College Football Preview 2016-2017: 13. Ole Miss Rebels

Chad Kelly

13. Ole Miss Rebels

Conference: SEC (West)
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
2015-2016 Record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Bowl Result: Victory in Sugar Bowl
Breakout Player: LB Rommel Mageo
Heisman Hopeful: QB Chad Kelly
X-Factor: RB Jordan Wilkins
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

Following a breakthrough 2014 campaign that saw Ole Miss win nine games and be in the serious hunt for the College Football Playoff for awhile, the Rebels brought that momentum (ignoring a Peach Bowl loss to TCU) into the 2015 season and won a huge early game against Alabama for the second consecutive year. Once more, the hype train began for the Rebels after the victory, but a blowout loss to Florida a few weeks later and a non-conference beating to Memphis killed Playoff hopes. Even so, Ole Miss still had a chance at an SEC Championship appearance, as both Alabama and them both had one-loss and the Rebels still owned the tie-breaker. Then, Arkansas completed one of the craziest plays in the 2015 season, throwing a wild hurdle back to move the chains on a 4th and 25 in overtime and taking down Ole Miss in a thriller. The final result for the Rebels was a 10-3 mark, after they won the Sugar Bowl over Oklahoma State. It could definitely be called a successful fourth year for head coach Hugh Freeze, and the Rebels could very well continue to progress in 2016, despite some heavy losses and a tumultuous offseason filled with NCAA investigation.

Backfield: Entering last year, it wasn't clear who was going to replace long-time starting quarterback Bo Wallace. Wallace was frustratingly inconsistent but was still a three-year starter who is now second on the school's career passing yards list. The competition between JUCO transfer Chad Kelly, powerful runner DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan was intense, but Kelly came out with the job and did not disappoint. The former Clemson quarterback (who was kicked out for off-the-field issues) showcased a fantastic arm that could make a wide variety of throws. He ended up throwing for 4,042 yards and 31 touchdowns, while also showing solid mobility, rushing for 500 yards. Kelly received decent NFL Draft buzz but opted to stay for his senior campaign, and there is no question that he has the QB job locked down (Kincade and Buchanan both transferred). Kelly will have to cut down on his turnovers, with 13 interceptions last year, and also become a better team leader. While he will have to address those issues, his dazzling arm and great potential around him offensively make him a dark horse Heisman threat. With Buchanan and Kincade gone, expect true freshman Shea Patterson to possibly get primary back-up reps at the position. Patterson is a five-star recruit out of Bradenton, Florida, who is definitely the Rebels' quarterback of the future. While Kelly will keep the quarterback spot a significant strength, Ole Miss has some question about their running backs. Underrated Jaylen Walton was productive as the feature back last year, running for 730 yards and five scores. Walton graduated however, leaving the job pretty wide open. Junior Jordan Wilkins is the likely starter, after recording 379 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. Wilkins doesn't have Walton's speed or elusiveness, but he is more effective between the tackles and in short yardage. Senior Akeem Judd was Ole Miss' third leading rusher last year, and should also put up a fight for the job. He had 421 yards a season ago, and is incredibly quick and can cut on the dime. The two give Ole Miss plenty of versatility, as both backs offer different areas of strength. If one can step up in a big way, Ole Miss' offense becomes very effective. They were pretty one-dimensional last season, and that really hurt them last year at times, so Wilkins and Judd will play a very critical role. Junior Eugene Brazley provides quality depth, and redshirt freshman Eric Swinney has a bright future at the tailback slot.

Receivers: After three highly successful years at Ole Miss, Laquon Treadwell made the expected jump to the NFL this offseason. Even coming off a gruesome leg injury at the end of 2014, Treadwell recorded 82 receptions, 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also joining him in moving on is the team's second-leading receiver last year, the reliable Cody Core. Despite those two losses, Ole Miss has a number of weapons for Chad Kelly to work with at receiver. Senior Quincy Adeboyejo will be best remembered in 2015 for his crazy ricochet catch and score that gave them the lead against Alabama early on, but he was also very productive. Adeboyejo had 604 yards and seven scores himself last season and while he will need to adjust to a larger role, he has explosiveness. Joining Adeboyejo will be junior Damore'ea Stringellow. Stringellow came on to the scene in a big way last year, picking up 503 yards and five touchdowns himself, while displaying fantastic speed. A Washington transfer, Stringfellow should only improve as he grows more comfortable in the Ole Miss offense, that fits his playmaking ability very well. Junior Markell Pack is also going to play an increased role after showing flashes of brilliance in '15. Pack recorded 31 catches for 380 yards last season and while he doesn't possess the explosiveness or speed of Stringellow or Adeboyejo, he has good hands and great leaping ability. Beyond those three, Ole Miss is not quite as experienced or proven, but there is some intriguing talent. Redshirt freshman Van Jefferson was one of the big gems of last year's recruiting class, but wasn't going to see action with the depth at the position. A good route runner who has bulked up this offseason, Jefferson could be in store for a breakout year. Senior Derrick Jones started his Ole Miss career at cornerback, but will move to receiver this season. His ball skills have always been impressive, and he showed promise at wide out in short stints in 2015. Sophomore DeMarkus Lodge was little used as a true freshman last year, but did appear in seven games. He could be yet another player ready to step up and play an increased role. Tight end is a considerable strength for the Rebels, as senior Evan Engram returns. Engram is a proven playmaker in the receiving game, with 38 catches for 484 yards a year ago. He will enter the season as one of the conference's premier receiving tight ends, but hopes to increase his touchdown output (just two last season) and continue to improve as a blocker. Newcomers Gabe Angel and Octavius Cooley have enough talent and potential to be quality backups to Engram at the position.

Offensive Line: His Ole Miss career may end up being overshadowed by his NFL Draft troubles and leaked text messages that indicate wrongdoings in the program, but Laremy Tunsil was one heck of a football player with the Rebels. A former five-star recruit, Tunsil made his presence felt on the offensive line since Day One, but his 2015 was frustrating, as he missed seven games due to elgibility issues. When he did return, he was terrific and the Ole Miss offensive line was very, very good. His departure leaves them without much experience at the left tackle spot, which could be worrying. Five-star freshman Greg Little may be the favorite to take over the critical position. A steal from Allen, Texas who Hugh Freeze managed to keep away from the other big-time schools in the area, Little has tremendous talent. He is 6'6" and weighs in at 330 pounds, but still displays good footwork and solid technique. It will be certainly be an adjustment to go right into smashmouth SEC football from high school, but Little has the talent to adjust and Ole Miss doesn't have a ton of better options. The left guard spot is another place with concerns, after Aaron Morris departs, a solid run blocker with experience. Sophomore Javon Patterson had six starts as a true freshman a season ago, and appears to be the favorite. He isn't as established of a run blocker as Morris, but he has plenty of talent. Up the middle, Ole Miss must also replace quality center Ben Still, with senior Robert Conyers likely the heavy favorite. Newcomer Eli Johnson, a three-star prospect from the area, could serve as a promising backup. The Rebels should be strong on the right side of the line, where sophomore Jordan Sims and Alex Givens are the likely starter. Sims had four starts last year and showed terrific athleticism, while Givens is a redshirt freshman with very high upside. Tackle Sean Rawlings, a sophomore, could also fight for snaps at either tackle spot, after he made seven starts at the right tackle position a year ago. The Rebels are also hoping senior Jeremy Liggins can bright some depth at tackle, as he moves position once more. Liggins has spent time at tight end and even as Wildcat-quarterback since his transfer from Northeast Mississippi Community College. He could help out this offense in a multitude of ways.

Marquis Haynes

Defensive Line: Much like Tunsil and Treadwell, Robert Nkemdiche was a member of the game-changing 2013 Recruiting Class that began to lay the framework for the rise of the program. Nkemdiche was wonderfully talented and has a future in the NFL, but unfortunately, that potential never get meant production with the Rebels. He had just 29 tackles and three sacks last year, and had some off-the-field issues. His departures opens the door up for some new faces to see action inside, particularly senior Isaac Gross, who has some experience. Gross had 37 tackles in 2014, but took a medical redshirt a year ago. Likely to join him in the interior will be sophomore Breeland Speaks, who has wonderful upside. Speaks notched 32 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss a year ago, and proved he could get after the quarterback. Both Speaks and Gross will make plays as quality run defenders, but both are also athletic enough that it wouldn't be surprising if they can get after the opposing quarterback. The Rebels bring back their top pass rusher in junior defensive end Marquis Haynes. Haynes, who can also make plays as hybrid outside linebacker, picked up 10 sacks and was disruptive in a variety of ways. Haynes has good size and explosiveness off the edge, and he has plenty of NFL scouts interested in what he can do. Senior Fadol Brown is returning at the other defensive end spot, giving Ole Miss plenty of power off the edge. Brown had 32 tackles last year and while he also had just one sack he proved he could pressure opponents, with ten quarterback hurries. Brown may not have Haynes' explosiveness, but he has a wide, athletic frame that can overpower some blockers. Also back at the defensive end position is senior John Youngblood, who made two starts last year. Youngblood is a decent helper in run support, racking up 19 tackles in relatively limited action. Ole Miss could also turn to some incoming freshman to play increased roles. Benito Jones is a four-star prospect out of Waynesboro, Mississippi, that could see plenty of action due to the lack of depth at defensive tackle. A good athlete with good size, Jones could become an impact defender quickly for the Rebels. Another four-star addition, defensive end Charles Wiley, could also push for playing time this year.

Linebackers: Ole Miss proved to have a strong rush defense last season, and much of that had to do with a quality linebacker corps. Despite injuries to key contributors like Denzel Nkemdiche, C.J. Johnson and Tony Conner, Ole Miss proved they could shut down some explosive offenses on the ground (held Florida to just 84 yards, Oklahoma State to 63). They will be without Nkemdiche and Johnson in 2016, but senior Tony Conner is back. Conner, who plays the "Husky" position, serves a hybrid linebacker/safety after originally coming out of high school as a safety. He has wonderful range, but also was inconsistent a year ago. He had just 17 tackles, numbers that should increase as he locks down a starting gig for the entirety of the season. Also returning is the team's leading tackler, junior DeMarquis Gates, who is vastly underrated. Gates took advantage of the Rebels' injuries and inconsistency to record 76 tackles and four pass breakups in a very increased role. He did that with just four starts last season, so his numbers should increase in a big way as he locks down a starting job at one of the outside linebacker positions. The middle linebacker position doesn't have a proven returning starter back from last year, but it should still be a strength, thanks to the addition of two impact transfers. Oregon State transfer Rommel Mageo led the Beavers in tackles and could be even better with the Rebels. Mageo has an excellent feel for the game, and should excel in the physical SEC. Also joining the unit is former Georgia 'backer Detric Bing-Dukes, who spent this past season playing in the junior college ranks with Iowa Western. Bing-Dukes doesn't have Mageo's leadership abilities or proven play in a Power-Five Conference but he brings excellent versatility to the equation, as he could see playing time at either inside linebacker or on the defensive line somewhere. Also bringing important depth to the unit will be senior Terry Caldwell, who played well in a reserve role last year, with 32 tackles and one sack.

