is the best of the bunch, combining speed and power that could make him an NFL starter. The front seven is replacing six starters for this year, so players like Kamuatule will receive their chance to show fans, scouts and media members their wares. Robinson and Springs are continuing the Ducks' tradition of excellent cover men patrolling the secondary.

Newcomer in the spotlight: QB Dakota Prukop -- The Ducks could be turning to an FCS transfer to lead their explosive offense for the second straight year. Prukop, like Vernon Adams before him, starred in the Big Sky Conference previously and is now on his way to take on the Pac-12. If Adams had not gotten hurt in the season opener last year, the Ducks might have won the Pac-12. Prukop's athleticism and arm should flourish in Oregon's system.

23. Arkansas

Players to watch: QB Austin Allen, CB Jared Collins, LB Brooks Ellis, LB Dre Greenlaw, WR Drew Morgan, OG Frank Ragnow, WR Dominique Reed, OT Dan Skipper, TE Jeremy Sprinkle, CB Henre' Toliver, DE Deatrich Wise

The outlook: Arkansas might struggle to finish better than third in the toughest division in the country, the SEC West. But this is a team with a lot of impressive talent. The hope around Fayetteville is that Allen will be a hometown hero, like his brother Brandon Allen, who is now in the NFL. He certainly has the targets to succeed, with Morgan and Reed heading up a talented group of receivers. Sprinkle should do well as the safety valve for Allen, now that he'll be given the chance with Hunter Henry also moving on to the next level. And, as usual, Arkansas has a slew of future pros on defense. Wise is a strong edge rusher, Ellis a consistent linebacker who could play Mike or Sam in the NFL, and the Collins/Toliver combination at cornerback is underrated.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE McTelvin Agim -- The departure of Trey Flowers left a hole in the defensive end spot across from Wise. Agim's a quick, powerful player with a good first step to challenge SEC tackles. Greenlaw and Ellis will also reap benefits from his holding of the edge in the run game. Keeping Agim in his home state was a nice grab for Bret Bielema's staff.

24. Georgia

Players to watch: DE/OLB Lorenzo Carter, OT Tyler Catalina, RB Nick Chubb, C/OG Brandon Kublanow, S Quincy Mauger, RB Sony Michel, OG Greg Pyke, S Dominick Sanders

The outlook: This isn't the most talented Georgia team I've seen, but the Bulldogs still have a number of future pros on their squad. First-year coach Kirby Smart is working the recruiting trail to make his defense as strong as the ones he led for Nick Saban at Alabama. If Carter can reach his potential under Smart's tutelage, watch out. Mauger and Sanders make a nice 1-2 punch at safety; but the team's best duo is responsible for running the ball down the field. Chubb is one of the best backs in college football when healthy, and Michel did a nice job stepping up in his place last season. Getting Catalina as a graduate transfer from Rhode Island shored up the left-tackle spot, helping Pyke and Kublanow make space for Chubb and Michel.

Newcomer in the spotlight: QB Jacob Eason -- Last year, Greyson Lambert was the newcomer to watch as a transfer from Virginia, but there's a new sheriff in town. The Bulldogs' faithful might get a chance to see the top-ranked quarterback prospect in the country do his thing in 2016 if Smart likes what he sees in fall camp.

25. Pittsburgh

Players to watch: OT Adam Bisnowaty, RB James Conner, WR Dontez Ford, LB Matt Galambos, OG Dorian Johnson, CB Avonte Maddox, RB Qadree Ollison, DE Ejuan Price, QB Nathan Peterman, S Jordan Whitehead

The outlook: In Bisnowaty and Johnson, Pitt has two of the best senior linemen in the country. Another duo worth noting are backs Conner, who is returning to the field now that he's cancer-free, and Ollison. They will benefit from having those talented linemen blocking for them. Peterman, a transfer from Tennessee, played well enough for the Panthers last season to pique the interest of NFL scouts. Whitehead is a force despite possessing only average size for the position (5-foot-11, 185 pounds). Price (6-0, 250) is undersized, too, but quite active, while Galambos is a tough-minded Mike 'backer who can shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield.

