On every team usually, you always have that one guy that just
grinds your gears or completely changes the game for you as a
coach. Heck, even the fans and commentators know it. Big-time
players make big-time plays in big-time games. That can be a running back slicing through defenses, a wide
receiver blazing by defenders or “Mossing” them, and even a return
man who scares the living daylights out of you. Sack artists and
cover men who turn into return men also fall into that category. Whether you’re a fan or not, you know whenever this guy is
anywhere around the ball all eyes are on him. Here are my picks
from each P5 conference.
ACC
WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
The Rundown: While signal caller Jordan Travis has been getting all of the
hype this offseason for the Seminoles, and for good reason, the
premier big play threat who worries the opposition the most is
Johnny Wilson. He ranked third in the country with 22 receptions of
20-plus yards and finished fifth with 20.9 yards per catch. He also
racked up four 50-yard receptions along with two 60-yard
receptions. Ending the season with a 200-yard game, it’s safe to say
defensive coordinators will have their work cut out for them.
Honorable Mention: RB Will Shipley, Clemson
Big Ten
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The Rundown: Marvin was arguably the best WR in the
country a year ago as a Sophomore, but this year there is no
question whatsoever who the man is. He finished 2022 as Ohio
State’s first-ever Unanimous First Team All-American and a finalist
for the Biletnikoff. Many pundits have him as a candidate for the 1st
overall pick in next year’s (2024) draft including myself. Yes, he’s
that good folks.
Honorable Mention: RB, Blake Corum, Michigan
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Big XII
WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
The Rundown: The speedster from California is no doubt the
most dangerous player in the Big 12. He is a blur in the open field
and knows how to get open with his advanced route-running skills.
As a Freshman in 2021, he set all of the Freshman single-game
receiving records at Texas finishing with a total of 62 receptions for
981 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning First team All-Conference
honors. He had a little Sophomore slump but still ended up being
named Second-team all-conference. Even with big-time playmaker Adonai Mitchell transferring in from Georgia to line up on the other side, Worthy is still the man.
Honorable Mention: WR, Adonai Mitchell, Texas
PAC-12
CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Rundown: Mr. Hunter may be the most talented player in the country
while also being the most scrutinized. That is what happens when
you’re the best player on a Deion Sanders-coached team. With that
being said, his talent is undeniable, so he is one of the rare
commodities in all of college football. Not only is he a lockdown
corner, but he also excels at wide receiver. I don’t think it’s out of
the realm to say that we haven’t seen this type of player since the
likes of Charles Woodson back at Michigan in the 90s, who went
on to win the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. The
PAC-12 will be put on notice very soon.
Honorable Mention: WR Zacharian Branch, USC
SEC
RB Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss
The Rundown: While there were a few to pick from given the
conference’s talent pool, I had no choice but to go with Quinshon.
What he did a year ago as a Freshman can not be understated. All he
did was lead the toughest conference in rushing finishing with
1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on an average of 5.7 yards per carry. I also must add that he was not highly rated at all coming out of high
school, being rated just a three-star while also sharing the backfield
with Zach Evans who was drafted by the Rams recently.
With Ole Miss reloading through the portal, Lane Kiffin’s offense,
and a full workload, we should be in for even more fireworks.
Honorable Mention: LB Harold Perkins, LSU