Secondary: The Rebels' secondary was going through a major facelift last year, as they had to replace interception machine Senquez Golson at cornerback, and hard-hitting safety Cody Prewitt (both were Jim Thorpe Award Finalists in 2014). The unit still performed okay, but will also suffer some pretty heavy losses as they head into 2016. Three playmaking safeties, Trae Elston, Mike Hilton and Chief Brown, are all departed. Elston's loss will hurt especially as he earned Second-Team All-American honors for his 70 tackles, five tackles for loss and four interceptions a year ago. The good news is that Ole Miss should still be strong at cornerback, as senior Tony Bridges is back. A former JUCO guy that was forced into action last season, Bridges played well, with nine pass deflections and three picks. Bridges is an excellent coverage option that should really improve in his second year in the Ole Miss defense. He will be supported by junior Kendarius Webster, who returns at the opposite cornerback spot. He had 41 tackles and three tackles for loss last year, showing the ability to blitz and disrupt opponents' backfields. He also showed he could get his hands on the ball, breaking up 11 passes a year ago. The safety positions may be less experienced, but they should not be complete liabilities. Junior C.J. Hampton is the favorite to start at the free safety slot, after recording 27 tackles in '15. Hampton is not a wonderful athlete but he has does have solid closing speed and good instincts that make up for it. The "Rover" position is a question mark, with a number of players competing to lock down a pretty important job. Junior C.J. Moore is the most experienced after picking up 19 tackles last year, but there are other young guys that could also grab the chance to start. True freshman Myles Hartsfield is a three-star prospect that Freeze and staff managed to haul in from the Northeast. He'll fight with another more touted newcomer, Deontay Anderson, for the starting job. Anderson is a four-star steal from the state of Texas who has good size and solid athleticism.

Special Teams: With kicker Gary Wunderlich and punter Will Gleeson both returning, special teams should be an area of strength for Ole Miss. Wunderlich had some ups-and-downs last year, but still managed 19/25 field goals and was perfect on extra points, while Gleeson averaged 40.7 yards per punt. Cornerback Carlos Davis handled some of the punt return duties last year and returns to likely take over full time, while a kick returner will need to emerge as Jaylen Walton handled those duties in 2015.

Ole Miss has proven they can beat the big boys and win on a consistent basis. They are as talented as any team inside the SEC, as Freeze continues to land fantastic recruiting classes. Kelly, Stringellow and an offensive line that is inexperienced but supremely talented, should keep the offense humming, and the defense has replacements waiting in the wings. However, there are some questions about Mississippi as they head into '16-'17. NCAA investigation will likely hang around the program due to Tunsil's draft night issues, the secondary will have some growing pains and perhaps most importantly, the schedule is among the nation's toughest. Not only will Ole Miss have to win against the brutal SEC West, their non-conference tests include a Top-5 team in Florida State, along with two dangerous Non-Power Five schools, in Memphis and Appalachian State. In fact, outside of FCS foe Wofford and Vanderbilt, every team the Rebels play in 2016 will have made a bowl game in '15. That will challenge Freeze and the Rebels, but this program still has the chance to continue their improvement and momentum. If Kelly improves and they can take down a few SEC powers along the way, another New Year's Six Bowl is a distinct possibility.

College Football Preview 2016-2017: 14. Iowa Hawkeyes

C.J. Beathard

14. Iowa Hawkeyes

Conference: Big Ten (West)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
2015-2016 Record: 12-2 (8-0 Big Ten)
Bowl Result: Loss in Rose Bowl
Breakout Player: LB Aaron Mends
Heisman Hopeful: QB C.J. Beathard
X-Factor: RB LeShun Daniels
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

Not a whole lot was expected of Iowa heading into the 2015-2016 season. The Hawkeyes were coming off a disappointing 7-6 mark, and it looked like the program was trending in the wrong direction under long time head coach Kirk Ferentz. Instead, Iowa paired a soft non-conference slate with an offense that improved dramatically, equating to a 12-0 start. The Hawkeyes came within a few inches of a Big Ten Championship and Playoff appearance, but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State. A Rose Bowl defeat further humbled the Hawkeyes and cast a shadow over what was an extremely successful year. Iowa returns a ton of key contributors from last year's surprise, and the Hawkeyes should once more roll through a weak non-conference schedule and a Big Ten West Division that has struggled over the previous few years.

Backfield: There were questions when two-year starter Jake Rudock transferred to Michigan prior to the '15 campaign, leaving junior C.J. Beathard as the starting quarterback. While Rudock ended up putting together a wonderful final year with the Wolverines, Beathard was not shabby himself. He threw for 2,809 yards and 17 touchdowns in a run-orientated offense and showed excellent command of the offense. Beathard doesn't turn the ball over (five interceptions on 362 attempts last year) and has a great feel for the game. The senior may not wow anybody, but he is the type of rock-solid, smart quarterback that Ferentz loves and work well with. He should continue to improve into the 2016 season, and Hawkeye fans hope he will throw the ball down the field more, as he has displayed good arm strength. While Beathard was great last year, Iowa's main source of offensive success was on the ground, as they used a committee approach. Jordan Canzeri, Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels all saw significant carries and all played very well. Canzeri graduated this offseason, leaving Daniels as the likely feature back. Canzeri was the Hawkeyes' leading rusher, with 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Daniels showed excellent promise last year, with 646 yards and eight scores himself. While Canzeri moved the chains with power, Daniels showcased some excellent speed and explosiveness last season. Those traits should serve Iowa very well, as it should add some vitality and buzz to an offense that is purposefully pretty boring. Wadley, a junior, should still see a very healthy dose of carries, after running the ball 83 times a season ago. Wadley has some serious talent and averaged six yards per carry last season, but is extremely fumble prone, which could limit his opportunities. A year later than expected, it is time for Derrick Mitchell to show the world his immense talent. Mitchell switched from receiver to running back prior to 2015, and was receiving rave reviews during the spring and on to fall camp. However, he never really got the chances he needed, rushing for just 162 yards. Mitchell has wonderful speed and fantastic vision, and he should have plenty of success beyond Iowa's big blockers up front. Sophomore Marcel Joly is back to provide further depth to a unit that should see plenty of different weapons being used.

Receivers: The Hawkeyes are not known for being a school that produces wonderful talent at the receiver position, but they do have a solid group again in 2016. Tevaun Smith, their leading receiver in 2014, put together a strong 2015. He proved to be a reliable weapon down the field, recording 563 and averaging 17.6 yards per catch. His departure opens the door for improvements from a number of guys who hold wonderful promise. Sophomore Jay Scheel could step up in a big way after having a great spring. A redshirt in '14, Scheel did see action last year but didn't do much. He has good hands and is a solid route runner. He may not be a 1,000-yard guy, but he could be a solid weapon for Beathard to work with. Fellow sophomore Jerminic Smith has great speed and solid size, which should enable him to have success against smaller Big Ten defenders. Smith also displayed his vast potential in the spring, and averaged 23 yards per reception in 2015. That was on just six catches, but it still showed that he can make plays down the field. Senior Riley McCarron had five catches last year, but should have better numbers this season. McCarron is undersized, but he could serve as a capable pass-catcher that can find lanes and move the chains, which fits perfectly for Iowa. Those three should play a much larger role after a relatively confined role last year. However, the clear star in the unit without Tevaun Smith has to be senior Matt VandeBerg. A former big-time Midwest recruit from South Dakota, VandeBerg has continued to grow and flourish in his time with the Hawkeyes. He has extremely undersized when he came on to campus, but has since bulked up considerably, which has really helped him. VandeBerg had 65 catches for 703 yards, and should continue to be Iowa's top weapon in the aerial attack. The tight end position could be in very good hands, even as Henry Krieger-Coble moves on. Krieger-Coble had 35 catches for 405 yards a year ago, and was a great leader. Even so, senior George Kittle should keep the position as a strength. Kittle is not a great playmaker, and he won't catch 35 passes this year most likely. He succeeds as a great run-blocker and a guy that can occasionally sneak out for a pass. He had six touchdowns last year, becoming especially dangerous in the red zone. Joining Kittle will be sophomore Jameer Outsey, a likely breakout candidate. Outsey had just one lone reception last season, but is much more of a dangerous pass-catcher than Kittle, with a wide, lengthy frame and good hands.

Offensive Line: Iowa has always been a smashmouth, physical football team and the offensive line often sets that tone. Ferentz was an offensive line coach in the NFL early on in his career, so he often focuses on the unit, which is always strong with experience and talent. The Hawkeyes should be especially powerful up the middle, where they are blessed with great center Sean Welsh, a returning starter. Welsh is a well-rounded blocker who already has a great relationship with Beathard. Junior Boone Myers will also play an important role. Myers was a left tackle last year, but the Hawkeyes are likely going to shift him around to guard because they are thin at the position. Myers is a versatile blocker blessed with good technique and mobility. The left tackle spot should still be in very good hands even as Myers moves. Senior Cole Croston spent most of last season at right tackle, but the transition should not be very hard for the veteran. Croston has good size, and knows how to block in the brutal Big Ten. The right side of the O-Line doesn't have quite as much experience, but there is great potential there. Sophomores James Daniels and Keegan Render should compete for the starting gig at right guard, both unproven but good run blockers that should clear lanes for Daniels and Wadley. At tackle, senior Ryan Ward is the favorite to lock down the job, but junior Ike Boettger is massive and has a higher ceiling. The Hawkeyes are very excited about the future of the Paulsen twins on the line. Landan and Levi both weigh in at 6'5", 305 pounds and received a redshirt last season. They are both gritty, hard blockers that fit the Iowa style perfectly. Levi is probably going to push for playing time at left guard, while Landan is more natural at right. Three-star prospects Spencer Williams and Alaric Jackson will also fight for snaps and provide valuable depth. Jackson, especially, has the potential to become a star, as he towers over opponents (6'7") and was wonderful during his time at Renaissance High in Detroit.

