With spring football officially wrapped up, it’s time to start thinking about college football’s 2015 regular season in earnest. We’re not far away from glossy preseason magazines hitting newsstands across the nation, followed by a deluge of watch lists—lots and lots of watch lists, promoting every award you can think of.

The point is, the season is on its way. And even though the NFL draft took plenty of talent from college football’s ranks, plenty still remains. It’s a perfect time to take a look at the top 50 players in the game as we prepare for the 2015 season. Players were chosen by virtue of their performance, their skills and accumulated statistics and their importance to their team. Here we go.

50. Louisville DE Devonte Fields

Last summer, it appeared Devonte Fields had everything going his way. Following an excellent season at TCU, the defensive end was voted the Big 12’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

However, Fields’ TCU career ended after he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault against his ex-girlfriend, who suffered a swollen cheek and small cut under her eye. She also claimed, per Deanna Boyd of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, that he had punched a window in from the outside of a house that she was currently inside.

He was dismissed by TCU and wound up at Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College, where he excelled on the field and earned a Louisville scholarship offer from Bobby Petrino, a guy who knows a thing or two about second chances.

Fields has the talent to make a real impact on Louisville’s defensive line, as long as he takes advantage of that second chance. Todd Grantham will find ways to use him as an aggressive edge-rusher.

49. Navy QB Keenan Reynolds

Save the annual Army-Navy Game and an annual matchup with Notre Dame, Keenan Reynolds operates a bit out of the spotlight. Navy’s flexbone option offense isn’t flashy, and neither is Reynolds. But it’s hard to ignore his stats.

Even while battling injuries in 2014, Reynolds rushed for 1,191 yards and 23 touchdowns and threw for 843 yards and six scores against three interceptions. As he enters his senior season, he is crucially important to a Midshipmen squad that is a perennial bowl contender.

If Reynolds is healthy, he’ll put up big numbers in Navy’s offense. Maybe that’ll get your attention, America.

48. Arkansas RB Alex Collins

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema loves to run the ball...and run the ball...and run the ball. It’s paying off for the Razorbacks. Last fall, the Hogs finished strong, going 7-6 and capping the season with a Texas Bowl rout of Texas.

Even bigger things are expected from the Razorbacks in 2015, especially since tailback Alex Collins is returning. Collins is half of a backfield duo alongside Jonathan Williams. Williams rushed for 1,190 yards and 12 scores last season, while Collins went for 1,100 and 12 touchdowns.

Of the two, Collins is slightly quicker and more explosive, averaging 5.4 yards per carry last fall to Williams’ 5.6. Both will be big factors for Bielema and Arkansas this fall.

47. Cal QB Jared Goff

Last fall, Cal showed significant improvement in Sonny Dykes’ second season, going from 1-11 to 5-7 and just missing out on a bowl game. This fall, expectations are even higher, and that’s partially due to the presence of junior quarterback Jared Goff.

Goff took a big step forward last fall, passing for 3,973 yards with 35 touchdowns against seven interceptions. That was vastly improved from his freshman numbers of 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also stands 6’4”, 210 pounds and has excellent pocket presence.

Last fall, Cal averaged 38.4 points per game, ranking 11th nationally, and passed for 346 yards per game, sixth-best nationally. If Goff can improve on his sophomore numbers, those figures should rise, and with them, the Golden Bears’ stock.

46. Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey

With several key losses on the defensive line, Florida State’s defense will go through a bit of a retooling period this fall. But one area the Seminoles don’t have to worry about is Jalen Ramsey’s spot in the secondary.

Ramsey has established himself as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, a spot he’ll occupy again this fall after playing the “star” position in 2014. He is a very hard hitter, and he piled up 79 tackles last fall as a first-team All-American, breaking up 12 passes and grabbing two interceptions.

He has an NFL future ahead of him as early as next season, but for now, the versatile Ramsey will anchor Florida State’s secondary as one of the nation’s top defenders.

45. Georgia LB Leonard Floyd

Athleticism has never been the problem for Leonard Floyd. At 6’4”, 230 pounds, the Georgia linebacker can make plays all across the field with excellent speed and agility. The issue has been harnessing that athleticism into solid technique.

