College Football Preview 2017-2018: 21. Stanford Cardinal

21. Stanford Cardinal

Can the offense improve without its best player?

Location: Palo Alto, Calif. Conference: Pac-12 (North) Schedule Roster Coach: David Shaw (seventh year) Last Years Record: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12) Bowl Result: Victory in Sun Bowl Overview Blessed with one of the nation's most dynamic players in running back Christian McCaffrey, Stanford looked ready to vie for the program's first-ever Playoff appearance in 2016. Yet, despite McCaffrey's brilliance the offense hit a wall mid-season, managing just 11 points over a four-game span that included three losses (to Washington, Washington State and Colorado).  That deflating stretch may have ended Stanford's Playoff hopes, but the Cardinal recovered to win their final six games, including a Sun Bowl victory with McCaffrey absent. This off-season, McCaffrey opted to leave for the NFL a year early, but that shouldn't stop the success David Shaw has built in Palo Alto. A new star ready to emerge in the backfield, an improved quarterback situation and a deep defense all point to another tough Stanford team, and one still ready to challenge for a Pac-12 crown. Bryce Love Offense: The main hope for Stanford as they head into fall camp and a new season is figuring out the quarterback situation. Ryan Burns began last year as the starter for the Cardinal but was eventually unseated by former highly-touted recruit Keller Chryst. Chryst showed excellent command of the offense after taking over for Burns and the results speak for themselves, as he led Stanford to a 6-0 mark. However, Chryst tore his ACL in the team's Sun Bowl victory and missed the entirety of spring. The Cardinal believe that he will be back for 2017, but it's unclear if he'll be able to go Week One, which may reopen the door for Burns or redshirt freshman K.J. Costello. Costello was a major get in the 2016 recruiting class and played well in the spring, so he may have the best shot to run the offense if Chryst isn't able to go. The Cardinal will obviously miss do-it-all back Christian McCaffrey, but the running back position could actually still be a strength in '17. Junior Bryce Love impressed in the Sun Bowl, and he has the potential to have a breakout campaign. Love doesn't quite have McCaffrey's immense playmaking potential, but he's a speedy runner with a lot of shiftiness. He could double his 783 yards with more touches. He will be joined in the backfield by sophomore Cameron Scarlett and established blocker Daniel Marx at fullback. The Cardinal are never going to be a pass-happy team but with this receiver corps, they have the potential to be very solid through the air. Junior Trenton Irwin is a proven playmaker, who 37 catches for 442 yards a year ago. When paired with sophomore J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford possesses some serious speed and explosiveness. Stanford has long been a great place for developing great tight ends, and the cycle continues with junior Dalton Schultz. Schultz is a very fine pass-catcher, who caught 22 balls last year. With Irwin and company stretching the defense, Schultz could get plenty of opportunities underneath and in the red zone, where he should thrive. Redshirt freshman Kaden Smith and true frosh Colby Parkinson will also likely see snaps in a tight-end heavy offense. Up front, Stanford should be very stout, as usual. The offensive line has four starters back, and brings very impressive depth. Senior David Bright and junior A.T. Hall are exceptional at the tackle spots, while junior center Jesse Burkett is an anchor in the middle. A group that specializes in run blocking, this group should help open up gaping holes for the dangerous Love to work with.  Peter Kalambayi Defense: While Stanford will need help from their offense if they have any shot at winning the Pac-12, they will always be a defensive-orientated team. That won't change in '17, even with some losses, as enough reinforcements arrive for a stingy group. On the defensive line, Stanford will miss No. 3 overall draft selection Solomon Thomas. Thomas was never overly dominant while in Palo Alto but was a very consistent and reliable pass rusher, and absolutely shown in the Sun Bowl. The Cardinal will look for even bigger production from senior defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. Phillips has proven he can get after the quarterback (6.5 sacks a year ago), but may face more blocking attention without teams having to worry about Thomas on the edge. Neither defensive end spot should be considered a major strength, but the Cardinal still have plenty of potential. Senior Eric Cotton looks primed to put together a big season. Cotton had just three tackles last year but played much better in the spring and is a very knowledgable football player. On the other side, it's unclear who will take over the starting DE spot, as sophomores Thomas Schaffer and Dylan Jackson appear to be the main competitors. The strength of the team, as it so often is, will be their physical rush defense. Last year, the group allowed 144.5 yards per game on the ground, which was pretty good but not quite up to their usual standards at 38th nationally. However, with all four linebackers returning with significant experience, this group could be absolutely dominant. They'll be especially great on the outside, with junior Joey Alfieri and senior Peter Kalambayi. Both of the veterans have proven they can attack the backfield off the edge, particularly Alfieri, who prides himself on being a pass rushing specialist. Kalambayi is a very good athlete with plenty of experience facing a wide variety of offenses in the interesting Pac-12. Senior Kevin Palma won't wow anyone with his physical gifts, but is a smart football player that relies heavily on his impressive instincts. Junior Bobby Okereke is also returning at an inside linebacker spot. Adding to the strength of the linebacker corps is the fact Stanford returns a bunch of quality rotational players and young guys ready to step into larger roles such as sophomores Curtis Robinson and Sean Barton. In the secondary, Stanford appears to be very strong. The unit rarely has seen elite stars pass through their ranks, but has consistently done well stopping the pass, which should once more be the case in '17. Junior Justin Reid is a key returnee at strong safety, as the team's leading returning tackler, with 57 in total. Cornerback should also be a notable strength for the Cardinal, as juniors Quentin Meeks and Alijah Holder should lock down starting roles. Meeks tied for second on the team in interceptions last year with two, while Holder has impressed as a reserve throughout his time in Palo Alto, including recording six pass deflections last season. Free safety is the only spot breaking in a new starter, but junior Brandon Simmons is expected to take over after 15 tackles a year ago. Special Teams: Stanford will undergo a transition in the kicking game, where the school's all-time leader in field goal percentage, Conrad Ukropina, departed. Untested sophomore Jet Toner is expected to take over where Ukropina left off. In the return game, the combination of Bryce Love and sophomore Jay Tyler is expected to replace McCaffrey's impressive production. Under the leadership of David Shaw, and Jim Harbaugh before him, Stanford has evolved into a perennial threat, even one that should be able to withstand losing one of their best players in school history. Bryce Love should have no troubles adjusting to a larger role, the offensive line could be the best in years, and the defense should once again be stout. The big X-factor for the Cardinal is clearly the passing game, which averaged a lowly 158 yards per game last year. Stanford must hope that Keller Chryst can return healthy and regain his old form, or else take a chance on a less proven option, such as K.J. Costello. If the passing game doesn't reemerge or at least take a few steps forward, it's hard to envision Stanford winning a conference that is extremely improved, with Washington and USC looking like legitimate National Title contenders. Even so, the model of consistency in Palo Alto should keep producing. The Cardinal are a pretty safe bet to win 9-10 games, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to overcome UW and win the Pac-12 North. Player to Watch Dalton Schultz, TE To say Stanford has become a factory for producing high-quality tight ends may be an understatement. The Cardinal have six tight ends currently in the NFL, including Coby Fleener, Austin Hooper and Zach Ertz, all who were dominant in the collegiate ranks. The hope around Palo Alto is that junior Dalton Schultz can be the next in the long line of star tight ends. Schultz had 23 receptions for 222 yards a year ago, but his physical nature and big frame could enable him to be an absolutely imposing red zone presence. Five-Year Trend 2012: 12-2 (8-1 Pac-12)* 2013: 11-3 (7-2 Pac-12)* 2014: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)* 2015: 12-2 (8-1 Pac-12)* 2016: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 22. Northwestern Wildcats

22. Northwestern Wildcats

Immense talent offensively and favorable schedule means possible Big Ten dark horse