Defensive Line: The Hawkeyes' defensive line was far from bad last year, but it could have been even better. Defensive end Drew Ott was dominant through the season's first half, recording five sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in six games. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL ending his season and in turn, his Iowa career. Not only will Ott not be back, Big Ten third-teamer Nate Meier also is gone after playing very well in Ott's absence, with seven sacks. The search for the team's next top pass rusher is on, with sophomore Parker Heese being a very strong candidate. Heese proved he could make plays last year when he was forced into action, with 44 tackles. He should grow into a more disruptive force off the edge this year, as he added a ton of muscle. He had two sacks last year and also showed he could impact games in an interesting way, picking off two passes. He will be joined by a good core of veterans that should lock down the defensive tackle roles. Junior Nate Bazata and senior Jaleel Johnson should have very good years. Bazata was a great run stopper last year, with 42 tackles, while Johnson also helped. Johnson is a very underrated pass rusher, using his deceptive speed to pick up 3.5 sacks last year. He was helped by opponents focusing on Ott and Meier, but he should still have a great year. The defensive end spot opposite of Heese that was once held by Meier is a major question mark. Sophomore Matt Nelson showed excellent potential last season, but is obviously pretty unproven. He had 13 tackles and one lone sack a year ago in a reserve role. He may not be very quick or agile but he gets by with power (6'8", 270 pounds) and he uses his long arms to get in the face of opposing quarterbacks. Redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson is also going to be in store for a much larger role. Nelson has excellent versatility, and could help out at either defensive end slot. Iowa is hoping that true freshman Romeo McKnight could possibly come in and make plays this year. McKnight is a three-star gem out of Crystal Lake, Illinois that could see plenty of opportunities with the end position not being particularly deep.

Linebackers: Back in 2014, Iowa was replacing all three linebackers and a successful unit seemed unlikely. They responded by becoming one of the conference's better units and allowing just over 300 yards per game, one of their better marks in years. Last year, they were also replacing a number of key contributors to the unit and were very inexperienced. Once more, the Hawkeyes defied logic by performing wonderfully once more, headed by the linebacker corps. They should not have the questions surrounding the linebacker group they had last year, as a solid group is back. That group is led by junior Josey Jewell, one of the nation's most underappreciated defenders. Jewell quietly recorded 126 tackles a year ago, and stuffed the stat sheet in other ways. He had four interceptions and six pass deflections, along with 7.5 tackles for loss. Jewell returns to lock down the middle linebacker spot, which obviously plays a key role in Iowa's 4-3 defense. Expect him to be making plays all across the field again in 2016. The other returning starter to the unit is going to be junior Ben Niemann, another productive player. Niemann doesn't have the range of Jewell, but he can still make plays, with 45 tackles and three sacks a year ago. He is an okay pass rusher, but is well-rounded overall. Junior Bo Bower was slated to start a year ago, but lost his job to Cole Fisher, who was wonderful. Fisher came in and compiled 116 tackles and six pass deflections, but that didn't mean Bower didn't contribute. He had 15 tackles and also had an interception that he returned 88 yards to the house. He may be a backup to Niemann once more this year, but he has good experience and fits the system well. The Hawkeyes are going to have a competition to replace Fisher at the other outside linebacker spot. Sophomores Jack Hockaday and Aaron Mends are the two main competitors, with Bower possibly in play. Hockaday had a good spring, and a lot of people around the team think he could have a breakout year, while Mends showed solid promise a year ago despite very limited playing time.

Desmond King

Secondary: There is a long list of elite defenders in the Big Ten: Anthony Walker (Northwestern), Riley Bullough and Malik McDowell (Michigan State), Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers (Michigan) and Raekwon McMillan (Ohio State), to name a few. But, even they pale in comparison to Iowa cornerback Desmond King, one of the game's best playmakers and the 2015 Jim Thorpe Award Winner (nation's best defensive back). King came into the season as an established corner but was even better than many expected. He picked off a total of eight passes, and compiled 118 return yards, an average of 14.8 yards. That consistently put Iowa in great field position, and he also made those interceptions often at crucial moments in games. King received good NFL Draft attention, but opted to return for his senior year in Iowa City. He will be tasked with some of the conference's best receivers, but he can certainly handle it. It may be hard for him replicate his eight interceptions, but he should still put together a big year. He is joined at the cornerback position by senior Greg Mabin. Teams may try and pick on Mabin to get the ball away from King, but he is no slouch. He had 54 tackles and two picks last year and brings impressive athleticism to the table. Those two disciplined veterans should give Iowa perhaps the nation's best 1-2 punch at the position. Iowa is also very solid at the strong safety position, as junior Miles Taylor returns. Taylor is a difference-maker who can lay down some huge hits. He recorded 69 tackles a season ago, while also proving to be a decent coverage option, batting down four balls. Taylor has excellent closing speed and is a very reliable last line of defense. The free safety is the big concern in the group, as Jordan Lomax moves on. Lomax's 97 tackles in 2015 will be very hard to replicate, and the Hawkeyes are not very deep at the spot. Sophomore Brandon Snyder is considered the favorite, after picking up 11 tackles last year. He doesn't have Taylor nor Lomax's closing speed or athleticism, but he can still make plays when called on. Fellow sophomore Jake Gervase should see a healthy dose of snaps at free safety after seeing action in two games last year.

Special Teams: The Hawkeyes will have to break in new starters at both punter and kicker in 2016. Marshall Koehn is gone at kicker after knocking down 16 of 20 field goals and helping out as punter. Sophomore Miguel Recinos filled in for two extra points last year and should take over the position, and possibly even start at punter. At returner, King can make some great plays, particularly on punts, where he averaged 14.2 yards per return.

Last year's Rose Bowl blowout loss to Stanford played right into Iowa detractors hands; that they had played nobody and were finally exposed by a great football team. Even though it was disappointing, Iowa was a very strong football team last year, and there 12 wins and Big Ten West title are clear evidences of that. They return so many key pieces from that team and could even improve, particularly Beathard and a couple of their receiving options. Their schedule is once more very favorable, although a September 17th meeting with FCS power North Dakota State could be very intriguing. Iowa gets their three toughest opponents, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska all at home and should take full advantage of that. Iowa will not sneak up on the nation like they did last year, as people should realize the talent they possess. However, that doesn't mean they can't surpass expectations and perhaps even sneak into decent College Football Playoff position, while claiming the Big Ten West.

College Football Preview 2016-2017: 15. Oregon Ducks

Charles Nelson

15. Oregon Ducks

Conference: Pac-12 (North)
Location: Eugene, Oregon
2015-2016 Record: 9-4 (7-2 Pac-12)
Bowl Result: Loss in Alamo Bowl
Breakout Player: S Tyree Robinson
Heisman Hopeful: RB Royce Freeman
X-Factor: QB Dakota Prukop
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

Last season, Oregon learned that life after Marcus Mariota wasn't going to be easy. The best quarterback in school history and the 2014 Heisman Winner was missed, even though Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams played terrific. Unfortunately, Adams missed time with injury and the Ducks' defense lagged at times, leading to a pretty disappointing 9-4 campaign that was capped off by an epic collapse to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. While it was frustrating and uncommon for one of college football's premier programs to lose four games, the Ducks were still elite offensively and didn't lose a game when Adams played all the way through. They may be without Adams in 2016, but their offense should still lead the charge. If former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke can evolve the defense, this team could still win the brutal Pac-12 North.

Royce Freeman

Backfield: For awhile, it was unclear whether Vernon Adams was even going to play for Oregon. The Eastern Washington QB had put on a show in the FCS ranks, but made it clear he was intending to transfer to Eugene for his final collegiate season, hoping to earn NFL Draft suitors. However, poor grades and credits nearly delayed his transfer. A late clearing helped him secure entry into Oregon, but it was late, and he didn't have much time to learn the offense. Even so, Adams passed for 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns, despite being beat up for much of the year. Adams is now gone, and longtime backup Jeff Lockie is moved into more of an adviser role as a senior, but the Ducks have zeroed in on a replacement. Another FCS quarterback who hopes a big senior year on a larger stage will earn NFL suitors, Dakota Prukop is arriving in Eugene. Prukop has put up huge numbers with Montana State, but will need an adjustment period. He will have to learn the Oregon offense while also adjusting to the pace of FBS football. While that may be interesting, Prukop's potential is extremely high. He has wonderful arm strength, good accuracy and can make plays with his legs. Prukop is a perfect fit for Oregon's up-tempo, spread attack but if he doesn't lock it down, the Ducks could turn to either junior Taylor Alie (14 passing attempts in '15) or redshirt freshman Travis Jonsen. As usual, Oregon has a stud back at running back, as junior Royce Freeman returns. Freeman ran for 1,838 yards and 17 scores last season and would have been a serious Heisman candidate if the Ducks didn't struggle and he didn't play on the West Coast. Oregon will lean on him even more in 2016, and his 283 attempts last season could even increase this year. Freeman fits the stereotype of the typical Oregon back; he is lightning quick and can cut on a dime, but he can also bruise between the tackles. Also as usual, Freeman will have plenty of help as sophomore Taj Griffin also returns at running back. Griffin ran for 570 yards on just 77 carries (a 7.4 average) and proved to be even more explosive than Freeman. Expect the Ducks, who often use different backs in different situations, to use both Freeman and Griffin quite a bit in '16. Joining those two will also be junior Kani Benoit, who also proved he could produce in a big way despite limited carries (364 on 52 carries). Unlike Griffin and Freeman, Benoit has most of his success as a power rusher, excelling at running through contact. Oregon is sure to use the veteran in many short-yardage situations this season.