Last fall, Floyd showed signs that he is doing just that. He made 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and led Georgia with six sacks, continually pressuring quarterbacks across the SEC. Floyd is capable of making an impact as an outside linebacker, but he could also fit in as a rush end if necessary. If he can further harness that power, he’ll be an elite defender this fall.

44. TCU WR Josh Doctson

Two years ago, Josh Doctson transferred from Wyoming to TCU. That move has worked out quite well for Doctson, who had a breakout season in 2014. He thrived in the Horned Frogs’ new pass-happy system, making 65 catches for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns as quarterback Trevone Boykin’s favorite target.

Doctson stands 6’3”, 195 pounds and has excellent speed and hands to go with his NFL-ready size. He’ll be a key part of TCU’s offense again in 2015 and should build on those numbers while building his pro resume.

43 Ohio State LB Darron Lee

Ohio State’s roster is filled with talented players, but Darron Lee’s story is a little different. Lee played multiple positions, including quarterback, in high school and came to campus weighing 195 pounds. He has now filled out at 230 pounds and is a standout linebacker for the Buckeyes.

As Ralph Russo of The Associated Press notes, Lee ate his way into a linebacker role, "fueled by a mix of confidence, determination, peanut butter and chocolate milk."

Last year, he was a driving force in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship, making 81 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Lee is developing into a leader and has excellent athleticism. He will be a key piece of the Buckeye defense again this fall.

42. Notre Dame LT Ronnie Stanley

Notre Dame is coming off a somewhat disappointing 8-5 2014 season, but things are looking up in South Bend. The Fighting Irish will return 19 starters this fall and should be significantly improved. Coach Brian Kelly got a huge boost when left tackle Ronnie Stanley decided against entering the NFL draft.

No matter if Everett Golson or Malik Zaire wins the starting quarterback job, their blind side will be protected by a 6’5 ½”, 315-pound star left tackle.

Stanley has excellent feet and balance as well as prototypical size for the position. He’ll be a key force for Notre Dame’s offense this fall.

41. Tennessee CB Cameron Sutton

Tennessee found its way into a bowl game last fall, despite playing 19 freshmen, and the Volunteers should be even better this season after adding a talented recruiting class. On this roster, Cameron Sutton is a grizzled veteran.

Sutton has started all 25 games of his UT career, and the 6’1”, 189-pound cornerback has emerged as one of the SEC’s top defensive backs. Last fall, Sutton had 37 tackles, four tackles for loss and 13 passes defended as well as three interceptions. He also returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown against Vanderbilt.

He has speed, versatility and toughness and should be even better this fall as a rock for the Volunteer secondary with his teammates maturing around him.

40. Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith

Last fall, it was hard to get Jaylon Smith off the field for Notre Dame’s defense, and with good reason. Smith made all kinds of plays for the Fighting Irish. He was one of three players to start all 13 games, making 112 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and seven quarterback hurries. He recorded double-digit tackles in five games, all while playing a new position at inside linebacker.

Smith is capable of sliding inside or outside and has excellent athleticism for his 6’2 ½”, 235-pound frame. He has started all 26 games of his college career and has great pass-rush skills. He will likely be an outside linebacker in the NFL, but for now, Notre Dame defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder will plug him in wherever he can help out.

39. Utah RB Devontae Booker

Following a pair of 5-7 seasons, 2014 was a rebound year for Utah. The Utes won nine games and whipped Colorado State 45-10 in the Las Vegas Bowl. How can that turnaround be explained?

Junior college transfer tailback Devontae Booker played a big role. Booker, who stands 5’11”, 212 pounds, was a workhorse, carrying 292 times for 1,512 yards with 10 touchdowns. He ran with speed and power out of the backfield and also flashed versatility, catching 43 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

He had seven 100-yard rushing efforts. Booker’s decision to return for his senior season should allow the Utes to build on an impressive 2014 campaign.

38. Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard

2014 was a year to forget for Oklahoma’s offense. Following a strong finish to 2013, many expected the Sooners to take the next step with Trevor Knight at quarterback. However, Knight was inconsistent, and the Sooners finished 8-5.