Location: Evanston, Illinois Conference: Big Ten (West) Schedule Roster Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (12th year) Last Years Record: 7-6 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Result: Victory in Pinstripe Bowl Overview After winning ten games in '15-'16, Northwestern was hoping last season would be the year they cemented themselves as a perennial power in the Big Ten West. That never really happened; the Wildcats opened the season with a heartbreaking one-point loss to Western Michigan and then even more deflating loss one week later, losing to FCS foe Illinois State on a last second field goal. Northwestern was able to recover, leaning on a dangerous passing attack and aggressive defense to rally to a postseason bid, which they eventually beat Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl. Overall, it was a weird year in Evanston, but still one that showed the program's potential (beating a very good ACC opponent and pushing eventual Big Ten champ Ohio State to the brink in a 24-20 loss). With a number of key playmakers returning on the offense, the deepest defense the team has had in years and a great offensive line, 2017 could be the magical year Northwestern was hoping for a season ago, and one that could see them challenge for a division crown. Clayton Thorson Offense: Junior quarterback Clayton Thorson returns to Northwestern hoping to build on a solid sophomore campaign. Thorson tossed for 3,182 yards and 22 touchdowns on the year and while he still struggled occasionally with mistakes and deep throws, he showed significant progress. Now a third-year starter, the Wildcats are hoping Thorson's impressive ability to create with his legs will pair perfectly with his improved accuracy, transforming him into a true dual threat. Thorson will be joined in the backfield by perhaps the nation's most underrated running back. Senior Justin Jackson quietly ran for 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, absolutely shredding a conference known for its ability to stop the run. Jackson has proven time and time again his explosiveness in the open field and his impressive vision to seek out gaps. Jackson needs just 356 yards to become the school's all-time leading rusher. What should only make Jackson more lethal is the fact he is running behind the best offensive line since he arrived on campus. Four starters return to the O-Line, including anchors Tommy Doles and Brad North. Doles, a junior right guard, will pair with fellow junior J.B. Butler to spearhead the rushing attack, which showed its potential late in '16, when they rushed for 526 yards in the final two games. However, both tackles need to take big steps forward in order to improve the pass protection, which was very poor throughout much of last season. Junior Blake Hance returns at left tackle, but right tackle is up for grabs, with sophomore Andrew Otterman appearing to be the frontrunner at the position. A major question for Northwestern as they entered spring was finding a new go-to receiver after Biletnikoff Award finalist Austin Carr graduated. Carr was insanely reliable, with 90 receptions, 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns, and the offense will miss his ability to create on third downs and in the red zone. The most likely candidate to see a major increase in targets is junior Flynn Nagel, who is now the team's top returning receiver, with 40 catches for 447 yards last year. Nagel isn't as sure-handed as Carr but is slightly more athletic and should make plenty of plays. Senior Solomon Vault has long had impressive potential, but is still putting it all together. Vault recorded 15 catches a season ago, but was actually fourth on the team in carries with 11, so he should get some action on jet sweeps and such. Big things are also expected from newcomer Jalen Brown, an Oregon transfer. Brown was supposed to be the perfect fit in Justin Jackson Oregon's high-flying offense, but he never really got the opportunities to show what he could do. His speed should really stretch the defense and open things up for this offense. At superback (a hybrid tight end/fullback position in this offense), the Wildcats have senior Garrett Dickerson back. Dickerson is an established blocker and is a premier red zone threat, picking up five touchdowns last season.  Defense: Being a former linebacker himself, head coach Pat Fitzgerald has always stressed the importance of defense and often his teams are some of the most well-coached and disciplined defenders in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald and defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz should have plenty of fun with this group, which has a ton of talent and depth back at the defensive line and in the secondary. Up front, Northwestern has two All-Big Ten candidates in seniors Tyler Lancaster and Xavier Washington. Washington is the team's most proven pass rusher, with 4.5 sacks a season ago. He bulked up even more in the off-season, and is ready to give opposing offensive linemen serious problems in '17. Lancaster isn't much of a pass rusher but he has proven himself as a valuable asset in run support and a key veteran presence. The defensive tackle had 28 tackles and four tackles for loss last season, and should be even better this year. The other tackle spot is also in good hands, as junior Jordan Thompson could be a possible breakout candidate. The depth at tackle is also very impressive, as sophomore Alex Miller and junior Fred Wyatt return, and should rotate in. Neither are wonderful athletes, but find ways to make an impact and have a decent amount of experience. The Wildcats are technically breaking in a new starter at the end spot opposite of Washington, but it isn't like sophomore Joe Gaziano is completely inexperienced. Despite being very young a year ago, Gaziano had 4.5 sacks, and is a natural pass rusher. The biggest area of concern on this defense is clearly at the linebacker positions, where the Wildcats will have to replace the leader of the defense, Anthony Walker, who left for the NFL a year early. Walker did it all for Northwestern over his tenure, including 105 tackles, 10 TFL, five pass deflections and four forced fumbles this past season. Walker is far from the only loss at the position. In fact, Northwestern is so thin at linebacker the team could run a lot of 4-2-5 sets this season, hoping to mitigate the inexperience they have at the position. Junior Nate Hall is a good player, who had 73 tackles in 2016. He can play at either outside or inside linebacker and is extremely rangy, so expecting him to lead the team in tackles isn't a crazy thought. Seniors Warren Long and Brett Walsh have not seen a ton of action since arriving on campus, but understand the system and are taught well. There is a good chance one, or both, could vie for a starting job. The Wildcats struggled to stop the pass in '16, allowing 265.2 yards per game (109th in the country), but they hope to change that in a big way this year. Three starters are back in the secondary, namely senior safety Godwin Igwebuike, one of the conference's premier defenders. Igwebuike had 108 tackles a season ago, including six for a loss. Igwebuike has proven he can be a major help in run support, while also being extremely effective in coverage, a truly incredibly versatile difference-maker. He'll have to play a huge role on this defense if the pass defense is really going to take the next step. Fellow senior Kyle Quiero is also back as a rock-solid defender in the back (52 tackles, two interceptions in '16). The real pressure is on the cornerbacks, where Northwestern really struggled last year. Junior Montre Hartage has all the tools to be a shutdown corner, but has struggled with consistency. However, another year under his belt in the Big Ten should allow him to take major steps forward. The corner spot opposite of him is certainly up for grabs, with junior Keith Watkins II battling sophomores Roderick Campbell and Alonzo Mayo for the starting job. Special Teams: Placekicking was a problem for Northwestern a season ago, so much in fact that Pat Fitzgerald essentially abandoned it, attempting just 12 field goals over the course of the season. Newcomer Charlie Kuhbander could be the new blood the team needs to finally get over their kicking woes. The good news is that the rest of the special teams should be top-notch, with veteran Hunter Niswander back at punter, and Solomon Vault back at kick returner. Despite the fact they were maddeningly inconsistent last season, Northwestern was likely better than their record may have indicated, as they pushed Ohio State to the brink in a four-point loss and ran past Pitt in the Pinstripe Bowl. As the team looks ahead to 2017, some big things could be in store if they can capitalize on that late-season success. Thorson and Jackson will keep the offense humming along as usual, and the defense should see big improvement across the board. Combine that with the team's impressive ability to create turnovers (14th in the country in turnover differential last season) and a pretty weak non-conference schedule the writing is on the wall for a possible breakthrough in Evanston. Wisconsin should likely be considered the favorite in the Big Ten West, but if the Wildcats can get another go-to receiver to emerge and tighten up their linebacker corps, this team very well could push the Badgers and be a major dark horse in the Big Ten. Player to Watch Jalen Brown, WR When Jalen Brown arrived on Oregon's campus in 2014 as an early enrollee, the explosive wide out was supposed to be a seamless fit in the up-tempo Ducks attack, and a future star. Brown flashed plenty of promise over the course of his time in Eugene, but never really saw the opportunities for a breakout. After graduating from Oregon, Brown has decided to try his luck elsewhere, using his remaining two years of eligibility to land in Evanston, Illinois. The Wildcats will immediately utilize Brown's game-changing speed to their advantage, and get the dynamic playmaker the ball as often as possible. Five-Year Trend 2012: 10-3 (5-3 Big Ten)* 2013: 5-7 (1-7 Big Ten) 2014: 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten) 2015: 10-3 (6-2 Big Ten)* 2016: 7-6 (5-4 Big Ten)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 23. UCLA Bruins