Receivers: While the returns of Freeman, Griffin and Benoit will give the Ducks some astounding versatility in the backfield, their receiver corps may be their strength on their offense. They have two established, lengthy receivers in senior Dwayne Stanford and junior Darren Carrington. Carrington finished off second on the time in receiving (only behind the now-departed Bralon Addison), hauling in 32 receptions for 609 yards. Carrington is a legit star and an NFL prospect because he plays with an incredibly high motor and has wonderful athleticism. Stanford was also very productive a year ago, using his wide and long frame (6'5", 205 pounds) to bully smaller defenders. The Ducks also have their fair share of speed and explosiveness at the position, starting with junior Charles Nelson. Nelson played mainly offensively as a freshman in 2014, but the Ducks were so thin in their secondary last year they had him start at safety. He may play some defensive back again in 2016, but the Ducks will also look at him once more offensively. Nelson is just 5'8", and while small, he makes a wide variety of plays. His small frame is tough for defenders to get a hold on, and he is as quick and agile as anybody in the nation. First year offensive coordinator Matt Lubick (who takes over for the highly regarded Scott Frost, who took the UCF job) will be creative in how he gets Nelson touches. Big things should be expected of junior Devon Allen, one of the fastest players in college football. Already an established superstar in track and field, who is actually competing to play in the Olympics. But, he is still trying to cash in on his potential on the football field. Allen was great in 2014, but suffered a knee injury in the 2015 Rose Bowl and really was never the same in 2015. The Olympics may be taking up his time and energy right now, but he could have a big season on the football field. Sophomore Jalen Brown has an extremely high ceiling and showed plenty of promise last year, in his first year of action with the Ducks. The Ducks are also thinking that highly touted newcomer Dillon Mitchell will contribute in his true freshman season. Mitchell is a four-star prospect that has the flashy speed that Oregon is accustomed to. The tight end position is most likely going to be handled by sturdy senior Pharoah Brown, who missed nearly all of 2015 with a leg injury. Joining him will be two other seniors, Evan Baylis and Johnny Mundt. Baylis plays like a receiver, with excellent speed and hands, recording 16 catches for 229 yards last year.

Offensive Line: The Ducks' speed and flash often takes credit away from their big guys, but the offensive line has still played a huge role in their run of success over the past few years. Unfortunately, the Ducks suffer some major losses on the unit entering 2016. Tyler Johnstone was a high quality tackle that will be missed, while former Notre Dame transfer Matt Hegarty was an anchor at center. The right side of the O-Line should be the strength of the unit, as junior Tyrell Crosby is back at guard, and Cameron Hunt is slated to return at right tackle. Hunt is a senior that brings great pass blocking to the equation, while Crosby is a good athlete and uses great technique. The center position is a huge question mark after Hegarty moves on. Freshman Jake Hanson appears to be the favorite to start, but the Ducks lack depth in the interior of the unit. If there are injuries or somebody doesn't perform, they could be in trouble. On the left side of the line, junior Evan Voeller is  the favorite to take the guard spot but the tackle spot is a pretty large concern. Two incoming freshman, Logan Bathke or Jacob Capra are ready to contribute from the get-go. Both have excellent versatility and could help out Oregon at a variety of positions.

Defensive Line: They don't get much credit for it, but Oregon has produced some excellent defensive line prospects over the past few years. Arik Armstead grew into a feared pass rusher and 2015 NFL Draft pick and just this spring, DeForest Buckner went in the first round. Buckner's pass rushing prowess will not be easy to replace. He had 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2015, and struck fear into opponents. The Ducks do have potential on the D-Line however, and it could be a group that could surprise. Junior Henry Mondeaux has a very high ceiling and showed plenty of promise with four sacks a year ago. He should have one defensive end locked down, and will bring plenty of aggressiveness off the edge. Senior T.J. Daniel has been a system guy for awhile and is looking to have a breakout at end. Big things were expected of Daniel last year after Armstead departed, but he never really delivered. Expect Brady Hoke to look to the veteran to be a valuable asset at end. Junior Austin Maloata is the favorite to lock down snaps in the middle. He was limited to very little snaps last year, but showed promise in the spring. Senior Torrodney Prevot also has a chance to lock down a starting gig in their defensive front. Prevot had 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks last year, being a real weapon in run support. He won't come after the quarterback too often, but Prevot has proven he can make plays when needed. Four-star newcomer Bryson Young is a big deal for the Ducks. Young comes from Clovis, California as a player that could very well have an NFL future. He has the size (6'5", 220 pounds) and athleticism to have a future at the next level, but that is obviously a long way away. For now, he will look to have a solid season as likely a deep rotation defensive end. Three-star Wayne Kirby may not have his potential, but he is a guy that clog up lanes in the interior for the Ducks in the near future.

Linebackers: The Ducks do certainly have questions on their football team; their QB spot is still highly unsettled, and the offensive line has some serious holes. However, none of those issues compare to their worries at linebacker, where essentially everybody left. Christian French, Rodney Hardrick, leading tackler Joe Walker and Tyson Coleman are all gone. Walker had 87 tackles and five tackles for loss, while Coleman showed excellent coverage potential. That leaves with a dilemma as he installs a 4-3 system for Oregon. Senior Johnny Ragin is a guy he can probably trust as the veteran has a great nose for the ball. He is almost certainly going to lock up an inside linebacker slot. Junior Danny Mattingly has good instincts and recorded 25 tackles last year, he should be able to increase that production in a big way. Also fighting for opportunities is junior Cody Carriger, likely as an outside linebacker. Carriger barely even played last year, but he has a high enough ceiling he could do some damage in 2016. The Ducks do not have great experience in the unit however, and could resort to junior A.J. Hotchkins at one linebacker spot. Hotchkins originally began his career with Wyoming before transferring and starring in the junior college ranks. He clearly has a lot of talent but will need time to adjust to an up-tempo Pac-12. If he doesn't adjust quickly, Oregon could be perilously thin at the position, not a good omen in a conference that loves to run the ball. There may be a couple other newcomers that could impact the position like Hotchkins. Eric Briscoe Jr. has the chance to be a dynamic pass rusher off the edge but he will have to fight for snaps this season. Keith Simms was a pretty big get off the East Coast, coming in as a four-star guy. From Maryland, Simms plays hard-nosed football and could get snaps. A player to watch: redshirt freshman Matt Mariota. Marcus' brother won't too much of an impact on the field this year, but may be fun seeing another Mariota on the field in Autzen Stadium.

Secondary: The secondary is not without questions, but it doesn't have the same glaring holes the defensive line and linebacker group have. No significant player moves on, and the only really loss they may have is junior Charles Nelson, who will play more offense (as previously mentioned), but he could still play a defensive role after picking up 46 tackles and two picks last year. No matter what Nelson does this year, expect bigger things from junior Tyree Robinson. Robinson was a pretty big recruit by the Ducks, and has showed great promise. He had 64 tackles a year ago, but many people think he could be even better in '16. He is certain to make some incredible plays with his range and wonderful ball skills. Oregon is in pretty good position at cornerback after they had some inconsistent play at the position last year. Junior Arrion Springs is a great football player, and showed that he could be a No. 1 cornerback when needed. The Ducks face plenty of great receivers this season with Nebraska, Washington, Washington State and USC on their schedule. Junior Chris Seisay took his lumps last season, but should play an increased role. He had one interception last year, but he has always shown a knack for creating turnovers. Junior Juwaan Williams is likely to lock down a safety spot, particularly if Nelson moves full-time offensively. He had 21 tackles last year, and will compete with another incumbent piece, senior Reggie Daniels. Daniels played really well last season, but Williams has put together a strong spring and will push the veteran. There are also a couple newcomers that could fight for snaps, but the unit is pretty deep and strong. Four-star Brady Breeze opted to stay in state in Portland, and could find a way on to the field.

Special Teams: Oregon has never been a team known to kick much, but junior Aidan Schneider is a star. He knocked down 22 of 24 field goals last year, and has a huge leg. Junior Ian Wheeler is surely going to lock down punter duties. In the return game, Oregon has always had speed and explosiveness. Their leading returner last year was Nelson, and he could handle the role very well in 2016.

For years, Oregon has been a staple at the top of preseason rankings. This year, there is some uncertainty after a four-loss campaign. Having issues on the front seven and offensive line in one of the toughest divisions in college football (the Pac-12 North) only adds to those questions. Not only will Oregon have to deal with that division, a cross-division game at USC will be tough and Nebraska in mid-September is also rough. Even though there are questions, this is still a typical flashy Oregon team that can score in bunches. Royce Freeman is a special talent, and Prukop has all the abilities to put together a big year. The Ducks may have faltered a bit and have some serious questions entering the year, but Mark Helfrich still has a dangerous team in Eugene. If they can ignore some of their questions and get some major improvements, this is still a team that could contend for the College Football Playoff.

Realistic Expectations for Golden State Entering 2016-2017

Kevin Durant

For years, there has been speculation on where Kevin Durant would land when he was set to become a free agent this summer. There was the popular storyline of him heading to flashy markets like New York or Los Angeles, or maybe even heading home to Washington. Though, as this offseason began, and KD was really a free agent it seemed unlikely he was leaving Oklahoma City. The Thunder had just been within a hair of their second NBA Finals berth and had recently acquired Victor Oladipo, giving them even more scoring punch next to Russell Westbrook and Durant, likely the best 1-2 combo in the league. The Clippers, Heat, Celtics, Spurs, Warriors and Thunder all came calling for the highest prize and rumors swirled. He was "blown away" by the Clippers presentation, talked to Tom Brady and the Celtics, was intrigued by Pat Riley and the Heat and so on. But, at the end of the day, Durant decided to head West to Golden State. Now, probably the second-best all-around player in the NBA will team up with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green on a team that just won 73 games and was painfully close to winning it all. The obvious expectations are NBA titles and rings and more rings, but what can we realistically expect from the team in the first year of a crazy experiment?

The thing that is so impressive about Golden State in an NBA defined by isolation and individual stars is the team basketball they play. No NBA team spaces the floor as well, no NBA team is as unselfish, and no NBA team is as exciting as they are. Sure, it helps when they have two of the best shooters in modern NBA history (Curry and Thompson) but it also comes from how the front office has constructed the team. They have a group of high quality players that play solely for the team and fit in to specific roles masterfully. They have their stars in Green, Curry and Thompson, but they also have a core around them that works wonderfully. Andre Igoudala is their premier defender and disciplined veteran, Shaun Livingston and Leonardo Barbosa are their hustle guys off the bench, Festus Ezeli is the muscle, and Maresse Speights and Andrew Bogut were their mobile bigs (Bogut has since been traded, and Speights is still a free agent). The team is built wonderfully, and fits perfectly, and displays incredible balance. So, how does Kevin Durant, a star who demands the ball, fit in? Durant is deadly in isolation opportunities, because their isn't a whole lot of NBA defenders that can defend a guy with his length and athleticism. But, he has shown that he can excel in off-the-ball offense if necessary. Durant is a good spot-up shooter and Golden State moves the ball so well he will be able to get the ball in the right areas. Another huge benefit to both sides is that Durant is not a selfish player that will absolutely need the ball. In OKC, he was perfectly fine letting Russell Westbrook run the show (sometimes even to a fault) when needed, and he shouldn't be frustrated by a lack of touches, especially when the Warriors are beating down opponents.

