NCAA

NCAA Impact Players 

          A new season of college football is practically here and I must quote Lebron after his first championship, “Its about damn time”. Schools are wrapping up their training camps, grass is being cut, and classrooms are almost back in session. Each football team is filled with anxiousness and ready to play their first game. With that being said, let’s take a look at a couple of players who I believe will be pivotal to their team’s success. These players have the ability to have big years and take over games. Some of these players may not be nationally recognized, but opponents make sure they are accounted for when they are on the field.

 

1. Ed Reynolds, S

 

A key player to watch for in Stanford’s vaunted defense is senior safety Ed Reynolds. Reynolds benefits from playing with pass rushers Shayne Skov, Ben Gardner, and Trent Murphy. As a result, the safety was one of the top DBs in the country a year ago. He was tied for third in the nation with six interceptions and led the nation in interception yardage. Reynolds is always a threat to score anytime he picks it off; in fact, he made a huge interception in the Red Cardinal’s Pac-12 Championship win over the Bruins of UCLA. In addition, he is a solid tackler in the run game and in the open field. Reynolds does not get a lot of national attention because Stanford is not an ostentatious football team. However, opposing quarterbacks and receivers are aware of where number 29 is at all times. Reynolds is one of the top prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft and should be a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award.

 

2. Todd Gurley, RB

 









Todd Gurley had a freshman season that made you think of another Georgia running back, Herschel Walker. Gurley finished the year off with 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. He managed to remain out of the national spotlight because of Georgia’s hard-hitting defense. He finished the year off as a freshman All-American. Gurley is a big back with nifty footwork and a knack for finding the hole. He has enough speed to get in the open field and can take it the distance. Along with his body type, those running back qualities Gurley possesses’ remind scouts of Adrian Peterson. Gurley is poised to have another big year for the Bulldogs and it certainly helps that senior quarterback Aaron Murray stayed another year. This makes it hard to hard to load up the box on Gurley because of Murray’s throwing ability. As a defense it’s like picking your own poison.

 

3. Ka'Deem Carey, RB 

 








From freshman to sophomore year Ka’Deem Carey had the biggest leap a year ago.  As a freshman Carey ran for less than 500 yards, but as a sophomore he ran for 1,929 yards. Most running backs cannot even run for that yardage in two seasons never mind one. He led the nation in rushing and had 23 touchdowns as well. If Arizona won more games he might have been a Heisman and Doak Walker finalist. Carey was still a consensus All-American. He can do it all as a back: run, block, and catch. It will be interesting to see what kind of year he has following this spectacular season. Hard to imagine him repeating the success he had, but that is why they play the game. Barring injury, Carey will be considered a top prospect and a darkhorse in the Heisman race. 

 

4. Marcus Mariota, QB

 








It will be interesting to see how Oregon moves forward without “the wizard” Chip Kelly. Offensive coordinatior Mark Helfrich takes over as head coach as Oregon continues to make another run at BCS Bowl success. Marcus Mariota can propel the Ducks to newer heights with a year’s worth of experience under his belt. As a redshirt freshman, Mariota was very efficient under center completing 68% of his passes, throwing 32 touchdowns, and just six picks. He was lethal on the perimeter as he ran for 792 yards. In the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State he was the Ducks MVP. Mariota is a pass first quarterback and he likes to get rid of the ball quickly. He will be expected to make big plays this year as the Ducks look to play in the championship game. Mariota has some NFL buzz around him because of the success dual-threat quarterbacks are having in the league. Scouts would love to see another productive season before they can predict his draft status.

 

5. Sammy Watkins, WR

 After a phenomenal freshman season, Sammy Watkins struggled to continue his success as a sophomore. Watkins was a pre-season All-American, but never lived up to those expectations. He never found his groove because he had a suspension early in the year; in addition, he had a nagging leg injury throughout the season. Watkins finished with just 708 yards and four total touchdowns. He will be Clemson’s most featured player on offense now that fellow receiver DeAndre Hopkins is in the NFL. Watkins is a player you find different ways to get the ball to because of his big play ability. The Tigers like to line him up at receiver and sporadically hand him the ball at running back. He is a smooth route runner and has the ability to go over the top of defenders. Clemson should be ready for another big year as senior quarterback Tajh Boyd returns. Boyd and Watkins’ camaraderie will be vital to the Tigers success this season.