This spring, they underwent an offensive makeover with new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, an air raid proponent. That’s good news for wide receiver Sterling Shepard, a speed merchant who stands 5’10”, 195 pounds. Despite missing three games with injury and being limited in the final two, he had 51 receptions for 970 yards and five touchdowns.

With renewed health and a new offensive system in place for 2015, Shepard could have a true breakout year in Riley’s system this fall.

37. South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper

2014 was a big step back for South Carolina. Following three consecutive 11-2 seasons, the Gamecocks slipped following a raft of NFL departures and finished 7-6 with an Independence Bowl win over Miami.

However, those struggles couldn’t mask the emergence of Pharoh Cooper. The 5’11”, 201-pound sophomore receiver was an all-around presence.

He had 69 receptions for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the team in all three categories. His best day came against Tennessee, when he grabbed 11 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-42 overtime defeat. He also finished strong in the Independence Bowl, making nine catches for 170 yards and a score.

Cooper was a prep quarterback, and he could fit in as a Wildcat QB this fall as the Gamecocks try to break in a replacement for Dylan Thompson, who graduated. Don’t expect Cooper to leave the field too often.

36. Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg

There’s no denying that Christian Hackenberg had an ugly sophomore season in 2014. After throwing for 2,955 yards with 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions as a freshman, the Penn State quarterback threw for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, and that included a four-touchdown day against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl.

However, that doesn’t take into account the awful, leaky offensive line that often failed to protect him last fall. As a freshman,  Hackenberg was sacked 21 times. Last fall? 44 times.

While he could improve his decision-making, he still has an excellent arm and great size at 6’4”, 236 pounds. Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead lists him as the top overall pick in his very early 2016 NFL mock draft. If the Nittany Lion offensive line protects him better, Hackenberg’s stock will rise again.

35. Pitt WR Tyler Boyd

Pitt has been consistently mediocre recently, but it hasn’t been for lack of standout offensive players. Between tailback James Conner and wide receiver Tyler Boyd, the Panthers have one of the nation’s best run-catch duos.

Last fall, Boyd made 78 receptions for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns. That followed an impressive freshman season that saw him make 85 receptions for 1,174 yards and seven scores. He finished strong, piling up 100 yards in five of Pitt’s last six games.

At 6’2”, 190 pounds, he is a consistent, steady downfield threat, one of the nation’s top wide receivers and one of the ACC’s top overall players.

34. BYU QB Taysom Hill

Four games into 2014, BYU looked like a potential candidate to crash the College Football Playoff, or at least make a New Year’s Six bowl game. The Cougars were 4-0 with solid wins over Texas and Virginia.

That all changed against Utah State when do-everything quarterback Taysom Hill broke his leg. Without Hill, who is capable of running and throwing with ease, the Cougars were just a run-of-the-mill team. In four-plus games, Hill completed 66.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 975 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions, adding 460 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

With Hill healthy, BYU should be a much better team this fall—or at least a far more interesting team to watch with Hill under center. He’s that good.

33. UCLA RB Paul Perkins

UCLA will be a strong College Football Playoff contender this fall, and the presence of tailback Paul Perkins is a huge reason why. Last fall, Perkins took the reins as the Bruins’ top backfield option, rushing for 1,575 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

He had six 100-yard games and had his best game in the Alamo Bowl against Kansas State, carrying 20 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 201 yards and two scores last season. At 5’11”, 200 pounds, Perkins is solidly built but also has excellent speed.

With true freshman Josh Rosen the likely new starting quarterback replacing Brett Hundley, Perkins will be a focal point of the Bruins’ offense and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

32. Arizona State RB D.J. Foster

Under coach Todd Graham, Arizona State is building something special in the desert. The Sun Devils have put up back-to-back 10-win seasons and averaged 36.4 points per game last fall, finishing No. 19 nationally in that category.

ASU lost wide receiver Jaelen Strong to the NFL draft, but D.J. Foster’s decision to return for his senior season gave the offense a huge boost. Foster is one of the best all-around tailbacks in America. In 2014, he rushed for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 62 passes for 688 yards and three scores.

With Strong gone, Foster could see more action as a slot receiver this fall for new starting quarterback Mike Bercovici, which could make him even more dynamic.