The big question I have about the Warriors with Kevin Durant has nothing to do with what is new around him. It isn't about how they will share the ball, or how he'll fit in. It is the problem that beat them down in the NBA Finals: their lack of size. The Warriors have revolutionized the NBA with their small-ball lineup. Teams have struggled to defend their free-wheeling attack, especially when it goes up-tempo. That changed this summer, when the Cavaliers found a way to pound the ball down low against Golden State, which had been the gameplan of dozens of teams, but never executed correctly. Sure, it helps when LeBron James is playing basketball at a level that isn't human, but Cleveland also dominated the boards and paint in their final three wins. James, Tristian Thompson and even Kevin Love were able to get offensive opportunities down low against the Warriors, while also shutting them down on the opposite end. When Curry and Thompson went cold, the Warriors lack of a down low game killed them and they weren't able to keep up with the flaming hot LeBron or Kyrie Irving. Kevin Durant is going to make the Warriors even more dangerous and more versatile, but he isn't a big. He has great size, but he won't be posting up against legitimate NBA big men nor really defending the paint. Will NBA teams be able to take advantage of the Warriors' lack of size down low? Most of the time it probably won't matter. Golden State will be draining too many threes or dominating too much in transition. However, in the NBA Finals or Western Conference Finals if they can't get that consistent offensive output, will it be become their Achilles Heel again?

The Western Conference is no breeze either. San Antonio plays fantastic basketball, the Blazers are superbly underrated, the Grizzlies play hard and gritty and while they have been experts at choking away games over the past few years, the Clippers have a wonderful core and strong bench. Talent-wise, there probably isn't a team in the Conference that can match up with the Warriors, not even close. But, after a long and hard season in the strenuous Playoffs, can they survive. Remember, the Thunder were dominating Golden State and set to become Western Conference champs for much of the series before the Warriors turned it on. There isn't any team that matches this past year's Thunder in 2016-2017, but the road will not be a cakewalk. The Warriors are going to be the hunted, and the whole league will be trying to take them down, particularly a guy by the name of LeBron James.

Don't confuse it; this is the best team in the NBA on paper, and it isn't close. They have four of the Top 15 players in the league, and may have the most offensive starpower the league has ever seen assembled on one squad. There will be growing pains along the way, and questions. Yet, unless there is some injury, or a string of them, they are my pick to win it all. I'm not exactly going out on a limb here, they should be the far away favorite. But, I also don't think we should automatically crown them champions and expect them to win 75-plus games. The NBA has some incredible talent, and their win total very well might regress is a result of some new faces. I expect a very healthy 65-70 wins, but a duel with Cleveland in the Finals could very well change the legacy of a team that has transformed the league.

College Football Preview 2016-2017: 16. North Carolina Tar Heels

Ryan Switzer

16. North Carolina Tar Heels

Conference: ACC (Coastal)
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2015-2016 Record: 11-3 (8-0 ACC)
Bowl Result: Loss in Russell Athletic Bowl
Breakout Player: QB Mitch Trubisky
Heisman Hopeful: RB Elijah Hood
X-Factor: DT Nazair Jones
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

Not a whole lot was expected of UNC entering 2015-2016. The Tar Heels were coming off a disappointing 6-7 mark, and there was pressure around fourth-year head coach Larry Fedora. A season-opening loss to South Carolina (who would finish 3-9) seemed to indicate the Tar Heels were headed for a rough season. Instead, the Heels' offense was explosive and their defense saw vast improvements under new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, helping UNC win 11 straight and earn an ACC Coastal crown. UNC went right down to the wire with the best team in the nation in Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, but the bowl loss to Baylor showed the team still has room to grow. While several pieces are missing from last year's surprise, this is still a deep enough and talented enough team that a second straight ACC Championship Game appearance is a real possibility.

T.J. Logan

Backfield: Gone is Marquise Williams, the longtime starter at quarterback. Although turnovers were an issue at times for Williams, there is no denying how well he played in 2015-2016, being a major reason why UNC won 11 games. Williams had 3,068 yards and 24 touchdowns, and also proved he could make plays with his legs. While North Carolina will miss his production, they have more stability at the position than most teams in the ACC. Many UNC people believe junior Mitch Trubisky was a better talent than Williams, and he played extremely well in mop-up duty last year, with 555 yards and six touchdowns while completing 85 percent of his throws. Those numbers will come down with more action (he had just 47 attempts last season), but Trubisky could still have a huge year. He may not have the arm strength of Williams, but Trubisky is more accurate and possesses impressive mobility. Joining the QB in the backfield will be another junior, running back Elijah Hood. A huge recruit by UNC a few years ago, Hood has not disappointed upon his arrival in Chapel Hill. Hood ran for 1,463 yards and 17 scores last season and if not for Florida State's Dalvin Cook, may be the best back in the ACC. Hood isn't extremely fast but he still manages to pick up yards in bunches (6.0 yards per carry in his UNC career) because of his great vision and excellent burst. North Carolina will definitely lean on Hood's legs to carry them past some of the stiffer defenses in the conference. Joining Hood at the running back position is veteran T.J. Logan, who offers a nice change of pace. Logan quietly ran for 400 yards and five touchdowns last season, and also proved he could be an underrated pass-catcher out of the backfield, with 151 yards on 11 catches. Ty'Son Williams is also back after rushing for 57 yards as a little-used third-stringer. The sophomore may not see a ton of action this season, but has an extremely bright future. While UNC will obviously use those veterans and ride them to offensive success, there are a lot of people excited about newcomer Jordon Brown. Brown is a talented tailback that arrives from Durham with significant hype. He is rated as a four-star recruit by many recruiting services, and offers a bright future.

Receivers: Perhaps no team in the ACC has as talented of a receiver corps as the Tar Heels. Clemson, Florida State and plenty of others have an abundance of playmakers, but even they may pale in comparison to the experience and potential that UNC has at the position. The most distinguished returning receiver is senior Mack Hollins, who had a strong 2015. Hollins may have caught just 30 passes but proved he could break open games, with 745 yards in total. He averaged nearly 25 yards every reception, and ACC defenders will have headaches trying to contain his blazing speed and playmaking ability. Also returning is another senior, Bug Howard, who also put on a show a season ago. Howard recorded 29 receptions for 488 yards (an average of about 17 yards per catch) along with four touchdowns. Howard will have to play an even larger role, as reliable Quinshad Davis graduated. Also back with Hollins and Howard is the explosive Ryan Switzer. Switzer is well known as a special teams demon who has set numerous records in that respect. He has grown as a receiver throughout his time with the Tar Heels, and is still improving. Switzer has impressive speed and home run ability, but still struggles with drops. Switzer had 54 receptions and 693 yards, numbers that should continue to rise as he improves as a route runner and without Davis. Junior Austin Proehl is also back after having a productive '15, with 225 yards a season ago. Tight end could also be a position of strength for the Tar Heels. Despite being extremely young last year, sophomore Brandon Fritts put together a strong campaign. Fritts recorded 16 catches, 203 yards and also gave UNC a consistent weapon in the red zone, with four touchdowns. Fritts is still improving as a pass-catcher but he looked good in the spring and UNC's deep threats could open up lanes for him to work with underneath. The Tar Heels are not particularly deep at the position, however, which could be a problem. Beyond Fritts, the most likely No. 2 guy is redshirt freshman Carl Tucker or a pair of incoming freshman in Garrett Walston and Noah Turner. Walston and Turner are both three-star prospects that could be okay helpers. While the depth and inexperience at the position could pose some issues, UNC doesn't rely on the tight end spot as much as others, which is a good sign.

Offensive Line: Helping out the Tar Heels' playmakers at their skill positions will be an experienced offensive line that is anchored by one of the ACC's best blockers, Caleb Peterson. Peterson earned plenty of NFL interest but opted to play it smart and return for his senior season in Chapel Hill. Peterson, a guard, is among the most established run blockers in the entire nation. The veteran will most likely be plugged in at the left guard position, where Hood and Logan will do most of their damage. Joining Peterson on the left side of the unit will another veteran, junior Bentley Spain. Spain also offers great size ad should be even better this season, as he occasionally struggled against finesse pass rushers. The Tar Heels also possess an established blocker at the right tackle spot, as senior Jon Heck is back. Heck earned All-ACC honors after putting together a productive year last season. Heck is another guy that will tower over defenders (6'7", 300-plus pounds) and offers fabulous footwork and mobility. Up the middle, expect senior Lucas Crowley to shut down opposing pass rushers attempting to stir chaos in the heart of the unit. The only position that should not be a notable strength is the right guard slot, where Landon Turner is gone. There are a wide variety of options that take over the void. Junior Brad Henson is a strong pass blocker that could flourish, while senior John Ferranto has slightly more experience. Larry Fedora is a very underrated recruiter, and he hauled in a strong number of offensive linemen that have bright futures at UNC and beyond. Jay-Jay McCargo has the potential to be a superstar as four-star pickup. A pair of other offensive linemen, Tyler Pritchett and Luke Elder, could have a high ceiling. Pritchett was an especially impressive gain, as the Auburn, Alabama prospect denied his hometown school and a number of other big-time SEC programs to land with the Tar Heels.

