The fall football camps add to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming college football seasons. One of the most unique aspects of the fall camps is the key position battles among the nation’s top projected contenders. These position battles are projected to have a major impact both at the conference level and on the national stage. Here is a look at the five key position battles that will have the biggest impact on the 2017 college football season.
Clemson’s Quarterback Battle
The defending national champions enter fall amps without a proven starting quarterback following Deshaun Watson’s graduation to the NFL. They will need a capable starter if they are going to have any shot at contending in both the ACC and on the national stage this season. Kelly Bryant offers some experience but there are some that think true freshman Hunter Johnson offers the highest upside. Meanwhile, Zerrick Cooper still hasn’t been ruled out of the competition for the No. 1 job. Clemson will host Auburn in Week 1 and will have to travel to Louisville in Week 3 so whoever wins the job will need to perform at a high level right away. It will be a pressure-packed situation for the Tigers’ starting quarterback and if they aren’t ready for the spotlight it could spell disaster once September rolls around.
Michigan’s Quarterback Battle
Michigan is considered a legitimate contender in the Big Ten heading in to the 2017 season. However, the Wolverines need a quality starting quarterback to emerge in order to remain relevant in to November. Michigan opens the season against Florida and has road trips to Penn State and Wisconsin before a potentially massive home date with Ohio State. Wilton Speight improved in 2016 before a shoulder injury derailed Michigan’s season and now he is locked in a position battle. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that, “he comes in really tied for first with John O’Korn and Brandon Peters” so officially no decision has been made. Harbaugh needs consistent production from the quarterback position in order to take that next step this season. The Wolverines’ quarterback battle will have massive implications in the Big Ten and perhaps even on the national stage this season.
Florida’s Quarterback Battle
The reigning SEC East winners have a substantial amount of firepower. However, they will need a capable quarterback to emerge in order to contend with a schedule that includes Michigan, LSU, Georgia and Florida State. Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire and redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks are locked in a quarterback competition right now. That puts even more pressure on head coach Jim McElwain to make the right decision and put his team in the best position win once September rolls around.
Ohio State Wide Receivers Battle
The Buckeyes are absolutely loaded with potential at the wide receiver position. Who will lead the way for Ohio State in 2017? Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill, Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor were all 4-star recruits in their respective classes. Now they are battling for position on a deep but unproven depth chart. The Buckeyes need one or two go-to options to emerge from a talented group of skill position players. Every win will be important for Ohio State and their early season success will hinge largely on the emergence of at least one or two wide receivers that break camp at the top of their depth chart.
Florida State’s Offensive Line Battle
Florida State is the sports betting favorite to win the ACC and a preseason favorite to contend for a national championship this season. However, the Seminoles will need to figure things out along the offensive line before they are ready to contend. FSU allowed 36 sacks last season. The Seminoles have made numerous changes this offseason but there are still legitimate concerns. Alec Eberle will start at center while Landon Dickerson and Cole Minshew will start at the guard positions. However, both offensive tackle positions are still open with Rick Leonard, Josh Ball, Derrick Kelly and Brock Ruble in a battle for two spots. Florida State is set at quarterback with Deondre Francois entering a potential breakout season. However, he will need to stay healthy in order to produce, which means the Seminoles offensive line will need to gel quickly and play at a much higher level from the outset in 2017.
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