23. UCLA Bruins

Now healthy, Bruins ready to challenge for Pac-12 South crown

Location: Los Angeles, California Conference: Pac-12 (South) Schedule Roster Coach: Jim Mora (sixth year) Last Years Record: 4-8 (2-7 Pac-12) Bowl Result: None Overview With crosstown rival USC in a rebuilding stage, a quarterback on the rise, and a wide open Pac-12 South Division, the Bruins seemed poised for a great 2016. Things quickly soured in Westwood, as UCLA turned in a 4-8 record at the end of the day, amidst a season filled with injuries and little offense. The rough year included a stretch where they lost six of seven, and averaged just 24.9 points per game (11th in the conference, 91st nationally). As the team shifts it's direction towards 2017, the hope is that improved health and more experience can yield the type of year the team was planning on for '16. Much of the team's hopes rest on the recovery of junior quarterback Josh Rosen, as well as the development of the running game and offensive line. If those things happen, the underrated Bruins' defense can further light the way towards a resurgent year, and possibly Pac-12 Championship contention. Josh Rosen Offense: After throwing for 3,669 yards and 23 touchdowns his true freshman season, 2016 was supposed to be the year Josh Rosen emerged as a college football superstar. The flashy former five-star quarterback never really took to first-year offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu's scheme and later hurt his shoulder, limiting him to just six games and 231 passing attempts. Rosen did display the same poise and confidence that impressed so many his first year on campus, but he was unable to overcome a poor offensive line and turnover issues still haunt him. UCLA opted to move on from Polamalu after just one season, and brings in Jedd Fisch to run the offense. Fisch's main priority will be getting Rosen comfortable once more, while utilizing his impressive mobility and rocket arm. What will also help Rosen succeed in what could be his final season on campus will be the emergence of a reliable rushing attack. UCLA managed just 84.3 yards per game on the ground a year ago, second-worst in the entire country. The good news is that the Bruins have three capable backs returning, notably junior Soso Jamabo (321 yards, three touchdowns in '16) and senior Nate Starks. Fisch should rely heavily on the rushing attack early on, and the group looked much improved in the spring. With that in mind, it isn't hard to believe Jamabo and the rest of the running back committee could put together a much-improved season and make this offense much less one-dimensional. It is hard to see the ground game really becoming dominant, however, if the offensive line doesn't take a big step forward. The O-Line has been an issue for too long for UCLA, including last year when the group couldn't stop anyone. That issue could also soon be resolved: four starters are returning, including the anchor of the unit, center Scott Quessenberry. Now a senior, Quessenberry has done a fabulous job protecting up the middle, and seems to have great connection with Rosen. At the guard spots, fellow seniors Najee Toran and Kenny Lacy should open up some holes for the ground game, while left tackle is seeing a competition between sophomore Andre James and junior Kolton Miller. Miller was expected to play a big role for this team but was knocked out for the year, subsequently forcing James into a larger role. Miller is a proven blocker when healthy who should take over the starting job, while James can help at left or right tackle, where UCLA is replacing Conor McDermott. An important thing UCLA needs to identify as they head into fall camp is a true, No. 1 receiver for Rosen. The favorite has to be senior Darren Andrews, the team's leading returning receiver, after compiling 55 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Andrews isn't blazing fast or an insane athlete but he is so good at finding soft spots in defenses and running crisp, precise routes. The Bruins are also hoping fellow senior Eldridge Massington can put together a big final season in Los Angeles. Nate Starks Massington showed plenty of potential in 2014, his true freshman season, when he hauled in 25 receptions for 367 yards. Since then, he has had two seasons of lesser numbers, and hasn't really been able to break out. With decent size and athleticism, the tools are there for him, he just has to find out a way to utilize them correctly. Expect senior Mossi Johnson and rising sophomore Theo Howard to also see some targets in an offense that hopes to spread the field better and open things up for their receivers. All signs point to an improved 2017 for this offense, particularly if Rosen can regain his 2015 form. If the offensive line finally takes the step forward it needs to take, this group could go from one of the Pac-12's worst a year ago to one of its best. Defense: While the offense struggled mightily in 2016, UCLA's defense looked the best it has in years, as defensive coordinator Tom Bradley used creative blitz packages and different schemes to put together a solid group. Bradley, a long-time coordinator for Joe Paterno at Penn State, needed some time to settle into the vastly different Pac-12, but seems to have found a way to build sustained success at UCLA. This year, the team will undergo some tough losses at a number of different levels on the D, but still have enough talent for a successful year. The big loss for the Bruins on the defensive line was first-round NFL Draft pick Takkarist McKinley. A powerful force blessed with an incredibly high motor, McKinley was quite the disruptive force a year ago, racking up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 11 games. His departure leaves the Bruins searching for a new top pass rusher, and overall stability at defensive end. Sophomores Rick Wade and Keisean Lucier-South are expected to step up. Wade is a rock-solid defender, while Lucier-South was a five-star pickup a season ago who showed flashes of brilliance in '16. Bradley and staff could also be hoping for bigger things from some of the young guys, most notably true freshman Jaelen Phillips and Osa Odighizuwa. Phillips is a consensus five-star addition and considered by many to be the gem of the 2017 recruiting class, while Odighizuwa is the younger brother of former Bruin defensive linemen Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who was a third round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. In the interior of the D-Line, UCLA is hoping for a big year from senior Matt Dickerson and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. Dickerson proved to be especially adept at stopping the run a year ago, with 34 tackles. UCLA is also undergoing some changes in the linebacker corps, where star Jayon Brown (119 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions) departs. That will put pressure on middle linebacker Kenny Young, who will be asked to do just about everything for the Bruins this season. Young had 90 tackles in '16, and is an extremely underrated pass rusher, with five sacks last year. The outside linebacker spots are question marks, but UCLA has proven they can develop playmakers at the position (Myles Jack, Anthony Barr). Sophomore DeChaun Holiday has loads of potential to be a disruptive force off the edge, while junior Josh Woods has proven to be an incredibly versatile defender. The Bruins were very good against the pass for much of last season, putting them at a real advantage in the pass-happy Pac-12. With a number of key players back to the secondary, they could get even better as they look ahead to 2017. Senior free safety Jaleel Wadood was the key returnee to the unit, after recording 76 tackles and four pass deflections last year. He isn't a great weapon in pass coverage, but has proven his speed and downhill hitting ability. He'll be joined at the safety position by junior Adarius Pickett, a playmaking defensive back. Pickett had three interceptions last year and the Bruins will lean on his ability to jump passing routes even more this year, as they didn't force enough turnovers a season ago. The cornerback spots are somewhat concerns, even though junior Nate Meadors is a returning starter. The CB spot opposite of him is a complete mystery, with true freshmen Darnay Holmes and Elijah Gates considered the top candidates for the starting job. Special Teams: There are also concerns on special teams for UCLA, who will have to rely on an inconsistent kicker and must find new playmakers in the return game. Sophomore J.J. Molson had a rocky 2016 (12 of 20) but the coaching staff believes he will have a wildly improved year with more experience under his belt. The Bruins will miss Ishmael Adams, who controlled most of their kick and punt return duties. Adarius Pickett will be expected to handle punts (81 yards on eight last year), but the kick returner job is wide open. There is a sense of optimism around Westwood this year, but also the sense of much more pressure on sixth-year head coach Jim Mora and staff. While the team obviously struggled through injuries and inexperience last year, it was a brutal-to-watch campaign that followed up a mediocre 8-5 in 2015, making some boosters and fans question the direction of the program. The talent returning in 2017 has the chance to be special; Josh Rosen could be one of the best quarterbacks in the country if he's healthy and the rest of the offense has plenty of weapons. Defensively, there will likely be some growing pains as UCLA identifies a new pass rusher and figures out the cornerback position, but the group should still be a strength. However, a return to the Pac-12 elite will take near perfect health and maybe some luck, as they stare down a schedule that includes Texas A&M in the opener and road games against Washington, Stanford, Utah and USC. That schedule and some of the issues on the roster should restrict the Bruins from becoming Pac-12 South Champions but if things go right, this team should still challenge for double-digit wins and a return to a respectable bowl. Player to Watch Soso Jamabo, RB A former five-star recruit, Soso Jamabo made waves when he announced he was heading to UCLA. Yet, while he has shown flashes, Jamabo has yet to really put together a big season, having 725 yards and seven scores in two seasons at the running back spot. The hope as UCLA heads into 2017 is that Jamabo can get the bulk of the carries and utilize his impressive vision and shiftiness, finally cashing in on his vast potential. Five-Year Trend 2012: 9-5 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2013: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2014: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2015: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)* 2016: 4-8 (2-7 Pac-12) *= Bowl game