Defensive Line: Offensively, North Carolina was as dangerous as any team in the nation. They were incredibly balanced and averaged nearly 487 yards per game in 2015-2016. The defense was a bigger issue, although it did make major improvements in the first year of Gene Chizik as defensive coordinator. The offense should once more be very dangerous, so the defense will once more have plenty of pressure on it, and that starts with the defensive line. The D-Line will have to get great push and pressure on opponents in order for them to have success. The good news is that a solid crop of contributors return to the unit, namely junior Nazair Jones. Jones was a proven run stopper last season, racking up 40 tackles along with four tackles for loss. He proved that he could use his great size and wide frame to stuff up gaps, and disrupt opponents' flow. He will play a very important role in 2016. He will have to prove himself as North Carolina's top rush defender, which is important for a team that struggled to stop the rush last year. The Tar Heels were downright mediocre against the rush, and their bowl loss was mainly built around their inability to stop the run, as Baylor ran for a whopping 645 yards despite being slightly banged up. Along with Jones in the interior of the line is going to be sophomore Jalen Dalton or Robert Dinkins. Although both are very inexperienced, they can still make plays at the position. The defensive end spots should be pretty quality, even though UNC doesn't have an elite pass rusher. Senior Mikey Bart did have 6.5 sacks last season, proving that he had extremely deceptive speed off the edge. Blockers will attempt to focus on Bart, but UNC does have other guys that could step up and make plays. Junior Dajuan Drennon had a strong showing a year ago, with 39 tackles and five tackles for loss. He should continue to grow as both a run stopper and pass rusher. Sophomore Malik Carney has a very high ceiling and flashed great potential in the spring. Huge things are expected of UNC's big gem of their 2016 recruiting class, defensive end Tomon Fox. A four-star prospect coming from Georgia, Fox has the athleticism and the size to be unstoppable at the next level. Beyond Bart, Drennon and Carney, UNC is pretty thin a the end spot, which could push Fox to play a much larger role than originally anticipated. He will need time to adjust to the faster and tougher collegiate game, but by the end of the year he could be starting and making plays. Three-star pickup Allen Carter is another high quality gain from Georgia that could see some action.

Linebackers: While improvements from the front seven will be critical for North Carolina, the Tar Heels will also lean heavily on their linebacker corps. It doesn't help that the linebackers group was hit heavily by graduation and is pretty inexperienced. That doesn't mean there isn't talent in it, however. Sophomore Andre Smith has to be looked at as the most likely star in the unit. Smith recorded 53 tackles a season ago, and proved he could make plays from sideline to sideline. He should provide plenty of stability and playmaking potential at the middle linebacker spot. Also back is junior Cayson Collins, who didn't start last season, but still played a pretty large role. Collins had 38 tackles and three tackles for loss, proving to be a great run defender off the edge. Collins has a nose for the ball and brings excellent versatility to the table. The other outside linebacker slot opposite of Collins is likely going to be Ayden Bonilla. Bonilla was little used last year, recording just six tackles, but he has excellent size and could put together a big season. Sophomore Cole Holcomb is also returning and could fight for snaps at either of the linebacker slots. Holcomb saw slightly more action than Bonilla last year, with 15 tackles. UNC is thin at the inside linebacker spot, so expect newcomer Jonathan Smith to fight for action. It was important for North Carolina to keep Smith inside the state, as a number of other bigger programs were hunting for the talented linebacker. Fellow linebackers Dominique Ross and Tyrone Hopper will also fight for action, likely at the outside linebacker spot.

Secondary: The strength of UNC's defense will almost certainly be their secondary, which has plenty of experience and playmaking ability. Inside an ACC that has a strong cast of signal-callers, having a good pass defense will be key. UNC is especially strong at the cornerback position, headed by junior M.J. Stewart. Stewart led the way with 62 tackles and four interceptions in 2015, en route to his All-ACC showing. Stewart's incredible ball skills are very important to the Tar Heels, and he will face down a large number of ACC receivers. Joining Stewart at the corner spot will be senior Des Lawrence, who also impressed a season ago. Lawrence displayed a wide range of versatility, with 59 tackles in run support and also proved he could be disruptive, picking up 14 pass deflections. His great frame and long arms enable him to get his hands in passing routes and stop big plays. North Carolina is also very strong at the safety position, where junior Donnie Miles is back. Miles is a tackling machine and while he has other limitations, put on a show last year, with 128 tackles. He proved that he was an excellent tackler in space, picking up 76 of those tackles solo. Fedora and Chizik will look for Miles to continue growing as a defensive back, particularly in coverage. At the other safety spot, UNC does lose their starter, but has a guy back with good experience. Senior Dominique Green appears to be the clear-cut favorite to lock down the free safety spot. Chizik will allow Green to roam around and make plays and he showed he could make plays, recording 41 tackles and two interceptions a year ago. Much like Miles, UNC will hope Green continues to improve and round out as a defender. Sophomore Corey Bell Jr. could compete for starting snaps behind Lawrence or Stewart. Bell appeared in just two games last season, but he has wonderful athleticism and a great bloodline (his dad, Myron, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers). Fedora and staff also landed a large number of defensive backs that could support the Tar Heels. Chief among them has to be Patrick Rene, who comes in as a four-star prospect haling from Virginia. Rene has impressive versatility and he could play a variety of roles. Charlotte product Myles Dorn has wonderful potential and he could find a way to see action at either safety slot.

Special Teams: Special teams is sure to be a considerable strength this season for the Heels. Both kicker Nick Weller and punter Joey Mangili are back after solid campaigns last year. Also returning is Switzer, who may be the most dangerous returner in the entire nation. He averaged 13.7 yards per return and had two touchdown returns last year after a disappointing 2014.

It is all too common for teams to struggle after a breakthrough season. While the Tar Heels do lose Williams and some solid contributors to their defense, this team has no indications of having a hangover after their big 2015. Trubisky, Hood, Switzer and Hollins will lead an offense that could do special teams and while the defense will have plenty of pressure on them, Chizik has proven that he can work some magic. Also working out is a pretty favorable schedule: the Tar Heels may have a tough opener in Georgia and have a cross-division meeting on the road against Florida State, the Coastal is a lot easier this year than last season and they get a couple of their tough conference opponents at home. That Georgia game should serve as a perfect measuring tool for the Tar Heels; a win could prove that they have the potential to be a sneaky Playoff threat (much like last year), while a loss could prove they still have plenty of work to do. Either way, UNC is extremely talented and if their defense steps up in a big way, an ACC Championship is very likely.

College Football Preview 2016-2017: 17. TCU Horned Frogs

KaVontae Turpin

17. TCU Horned Frogs

Conference: Big 12
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
2015-2016 Record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)
Bowl Result: Victory in Alamo Bowl
Breakout Player: RB Kyle Hicks
Heisman Hopeful: WR KaVontae Turpin
X-Factor: QB Kenny Hill
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

After an infamous snub from the College Football Playoff in the 2014-2015 campaign, TCU entered last year with a chip on their shoulder. The Horned Frogs were led by Heisman hopeful Trevone Boykin at quarterback, possessed All-American candidates Josh Doctson and Kolby Listenbee at receiver, and still had some great talent defensively. However, injuries struck throughout TCU's roster, crippling an already young defense and even impacting their explosive offense. A 20-point loss to Oklahoma State hurt TCU's Playoff hopes and a loss to Oklahoma effectively killed any huge postseason plans. While the two regular season losses were relatively disappointing, TCU responded with an epic comeback against Oregon in the Alamo Bowl without Boykin, who had been suspended for his role in a bar fight days earlier. That epic bowl victory should help give the Horned Frogs some more momentum entering 2016. While Boykin and many members of the offense are gone, the defense should step up in a big way this season, and there remains enough talent that TCU should stay in contention for a Big 12 crown.

Backfield: There was no football player more dominant than Boykin over the past two years. A former receiver, Boykin locked down the job and excelled under co-offensive coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meachem. Boykin had 3,574 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns, while also running for 612 yards and nine more scores. His departure obviously stings, but the cupboard at QB is not completely bare. Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill arrives without a ton of fanfare, but plenty of potential. The starter directly after Johnny Manziel, Hill showed how good he could be at times, passing for over 500 yards on multiple occasions, and 23 touchdowns. When the Aggies began to struggle, Hill was blamed and lost his job to Kyle Allen, ending his time in College Station. Hill's big arm and large frame is a great fit for Meachem and Cumbie's scheme, and he won't have the relentless pressure he had on him at A&M. Hill will not be handed the job, however; the junior will have to compete with sophomore Foster Sawyer, a local product. Sawyer possesses wonderful size (6'5") and great mobility. Both are great talents, and TCU will be sure to use them correctly. The Horned Frogs will also have to replace their feature back, after Aaron Green graduated. Green ran for 1,272 yards last year, along with 11 touchdowns. He consistently moved the chains and always had big runs in store. His absence should push the player who finished off third in rushing (behind Green and Boykin), junior Kyle Hicks, to the forefront. Hicks showed loads of promise a year ago, but ran the ball just 56 times. TCU does have a very balanced offense, so Hicks could get upwards of 250-plus carries, and it will be interesting to see how he handles that type of workload. Hicks finished off with 262 yards and three scores last year, while also showing he could catch the ball pretty well out of the backfield. Seeing those numbers skyrocket should be highly likely, considering the increased workload. Fellow junior Trevorris Johnson should act as a great complement to Hicks. Johnson ran for 262 yards as well last year, but one ten less carries. While Hicks does most of his damage because of his size and power, Johnson is more dangerous and agile. The combination of Hicks' power and Johnson's explosiveness will give TCU plenty of versatility to work with. Beyond those two, expect sophomore Shaun Nixon and possibly even newcomer Darius Anderson to see some action. Nixon ran for 66 yards on 16 attempts a season ago, while Anderson has a bright future as three-star addition.

Ty Slanina

Receivers: Not only do the Horned Frogs lose two of their top three receivers, they lose one of the nation's premier talents in Josh Doctson. Doctson put on a clinic a year ago, recording 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns. He could have done even more damage, but he was limited towards the end of the year by a wrist injury. He is off playing in the NFL, and TCU will greatly miss his insane reliability. Kolby Listenbee also graduated, leaving a big void as well. Listenbee was productive, with 597 yards and five touchdowns. His most important trait was his speed and deep threat ability, as he averaged nearly 20 yards a reception. A track star, Listenbee worked very well with Boykin, and opened things underneath for Doctson and the rest of TCU's offensive talent. Those two losses should put more pressure on sophomore KaVontae Turpin, but he should handle it just fine. Turpin came on to the scene in a big way last season, picking up 45 catches, 649 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year with the team. Turpin proved he was an outstanding athlete, changing games every time that he touched the ball. He was still prone to mistakes and drops a year ago, but those issues should decrease with more experience and comfortability in the TCU offense. Joining Turpin should be a strong cast of playmakers. Senior Deante Gray will have the chance to have a big year after taking a redshirt a year ago to recover from knee surgery. Gray proved he could break open games in 2014, with eight touchdowns. Sophomore Jaelan Austin and junior Emanuel Porter should take much bigger steps this year. Porter has showed flashes of stardom throughout his time in Fort Worth, while Austin was good in limited action a season ago, with 10 catches for 137 yards. Junior Ty Slanina is another guy that should get more playing time this year, and the junior possesses immense potential. Tight end could be an issue for the Horned Frogs, Junior Charlie Reid is the only returner with much experience, but he had just three receptions last year. Newcomer Artayvious Lynn could possibly push for playing time as three-star prospect from New York.