31. Oklahoma RB Samaje Perine

Last fall, much of the preseason news surrounding Oklahoma’s backfield centered around the suspension of recruit Joe Mixon following his arrest for assaulting a female Oklahoma student. That just made Samaje Perine’s emergence that much more impressive.

Perine, who stands 5’11”, 243 pounds, was like a rolling ball of butcher knives for opposing linebackers to tackle. He finished the season with 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

And, of course, he set the FBS single-game rushing record with 427 yards against Kansas Nov. 22, one week after Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon set the record at 408 yards. Perine has set the bar high, but he has the talent to live up to his own high standards.

30. Oregon RB Royce Freeman

Last week, Oregon got some of the best publicity in its program’s history when quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota was taken No. 2 overall in the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, landing on Sports Illustrated’s cover.

Now, Oregon is looking for its next superstar. It just might be tailback Royce Freeman. As a freshman, Freeman ran like a Rolls Royce, playing with power and speed. He rushed for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Mariota was a headliner, but Oregon’s offense is built around a strong running game. With Freeman, Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner, the Ducks have a stable of talented tailbacks. Freeman, who stands 5’11”, 230 pounds, is the best bet to be a headliner and Oregon’s next Heisman candidate.

29. Pitt RB James Conner

New Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi is a blue-collar kind of guy, perfect for a blue-collar kind of town like Pittsburgh. The Panthers have a multifaceted offense, but tailback James Conner is an excellent fit for the Steel City.

Last fall, Conner, who stands 6’2”, 250 pounds, emerged as one of the nation’s top tailbacks, carrying an eye-popping 298 times for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns. He passed the 200-yard mark in three games, including an impressive 263-yard, three-touchdown effort against Duke.

He also averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Narduzzi hired Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who had an impressive run emphasis with the Razorbacks.

It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Chaney leaned heavily on Conner and pushed him over the 2,000-yard mark for the season.

28. Southern California CB Adoree' Jackson

Adoree’ Jackson made impacts all over the field in his first season of college football, and it was quicker to mention where he didn’t make an impact than where he did. Jackson excelled as a receiver and cornerback, settling in by midseason as one of Southern California’s starting corners.

He made 10 pass breakups but also contributed as a receiver and kick returner with great speed and athleticism. He had 10 receptions for 138 yards and three touchdowns, keyed by a 71-yard catch-and-run score against Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.

He also averaged 29.7 yards per return with a pair of long kick-return scores. The scary part is that Jackson’s ceiling is sky-high. He could emerge as a true two-way player this fall for a USC team that will be a College Football Playoff contender, and he could be one of the nation’s top all-around players.

27. Southern California S Su'a Cravens

Is Su’a Cravens a safety or a linebacker? Does it really matter? The guy can play.

Last fall, Cravens slid into a hybrid role, playing strong safety and outside linebacker for Southern California and had an excellent season. He started all 13 games and made 68 tackles, 17 for loss with five sacks and three interceptions (returning one for a touchdown). He was a third-team All-American, per The Associated Press.

Cravens is capable of making plays all over the field and making a big impact in general. He led FBS defensive backs in tackles for loss, and he should be even better as a junior this fall.

26. Baylor DE Shawn Oakman

Baylor’s prolific offense receives more accolades than its defense, but the Bears defense has its pluses. One of them is defensive end Shawn Oakman. At 6’9”, 280 pounds, Oakman cuts one of the most intimidating presences in college football.

Last fall, in his first season as a full-time starter, Oakman had had 51 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, and he declined a potential NFL draft run for his senior season. He’ll be a cornerstone of Baylor’s defense, and he still has room for improvement. That’s a frightening thought for Big 12 left tackles.

25. Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas

Entering last season, there were serious questions about Georgia Tech’s quarterback situation following Vad Lee’s transfer to FCS James Madison. Paul Johnson’s flexbone offense needed a steady hand, and quarterback Justin Thomas was a first-time starter.

Thomas answered those questions and then some, leading Tech to an 11-win season, an ACC Coastal Division title and an Orange Bowl win over Mississippi State.

Thomas passed for 1,719 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions and was also Tech’s leading rusher with 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns. While Tech will lose four of its top five rushers and its top two receivers from a year ago, Thomas can pile up stats in Johnson’s offense if he meshes well with their replacements.