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 24. Houston Cougars

24. Houston Cougars

Herman is gone, but the impressive talent remains

Location: Houston, Texas Conference: AAC (West) Schedule Roster Coach: Major Applewhite (first year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (5-3 AAC) Bowl Result: Loss in Las Vegas Bowl Overview Life after Tom Herman begins in Houston, Texas this year as the Cougars most move on from the rising head coach, who will now be roaming the sideline in Austin. Herman led Houston to tremendous heights in his two seasons as head coach, going 22-4 overall, winning a New Year's Six Bowl and beating some of the powers of the sport, namely Florida State and Oklahoma. It is now time for the team's former offensive coordinator Major Applewhite to take over the program. Applewhite may not be regarded as a coach at Herman's level in terms of player development or recruiting, but he is a great game manager and inherits a team stocked with talent on both sides of the ball. It is completely realistic to assume the Cougars will endure a dropoff with Herman now absent, but if a new quarterback can take the reigns of the offense and the defense is able to replace some veterans in the secondary, an American Athletic Conference crown is not completely out of the question. Linnell Bonner Offense: One of the major keys to Herman's success in Houston was quarterback Greg Ward Jr., whose impressive arm strength and improvisation ability made him a constant threat. However, Applewhite must now find a new signal-caller to run his offense, as Ward graduated. The most likely candidate has to be Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen, who sat out the entirety of the 2016 campaign. Once the nation's top prep quarterback, Allen showed flashes at A&M but soon fell out of favor with coaches and decided to head elsewhere inside the state. Allen doesn't have Ward's legs, but he is a better passer, which should enable Houston to return to a more traditional passing offense. At running back, the Cougars are hoping that junior Duke Catalon, a former Texas transfer, can improve after a rocky '16. Catalon led UH with 528 rushing yards, but that number was the lowest for the team's leading rusher since the 1990's. With his vision and powerful running, Catalon should be able to produce more this year, particularly with the Cougars' offensive line helping him. The O-Line returns four starters to a group that was inconsistent, but talented, a year ago. The most notable returnee has got to be junior center Will Noble, an All-AAC linemen who has plenty of playing experience. The only hole on the unit will be at left guard, where a wide range of linemen are competing for the starting gig. What should help Allen out at quarterback should be a superb receiving corps, spearheaded by two impressive seniors. Linell Bonner had a breakout 2016, hauling in 98 receptions for 1,118 yards, while fellow senior Steven Dunbar had 53 catches for 692 yards. Both Dunbar and Bonner offer great size and athleticism, which should help them gain some key mismatches against smaller defensive backs in the wide-open AAC. Expect sophomore Courtney Lark and senior John Leday to also play big roles in the aerial attack. Lark had just three catches all of last year, but his game-changing speed has wowed Houston's staff, and he may quickly establish himself as one of the team's premier deep threats. Another name to watch on the offensive side of the ball is senior Kyle Postma. Postma has seen action in 19 games over the past two seasons at quarterback, but has been taking snaps at receiver in the spring. The vet has exceptional athleticism and has proven he can pick things up quickly; the new staff could experiment with him at any number of roles. From top to bottom, the Cougars' offense is still stocked with playmakers and experience, although they may not have Ward to bail them out anymore. If the ground attack can pick up, UH could improve on their 35.8 PPG last season (fifth in the AAC, 26th nationally). Ed Oliver Defense: While Houston's defense didn't get much attention this past season, it produced a number of impressive NFL Draft prospects (Howard Wilson, Tyus Bowser) and had some real proven playmakers (Steven Taylor, Brandon Wilson). New defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio recognizes the success this team had with a 3-4, attacking front the past two seasons and should roll with a similar look in 2017. That aggressive, blitzing front should become even more lethal with the continued growth of sophomore Ed Oliver. Oliver surprised plenty when the former five-star recruit announced he was heading to Houston, giving them their first five-star in school history. What was perhaps more surprising was just how good Oliver was in Year One; he had a staggering 19.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last year, despite playing at the defensive tackle position, one not known for racking up the stats. His real coming out party was his play in Houston's upset of Lamar Jackson and Louisville, where he did it all, recording two sacks, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Offensive linemen will almost certainly focus on the true sophomore, likely bringing in double and triple teams against him. That may slow him down slightly, but his versatility and ability to make an impact in so many different ways (he had nine pass deflections last year, leading all defensive linemen nationally) should carry him to a very successful campaign. The hope is that fellow defensive linemen such as junior Jerard Carter and senior Nick Thurman can occupy some blockers, and open up even more lanes for Oliver to work with. Newcomer Bryan Jones arrives from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the top prospect in the 2017 Class for the Cougs, and ready to see snaps right away at defensive end. The big transition for the Houston defense should be at linebacker, where they must move on from Bowser and Taylor, who made such impacts in their time here. Senior Matthew Adams is back at one of the inside linebacker spots and is UH's top returning tackler with 82, but will need help. Senior D'Juan Hines is primed to take over Taylor's spot next to Adams in the inside, but who takes over at the two vacant outside linebacker positions is really anybody's guess. The defensive backfield will miss the Wilsons at corner, but returns three starters and plenty of experience. Junior Jeremy Winchester is the favorite to take over the No. 1 cornerback spot, while a host of candidates compete for the CB slot opposite him, namely sophomore Javian Smith and converted receiver Isaiah Johnson. The two safety positions will be in good hands, with the returns of junior Garrett Davis and senior Khalil Williams, both who have played in some big games over their Houston careers. Special Teams: A position battle to watch as fall camp approaches will be the kicker spot, where JUCO transfer Dalton Witherspoon is in a full-on battle with Joel Scarbrough for the starting job. At punter, Houston should be in good hands, as sophomore Dane Roy is back, and one of the coolest stories in college football. At 28, Roy is one of the oldest players in FBS football, and also a former ice cream man all the way from Australia.  There is nothing easy about losing a head coach and much of his staff, particularly when he is one as talented and innovative as Tom Herman. However, don't expect Houston to completely slide off the national radar. This is a team with loads of talent on both sides of the ball, and possesses a defender so dominant and disruptive he could be in the Heisman conversation in 2017 (yes, that's how good Oliver is). Another thing working in Houston's way is the non-conference slate, which doesn't feature any schools with Oklahoma's talent this time around. A trip to Arizona in early September could pose a possible challenge, but if UH gets past Texas Tech two weeks later this team should be 4-0 entering the conference schedule. Inside the division, Memphis and Navy, two teams who beat the Cougars last season, will be tough and likely expected to do better. Yet, if some of the question marks on this team are answered (the ground game, linebacker position, kicking game) an AAC West title should definitely be in play. Player to Watch Courtney Lark, WR Despite the fact Lark had three receptions last season, many people around the program expect a huge sophomore season from him. A former four-star pickup who chose Houston over a host of other Texas schools, Lark has blazing speed, decent ball skills and is a fine route runner for his age. A good showing in spring has only raised the hype surrounding him, and while Bonner and Dunbar may be the top two weapons in Houston's passing game, Lark should find a way to make an impact. Five-Year Trend 2012: 5-7 (4-4 C-USA) 2013: 8-5 (5-3 AAC)* 2014: 8-5 (5-3 AAC)* 2015: 13-1 (7-1 AAC)* 2016: 9-4 (5-3 AAC)* *= Bowl game

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 25. Texas Longhorns

25. Texas Longhorns

What magic will Tom Herman create in Year One in Austin?