Offensive Line: While the losses of Boykin, Green, Listenbee and Doctson are going to be very hard to replace, there will be no transition tougher for TCU than replacing the four starters gone on the offensive line. The Horned Frogs didn't have any transcendent talents on the O-Line, but it was a solid and productive unit. While TCU's offense puts plenty of emphasis on their talent at the skill positions and their speed offensively, their offensive line is skill obviously pretty critical to their offensive success. There is some experienced talent remaining, namely guard Matt Pryor and center Austin Schlottman. Both were thrown into the starting lineup a year ago due to a rash of injuries and played very well. Pryor, a junior, offers great size and is an established run blocker that should lead the charge for Johnson and Hicks. Schlottman will provide great stability to the interior of the unit, and is great working with quarterbacks out of the shotgun, where TCU runs nearly all of their plays. The tackle spots should be in pretty good hands, as a number of veterans return to lead the way. Right tackle Aviante Collins enters his senior season as a great pass blocker, while junior Joseph Notebloom is the favorite to lock down the left tackle spot. Joining Notebloom on the left side of the unit should be Patrick Morris, a junior with amazing talent. The depth in the unit isn't terrible, but we could still a couple young pieces come in and see some action. Gary Patterson and staff recruit nationally as well as anybody, and went up into the Northeast multiple times in this year's class. Three-star Lucas Niang comes down from Connecticut as a solid piece, while fellow offensive linemen Chris Gaynor was a more local find (Dodge City, Kansas).

Defensive Line: Few programs find and produce as much talent on their defensive line as TCU. Patterson specializes in finding and developing defensive linemen, and he has plenty of fantastic talent in the front seven this season. Leading the way is senior Josh Carraway, who has the chance to be one of the Big 12's elite pass rushers. Carraway had 10.5 tackles for loss last year and added eight sacks on top of it. Carraway uses his great size and agility to make every type of plays, being a disruptive pass rusher and as a run defender, with 46 tackles. While Carraway locks down one defensive end slot, expect fellow senior James McFarland to make plays on the other side. McFarland was expected to have a big 2015 after earning Peach Bowl Defensive MVP honors in 2014-2015, but he missed the entire year due to injury. McFarland has proven time and time again that he is a disruptive presence, even a guy that can help in coverage (he had an extremely impressive interception in that Peach Bowl victory). In the interior of the line, the Horned Frogs will miss Davion Pierson, one of the better tackles in the Big 12 a year ago. Pierson had 37 tackles and 6.5 TFL, but TCU should be able to find some pieces to replace that production. Yet another senior, Aaron Curry should put together a big year. Curry had 41 tackles himself a season ago, and is a great pass rusher, with three sacks a year ago. Curry isn't huge, but his speed and athleticism is tough for slower offensive linemen to stop. There is no clear candidate to replace Pierson at the tackle spot next to Curry. Sophomore Breylin Mitchell has the chance to be the stater, but a number of other players will compete with the young linemen. Junior Chris Bradley had a solid year in 2015, but doesn't have as high of a ceiling as Mitchell. Big things are expected for true freshman Isaiah Chambers, one of the highest rated prospects in the 2016 recruiting class. Chambers is a four-star playmaker out of inside the state who Patterson managed to keep away from all the other Texas schools. Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock is another guy that TCU managed to keep away from a number of other powerhouses in the area, and the three-star prospect will produce right away.

Linebackers: There was no position group as young on TCU's roster as the linebacker corps where they missed their undisputed leader, Paul Dawson, and a number of other pieces. Patterson and defensive coordinator Chad Glasgow had to lean on a lot of young freshman and it was very understandable that the unit struggled. The unit will still be very youthful again in 2016, and won't play too critical of a role in the 4-2-5 defense. Junior Travin Howard had a huge 2015, and he should be in store for bigger honors this season. Howard recorded 107 total tackles, and 9.5 tackles for loss, making plays from sideline to sideline. Howard also proved that he was quite the hitter, forcing three critical fumbles for the Horned Frogs. The likely starter alongside Howard in the unit is sophomore Montrel Wilson, who will lock down the middle linebacker spot. Wilson was also solid last season despite being very young, picking up 60 tackles. He proved that he had a nose for the football last year, but still is improving at tackling in space, an important trait to have in the spread-orientated Big 12. Junior Sammy Douglas was little used last season, but he is a veteran that knows the system and could fight for action. Redshirt freshman Semaj Thomas is a young guy that could see an increased role and has breakout potential. The big newcomer to the group is going to be four-star recruit Tyree Horton who comes in from Highland, Kansas. Horton is a linebacker that brings fabulous athleticism and playmaking ability to the equation.

Secondary: TCU will desperately miss one of their top defensive leaders last year, Derrick Kindred. The safety did it all for the Horned Frogs a year ago, recording 86 tackles, two interceptions and forcing two fumbles. While TCU will certainly miss that production, the defensive backfield could still be a considerable strength, with solid experience and talent returning. Junior cornerback Ranthony Texada has to be seen as one of the stars of the unit, even after missing the entirety of 2015. Texada is a corner with terrific ball skills and coverage ability, and opponents will be wary about passing near the veteran. Also back in the secondary is junior Nick Orr, a safety that can help out in a variety of ways. Orr had 50 tackles last season, and also showed he could support in coverage, with nine pass deflections. Senior Denzel Johnson is yet another guy that helped out quite a bit a season ago, and the Horned Frogs should lean on the strong safety. Johnson is a terrific run defender, racking up 79 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss last season. Glasgow loves to let Johnson get out and blitz, and the defensive back, gifted with great size and long arms, is awfully disruptive. Safety Kenny Iloka was yet another player that lost his 2015 due to injuries, and should come back in a big way. Iloka was great in 2014, and the Horned Frogs will love his coverage skills. He'll compete with sophomore Niko Small for one of the remaining safety spots. The other cornerback spot opposite of Texada is a major question mark, as there isn't any favorite to lock down the position. Defensive back Markell Simmons is the big incoming freshman in the Class of 2016. Simmons is a highly rated prospect who comes over from Arizona, while three-star Innis Gaines was a steal from inside the state. One of the most interesting pieces to the recruiting class is Sewo Olonilua, the highest rated prospect in TCU's class, according to 24/7 Sports. Olonilua can do it all, and is listed as an athlete. He is a talented runner and could find his niche as a running back, but also has the potential to be a very good safety, and the Horned Frogs could use his great range in their secondary.

Special Teams: TCU said goodbye to longtime kicker Jaden Oberkrom this past season, and his departure hits significantly. Oberkrom was extremely consistent, knocking down 21 of 25 field goals and connecting on 59 of 60 extra points. A new punter will also have to emerge after Ethan Perry graduated.

Injuries and youth hurt TCU significantly last year, but they still managed 11 victories. While life without Boykin and Doctson will be no breeze, Gary Patterson is one of the nation's better coaches, and he has an immensely talented roster. The offense still has the potential to be dangerous, and they should be very stout defensively, headed by perhaps the Big 12's most complete pass rush. Other good news for TCU is the fact that unlike much of the Big 12, their schedule is not tremendously back-loaded. Their toughest opponents, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State both come in relatively soft parts of their schedule. They get Oklahoma in between SMU and Kansas, and Oklahoma State after Baylor, which isn't absolutely terrible. Also, outside of Arkansas, their non-conference slate is very manageable. It may be an odd transition period for the Horned Frogs, but they should not be overlooked. Both Oklahoma schools are favorites in the Big 12, but the Frogs should certainly contend. If their offense can iron out their issues, TCU could very well challenge for a New Year's Six bowl berth.

College Football Preview 2016-2017: 18. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Marcell Ateman

18. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Conference: Big 12
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
2015-2016 Record: 10-3 (7-2 Big 12)
Bowl Result: Loss in Sugar Bowl
Breakout Player: DT Vincent Taylor
Heisman Hopeful: QB Mason Rudolph
X-Factor: OT Victor Salako
Recruiting Rundown (via Rivals)
Schedule
Roster

One year after a disappointing 7-6 mark, Oklahoma State was eager to show they had improved entering 2015. They proved they had a in a big way, starting off the year 10-0, with a victory over TCU to boot. They were sixth in the College Football Playoff rankings, and looked poise to win a Big 12 title, but faced a daunting slate to finish the year. Losses to Baylor and Oklahoma knocked them out of conference title contention and a loss in the Sugar Bowl to Ole Miss showed the Cowboys still have work to do. While the end to 2015-2016 was disappointing, 10 victories should still be considered a major success, and there is plenty of talent back in Stillwater entering this season. Led by junior QB Mason Rudolph, a deep backfield and plenty of talent defensively, OSU has enough to be a more serious Playoff contender this year.

Backfield: Head coach Mike Gundy used a two-quarterback system a year ago, and it worked to perfection. J.W. Walsh, the established veteran, came in near the goal line and in short yardage situations, where his running ability could be utilized. That left rising Mason Rudolph to handle most of the other duties, and he did not disappoint. Rudolph recorded 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns in Oklahoma State's up-tempo attack. He cut down on turnovers from a year prior, limiting to nine this year (which should continue to come down) and looked like a star. Walsh has graduated, leaving things all to Rudolph. His huge arm is a perfect fit for the spread system that Gundy and fourth-year offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich favor, and he has decent mobility as well. Rudolph tossed for 290 yards a game last year but didn't get a lot of touchdowns because Walsh got crucial snaps in the red zone. The touchdowns and total stats should skyrocket and if everything goes to plan, Rudolph could be a sneaky and overlooked Heisman candidate. Helping out the junior quarterback will be a very deep and experienced running back position. Oklahoma State has been pretty thin at back since Joseph Randle graduated a few years ago, but senior Chris Carson showed he could be something special with a strong showing in 2015. He picked up 517 yards and four scores last season, but missed some time with injuries and splitting carries. He should be looked at as the Cowboys' feature back entering this year, but there is enough talent to compete with him. Fellow senior Rennie Childs also played pretty well a year ago, with 276 yards and two touchdowns. Carson and Childs weren't bad by any means in 2015, but they averaged just 3.9 and 3.8 yards per carry, respectively. That leaves a lot of room to be desired and expect them to get pushed by the Cowboys' biggest newcomer: Barry Sanders Jr. Yes, the son of Oklahoma State legend Barry Sanders decided to play his final year of collegiate ball in Stillwater, transferring away from Stanford. Sanders Jr. showed plenty of promise with Stanford but Christian McCaffrey leapfrogged him for the starting gig and Sanders wasn't going to see much action behind the Heisman candidate. He still rushed for 630 yards the past two years with the Cardinal, and should bring immediate playmaking potential. Sanders Jr. may not have the talent of his father, but he still can wow you with his speed and quick cuts. His big-play ability should fit in very well with the Cowboys dynamic offense.

