By: JC Nevils
Every year, you have players who come out of nowhere and burst
onto the scene to lead their respective teams. They may have
been injured, redshirted, or just sitting in the wings waiting their
turn, but either way they show up and stand out when given their
shot. I’ve already listed some SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC players who fit the bill, and
now we move to the PAC-12. This one will look a bit different
because of all the attrition over the offseason. The conference lost
all but two teams, leaving only Oregon State along with Washington
State, which is a travesty, but here we go with remnants of what they
have left.
1. CB Kobe Singleton, Oregon State
Although a newcomer to the team, the Liberty transfer may be the most accomplished player on the squad. He has garnered
nine interceptions over his college career and was even projected to
be a draft pick before he decided to stay and up his stock. The feisty
defensive back has all of the tools to succeed at this level, and I
expect him to break out in a major way while also being one of the main leaders on
the team. Watch out, ladies and gentlemen, for Mr. Singleton.
PICK SIX KOBE SINGLETON@LibertyFootball is rollin! 🔥
📺: @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/7nUMRSRizl
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) September 2, 2023
WR Tre Shackelford, Washington State
We have another transfer, which is not surprising since
numerous players have left both programs that remain in the
“PAC-12,” which is now down to just two. The upside is that there
are a plethora of players at all levels looking for an opportunity to
showcase their skills. This is no different with Tre Shackelford, as he
was one of the better players at the mid-major level. He finished last
season with 52 receptions for 799 yards and seven touchdowns to
earn Second-Team All-United Athletic Conference honors. Given that both teams playing a conference schedule of mostly Mountain West
teams, I see him having no problem adjusting in this pass-happy
offense.
Other Candidates
RB Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State
The Colorado transfer led the running back room for the
Buffs a year ago while totaling 593 yards and four touchdowns
throughout his career. He reminds me a lot of a Jacquizz Rodgers
back in his hay day in Corvallis.
More Sports News
Colorado RB Anthony Hankerson is transferring to Oregon State.
Hankerson has 593 career rushing yards
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) December 14, 2023
EDGE Syrus Webster, Washington State
The Utah Tech transfer, like Tre Shackelford for the Cougars, comes from a mid-major program but on the defensive side of the ball. I see him coming in and making noise early and often against opposing offenses. Last season, he finished with 77 tackles, 11 for a loss, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles, earning him First-Team All-United Conference honors.
Only 24 hours in a day, Win the day everyday.#gocougs pic.twitter.com/hVmpH5rPKz
— Syrus Webster (@WebsterSyrus) April 30, 2024