Location: Austin, Texas Conference: Big 12 Schedule Roster Coach: Tom Herman (first year) Last Years Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12) Bowl Result: None Overview It seems like ages ago that Texas seemed at the center of the college football universe, when Colt McCoy and Vince Young were leading them to new heights, players were heading to the NFL left and right, and their annual rivalry with Oklahoma often decided the Big 12. Since McCoy's final game in 2009, the Longhorns have gone an incredibly mediocre 46-43, have missed the postseason three times and suffered some horrendous defeats along the way. Needless to say that isn't going to get it done at a university with the resources like Texas, so the Longhorns opted to move on from Charlie Strong as head coach and bring in the hottest name in the coaching carousel, Tom Herman, who went 22-4 at Houston. Strong had some moments (beating Oklahoma in 2015, winning a thriller over Notre Dame to begin 2016) but his teams never really progressed despite consistently good recruiting. Can Herman change the culture in Austin after two consecutive 5-7 campaigns? He certainly has the talent to do so, but will have to endure some significant growing pains as a new chapter in Texas football begins. Shane Buechele Offense: Since McCoy left, the Longhorns have lacked a true, starting caliber QB, which is pretty amazing considering the amount of talent that comes out of their state every year. Names like Garrett Gilbert, Case McCoy (Colt's younger brother), David Ash and Tyrone Swoopes have all seen plenty of playing time but were never able to lead a Longhorn resurgence. It appears things could be changing, however, as sophomore Shane Buechele looks ready for a big 2017. Buechele overcame veterans Swoopes and Jerrod Heard to win the starting job last season and while he made plenty of mistakes, he impressed, throwing for 2,958 yards and 21 touchdowns. Buechele doesn't have elite arm strength, but he is very accurate and is great at improvising, constantly keeping plays alive with his legs and elusiveness. Herman has a great track record with quarterbacks (made Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett look like superstars as O-coordinator during Ohio State's 2014 National Championship run), and should help the youthful sophomore out. Texas loses their leading rusher from a season ago, D'Onta Foreman, which will be a tough pill to swallow. Foreman ran angry all of 2016, almost like he had something to prove, which helped him rack up 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns. He really was the heart and soul of the Texas offense for a big chunk of '16, but new offensive coordinator Tim Beck shouldn't feel to worried. Back from injury, junior Chris Warren III should fill in just fine. Warren didn't see a lot of time last year but still managed to rush for 366 yards and runs with the same ferocity and power that made Foreman so successful. Expect sophomore Kyle Porter or freshman Toneil Carter to be used as change of pace options at running back as well. Another reason to feel good about Texas' offense in '17 is their receiving corps, which is their best they've had in a long time. It is a group blessed with plenty of experience (senior Armanti Foreman and junior John Burt) as well as youngsters ready to explode on to the scene (sophomores Devin Duvernay and Colin Johnson). Foreman is the Longhorns' returning receiving leader with 420 yards on 34 receptions last season and should be incredibly reliable, while Burt has been very good when healthy. Duvernay is a former ex-Baylor commit who has shown flashes of his game-breaking speed but is yet to put it all together. Another name to watch is Jerrod Heard, who is making the transition from QB to wide out. The junior has always impressed with his speed, but must show he can run routes and block, the real finer points of the position. At tight end, Texas is going to likely turn to senior Andrew Beck, a physical player with soft hands. The offensive line also returns a quality amount of experience, most notably All-American left tackle Connor Williams. The junior was terrific last year, and has also attracted plenty of attention from NFL scouts. Junior Patrick Vahe is an underrated piece to the puzzle at guard, while Zach Shackelford was impressive a year ago despite his youth. The right side of the unit is a possible concern with a number of position battles ongoing, including right tackle where sophomore Denzel Okafor might take over senior Brandon Hodges' spot after a superb spring. Another concern for the O-Line is depth; outside of the starters, there are very few members of the unit that have seen any significant action or are incoming freshman. Malik Jefferson Defense: Despite Charlie Strong's pedigree as a defensive coach, his defense struggled mightily over his tenure. New defensive coordinator Todd Orlando hopes that he can improve a defense that let up too many big plays and didn't get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Expect Orlando to switch up Texas' 3-4 look and utilize an improving defensive line. Sophomore Malcolm Roach and defensive tackle Poona Ford are two big components to the unit. Roach is younger but an impressive athlete off the edge sure to wreak major havoc in '17, while Ford brings valuable experience and a proven run stopper up the middle. The rest of the front seven also brings plenty of upside and talent, which begins with junior Malik Jefferson. A former five-star recruit, Jefferson has had his moments but hasn't really put it all together. With the varying looks the Longhorns are likely to use, he'll get different opportunities to display his playmaking prowess and put together his finest season since coming to Austin. He will be aided by two other superb linebackers, outside linebacker Breckyn Hager and junior Anthony Wheeler. Hager had six sacks a season ago as a rotational piece, and could do even more damage as he takes over a starting role. Meanwhile, Wheeler is the Longhorns' top returning tackler (with 65 in 2016) and should continue to rack up tackles in the ultra-important middle linebacker spot. Another linebacker to watch is junior college transfer Gary Johnson, who could make the most immediate impact of the 2017 recruiting class. Johnson arrives from Dodge City Community College as a four-star prospect and he is sure to get an abundance of snaps at one of the inside linebacker positions. The biggest question mark on the entire Texas team is the secondary, which loses a number of key players from a group that allowed 258.5 yards per game last year, 105th in the nation. Junior cornerback Kris Boyd is going to have to play an important role; the strong-willed defender is expected to be UT's top corner, which will have a ton of responsibility guarding some of the dynamic wide outs in the pass-happy Big 12. Boyd started the final eight games of the season for UT in '16 and played pretty well, recording 51 tackles and five pass deflections, but he will still have to take some major steps for the pass defense to improve. The other cornerback spot is up for grabs, with plenty of talented options to fill in but none of them proven. Juniors Holton Hill and Davante Davis are considered the frontrunners, but don't be surprised if some newcomers compete for snaps. The safety positions are going through a transition as they must now endure life after Dylan Haines. Haines has been a staple in Texas' defensive backfield for years, and made 33 starts over his career, racking up 175 tackles and 13 interceptions along the way. Senior Jason Hall is the favorite to start at strong safety but wasn't great in the spring, while free safety is a wide-open competition. Special Teams: Special teams can so often make a big difference in close games, which is why it was surprising how many close games UT dropped a year ago, despite having some great weapons at kicker and punter. Ray Guy Award finalist Michael Dickson returns for his junior season at the punter position and should play a huge role in the field-position battle, while JUCO transfer Joshua Rowland is expected to take over at kicker. In the return game, expect the ultra-versatile Jerrod Heard to handle both duties. Even though there is a new name on the sidelines in Austin, there is no chance expectations will be dampened in 2017; this is a program that expects to compete for national championships every year. That may be slightly daunting for new head coach Herman, but the talent is there for this team to succeed. They have plenty of weapons offensively, and a quarterback that appears ready to lead this team to the next level. The defense will endure some serious growing pains but Orlando, now the Longhorns' highest-paid D-coordinator in their history, will be creative with his packages and how he uses some of the young guys. A tough non-conference slate where they see a rising Maryland team and a Top 5 USC team on the road will be precarious, as will an October three-week stretch that includes Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Even so, the Longhorns finally appear ready to turn the table and start returning to national relevancy. A Big 12 title may be a little bit too much to ask for at this point, but 9-10 wins and a respectable bowl would be solid progress in year one for Herman and his staff. Player to Watch Chris Warren III, RB D'Onta Foreman was such a big part of the Texas offense that there is no way his presence won't be missed. However, his loss will be easier to swallow thanks to the return of a healthy Chris Warren. Warren started the first two games of the 2016 campaign and rushed for 366 yards on 62 attempts before suffering a season-ending injury. It was a deflating loss for a Texas team hoping the bulldozing back could continue to improve from a freshman year that saw him rush for 276 yards against Texas Tech, and break out a 91-year run where he absolutely shredded a number of defenders. Five-Year Trend 2012: 9-4 (5-4 Big 12)* 2013: 8-5 (7-2 Big 12)* 2014: 6-7 (5-4 Big 12)* 2015: 5-7 (4-5 Big 12) 2016: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12) *= Bowl game

NBA Offseason 2017: Can Anyone Stop the Warriors?