24. Auburn WR D'haquille Williams

This spring, new Auburn starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson was very impressive, but it certainly helped that he had a target like wide receiver D’haquille Williams to throw to. Williams made a seamless transition to the SEC from junior college last fall, catching 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns.

He did all that despite missing two games with injury and sitting out the Outback Bowl for disciplinary reasons. He also averaged 16.2 yards per reception and showed excellent downfield and leaping ability.

At 6’2”, 216 pounds, he already has an NFL body, but he could use some seasoning. He’ll be a key force in Auburn’s offense going deep and going up for passes, and Johnson is certainly glad he hung around for another season.

23. Michigan State QB Connor Cook

Connor Cook’s decision to return for his senior season rather than enter the NFL draft elicited a huge sigh of relief from Michigan State fans. Over the past two years, the Spartans have emerged as a national power, going 24-3 with a Big Ten title, plus Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl wins.

Cook has played a huge role in that success. Last fall, he threw for 3,214 yards with 24 touchdowns against eight interceptions and was a steady leader for the Spartans offense.

This fall, Michigan State must replace leading rusher Jeremy Langford and top receiver Tony Lippett, making Cook’s presence even more important. He has excellent pocket presence and a solid arm and will be one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.

22. Florida State RB Dalvin Cook

For Dalvin Cook, 2014 wasn’t about how he started. It was about how he finished. The highly touted recruit struggled to find his way onto Florida State’s loaded roster, but by season’s end, he was one of the Seminoles’ top players.

The 6’0", 203-pounder had just 14 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown in his first two games. In FSU’s sixth game, he broke out for 122 yards. He improved significantly from there.

Cook’s 110 yards and two touchdowns keyed a second-half rally at Louisville, and he finished with three consecutive 100-yard games, going for 144 against Florida and 177 and a touchdown in the Seminoles’ ACC title game win over Georgia Tech.

Cook's speed and power will help him carve out a huge role in FSU’s rebuilt offense this fall. The end of 2014 wasn’t a fluke. It was only the beginning.

21. UCLA LB Myles Jack

Myles Jack is one of the nation’s most unique players. Two years ago, the UCLA freshman was the Pac-12’s Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year after excelling on both sides of the ball.

Last fall, Paul Perkins’ emergence as a No. 1 tailback allowed the Bruins to ease Jack’s workload, and he finished with 87 tackles, eight for loss, as well as a 41-yard interception return against Kansas State.

Leading tackler Eric Kendricks’ graduation means Jack will be leaned on even more heavily as a defensive leader as opposed to a tailback (where he had 113 yards last fall). That’s fine. He’s an athletic impact player who’ll be a leader for the UCLA defense and one of the nation’s top linebackers.

20. Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott

2014 was a season to remember in Starkville. A Mississippi State team that scraped its way into a bowl game in 2013 emerged as a national story, spending four weeks as the nation’s No. 1 team and making an Orange Bowl appearance.

The engine of that team? Quarterback Dak Prescott. After struggling with injuries, Prescott emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate with a unique skill set, throwing for 3,449 yards with 27 touchdowns against 11 interceptions while rushing for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Mississippi State suffered major losses from 2014, but Prescott is the team’s leading returning rusher. If he can stay healthy and Dan Mullen can replenish around him, he’ll be a Heisman candidate again.

19. LSU RB Leonard Fournette

It’s hard to believe, but LSU hasn’t had a Heisman Trophy winner since Billy Cannon in 1959. With Leonard Fournette in the backfield, that drought could end sooner rather than later. While LSU lost the Music City Bowl to Notre Dame, Fournette showed fans just how special he could be.

in that game, he had 11 carries for 143 yards and two rushing touchdowns (including an 89-yarder) and a kickoff return for a score. He finished the season with 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns, flashing power and speed. He’s more than capable of trucking opposing linebackers or juking and cutting around them.

While LSU’s quarterback situation is uncertain, there’s no question that the eventual winner should just hand the ball to Fournette and get out of his way. He’s that good.

18. Baylor LT Spencer Drango

Baylor’s offense has become one of college football’s most potent systems. The Bears have finished No. 1 in total offense nationally for two consecutive seasons, thanks to a group of talented skill players. But they wouldn’t have the space to operate without senior left tackle Spencer Drango.