Newcomer in the spotlight: CB Damar Hamlin -- Lafayette Pitts was a four-year starter for Pitt, and his loss will be felt -- unless Hamlin can be an effective partner with Maddox from the get-go. The long, lean Pittsburgh native will be a good complement to the shorter, quick Maddox. The question is how he'll fare when thrown into the fire against Oklahoma State, Miami and Clemson this season.

16. Florida

Players to watch: DT Caleb Brantley, WR Antonio Callaway, DE Bryan Cox, Jr., LB Jarrad Davis, TE DeAndre Goolsby, OG Martez Ivey, DE CeCe Jefferson, S Marcus Maye, OT David Sharpe, CB Jalen Tabor, CB Quincy Wilson

The outlook: The Gators have arguably the three top players in college football at their respective defensive positions in Tabor, Davis and Maye. Tabor is a tough corner with ball skills. Davis is a good athlete and a big hitter. Maye does everything a coach wants his safeties to do. With a legacy player in Cox and an up-and-coming star in Brantley, NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on Gainesville. On offense, things are a bit leaner, though Callaway looks like a future star and Goolsby has potential as a matchup nightmare.

Newcomer in the spotlight: QB Luke Del Rio -- OK, so this is cheating a bit because the son of NFL lifer Jack Del Rio transferred from Oregon State before last season. He also left Alabama, where he walked on, after one season. But with an excellent showing in the spring, he'll now get a chance to run Florida's offense efficiently on Saturday afternoons. The last time Florida rated in the top 50 in the FBS in passing efficiency? It was 2009 under you-know-who. Jim McElwain is a very good offensive mind, and Del Rio will benefit from his teaching.

17. Ole Miss

Players to watch: WR Quincy Adeboyejo, CB Tony Bridges, S/LB Tony Conner, TE Evan Engram, OLB Marquis Haynes, QB Chad Kelly, WR Damore'ea Stringfellow, CB Ken Webster

The outlook: The Rebels have gone from seven to 10 wins over the past four years under Hugh Freeze. Have they plateaued? Possibly ... but Kelly has the same sort of competitive fire that his uncle -- Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly -- possessed. Chad Kelly also has a few NFL-quality targets to whom he can throw in Adeboyejo, Engram and Stringfellow. Though the team no longer has Robert Nkemdiche, there are plenty of veterans (Conner, Bridges, Haynes, Webster), and young, highly rated players looking to make their mark on defense.

18. Auburn

Players to watch: DT Montravius Adams, K Daniel Carlson, WR Marcus Davis, S Johnathan Ford, QB John Franklin III, QB Jeremy Johnson, OG Alex Kozan, DE Carl Lawson, RB Jovon Robinson, DT Dontavius Russell, OL Braden Smith

The outlook: People like to discuss the offensive scheme of head coach Gus Malzahn, but he really builds his team on the offensive and defensive lines -- and NFL scouts come to town looking for that talent. If Lawson can stay healthy, he'll join with Adams and Russell to form one of the top defensive lines in the country. Kozan, Smith, and transfers Darius James (Texas) and Austin Golson (Ole Miss) make up an outstanding group that can create holes for Robinson, a former junior college star. If Johnson or Florida State/junior college transfer Franklin take command of the offense, the Tigers will make noise in the SEC West.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Marlon Davidson -- Last year, Byron Cowart was the "next big thing" coming in. Davidson's the new kid in town, looking to become the pass-rush force that the team needs across from Lawson. The competition there should only make them better. WR Nate Craig-Myers is another freshman to watch, as he has the skills to earn a starting gig before too long.

19. North Carolina

Players to watch: C Lucas Crowley, OT Jon Heck, RB Elijah Hood, WR Mack Hollins, WR Bug Howard, DT Nazair Jones, CB Des Lawrence, S Donnie Miles, OG Caleb Peterson, CB M.J. Stewart, WR Ryan Switzer

The outlook: Even though North Carolina is primarily a basketball school, the NFL regularly finds draftable prospects in Chapel Hill. This year, scouts first will be looking at three seniors on the offensive line in Crowley, Heck and Peterson. Hood is a sturdy back willing to pound his way to yardage, while Hollins, Howard and Switzer give the Tar Heels a chance to move the ball through the air if Matt Trubisky can take over as an effective replacement for Marquise Williams. Scouts can check out a very strong secondary, as well, with corners Lawrence and Stewart unafraid to match up against any receiver. The best of the bunch might turn out to be Jones, who is due for a breakout year.