James Harden and Houston

Every single June and July, NBA invest teams invest millions of dollars in free agency with one goal in mind: an NBA title. This year, that free agency madness was taken to a whole new level as teams across the league tried to add the star power they need to take a shot at the ultimate super-team, Golden State, who just completed a historical championship run. Houston gave up a ton to snag Chris Paul, Minnesota added the go-to scorer they need to take the next step in Jimmy Butler, the Thunder sent shockwaves throughout the nation when they added Paul George, and the Celtics reunited Brad Stevens with his old college star, Gordon Hayward. Yet, do any one of these teams really stand a chance at stopping the Warriors, who have averaged 69 wins over the past three years, set countless records, and have two undeniable superstars on their roster plus a terrific supporting cast? A closer look at each of the top contenders may just give us the answers to whether someone can truly derail the dominant Golden State train.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Unlike many of the other teams on this list, Cleveland did not make any significant moves over the off-season roster-wise, despite repeated rumors of them making a run at Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony. Despite this, there is no denying Cleveland is likely the biggest threat to Golden State in the league. They still have the clear-cut best player in the world in LeBron James, who has shown no signs of slowing down despite the fact he is getting older, and a player on the cusp of superstardom in point guard Kyrie Irving. Mixed with Kevin Love, a valuable stretch four, and rebounding specialist Tristian Thompson, this is clearly a talented roster, evidenced by their three straight Finals trips and title in 2016. Yet, the team will look ahead to '17-'18 with significant questions as well. The team has generally seem unsatisfied with Love's play almost since he arrived in Cleveland, but haven't been able to ship him off. The Cavs have plenty of solid bench options, but many of them are aging (Richard Jefferson, Deron Williams) or have significant flaws in their game (J.R. Smith). Another point to be made is the fact the Cavaliers lost in five games to Golden State just a few weeks ago in the Finals, and truly doesn't seem any better. Yet, with LeBron at the helm, Cleveland surely will be a major factor. Until he is knocked off, they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference and in turn, still the most logical threat to the Warriors' aims of a second straight title.

Houston Rockets: If there is a team that can hang with the Warriors offensively for 48 minutes, it has to be Houston. The Rockets essentially accepted they didn't care about defense in 2016 and committed solely to offense by hiring offensive-minded coach Mike D'Antoni and moving James Harden to point guard. The move clearly paid off in '16-'17, as Houston nearly made the Western Conference Finals after a largely disappointing 2015-2016 campaign. The team made the offense even more lethal by adding Chris Paul, a nine-time All-Star eager to shed his label of being a Playoff choker. Rumors continue to swirl the team may still try to add one more superstar prior to the season but either way, this offense is going to be absolutely lethal, particularly if Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon can improve on a career year. Yet, for all the team's significant promise, the CP3 move was also somewhat confusing. Harden had a marvelous season since moving to point guard and the offense overall took major leaps. Adding Paul will not only limit Harden's touches, but move him to the off-ball. That doesn't necessarily mean that the offense will take a step back but it was an odd move at the time for Houston. Another issue that seems to need resolving is the lack of a true go-to option in the post. The Rockets retained veteran Nene and have a promising young center in Clint Capela, but the lack of a true low post presence could be a significant problem against some of the West's top teams. Even so, Houston does have the firepower it seems to need to at the very least, attempt to dethrone the Warriors. If the Paul-Harden experiment takes off the way GM Daryl Morey envisions, this team certainly has good shot at winning the Conference.

San Antonio Spurs: Despite talk of a Kristaps Porzingis or Chris Paul move, San Antonio has stayed relatively quiet on the free agent market, which fits the mentality of the organization. There is certainly an argument to be made that the team doesn't really need to make a big move, considering that they have the system and superstar (Kawhi Leonard) that others are lacking. They also seemed to be the biggest threat to Golden State's supremacy this past season, taking a huge lead in Game 1 of the WCF before Leonard was lost for the series. Leonard is probably the best two-way player in the sport; he's lengthy and freakishly athletic. He also has developed the ability to truly carry the team, single-handedly clinching a number of games this past for the Spurs, including one in the Western semis against Houston. Beyond Leonard, San Antonio is good, not great. Pau Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge seem to be nearing the end of their careers but can still provide a number of things for this offense, while Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons (who is likely to be resigned) are incredibly valuable reserves. But, perhaps the biggest X-factor is at point guard, where 35-year-old Tony Parker still roams. Parker has been the steadying force in a number of Spurs' title teams, but there is no denying that age has taken it's toll, and he barely played this past season. However, if he can find the legs for one more Playoff run, this San Antonio team surely has enough to greatly challenge the Warriors.

Oklahoma City Thunder: When Kevin Durant announced he was leaving Oklahoma City last July, many assumed that the Thunder were on the road to a rebuild, almost surely to trade their last remaining star, Russell Westbrook, and begin to look towards the future. However, Westbrook put together an unbelievable MVP season and led the Thunder to the Playoffs, signing a long-term deal in the process. To make matters more interesting, OKC seemingly came out of nowhere to win the Paul George sweepstakes, giving up Victor Oladipo and Damontas Sabonis to land the star forward, not quite the price we expected anybody to have to pay. With George now in the fold, the Thunder suddenly look like a real factor again out West. Westbrook has proven he can carry the team when needed, but George gives him the help he so desperately needed, and also an extremely versatile defender that matches up pretty well against some of the Western Conference's elite wings, such as Durant and Leonard. Yet, much like Houston, beyond the "Big Two" this roster is rather underwhelming. Enes Kanter and Steven Adams are two very solid big men who can control the rebounding battle, but there is no obvious player to look to if Westbrook and George are struggling or on the bench. Facing a team with as many weapons as Golden State, who can beat you in so many ways, that is a serious problem.

Boston Celtics: After making an Eastern Conference Finals run this past season, Boston made perhaps the biggest move of the true free agent market, by convincing Gordon Hayward to head East and join Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. Hayward isn't a superstar but the wing has proven he is an extremely reliable and efficient scorer that gives this offense a lot more versatility. Already comfortable in Brad Stevens' system, there is no reason to believe Hayward won't be a major force right away in Boston. Thomas is a pretty ideal complement as well; the fearless point guard can score in nearly every way possible and always plays with a chip on his shoulder. Horford is another guy that won't be a No. 1 on any team, but is a very reliable weapon that can help this team in a variety of ways. Overall, that creates somewhat of a "Big Three" in Beantown, but certainly not one of past super-team caliber obviously. The obvious question is whether it will be enough to overcome Cleveland out East. Hayward is definitely a major addition, but can he really change the course of a team that lost in five games to the Cavs, including a number of blowouts? Unless Boston gets a breakout year from sophomore Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, or perhaps adds another rim protector, this team is still not close to an NBA title, including beating the Warriors.

Even with the frenzy that has happened in the NBA over the past few weeks, there is no denying Golden State is the team to beat. They are truly a transcendent team with four All-Stars, a number of players that can take over, and an insane amount of depth. Yet, that doesn't mean they are invincible. Injuries are going to happen, players are going to move and things will change. If I had to put my bet on a team to beat them? San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard is a legitimate superstar that has a shot at stopping Durant on the defensive end, the veteran presence on this team is extremely impressive, and it is a team with experience at beating superteams (Miami Heat in 2014). Yet, stopping a team like the Warriors is easier said than done, and until they lose it may seem next to impossible.

