While the 2015-16 college football season is still far away, every single football program across the country has worked around the clock recruiting the best players in the nation and making sure they are in the best possible position heading in to next season. Everybody knows about the returning stars that will be back next year, but what about the next wave of star college players? Here is a look at the projected top five breakout players in the Pac-12 for 2015-16.
Dakota Prukop, Oregon Ducks
Quarterback
Oregon will be transitioning to its third starting quarterback in as many seasons following the graduations of Marcus Mariota and Vernon Adams Jr. According to the coaches, they will not hesitate to throw Prukop right in to the fire in 2016. The 6’2’’, 200-pound senior quarterback brings with him plenty of experience from his time at Montana State where he compiled more than 7,300 yards of total offense along with 70 total touchdowns. Prukop is an excellent dual-threat with the arm strength to drive the deep ball as well as the legs to move the ball on the ground. He should be a perfect fit for Oregon’s offensive system, so expect for him to steal the spotlight as a breakout player in the Pac-12 next season.
Vic Enwere, California Golden Bears
Running back
California’s star quarterback Jared Goff is headed for the NFL, so the Bruins will be forced to start over on the offensive side of the football next season. It won’t help that the team also lost top receiver Kenny Lawler and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin either. Those losses mean that Cal will likely have to lean on its rushing attack early on and that should lead to a breakout season for the running back that led them in carries last season. Enwere had 106 carries for 505 yards and eight rushing touchdowns last year and he is primed to put up better numbers with a bigger workload. At 6’1’’ and 230 pounds, Enwere has the size and strength to handle the increased workload and should thrive for the Bruins next year.
Porter Gustin, USC Trojans
Linebacker
Gustin is one of several highly touted running backs that the Trojans brought in as part of their 2015 recruiting class and while he played in every single game for USC last season, he didn’t start until their regular season finale against UCLA. That won’t be the case in 2015-16, as Gustin will be primed for a starting job and bigger role on the defensive side of the football. Gustin tied Su’a Cravens for the team lead in sacks with 5.5 last year and he could easily double that number with a bigger role and more experience heading in to next season.
Cam Denson, Arizona Wildcats
Wide Receiver
Denson has been used exclusively at the cornerback position throughout his two seasons at Arizona, but that will change next year. The Wildcats lost three of their top four receivers and as a result, they will attempt to move Denson to the wide receiver position. Denson, who is 5’11’’ and 168 pounds, is among the fastest players on Arizona’s roster and there is a very good chance he will line up in the slot. Denson recorded five interceptions over the last two years including one returned for a touchdown. He clearly has the hands and the nose for the endzone. Denson has the talent to shine at the wide receiver position, so remember that name heading in to the 2015-16 college football season.
Trenton Irwin, Stanford Cardinal
Wide Receiver
Christian McCaffrey is the FBS all-purpose yards record holder heading in to 2015-16, but the Cardinal might consider reducing his workload a little bit as a running back, receiver and return man. That should create the opportunity for Irwin to step in. He wasn’t used much as a freshman, but Irwin has the raw talent to thrive at the wide receiver position as he gets the opportunity to play a bigger role this year. At 6’2’’ and 199 pounds with solid hands and excellent speed, Irwin is the complete package and primed for a breakout in 2015-16.