Newcomer in the spotlight: CB Patrice Rene -- Rene decommitted from Rutgers to join UNC, and his physical style of play could earn him playing time right away. His 6-foot-2, 203-pound frame could push him to the safety spot at some point in his career

20. Stanford

Players to watch: LB Joey Alfieri, OG Johnny Caspers, S Zach Hoffpauir, LB Peter Kalambayi, RB Christian McCaffrey, S Quenton Meeks, WR Michael Rector, TE Dalton Schultz, DE Solomon Thomas, OT Casey Tucker

The outlook: Losing quarterback Kevin Hogan to the NFL is a blow for the Cardinal, so whoever wins the job between Keller Chryst and Ryan Burns takes on a lot of pressure. Their most important duty, however, will be to hand the ball to McCaffrey, an all-around threat that could have easily won the Heisman last year. There are no worries about the offensive or defensive lines in Palo Alto, as head coach David Shaw has continued to bulk up on both sides of the ball. Caspers and Tucker are strong, smart linemen for McCaffrey to follow, while Thomas and Kalambayi lead the defensive charge.

Newcomer in the spotlight: TE Kaden Smith -- Stanford is known for two-tight-end sets that keep the chains moving, and bringing in one of the top prospects at the position will only make Schultz and the rest of the offense more potent. If Smith is ready to block, then McCaffrey wins, as well.

11. Michigan State

Players to watch: OG Brian Allen, LB Riley Bullough, DE Demetrius Cooper, CB Demetrious Cox, OLB Ed Davis, OL Kodi Kieler, DT Malik McDowell, QB Tyler O'Connor, RB L.J. Scott, WR R.J. Shelton, TE Josiah Price

The outlook: O'Connor is finally getting his chance to lead Michigan State, now that Connor Cook has used up his eligibility. Even though the team has produced several very good receivers in recent years, the well isn't dry with Shelton and freshman Donnie Corley available on the outside. Scott is a beast in the backfield, and Price is becoming an all-around talent at tight end. Mark Dantonio always seems to reload on the offensive line, and with Allen and Kieler providing veteran presences, there shouldn't be a large drop-off. Dantonio has landed some big recruits on the defensive side of the ball, with McDowell at the top of the list. The return of Davis for a sixth year is a blessing for MSU.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Josh King -- Shilique Calhoun and Lawrence Thomas are trying to make their way in the NFL. King, a four-star recruit from Illinois, will need to live up to the recruiting hype so the Spartans can have an effective pass rusher across from Cooper this season.

12. UCLA

Players to watch: WR/CB Ishmael Adams, CB/S Randall Goforth, LB Deon Hollins, RB Soso Jamabo, OT Conor McDermott, DE Takkarist McKinley, CB Fabian Moreau, CB Marcus Rios, QB Josh Rosen, DT Eddie Vanderdoes, S Jaleel Wadood

The outlook: Jim Mora's players are all his now, as he enters his fifth season at the helm of the Bruins. Getting Rosen was a big catch. He will guide the offense over the next two or three seasons, and fellow sophomore Jamabo is due to break out in 2016. The defense has some great pieces, as well, with Vanderdoes, McKinley and Hollins attacking from the front seven, and Moreau, Rios and Wadood cleaning up behind them.

Newcomer in the spotlight: WR Theo Howard -- Graduations have decimated the Bruins' receiving corps the past two years, to the point that Adams is moving over from cornerback. That makes the fluid, strong-handed Howard a player the Bruins will be counting on for contributions right away. Look out for LB Mique Jaurez as a likely impact freshman as well.

13. Tennessee

Players to watch: DE Derek Barnett, QB Joshua Dobbs, RB Jalen Hurd, RB Alvin Kamara, WR Josh Malone, DT Kahlil McKenzie, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DB Cameron Sutton, DE Corey Vereen, OG Dylan Wiesman, WR Preston Williams

The outlook: This is the year Vols fans believe the team can overtake Florida and Georgia for supremacy in the SEC East. Dobbs has a stable of talented receivers to throw to (Malone, Williams and others). Dobbs also can make plays with his legs when given the chance, or simply hand off to Hurd or Kamara behind an offensive line returning four starters. The defense has speed in Vereen, Barnett and Reeves-Maybin to rack up TFLs -- NFL scouts will be checking out all of these guys as Tennessee roots for a return to glory.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Jonathan Kongbo -- Although left tackle might be manned by redshirt freshman Drew Richmond this season, the newcomer everyone is most interested to see is the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Kongbo. He might not start with Barnett and Vereen in tow, but he'll see the field. Butch Jones is fortunate to have two talented youngsters who could anchor the line on each side of the ball for the next few seasons.