Receivers: Oklahoma State's offense spawns great receivers, evidenced by Justin Blackmon and Dez Bryant over the past few years. It appears they have found their next great wide out in junior James Washington, who quietly put up huge numbers in '15. Washington earned All-Big 12 honors after compiling 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns off of 53 receptions. His numbers were impressive on their own last year but they become even more impressive when you consider he was just a sophomore. He became just the fourth OSU underclassmen to finish off with 1,000 receiving yards. That list includes Bryant, Blackmon and Rashaun Woods. Joining Washington will be senior Marcell Ateman, who doesn't have Washington's big-play ability, but put together a strong 2015. Ateman had 45 catches for 766 yards and five touchdowns, and proved to be extremely reliable. Washington is dangerous because of his speed, while Ateman has success because of his size and ability to position himself. At 6'4", 215 pounds, Ateman will tower over Big 12 defensive backs and he will certainly use that to his advantage. Along with the two veterans, sophomore Jalen McCleskey has the chance to have a special season. He isn't as proven or as experienced as either Ateman or Washington, but the Louisiana product had 29 receptions, 253 yards and three touchdowns. McCleskey averaged just 8.7 yards per reception a season (Washington had 20.5, Ateman 17 by comparison) but he proved that when he did get some space, he could make plays. He is lightning quick, and the Cowboys will experiment with different ways to get him the ball. Senior Jhajuan Seales is also returning for his final year on campus and offers plenty of playmaking ability, with 321 yards a season ago. Gundy and Yurcich will also be gifted with stability at tight end, where senior Blake Jarwin returns. Jarwin will play OSU's "Cowboy Back" position again this season. The "Cowboy Back" is a hybrid tight end/fullback role where the Cowboys rely heavily on Jarwin's blocking ability. Jarwin isn't a great pass-catcher, but he did have 17 receptions for 200 yards last year. One of the big gems of Oklahoma State's recruiting class was three-star prospect Tyrell Alexander. Alexander will be hard-pressed for snaps this year, but he has the long, athletic frame that Gundy loves.

Offensive Line: Despite good stability throughout the unit and not much injuries, Oklahoma State's offensive line struggled last season. Over the course of two years, Oklahoma State has allowed 72 sacks, among the highest in the Big 12. The good news is that nearly all of the line remains intact, headed by two strong tackles, Victor Salako and Zachary Crabtree. Salako is a former UAB castoff that played okay last season. Now a senior, Salako will play a pivotal role at left tackle; if he can be a brick wall, it will really help Rudolph succeed. Crabtree enters his junior year after a productive year and brings wonderful size to the right side, at 6'7", 315 pounds. The interior of the unit was also decent last year, but didn't really help create too many holes for Carson or Childs. Expect senior Michael Wilson to play a big role in his senior season. Wilson can contribute at either guard spot and should lead the charge for the rushing attack. Center should be in pretty good hands, thanks to the return of junior Brad Lundblade, who had a solid showing last year. The big newcomer for the unit is four-star prospect Tramonda Moore. While Oklahoma State has become a school that can land elite talents, Moore was their only four-star pickup this year, so coaches are going to be expecting big things. Moore is natural at left tackle, and should learn from Salako and maybe even push him, but can play a variety of roles. Also arriving are two three-star guys in Shane Richards from Mexico and Matt Kegel from Chaska, Minnesota. Both offer plenty of upside in the near future for the Cowboys. Overall, the unit returns plenty of talent and experience. But, it has to prove itself after a rough few years. Guys like Salako and Crabtree should help the unit succeed.

Defensive Line: No unit on Oklahoma State's roster was hit as hard this offseason as the defensive line. The Cowboys lose one of the Big 12's best defenders and one of the best pass rushers in the entire land. Defensive linemen Emmanuel Ogbah could play a number of different positions, and star at each. He picked up 12.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss with OSU before declaring for the NFL. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round. However, Ogbah is not the only big loss form the unit. Jimmy Bean graduated, leaving a big gap at defensive end. Bean had 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss himself a season ago and was a great complement to Ogbah. That means a few young faces are going to have to step up to the spotlight. Sophomores Jarrell Owens and Trey Carter are the favorite to take over as Oklahoma State's top pass rushers. Owens was a force last year despite limited action, recording three sacks. He showed plenty of power and was a natural disruptive presence at end. He should see his number rise, and the little used Carter offers plenty of upside. The losses on the line could help junior Vincent Taylor put together a big 2016. Taylor had a decent year last season, with 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He proved he had the versatility to be a dangerous pass rusher or become a run stopper. He'll have a big role for Oklahoma State this season, but he may expect more double teams or other blockers. Joining Taylor up front is going to be senior Motekiai Maile, who showed promise a year ago. Maile had 21 tackles a year ago, with two of them going for a loss. Expect contributions from sophomore Darrion Daniels as well in the interior, as he showed great ability in the spring. Despite their losses, Gundy and staff didn't grab a lot of talent at defensive line in this year's recruiting class, which puts more pressure on the veterans. However, three-star Cameron Murray was a nice grab out of Arkansas. Murray is a beast in the middle who is more athletic than Maile.

Linebackers: The Cowboys have not been viewed as a defensive team for much of Gundy's 12 years with the team. Yet, it is a group that has improved, and will look to take big strides in 2016. For that to happen, they need a talented linebackers group to set the tone. Much like the defensive line, the linebackers do lose plenty of talent, but have a ton back and are deep. The big loss for the unit is Ryan Simmons, who made 31 starts at the position and was an impact player before a knee injury ended his senior season prematurely. Simmons was a great leader and playmaker, so that will need to be replaced. Big things are expected of senior Jordan Burton, and for good reason. Burton finished off second on the team in tackles a year ago, with 98. He had also had nine tackles for loss and picked off a pass. Burton proved to be a versatile athlete that had a wide range and could help in coverage. Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer will look to Burton to do much the same this season, and he can deliver. Senior DeVante Averette was a great linebacker last season as well and look forward to an even better season. Averette picked up 30 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions and will be looked at as a playmaker off the edge. Expect Spencer to cut the veteran loose in various blitz packages. The other likely starter to the unit is junior Chad Whitener, who was great last year. Whitener had 93 tackles and also showed his ability to be a major help in coverage. With him and Burton, Oklahoma State has so much versatility to work with. Another likely key contributor will be Gyasi Akem. Akem saw action in eight games last year and proved he could make plays when called upon, finishing with nine tackles. He'll have to adjust like a lot of new pieces, which makes an opener with Southeastern Louisiana favorable. Redshirt freshman Kevin Henry is yet another guy looking to play a bigger role and he has seen big improvements after his redshirt. Incoming freshman Calvin Bundrage has the chance to be very, very good. Bundrage is a three-star prospect, and a guy that make some plays at outside linebacker.

Jordan Sterns

Secondary: Oklahoma State's secondary has had some issues (like the rest of a pass-happy, little defense Big 12), but they have produced some nice talents. Cornerback Justin Gilbert has struggled in the NFL but was a first-round pick, while others have also gone on. The next big stud in the defensive backfield is none other than safety Jordan Sterns. Sterns proved just how good he was last year, finishing off with 108 total tackles. He proved he had great range and was a great tackler in space, an important trait in today's college football, with 71 solo tackles. Sterns is slated in at the strong safety spot, and will be looked at as a guy that can help in a variety of ways. He also had two picks and three pass deflections last year, though coverage isn't his strength. Cornerback should be an interesting position to watch this year for the Cowboys. Senior Ashton Lampkin has to be looked at as OSU's No. 1 coverage guy. He was solid a year ago, but was prone to mistakes at times. He'll have to continue to improve this year, as he'll face plenty of talented wide receivers in the Big 12. Junior Ramon Richards is the likely starter opposite him, and proved he was a guy that could wow you. Richards also suffered mind lapses and mistakes, but will continue to show consistency this year. He also picked off two passes last year, bringing one all the way back. Last but not least is junior Tre Flowers, who returns at free safety. Flowers had 83 tackles last year, and also batted down seven balls. While Sterns is a hard-hitter that can do so many different things, Flowers' importance to this defense should not be overlooked, he is a major piece. Junior Jerel Morrow is likely the backup to Flowers, but Morrow offers great upside and should look for snaps. There are a couple of pieces in this year's recruiting class that could offer some help, in the long term and now. Three-star pickups like Madre Harper and A.J. Green should offer assistance. Green arrives from DeSoto, Texas, which produces some great talent all around.

Special Teams: Stability at both kicker and punter will be key this year for Oklahoma State. Senior kicker Ben Grogan is back after a solid 2015, while punter Zach Sinor was great as a young freshman. The return game is unsettled, but plenty of talent exists in it.

Mike Gundy has proven that he has taken this Oklahoma State to new heights on countless occasions. Yet, this 2016 Oklahoma State edition may be Gundy's most talented and well-rounded group he has since 2011. That year, OSU went 12-1 and was within a crazy upset at the hands of Iowa State away from a National Championship Game berth. QB Mason Rudolph could do some crazy things, with Washington and Ateman helping him, while the defense will still be rock-solid,even without Ogbah and Bean. The schedule will once more be an interesting factor. The Big 12 is amazingly backloaded, and OSU will have to finish the year at both TCU and Oklahoma. While that may be daunting, this team has the chance to be very, very dangerous. Oklahoma is everybody's pick in the Big 12 after their Playoff berth last year, but their instate rival could be just as scary, and sneak their way into the Playoff this time around.