USC quarterback Sam Darnold entered the 2016 season as a backup to Max Browne. After the latter struggled early, Darnold got his shot as the starter and the rest is history. Darnold threw for 3,086 yards and 31 touchdowns compared to just nine interceptions while leading a Trojans resurgence. Now the redshirt sophomore enters the 2017 season as a Heisman trophy favorite and one of the biggest reasons why USC is expected to contend for a Pac-12 championship. The fact that Darnold essentially came out of nowhere to become one of the Pac-12’s biggest stars is a testament to how quickly things can change at the college level. Here is a look at five players that could be next in line to go from backup to breakout star in 2017.
RB: Cam Akers, Florida State
Akers stole the spotlight this spring when he put on a show at Florida State’s spring game and it could be a sign of things to come this season. The 5’11’’, 213-pound running back can do it all as an elite runner, pass catcher and speed demon that is capable of breaking big plays. Former top prospect Jacques Patrick is expected to start the season as the No. 1 back for the Seminoles but it won’t be a surprise if Akers steals that job. Akers has all of the tools to deliver a dominant freshman season as an immediate breakout star.
QB: Kasim Hill, Maryland
Hill is a true freshman quarterback and a mid-term enrollee but he could surprise as a breakout star at Maryland this season. Head coach Dave Durkin delivered big time with a stellar recruiting class and Hill is the crown jewel of that group. The 6’2’’, 215-pound former 4-star recruit elected to stay in Maryland and attempt to help turn around the Terrapins football program. A tremendous talent with the athleticism, intelligence and improvisation skills to perform at a high level right away, it won’t be a surprise if Hill is a breakout star for Maryland in 2017.
WR: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
As if the Crimson Tide wasn’t already absolutely loaded with talent, they could introduce their most dominant wide receiver in years this season in Jeudy. The 6’1’’, 175-pound true freshman put on a clinic at Alabama’s spring game when he had five catches for 134 yards. Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster are listed ahead of Jeudy on the Crimson Tide depth chart but he clearly has the potential to surpass both of them in his true freshman season. Arguably the best incoming talent at his position in the country, look for Jeudy to have a tremendous impact as a breakout star in 2017.
QB: Hunter Johnson, Clemson
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will have his hands full replacing Deshaun Watson’s production at the quarterback position. It will be very interesting to see who ends up getting the bulk of the snaps at the position for the Tigers this season. Swinney has remained committed to Kelly Bryant as his starter through the spring but Johnson might actually be the better option in the long run. The 6’4’’, 201-pound true freshman is the nation’s fifth-rated quarterback prospect and he might be ready to contribute right away. Johnson has a strong arm and he is known for his confidence and gunslinger mentality. Bryant may be listed as the No. 1 quarterback on Clemson’s depth chart right now but it won’t be a surprise if Johnson steals that job in a similar fashion to what we saw when Darnold replaced Browne at USC a year ago.
RB: Demario McCall, Ohio State
Urban Meyer has done an excellent job replacing the talent he lost with a strong class of recruits at Ohio State. One name to watch out for is McCall. The 5’9’’, 195-pound speedster is the perfect fit in the Buckeyes offense as a player that can line up all over the field. McCall will get his opportunities both in the backfield and at wide receiver as new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson gets creative to put him in position to put up big numbers. McCall is capable of taking it the distance every time he touches the football so keep an eye on him as one more potential breakout star for 2017.
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