14. Oklahoma

Players to watch: WR Mark Andrews, OT Orlando Brown, LB Jordan Evans, WR Geno Lewis, QB Baker Mayfield, RB Joe Mixon, S Steven Parker, RB Samaje Perine, S Ahmad Thomas, CB Jordan Thomas, DE Charles Walker, WR Dede Westbrook

The outlook: After an 11-2 season, Bob Stoops and his staff return a lot of talent (per usual) and expectations are high in Sooner Country. Mayfield should put up big numbers once again while throwing to Andrews, Westbrook and Penn State transfer Lewis downfield. Perine is a powerful back who simply eats up five or six yards every carry. His backup, Mixon, would start on 100 other FBS squads. Brown played well as a freshman last season, and he's just stratching the surface of his potential. Stoops' secondaries are always full of prospects, and the triumvirate of Parker and the Thomases (no relation) continue that trend.

Newcomer in the spotlight: LB Caleb Kelly -- It won't take long for Kelly to make himself at home next to Evans in Oklahoma's defense. The five-star recruit can rush the passer, drop into coverage and play the run.

15. Miami (Fla.)

Players to watch: WR Stacy Coley, OT Trevor Darling, CB Corn Elder, LB Jermaine Grace, OG Danny Isidora, S Rayshawn Jenkins, QB Brad Kaaya, C Nick Linder, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE David Njoku, DE Chad Thomas, RB Joseph Yearby

The outlook: The story in Miami for 2016 is whether Mark Richt can take the program to a championship level after a very successful run at Georgia (145-51 record). There are pieces in place on offense, with Kaaya and Coley serving an excellent big-play combination. The offense returns all five starters on the O-line, and a strong back in Yearby. There is the typical Hurricane speed on defense, as well. Richt is already lining up commitments from Miami-area stars for 2017, so I expect the squad will be part of the ACC Coastal Division chase sooner rather than later.

Newcomer in the spotlight: LB Shaquille Quarterman -- High expectations come along with playing Mike linebacker at Miami, but Quarterman has the physical nature and speed to meet them. If Richt wants the defense to step up its game in 2016, he should ask the freshman to find his way to the ball as often as possible.

6. Michigan

Players to watch: TE Jake Butt, DE Taco Charlton, WR Jehu Chesson, CB Jeremy Clark, C Mason Cole, WR Amara Darboh, OG Kyle Kalis, CB Jourdan Lewis, OT Erik Magnuson, S Jabrill Peppers, RB De'Veon Smith, DL Chris Wormley

The outlook: Jim Harbaugh has wasted no time turning the Wolverines into a recruiting power, but he also has helped veterans reach their potential. Wormley, Charlton and Ryan Glasgow make up a strong defensive line, which will only make the talented cornerback duo of Lewis and Clark better. Peppers has looked the part of a top-five national recruit so far, starring on offense, defense and special teams. If Houston transfer QB John O'Korn performs as well as Jake Rudock did last season under Harbaugh's tutelage, then Chesson and Butt will have career years.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DT Rashan Gary -- The guy everyone wanted last spring ended up signing with Harbaugh. His strength and athleticism will make him a tough sit this season, as a lot of upperclassmen don't have the skills of this 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman. Gary can play any spot on the line, making him a valuable swing player as a freshman.

