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7 Potential College Football Breakout Stars
Players to Watch in College Football 2022
Many college programs are NFL factories. Once players reach stardom, athletes typically turn pro as soon as they’re eligible. This leaves teams with gaping roster holes, meaning new contributors must step up. For instance, following Georgia’s national championship, the Bulldogs are replacing eight defensive starters.
For the 2022 season, several players are in a prime position to breakout. And remember you can bet on all sorts of games, players, college football odds, and props for the upcoming season at BetUS.
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1. EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
As if Will Anderson Jr. wasn’t enough, Alabama has another imposing edge-rusher. In his freshman season, Dallas Turner came off the bench posting 8.5 sacks and 25 pressures —third on the team. The Tide didn’t expect much from Turner in 2021; his development is a year ahead.
Entering his sophomore season, the former 5-star looks like a problem. Most expect Anderson to be college football’s most dominant player. This gives Turner more freedom to wreak havoc. The Crimson Tide may have the country’s best edge-rushing tandem.
At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Turner has all of the tools. He’s freaky athletic with good bend. His technique is something to watch. Turner is capable of winning reps by simply depending on his athleticism, but he will become a superstar with improved technique. Good luck blocking Alabama’s 2022 pass rush.
We kind of knew Dallas Turner was going to be special after watching him play some safety on the 7-on-7 circuit. pic.twitter.com/fvhbXzLhGv
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) December 31, 2021
2. QB Cameron Ward, Washington State
Washington State landed one of FCS’ best players through the transfer portal. From 2020-21, Cameron Ward was electric at Incarnate Word. In 2020, he totaled 2,260 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in six games. Ward kept the momentum going, finishing with 4,648 passing yards and 47 touchdowns in 2021. Even at the FCS level, this level of production is hard to grasp.
Many will discredit Ward by saying, “It’s FCS football.” Will Ward put up the same numbers at Washington State? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a star in the Pac-12. Ward is in a familiar system as Wazzu hired Incarnate Word’s former Head Coach, Eric Morris, as Offensive Coordinator.
While Mike Leach is gone, the air raid offense lives on in Pullman. Ward will be the next signal-caller in an explosive passing attack.
3. CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
Clark Phillips III has established himself as one of the Pac-12’s best defenders. He’s on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. However, unless you followed the Pac-12 closely, not many knew of Phillips last season. It’s time for the third-year cornerback to become a household name.
In his first full-time starting role, Phillips attained second-time All-Pac-12 honors. The California native is capable of completely erasing receivers. Phillips has first-round potential thanks to impressive athleticism and ball skills. He led the conference with 15 pass deflections in 2021. At 5-foot-10, Phillips plays bigger than his size would suggest. On multiple occasions, he held his own against receivers over four inches taller than him.
Phillips is fully capable of being a Thorpe finalist; he could win the award. If Utah is to repeat as Pac-12 champs, Phillips will be an instrumental piece.
4. QB Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (FL)
Following D’Eriq King’s season-ending shoulder injury, Tyler Van Dyke shined as a redshirt freshman. In 10 games, Van Dyke passed for 2,931 yards with a 62.3% completion percentage. His 25-touchdown-to-6-interception ratio was perhaps the most impressive. Many first-time starters force the issue, leading to turnovers in bulk, Van Dyke was the opposite.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Van Dyke is generating Heisman and NFL buzz. BetUS Sportsbook gives him +2800 NCAA football odds to hoist the Heisman trophy. The redshirt sophomore has all of the physical traits, standing at 6-foot-4, 224 pounds. Plus, Van Dyke has a powerful arm paired with excellent decision-making.
A star QB would do wonders for a Miami turnaround. Van Dyke is listed at +2800 on the Heisman odds at BetUS
5. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Between Brian Hartline as Wide Receivers Coach and elite recruiting, the Buckeyes’ receiver room keeps reloading. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is drawing most of the attention as college football’s best wideout. Don’t sleep on his counterparts. Marvin Harrison Jr. — the son of NFL Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison — is next up.
Harrison played sparingly in his freshman season. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson sitting out of the Rose Bowl, the former 4-star recruit got his chance. Harrison finished with 71 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Utah. It was a preview of things to come.
Take a Look at Other 2 NCAAF Predictions for The Upcoming Season
- College Football Predictions: No. 15 Louisiana State Tigers
- College football predictions: No. 17 Michigan State Spartans
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Marvin Harrison Jr season stats
🏈 9 catches
🏈 3 touchdowns #CFB— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2022
The 6-foot-3 receiver will be a great red-zone target, as he demonstrated in the Rose Bowl. His smooth route-running is the most impressive; he gets out of breaks quickly and has a good release. Harrison is in line to be Ohio State’s next stellar wideout.
6. QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
Any recruit that ranks as one of the highest will have lofty expectations. After reclassifying and joining Ohio State a year early, Quinn Ewers appeared in one game. Ewers was on track to sit behind C.J. Stroud for another season. He elected to transfer to Texas, where Ewers was originally committed to before flipping to OSU.
With Steve Sarkisian calling plays, Ewers will be in another good offensive system. This time he gets to showcase his massive upside. Ewers is in a QB battle with Hudson Card, but he’s expected to start.
The Longhorns have a good supporting cast with Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy. Ewers has everything needed to breakout. If Sarkisian unlocks Ewers’ potential, the Texas offense will be hard to stop.
7. RB Kendall Milton, Georgia
Since Kirby Smart took over at Georgia, the Bulldogs’ offense has depended on the run. The running back room has been deep with talent for years. Kendall Milton is a former prized recruit that has waited for his turn. With Zamir White and James Cook declaring for the NFL, Milton has his opportunity.
Milton is a bruising tailback at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. For his size, the California native has impressive speed and surprising cuts. Kenny McIntosh will fill the receiving role, but Milton is expected to get the most touches. The former 4-star projects as Georgia’s best pure runner. When the Bulldogs’ rushing attack is rolling, look for Milton to be the driving force.
With enough carries behind a good offensive line, Milton can easily become an elite running back in the SEC.
Don’t forget to stay tuned to BetUS Sportsbook & Casino and take a look at the college football lines!