Drango, who stands 6’6”, 310 pounds, anchors Baylor’s offensive line. He’ll be a four-year starter on the line with quick feet, good body movement and excellent hands. His decision to return for a final season of college football was huge for Baylor’s hopes of making the College Football Playoff, as he’ll protect new starting quarterback Seth Russell’s blind side.

17. Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche

Last fall, Ole Miss broke through SEC West mediocrity with a solid 9-4 season that included wins over Alabama and Mississippi State. The “Landshark” defense was the nation’s stingiest, allowing 16 points per game.

The Rebels bring back a crucial piece in junior defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. Last fall, Nkemdiche’s stats didn’t necessarily reflect his impact. He had had 35 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks, but he was incredibly disruptive.

If you watch film, you’ll notice that he was very tough for opposing offensive linemen to handle. If he can translate that impact into production, Ole Miss’s defense should be even better in 2015.

16. Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller

For Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech was a natural choice. All three of his older brothers played for the Hokies, so following them to Blacksburg was an obvious decision. But even if Fuller had no family ties, he would have been an amazing fit for Bud Foster’s defense.

The 6’0”, 197-pound junior has established himself as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks and one of the ACC’s top defenders. He had 54 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss with two sacks, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups.

Virginia Tech hopes to improve on last fall’s 7-6 record, and with a lockdown cornerback like Fuller on board, the Hokies will have few issues in their secondary. He looks destined to follow his brother Kyle, a 2014 first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, to the NFL.

15. Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell

Last fall, Ole Miss’ season turned in an instant. On Nov. 1, the Rebels were locked in a tight battle with SEC West rival with Auburn when sophomore receiver Laquon Treadwell scored what looked like a go-ahead touchdown with 90 seconds left.

But it was ruled that Treadwell fumbled before crossing the goal line, and Auburn recovered. Adding injury to insult, he broke his ankle on the play, ending his season.

Without Treadwell, the Rebels’ passing game wasn’t the same, and Ole Miss went 2-2 to end the season. He finished the season with 48 receptions for 632 yards and five touchdowns, and this fall, he should be even better, despite quarterback uncertainty.

Treadwell will be one of the top receivers in the SEC and nationally this season, with his excellent physicality and big-play ability.

14. Alabama TB Derrick Henry

In recent years, Nick Saban has used a two-tailback system which saw a veteran get the lion’s share of the carries while a talented younger player supplemented him and bided his time. T.J. Yeldon did so with Eddie Lacy, and now that Yeldon is gone, it’s Henry’s turn to shine in the Crimson Tide’s offense.

Last fall, Yeldon had 194 carries to Henry’s 172, but it could be argued that Henry was the better back. He outrushed Yeldon 990 yards to 979. Both had 11 touchdowns, but Henry averaged 5.8 yards per carry to Yeldon’s five. He also had three 100-yard games. At 6’3”, 241 pounds, he possesses an appealing blend of power and speed.

With offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin trying to replace replace quarterback Blake Sims, Yeldon and the top two receivers in All-American Amari Cooper and DeAndrew White, this could be Henry’s offense. If that’s the case, he’s more than ready for the limelight.

13. Colorado State WR Rashard Higgins

Last fall, Colorado State emerged as a 10-win team, thanks to a potent offense that averaged 33.9 points per game. The Rams’ passing offense averaged 321.6 yards per game, No. 8 nationally. While quarterback Garrett Grayson was impressive, he had an incredible target in wide receiver Rashard Higgins.

Higgins made 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns as one of the nation’s top overall receivers. He had 10 100-yard receiving games on the season, finishing 2014 with eight consecutive.

Higgins is fast and reliable and has good size at 6’2”, 188 pounds. While Grayson and coach Jim McElwain (not to mention tailback Dee Hart) are gone, Higgins will still get his share of catches in new coach Mike Bobo’s offense.

12. Michigan State DE Shilique Calhoun

Over the last two seasons, Michigan State is 24-3 with the only losses coming to Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oregon. The Spartans will again be College Football Playoff contenders, and while their defense will be without defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi (now the head coach at Pitt), it will have the services of senior defensive end Shilique Calhoun.