7. Ohio State

Players to watch: QB J.T. Barrett, C Pat Elflein, DE Sam Hubbard, DE Tyquan Lewis, MLB Raekwon McMillan, OG Billy Price, RB Curtis Samuel

The outlook: The Buckeyes return just five starters from last year's team, and lost stars in running back Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa. But Urban Meyer usually has a few tricks up his sleeve, as well as a wealth of talent from his annual top-five recruiting hauls. Barrett is among the top QBs to watch in CFB, and he could post huge numbers. The run game should be fine, thanks in part to the presence of Elflein (who is moving to center) and Price, and young linemen like Jamarco Jones, who are ready to step up. McMillan's the leader of the defense, which needs one badly considering the lack of experience in the back seven. I expect LB Dante Booker, S Cam Burrows and others to show that they are the next generation of excellent Buckeyes defenders, which will push OSU back toward the top of this list for 2017.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Nick Bosa -- Hubbard and Lewis are expected to start at defensive end, but Bosa is a clone of his All-American brother, Joey. Expectations will be high for him, and he'll likely find the field more each game as the season unfolds.

8. Notre Dame

Players to watch: RB Josh Adams, RB Tarean Folston, WR Torii Hunter Jr., QB DeShone Kizer, DT Jarron Jones, CB Cole Luke, OT Mike McGlinchey, S Max Redfield, DE Isaac Rochell, DE Andrew Trumbetti, QB Malik Zaire

The outlook: They have a fascinating quarterback competition between Kizer and Zaire, as well as a strong duo in the backfield in Adams and Folston. Add in Hunter, and you're looking at a dangerous offense ... if McGlinchey can lead an inexperienced line. Coach Brian Kelly has to replace difference-makers on defense this year. Rochell and Trumbetti are strong on the edge, and Jones hopes to return to his dominant form after a knee injury sidelined him last year. Look for young talents like LB Nyles Morgan and CB Nick Watkins to step up, as well.

Newcomer in the spotlight: LB Asmar Bilal -- With Jaylon Smith moving on, the Irish need a new playmaker on the second level of the defense. Bilal is an athletic, quick defender who earned enough points in practices to take the Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year award. Now he's looking to make the next step.

9. Texas A&M

Players to watch: DE Myles Garrett, OT Avery Gennesy, DE Daeshon Hall, WR Christian Kirk, DT Daylon Mack, WR Speedy Noil, WR Josh Reynolds, WR Ricky Seals-Jones, S Armani Watts

The outlook: Kevin Sumlin has made College Station a destination for NFL scouts with outstanding recruiting classes in the past four years. Offensive line coaches like heading to campus, as well, because the Aggies produced first-round talents in the last four drafts: Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews, Cedric Ogbuehi and Germain Ifedi. Gennesy was a junior-college transfer, giving Sumlin the luxury of playing Ifedi on the right side in 2015. TAMU has one of the best defensive lines in the country, with pass rusher extraordaire Garrett, Hall and the irrepressible Mack terrorizing offenses across the SEC. Add in transfers like quarterback Trevor Knight, running back Keith Ford and cornerback Priest Willis, and Sumlin's accumulated talent from just about every place imaginable.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Justin Madubuike -- This Texas native figures to take the helm from Hall in 2017, but should find his way onto the field this year as part of a rotation to keep the veterans fresh. While he's not as tall as Garrett or Hall, Madubuike's motor and get-off will serve his new school well.

10. Louisville

Players to watch: DT DeAngelo Brown, DE Devonte Fields, S/LB Josh Harvey-Clemons, TE Cole Hikutini, QB Lamar Jackson, LB Keith Kelsey, WR James Quick, WR Jamari Staples, TE Keith Towbridge, CB Trumaine Washington, CB Shaq Wiggins

The outlook: Under Charlie Strong and Bobby Petrino, the Cardinals have been a true conference power on the gridiron. The Cardinals had the second-most players drafted over the past two years (Florida State, 11; Louisville, 10). Transfers have played a major role, with Fields returning to the dominant form he had at TCU, Harvey-Clemons (Georgia) working as a safety/linebacker, Wiggins (Georgia) locking down one side of the field and Staples starting to fulfill the potential that UAB saw in him before it shut down the program. Jackson played very well in his freshman year, and should be even better with all of that receiving talent around him.

Newcomer in the spotlight: K/P Austin Johnson -- With the Cardinals needing to replace both their kicker and punter in 2016, Johnson has the ability to perform both tasks. His brother, Ryan, was the team's punter from 2012 to 2014, and his father was an all-conference punter at Eastern Kentucky. Johnson's contributions on special teams will be crucial.

dbair be all like fuck these numbers ima just post it all fucked up like because potato!

