If there's one thing I am, it is a champion of the underdog, the little man, the person who doesn't have the spotlight or the stage to showcase their talent.
Everyone knows about Lamar Jackson and Jake Browning and Malik Jefferson, they're on the highlights all of the time. Their teams are covered ad nauseam, and by the end of the season fans know what they routinely have for lunch, who they are hanging out with and what song they downloaded yesterday.
While those names (and others) get lauded as award winners, there are also real ballplayers at smaller schools -- guys who are mired in remote outposts like El Paso, Texas; Jonesboro, Ark.; and Bowling Green, Ky. Don't be fooled by their small school names, though -- these guys are big time talents, and names you should know and will hear plenty from by the end of the regular season.
In an effort to make you the smartest fan in the room, it's time to unveil five players who fly under the radar, but who are game-changers and big-time talents.
If his 10 catches for 95 yards against Alabama his freshman year didn't show he had something, maybe the fact that he became the first player in Conference USA history to catch over 100 passes as a freshman did. His 213 grabs in two years makes him the leading returning receiver in FBS, and a duplication of his 105-grab 2016 would put him among the top 10 all-time. He can line up in the slot or outside, he isn't afraid to go over the middle, and he's QB Brent Stockstill's best friend when it comes to jump balls. The 5-9, 180-pounder is elusive in the open field, and is harder to bring down than his size would indicate. He's also a "hands" catcher, which means he doesn't let the ball get to his body. The Blue Raiders face Syracuse and Minnesota this year, so James should get plenty of exposure.
DE Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State (Sr.)
The 2016 Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year, Rolland-Jones put up an eye-popping 13 sacks, including four games of with at least a pair. Very quick off the edge, the 6-2, 240-pound Red Wolves star has a motor that doesn't stop, and also holds up well against the run. He can get engulfed by bigger offensive linemen, as he did against Auburn and Utah State last season, but an off-season of working on technique should help him become a more complete player.
CB Darius Phillips, Western Michigan (Sr.)
The converted wide receiver really came into his own last season, leading the team in pass break ups (9), and showed that he is a jack of all trades, leading the secondary in sacks (3) and interception return touchdowns (3, all 70 yards or longer). At 5-10, 190 pounds, he has the size and strength to stick with bigger receivers and good make-up speed when the ball is in the air. Phillips doesn't always take the best angles against the run, though he is a good tackler, and is at his best in off and zone coverage. Phillips is also deadly as a return man, finishing ninth in the country in punt returns (11.5 ypr, 1 TD), and also had a kickoff return touchdown.
QB Logan Woodside, Toledo (Sr.)
Woodside may not have ideal NFL size (6-2, 201), but he is a great decision maker in the Rockets fast-paced offense, and can make more throws than expected thanks to a live arm. Woodside is also good on the move, but his best play comes when he can throw the intermediate ball down the seam. Woodside was in the NFL Draft discussion before wisely deciding to return for his final campaign, and if he can have anywhere close to the kind of season he had as a junior -- 45 TDs, 9 INTs, second nationally in passer rating (183.3) -- the Rockets will fly high, and he will be a huge reason why.
RB D'Angelo Brewer, Tulsa (Sr.)
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The 5-9, 190-pound speedster was one of two Golden Hurricane backs to go over 1,000 yards, finishing the year with 1,435 yards (5.4 ypc) and seven scores. Brewer does his best work between the tackles, showing quick feet and the ability to avoid initial contact. Brewer will have a chance to shine immediately as Tulsa opens with Oklahoma State in an intrastate showdown. A big performance there and the sky is the limit for the team's top offensive threat.
All five players are in line for successful campaigns, and don't be surprised if more than one gets talked about in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. For now, however, enjoy them this college football season -- and smile when you're the one who said you knew they were going to be big time.
Who are your under the radar players for 2017?
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