In my second article as Big Ten correspondent, Let’s discuss what names should be getting talked about way more than they currently are, heading into the 2024 college football season. Names we won’t be able to forget in November.
Coming in at the top of my list. Minnesota Running Back Darius Taylor. When you look at his numbers from last season, they are staggering. He played in 6 games officially but in the first game of the season only had 1 carry for three yards. In the five other games, Taylor ran for 796 yards on 137 carries. Averaging near six yards a carry, while also adding 5 TD’s. He didn’t just do it against MAC schools either. Against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, he finished with 138 yards on 22 carries and nearly went for 200 yards at Northwestern. Injuries derailed what was a sure 1,000 yard rushing season for Taylor. He will not be on any pre-season awards lists but he will compete for All Big Ten honors at the end of the season if he stays healthy.
Don’t mind us, just watching Darius Taylor highlights. pic.twitter.com/Fg1B7xHmia
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) June 11, 2024
2. Tyler Warren (Penn State)
Next up on the list, Penn State Tight End Tyler Warren. He was tied for team lead in Touchdowns with seven. Standing 6’6 and weighing 260 pounds and having deceptive speed is impressive. His film and stats caught my eye along with comments I’ve seen from teammates and coaches who expect a huge year from him. Drew Allar’s favorite red zone target last year is looking to improve on a stellar sophomore season. Everyone will talk about Loveland and Lachey, I am talking about warren. Before it is all said and done, many more will be too.
Such a bummer #PennState TE Tyler Warren is going back to school and bypassing the 2024 NFL Draft (great for Penn State though).
I think Warren would've been a top-3 drafted TE in this class. pic.twitter.com/UL4YN7O2G2
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 30, 2023
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3. Kaden Feagin (Illinois)
Illinois running back Kaden Feagin, comes in at number three on the list. The Big Ten only got to see small glimpses of Feagin last year, injuries plagued much of his freshman year. With 95 carries and 438 yards rushing along with nine receptions for 116 yards, he’s a true dual threat. Did I mention he’s six foot 3 and 245 pounds? Illinois head coach Bret Bielema mentioned recently, over the summer Feagin has topped over 21 MPH with his speed. Something he hasn’t seen with a back this size. Feagin will be in the NFL after the 2025 season, he is a special talent and a specimen that is ready to make a difference. Illinois will be bowling in 2024 with a healthy season from Feagin.
2024-25 B1G Ten Breakout Player Candidate:
Illinois RB Kaden Feagin is listed 6’3 250lbs! pic.twitter.com/heOx3m8f4L
— B1G Hood Husky (@HoodHusky) June 10, 2024
Jaylen Lloyd (Nebraska)
Nebraska wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd enters at number four. Last season, Lloyd only caught six passes but for 238 yards and three touchdowns. You read that right, half his catches were for touchdowns. Lloyd is a burner not many teams have, being a national champion in track before joining Nebraska as a freshman. Nothing personal against last season’s Quarterbacks in Lincoln but newcomer Dylan Raiola can spin it deep and with accuracy. The spring game in April gave a nice glimpse as to what Husker fans and the Big Ten can expect. I expect the deep threat to be used quite often as many teams will try to make the freshman beat them with his arm. Lloyd will be locked and loaded and ready to fly in Lincoln.
5. Kaelon Black (Indiana)
Last but certainly not least, Indiana running back Kaelon Black. Black was a workhorse for James Madison last year and carries a major chip on his shoulder. Averaging nearly 5 yards a carry with 142 carries for 637 yards along with 27 receptions for 254 yards and 4 TD’s receiving. He can do it all on the football field and was a major part of the Dukes success last season that helped Curt Cignetti get the job in Bloomington. Indiana will have a stable of running backs being used this year but I expect Black to get the bulk of the work load and get the Cignetti era started with familiarity with the new staff. He’s a darn good player to do that as well, Hoosiers fans will be seeing quite a bit of him.