Thanks for appreciating my contributions!

dbair1967 said:

22. Oregon - CB Tyree Robinson

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6'4" Corner who was an athletic WR in high school. Very intriguing player. Plus, I know his coach (I'm cool) John Neal and I think he is one of the better DB coaches in college.

dbair1967 said:

19. North Carolina - WR Ryan Switzer

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Loved this kid for a while now. If we didn't already have Cole Beasley, he'd be way up there on my wish list.

dbair1967 said:

13. Tennessee Newcomer in the spotlight: DE Jonathan Kongbo

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We played against him last year and he was a monster. He made our talented left tackle (Boise State 2017 verbal) look like a small child.

dbair1967 said:

6. Michigan - S Jabrill Peppers

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Played CB, S, WR, RB, KR, PR, and now LB for the Wolverines. He's a more physical Jalen Ramsey. If we are drafting in the 7 to 15 range, he should be a big target for this team.

dbair1967 said:

7. Ohio State - MLB Raekwon McMillan

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I'm a fan, could be a huge need.

dbair1967 said:

9. Texas A&M - DE Myles Garrett

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Julius Peppers/Mario Williams type potential. Top 3 pick in the draft.

dbair1967 said:

9. Texas A&M -S Armani Watts

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I'm not sure the Aggies play any defense, but I do like Watts and the other safety, Justin Evans.

1. Alabama

Players to watch: DE Jonathan Allen, LB Reuben Foster, CB Marlon Humphrey, TE O.J. Howard, S Eddie Jackson, WR Calvin Ridley, OT Cam Robinson, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Tim Williams

The outlook: Alabama has had more first-round picks taken from its program since 2006 (17) than any other school in the country. Nick Saban gets enough big-time recruits to reload every year. The defense doesn't have many returning starters, but Allen and Foster are superstars leading the way for a bunch of future superstars. Offensively, the Tide has Ridley and Howard, and a boatload of running backs ready to take the mantle of Heisman winner Derrick Henry. It's Saban's world, and we're all just tailgating in his parking lot.

Newcomers in the spotlight: OL Brandon Kennedy and Jonah Williams. The Tide might look to true freshmen to fill in holes on the offensive line this fall. The door might be open for Kennedy at guard, while true frosh Williams has a chance to replace Dominick Jackson at right tackle.

2. LSU

Players to watch: S Jamal Adams, LB Kendall Beckwith, WR Malachi Dupre, WR Travin Dural, RB Leonard Fournette, DT Davon Godchaux, DE Arden Key, DE Lewis Neal, OT Maea Teuhema, CB Tre'Davious White

The outlook: Over the past decade, no school has had more top-100 draft picks than the Tigers (USC is tied for the top spot with 33). There's another highly touted group of prospects lining up on defense for Les Miles, including a fearsome foursome at defensive line and tough, athletic defensive backs like Adams, White, Kevin Toliver and Rickey Jefferson. Fournette is an absolute stud, and if quarterback Brandon Jennings finds Dupre and Duval consistently this season, it'll be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DB Saivion Smith -- The next of the top-flight LSU defensive backs might see playing time this season despite the return of four starters in the secondary. His versatility could allow him to flourish in a nickel position, working with Toliver and White to form as good a trio as there is in the country.

3. Florida State

Players to watch: S Nate Andrews, RB Dalvin Cook, OT Roderick Johnson, S Derwin James, WR Travis Rudolph, DE/OLB Josh Sweat, DE DeMarcus Walker, CB Marquez White

The outlook: Talents like Sweat (State's next great edge rusher) and James (the most intimidating safety in the country) keep the defense among the nation's elite, while less heralded players like Andrews and White do the dirty work. Cook could hit the 2,000-yard mark this year with five returning starters on the offensive line. If young quarterbacks Deondre Francois or Malik Henry step up this season, the Seminoles will continue to contend for ACC and national titles.

Newcomer in the spotlight: K Ricky Aguayo -- The brother of three-time All-American and Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-round pick Roberto Aguayo is stepping into his sibling's shoes. FSU will need the younger Aguayo to make big kicks if the Seminoles want to challenge Clemson for the ACC crown.