Calhoun stands 6’5”, 250 pounds and cuts an imposing figure on the defensive line. Last fall, he had eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. His decision to return for his final season of college football should improve his NFL draft stock and also make MSU’s defense that much nastier.

11. Southern California QB Cody Kessler

Last fall, Cody Kessler quietly had an excellent season as Southern California’s quarterback, making Steve Sarkisian’s first season as the program’s leader just a little bit easier. Kessler threw for 3,826 yards with 39 touchdowns against five interceptions.

He has excellent size and pocket presence, and his decision to return for a senior season makes USC a College Football Playoff contender. NFL first-round pick Nelson Agholor is gone, but JuJu Smith should lead a talented wide receiver corps that’ll give Kessler plenty of options.

If the Trojans make a run at a playoff berth, Kessler will lead the way.

10. Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett

This spring, new Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis settled into the task of rebuilding a defense that allowed 28.1 points per game last fall, No. 77 nationally. He found an excellent piece waiting for him in sophomore defensive end Myles Garrett. Last fall, Garrett quickly established himself as one of the game’s top pass-rushers.

He finished the regular season with 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. The sack total was a freshman record, racing past the old record of eight set by former South Carolina end and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Jadeveon Clowney. He also piled up 3.5 sacks against Louisiana-Monroe, setting an A&M freshman record.

At 6’5”, 255 pounds, Garrett is the kind of edge-rusher who’d fit in on any defensive line in the nation. Last fall might just be a taste of what he has in store for Chavis and A&M fans.

9. Clemson QB Deshaun Watson

Once Deshaun Watson took the reins as Clemson’s starting quarterback in 2014, the only problem was keeping him there. Watson immediately established himself as one of the nation’s most talented signal-callers, but his health proved an issue once he supplanted Cole Stoudt.

In his first start, he tied an ACC record with six touchdown passes and threw for 435 yards in a win over North Carolina.

But Watson missed most of four games with a broken finger. He then suffered a knee injury in his return against Georgia Tech, which sidelined him for the following week. After leading a 35-17 win over South Carolina, it was revealed that he was playing on a partially torn ACL (which was repaired in late December).

He finished with 1,466 yards passing and 14 touchdowns against two interceptions. He is expected to be healthy in time for the 2015 season, and he’ll be one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. He has a great arm and mobility and will play a huge role in Clemson’s pursuit of an ACC championship.

8. Arizona LB Scooby Wright

What did Arizona see in Scooby Wright that no one else did? Three years ago, the Wildcats gave the under-the-radar linebacker his only FBS scholarship offer, a move that has paid off handsomely. In 2014, he emerged as one of college football’s best, most productive defenders.

He piled up 163 tackles (No. 1 nationally), 14 sacks (No.3) and 29 tackles for loss (No. 1) while finishing ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

He won every major defensive award he could, taking home the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, as well as the Jack Lambert Trophy and the Pac-12’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Arizona’s 2014 emergence was fueled by its offense, but Wright helped the Wildcats defense stay in  game. He makes impact from sideline to sideline with an excellent motor and tackling skills. If he can duplicate last fall's production, he could have a chance to become the first defender since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman Trophy.

7. Ohio State DE Joey Bosa

One of the most disappointing parts of the offseason for Ohio State's opponents involved the realization that defensive end Joey Bosa was only a sophomore. In other words, they have to prepare for the 6’6”, 275-pound star for at least one more season.

Bosa is a key part of the Buckeyes’ defensive success. Last fall, he was one of the nation’s most productive defensive ends, making 55 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

He has speed and power and is very difficult for opposing offensive tackles to stop. It’d be a stunner if Bosa didn’t jump to the NFL after this season, but for now, Ohio State foes will just have to find a way to deal with him.

6. Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III

While Florida suffered through a disappointing 2014 season that resulted in an 7-5 record and Will Muschamp’s dismissal, you can’t blame cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. Hargreaves developed into one of the nation’s top cover corners, earning second-team All-America honors from The Associated Press.

While he isn’t huge at 5’11”, 192 pounds, Hargreaves is a lockdown corner who can hang with virtually any receiver. He will be one of the nation’s top defensive players and top overall players, and he should serve as a cornerstone for Jim McElwain’s first season in Gainesville as Florida's head coach.

5. Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett

Last August, J.T. Barrett was an unknown quantity. When two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Braxton Miller was lost for the season after a shoulder surgery, Barrett beat out Cardale Jones for the starting role and took off from there.

He overcame an ugly effort in his second start, a loss to Virginia Tech, to become one of the nation’s best dual-threat quarterbacks. Barrett threw for 2,834 yards with 34 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and added 938 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

He did all this in 11-plus games: Barrett’s season ended when he broke his ankle in the regular season finale against Michigan. He is still rehabbing but will compete with Jones and Miller in one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in recent memory. The winner gets to start for the defending College Football Playoff champs.

4. Georgia RB Nick Chubb

Georgia began 2014 with a Heisman Trophy candidate in its backfield in Todd Gurley. And even though Gurley, a top-10 pick by the St. Louis Rams, had a disappointing junior season marked by suspension and a torn ACL, Mark Richt will have another Heisman candidate in his backfield this fall.

That’s how good Nick Chubb was last fall. Chubb took the opportunity Gurley left and ran with it, piling up 1,547 yards with 14 touchdowns as a freshman, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He is a powerful runner with the ability to bowl over tacklers and churn forward.

Kipp Adams of Dawgs247 says that Richt would love to clone Chubb.

I don’t know why I said this, we were going over academics this morning, an hour and half going over every player,every class and how they are doing. I said when we went to go over Nick’s academics, I said I don’t really believe in cloning, but if you were going to clone somebody, it would be Nick. Nick is a great talent, great student, very humble person, hard worker, don’t hardly say a word type of guy.

Chubb ended 2014 with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts, blasting Louisville in the Belk Bowl for 266 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia’s starting quarterback remains uncertain, but Chubb will be an offensive focal point.

3. Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott

While most of the focus this summer will surround the battle for Ohio State’s quarterback position, there are no doubts about the No. 1 man in the Buckeyes' backfield: Ezekiel Elliott. During Ohio State’s national title run, Elliott established himself as one of the top players in the game.

Elliott stands 6’0”, 225 pounds and is a punishing runner. He was at his best when the stakes were the highest. Elliott ended the season with three consecutive 200-yard rushing efforts and got better each time out. Remarkably, his best game was in the College Football Playoff National Championship, rushing 36 times for 246 yards and four scores in Ohio State’s 42-20 rout of Oregon.

He rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall and should have a real shot at cracking 2,000 yards this season. He should also find his way to the Heisman Trophy ceremony as one of the nation’s elite players.

2. Ohio State QB Cardale Jones

Before last November, Cardale Jones was anonymous outside of Columbus, Ohio, and largely forgotten inside it. Jones lost a battle with J.T. Barrett to become Ohio State’s starting quarterback following Braxton Miller’s season-ending shoulder surgery and then watched as Barrett led Ohio State into College Football Playoff contention.

But when Barrett suffered a broken ankle in the regular season finale against Michigan, Jones was thrust into the spotlight. He thrived there, leading Ohio State’s charge to a College Football Playoff title.  Jones threw for 860 yards with seven touchdowns against two interceptions, completing 60.9 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 296 yards and a touchdown.

He considered jumping to the NFL, but decided another season in college was the right move. Jones stands 6’5”, 250 pounds and has a huge arm, drawing Cam Newton comparisons with his combination of arm and legs. There are no guarantees he’ll beat out Barrett and Miller for the job, but it’s hard to question Jones’ talent and overall ceiling.

1. TCU QB Trevone Boykin

If you were looking for a breakout star from 2014, look no further than Fort Worth, Texas. Once Gary Patterson and TCU’s new offensive staff installed Trevone Boykin as the fulcrum of their new air raid system, Boykin stepped forward as one of college football’s best players.

Boykin threw for 3,901 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, adding 707 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. The Horned Frogs finished 12-1 and just missed the College Football Playoff, putting an emphatic bow on the season with a 42-3 Peach Bowl rout of Ole Miss. Boykin is back this fall, and so are 10 TCU offensive starters.

He is an early front-runner for the Heisman Trophy and the leading returning vote-getter. If TCU makes another playoff run, he’ll be a fixture on the award circuit and an attractive fit for the NFL.