2023 Emerging Stars: Pac-12
Every season we see new stars emerge, especially since players only stay an average of about four seasons in college football. We're going to take a look at a few players in each conference that could be those guys this year, it's now the Pac-12's turn.
DJ Uiagalelei - Oregon State QB
I call this the Bo Nix effect. He was an average QB in the SEC and went out west and flourished. I know DJ is coming from a different conference, but he still played in the southeast and played good teams. I think he will have a chance to play really well and finally showcase his talents. He is a lot closer to home so maybe he'll be more comfortable.
Oregon State is a good fit too and their scheme is less dependent on the quarterback. They want to physically run the ball down your throat, think of a team like Minnesota or Illinois. It works too as the Beavers went 10-3 last season with a big rivalry win over Oregon. I am very excited to see how Uiagalelei plays now in the QB-led Pac-12.
Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during the spring showcase at Reser Stadium, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore.
© Brian Hayes/Statesman Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Brendan Rice - USC WR
Everyone saw Jordan Addison go crazy last season with Caleb Williams. Now I think it's Rice's turn to do the same thing. He is the son of Legendary WR Jerry Rice and had 611 yards with four scores in his first year after transferring in from Colorado. He especially played very well in their Cotton Bowl game vs. Tulane with 174 of the total yards and half of the scores.
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He showed that he can be WR1 for the Trojans and I believe he'll be that this year. I like his upside a little more than Mario Williams, so I expect to see Rice get the most balls thrown to him in 2023.
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Brenden Rice (2) in action during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Hunter - Colorado CB/WR
I have been waiting to be able to see this man play at the FBS level and we'll finally get that this upcoming season. After one season at Jackson State, he followed Coach Prime to Colorado and will be a rare two-way player, arguably the best CB and WR on that team.
Hunter was the number one overall player in the class of 2022 and was committed to FSU for years. He switched up on signing day and chose Jackson State so he could be coached by one of the best corners ever in Deion Sanders. They are both now at Colorado, who went 1-11 last season, and together they'll try and turn that program around.
Apr 22, 2023; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Travis Hunter (12) during the first half of a spring game at Folsom Field.
© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