4. Clemson

Players to watch: LB Ben Boulware, RB Wayne Gallman, OT Mitch Hyatt, TE Jordan Leggett, WR Artavis Scott, CB Cordrea Tankersley, DT Carlos Watkins, QB Deshaun Watson, WR Mike Williams

The outlook: NFL teams know that their stops in Clemson will be fruitful. Dabo Swinney has one of the most talented offenses in the country with Watson, a Heisman Trophy contender, throwing to Scott, Williams, and Leggett. And when Watson isn't running through defenses, Gallman takes the rock with super sophomore Hyatt and returning starters Jay Guillermo (center) and Tyrone Crowder (guard) clearing holes for him. Boulware and Tankersley will be leaders on the defense this year.

Newcomer in the spotlight: DT Dexter Lawrence -- A massive human (6-foot-5, 340 pounds) among the top 10 recruits in the country, Lawrence joins Watkins in forming a huge wall up front for the Tigers.

5. USC

Players to watch: OT Zach Banner, RB Justin Davis, DT Rasheem Green, OLB Porter Gustin, CB/WR/RS Adoree' Jackson, DT Noah Jefferson, C Toa Lobendahn, CB Iman Marshall, TE Taylor McNamara, LB Cameron Smith, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OT Chad Wheeler

The outlook: Clay Helton heads into his first full year as head coach with a lot of talent, including a No. 1-rated 2015 recruiting class. Members of that group included Green, Gustin, Jefferson, Marshall, Smith, and a handful of others who will make their names known in 2016. Davis is this year's version of former Alabama back Kenyon Drake, except with a bit more physicality. And I haven't even mentioned versatile star Jackson and the top receiver in the country in Smith-Schuster. If Helton finds a quarterback this year, look out for the Trojans.

Newcomer in the spotlight: CB Jack Jones -- Even with Jackson and Marshall in the secondary, Jones' playmaking ability will be tempting to throw into the nickel spot. After Jackson and Marshall have moved on, Jones will be the guy everyone expects to make plays for the Trojans.

dbair1967 said:

Alabama - CB Marlon Humphrey

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Legit burner, can't wait to see his 40 time at the Combine. Almost came to play for us before last season. He sucked it up, stayed, and recovered that big onside kick in the National Championship game.

dbair1967 said:

Alabama - TE O.J. Howard

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Yes please.

dbair1967 said:

Alabama - LB Tim Williams

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Not as complete, but has some Von Miller-type ability.

dbair1967 said:

LSU - S Jamal Adams

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My unhealthy man crush this year.

dbair1967 said:

Florida State - S Derwin James

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Not draft eligible this year. He's the closest thing to Sean Taylor (Hurricane version) I've seen.

dbair1967 said:

Clemson - LB Ben Boulware

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Not as big as I'd like him to be but a tough kid. A technician at linebacker.

dbair1967 said:

Clemson - QB Deshaun Watson

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If he repeats last year's performance, he's the #1 pick in the draft. I'm curious what his true height/weight is.

dbair1967 said:

USC - OT Zach Banner

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The son of Lincoln Kennedy, he's 6 foot 9 and 360 lbs. He actually played basketball for the Trojans his first two years.

dbair1967 said:

USC- CB/WR/RS Adoree' Jackson

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I was worried about his height but has supposedly grown to 5'11". Just barely missed making the Olympics (long jump) this year.

dbair1967 said:

USC - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

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Picture Dez Bryant, only faster.

Just glad to see the Vols get some names on this list. Butch Jones is a talented recruiter but his game day coaching has been suspect to say the least.

Hobbs has some kind of condition where his hair is all fucked up. Like he has no eye brows and his hair line is way higher than it should be. But he's a talented double threat QB. Best QB we've had since Peyton, IMO.

And I'm a big fan of Jalen Hurd. If we didn't get Elliott then I would've been all over wanting Hurd to be a Cowboy.

Midswat said:

Just glad to see the Vols get some names on this list. Butch Jones is a talented recruiter but his game day coaching has been suspect to say the least.

Hobbs has some kind of condition where his hair is all fucked up. Like he has no eye brows and his hair line is way higher than it should be. But he's a talented double threat QB. Best QB we've had since Peyton, IMO.

And I'm a big fan of Jalen Hurd. If we didn't get Elliott then I would've been all over wanting Hurd to be a Cowboy.

Keep reading...

Their defense is going to be very good. There's at least 6 future NFL'ers there.