2018 NBA Draft Sneak Peek

After waiting months and months to find out whether Markelle Fultz truly would be drafted first overall, or whether Lonzo Ball really was going to be a Laker, the 2017 NBA Draft process is over, just like that. That means that the 2018 NBA Draft is of course, nearly a year away, and while there is plenty to happen between now and then, taking a quick look at what next year gives us a glimpse of an impressive list of new basketball stars.

Michael Porter, F, Missouri

Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State

When Washington fired Lorenzo Romar after a rough 2016-2017 it wasn't altogether surprising. Romar had consistently underachieved in Seattle, and the Huskies had missed the postseason for six consecutive years. What was surprising about the move was the fact the Huskies opened the door for Michael Porter, the top player in the Class of 2017, to transfer. Porter, now without the chance to play for the coach he wanted, opted to head elsewhere, settling on Missouri, where new head coach Cuonzo Martin was able to land him. Porter immediately upgrades the talent level in Columbia, and should be very interesting to watch. A 6'10" forward with exceptional length and athleticism, Porter's offensive tools are already incredible to watch. If he can grow as a defender and true leader in his lone season with the Tigers, there is a good chance the explosive athlete is taken No. 1 overall in 2018.

Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
Long considered to likely be a one-and-done, Miles Bridges stunned much of the college basketball world when he announced he was staying one more season in East Lansing. Bridges had some serious growing pains in his first season with Michigan State, but also flashed serious potential. Bridges is still not a great shooter (a part of his game that will have to grow) but he's incredibly strong and athletic, and an extremely imposing presence when taking the ball to the rack. Bridges is also a rock-solid playmaker who will play a big role in running the Spartans' offense in '17-'18. If he can show scouts an improved jumper and that he has limited his turnovers, it may be enough to catapult him from a likely fringe-lottery selection in 2017 to a Top 5 selection a year later.

DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
Two of the last elite big men Sean Miller had at Arizona went in the Top 5 of their respective Drafts (Derrick Williams & Aaron Gordon). Now, five-star recruit DeAndre Ayton is trying to continue that trend as he arrives on campus in Tucson. Ayton isn't the mobile, athletic big that either Williams or Gordon were, but he's a more traditional back-to-the-basket center that relies on his impressive touch around the rim and undeniable power. While the tools are there for him to be an absolute force, Ayton must develop a more all-around offensive game as he begins his collegiate career. He has to show the ability to hit from mid-range and at the free throw line consistently, or else his limitations can only grow.

Luka Doncic, G, Slovenia
At just 19 years of age, dynamic guard Luka Doncic has already blown away NBA scouts with his impressive play against aged pros in the Euroleague, and many view him as a future difference-maker upon arrival in the United States. Doncic plays the game with a calmness and poise rarely seen by people his age, and has already built a polished jumper and formidable slashing skill set. Doncic is already a great passer and playmaker, and his wide range of skills will be a perfect fit in the new-look NBA. If he can continue to showcase his skills this season at Real Madrid, there is a chance Doncic could be the first International prospect taken first overall since Andrea Bargani in 2006.

Hamidou Diallo, G/F, Kentucky
Despite not playing a single game after enrolling at Kentucky for a semester this past season, Hamidou Diallo was getting lottery projections by many scouts following an impressive NBA Combine. Diallo's jaw-dropping vertical, impressive agility and ability to finish explosively all indicated a player ready to be a real force on the wing, if he could fill in the other major gaps in his game. However, Diallo opted to stay one more season at Kentucky, where he will have to compete with many impressive newcomers for playing time. Even if he doesn't dominate, Diallo's incredibly high ceiling and known work ethic will attract NBA scouts to take a chance on him.

Mo Bamba, F/C, Texas
Even though there were rumors he was heading to Kentucky for years, Mo Bamba opted to spend what will likely be his only collegiate season at Texas, where he'll operate in Shaka Smart's wide-open offense. Bamba is very similar to fellow top-recruit Ayton; he's a dominant force in the low post that thrives at carving out space and finishing. The thing that makes Bamba so dangerous is his size, as he stands at 7'0" and presents a gigantic 7'9" wingspan that is ideal for swatting opponent's shots. Despite that size, Bamba still runs the floor pretty well, something he will definitely have to do plenty of in Texas' fast-paced offense. With that size and physical nature, Bamba already looks ready for the Association, and ready to be a centerpiece of a franchise.

Chimezie Metu, F/C, USC
While the play of Lonzo Ball, T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu wowed scouts at crosstown rival UCLA, Chimezie Metu was quietly dominating posting a statline of 14.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG and 1.5 BPG while shooting 55 percent from the field. What was even more impressive about those numbers is that Metu did it a young true freshman still learning the ropes in a new USC offense. Imagine what he can do with another year under his belt, and an off-season where he'll grow stronger and more fit? There should be no overshadowing of Metu this season; the sophomore is about to put on a show this year for the Trojans and likely cement himself as a high draftee in '18.

Rodions Kurucs, F, Latvia
After pulling his name out of the 2017 NBA Draft, Rodions Kurucs hopes further play with the Barcelona 2 will get him more exposure and in turn, boost his draft stock. Kurucs is still extremely raw at just 19 years of age, but he has plenty of potential. Kurucs uses his impressive size (6'8") to overpower weaker defenders, and get to the rim. He is very good at posting up, even though it isn't a huge part of his offensive abilities just yet. Kurucs is also a fine passer, and could be an ideal fit in a number of NBA offenses that lean heavily on ball movement and spacing. Even though he is still so young, Kurucs is going to get NBA interest, and should continue to take major steps forward.

NBA Draft 2017: Top 40 Big Board

View 2017 Mock Draft here

De'Aaron Fox

1. Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

Projection: 1st to Philadelphia

Strengths: Polished jumper, instant offense, decent defender

Weaknesses: Leadership, lack of elite speed

Bust Potential: Low

Widely regarded as the top overall prospect in the Draft, Markelle Fultz has all the tools to be a highly productive NBA player for a long time to come. He brings a proven jumper to the table, which mixed in with his impressive size and strength equates to a wonderful all-around offensive game. He still has to prove himself defensively, but Fultz proved he could carry a team on his back, putting up gaudy stats on a terrible Washington team. The hope is that he won't have to do something similar in Philadelphia, where an impressive core of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid awaits.

2. De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Projection: 5th to Sacramento

Strengths: Breakneck speed, court vision, dominant in transition

Weaknesses: Reliable jumper

Bust Potential: Low

The latest in a long line of John Calipari point guards, De'Aaron Fox's playmaking abilities and insane speed are reminiscent of John Wall when he was selected first overall in 2010. With that speed, impressive court vision and well-beyond-his-years maturity, it is easy to see Fox putting up big-time assist numbers for a long time at the next level. His big weakness is his jump shot, which has to become more consistent. If he can discover that, he can certainly evolve into a multiple All-Star in the NBA.

3. Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

Projection: 2nd to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Court vision, athleticism, fearless offensive game

Weaknesses: Broken jumper, off-the-court questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

The basketball world is completely split on Lonzo Ball. Some view the former UCLA Bruin as a legitimate star ready to take the NBA by storm, while others question his jump shot, defense and how his loudmouth father may impact his future. I view Ball as an extremely impressive overall prospect; he has proven he can take over games when needed and his ability to pass the ball will immediately upgrade any offense right away.

4. Jayson Tatum, F, Duke

Projection: 3rd to Boston

Strengths: Dominant in isolation, fabulous in paint, overall versatility

Weaknesses: Average defender, needs to get stronger

Bust Potential: Low

One of the top prospects in the 2016 recruiting class, Jayson Tatum did not disappoint in his lone season with the Blue Devils. The versatile forward grew into one of the team's most consistent offensive weapons, displaying a wide range of offensive abilities. He will add an effective forward to any number of NBA teams, and could become even more lethal on the offensive end if he can add some size and bulk to deal with bigger and tougher NBA defenders.

5. Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas

Projection: 4th to Phoenix

Strengths: Athleticism, rebounding, defense

Weaknesses: Unreliable jumper, inconsistent free throw shooter

Bust Potential: Moderate

Much like Tatum, Josh Jackson was a highly touted recruit coming into the 2016-2017 season, and his improvement over the course of the season has scouts excited. The former Kansas wing still struggled to make a reliable three-pointer, but he showed he could impact the game in a ton of different ways. His athleticism and defensive abilities are perhaps the most impressive in the entire Draft class, and he has proven time and time again he can stuff the stat sheet full. With his potential, it would not be surprising at all to see Jackson land in the Top 5, perhaps even as high as second overall to Los Angeles.

6. Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga

Projection: 7th to Minnesota

Strengths: Length, defensive impact, spacing the floor

Weaknesses: Inexperience, strength

Bust Potential: Low

While this Draft Class isn't stock full of dominant big men like some have been in the past, I'm really excited about what Zach Collins can do at the next level. Despite coming off the bench for much of the season at Gonzaga, Collins displayed defensive dominance, using his rangy wingspan and overall seven-foot size to constantly disrupt opponents in the paint. Collins also showed he could space the floor with a very refined jump shot, and he could fit the role of a stretch four in the NBA, something teams are always searching for. 

7. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State

Projection: 8th to New York 

Strengths: Explosiveness, passing ability, ability to excel through contact

Weaknesses: Streaky shooter, injury history

Bust Potential: Moderate

Despite tearing his ACL his senior year of high school, Dennis Smith Jr. showed no signs of slowing down in his lone season in Raleigh, North Carolina, putting on an absolute show for the NC State Wolfpack. Smith's explosive athleticism and ability to get to the rim and finish are both top-notch and should serve him well as he begins his journey in the NBA. However, teams are still concerned about that torn ACL (which obviously has impacted point guards in the past) and his streaky shooting, which could threaten to drop him out of the Top 10.

8. Frank Ntilikina, G, France

Projection: 11th to Charlotte

Strengths: Size, great passer and ball-handler, good feel for the game

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooter, transition to NBA game

Bust Potential: Moderate

Every single year there is some "mystery man" from the International route, and this year that man is Frank Ntilikina from France. Ntilkina has not gone to the NBA Combine nor worked out for any NBA teams, but scouts are fascinated by his physical gifts and long-term potential. At 6'5", he has ideal size for a point guard in the NBA, and possesses a great understanding of how the game works. He still is improving as a shooter, but the rest of his offensive tools are impressive, and his defense should fit right into the league.

9. Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State

Projection: 6th to Orlando

Strengths: Rim protection, shot-blocking abilities, offensive upside

Weaknesses: Unreliable outside of paint, very young, very raw

Bust Potential: Moderate

Considered by many to be the best big man available in the Draft, Jonathan Isaac's ability to protect the rim and alter shots would immediately fit a major need for a long list of NBA teams (including Orlando, where I have him mocked). However, Isaac is extremely raw on the offensive end of the court, and will need significant work. Though, the potential is certainly there for him to evolve into a very skilled and effective big man at the next level.

10. Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

Projection: 10th to Sacramento

Strengths: Fabulous shooter, tremendous athlete, can take over games with offense

Weaknesses: Inconsistent at times, weak defender, needs to bulk up

Bust Potential: Low

Malik Monk showcased his elite scoring ability on multiple occasions at Kentucky, including a 46-point outburst against UNC earlier in the season. That ability to absolutely take over games with his offense certainly has to intrigue a wide variety of NBA general managers. Monk has to be able to get more consistent, however, and also add to a relatively thin frame if he wants to really compete in the physical NBA. With that being said, there are still a number of teams willing to take a chance on a guy with his offensive pedigree.

11. T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

Projection: 20th to Portland

Strengths: Very good shooter, reads defenses well, solid rebounder

Weaknesses: Not elite-level potential, disappears at times

Bust Potential: Low

12. O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana

Projection: 14th to Miami

Strengths: Exceptional athleticism, can defend multiple positions

Weaknesses: Coming off injury, mediocre jumper

Bust Potential: High

13. Luke Kennard, G, Duke

Projection: 21st to Oklahoma City

Strengths: Lights-out shooter, can play multiple positions, quality passer

Weaknesses: Fit in NBA offense, size

Bust Potential: Low

14. Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona

Projection: 9th to Dallas

Strengths: Spaces the floor well, proven leader, very mobile big man

Weaknesses: Doesn't have ceiling of others in Draft, average defender

Bust Potential: Low

15. John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest

Projection: 13th to Denver

Strengths: Significant upside, terrific athlete, incredibly strong

Weaknesses: Foul trouble, unfocused at times

Bust Potential: Moderate

16. Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

Projection: 17th to Milwaukee

Strengths: Length, rim protection, good feel around the rim

Weaknesses: Inexperienced, poor at free throw line, doesn't run the floor very well

Bust Potential: Moderate

17. Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville

Projection: 12th to Detroit

Strengths: Productive scorer, efficient overall player, can hit the three-ball

Weaknesses: Average upside, tweener

Bust Potential: Low

Justin Patton

18. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Projection: 15th to Portland

Strengths: Very physical, great rebounder, good defender

Weaknesses: Doesn't run floor very well, still very raw offensively

Bust Potential: Moderate

19. Harry Giles Jr., F, Duke

Projection: 22nd to Brooklyn

Strengths: Immense potential, great athleticism, terrific finisher around the rim

Weaknesses: Serious injury concerns, unproven beyond collegiate ranks

Bust Potential: High

20. Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina

Projection: 16th to Chicago

Strengths: Good three-point shooter, impressive length, terrific floater

Weaknesses: Average defender, needs to bulk up

Bust Potential: Low

21. Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia

Projection: 27th to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Elite in transition, superb athlete, solid defender

Weaknesses: Poor shooter, very inconsistent, prone to mistakes

Bust Potential: High

22. Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

Projection: 18th to Indiana

Strengths: Can carve out space down low with size, very good rebounder

Weaknesses: Incredibly raw, needs significant work offensively

Bust Potential: Moderate

23. Josh Hart, G/F, Villanova

Projection: 40th to New Orleans

Strengths: Plays with a chip on his shoulder, versatile offensive game, proven winner

Weaknesses: Low upside, average athleticism

Bust Potential: Low

24. Isaiah Hartenstein, F/C, Germany

Projection: 26th to Portland

Strengths: Fantastic potential, very good shooter, fast learner

Weaknesses: Very young & inexperienced, prone to defensive lapses

Bust Potential: Moderate

25. Caleb Swanigan, F/C, Purdue

Projection: 31st to Atlanta

Strengths: Fantastic college player, overpowers opponents with his size, underrated shooter

Weaknesses: Average upside, not very mobile, mediocre defender

Bust Potential: Low

26. Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah

Projection: 38th to Chicago

Strengths: Great defender, great finisher around the rim, provides terrific energy

Weaknesses: Average upside, not a great shooter

Bust Potential: Low

27. Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

Projection: 19th to Atlanta

Strengths: Incredibly strong, powerful finisher, good rebounder

Weaknesses: Very limited offensive game, poor at free throw line

Bust Potential: Moderate

28. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

Projection: 25th to Orlando

Strengths: Exceptional athlete, great defender, weapon in transition

Weaknesses: Prone to turnovers, poor jump shot

Bust Potential: Moderate

29. Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State

Projection: 23rd to Toronto

Strengths: Fantastic playmaker, incredibly quick, fearless offensive player

Weaknesses: Poor defender, poor jumper, leadership questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

30. Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina

Projection: 28th to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Impressive size, good shot-blocker, offensive upside

Weaknesses: Very unproven, very raw

Bust Potential: High

31. Jonah Bolden, F, Australia

Projection: 34th to Sacramento

Strengths: Versatile, incredibly strong, effective rebounder

Weaknesses: Unfocused at times, struggles in college

Bust Potential: High

32. D.J. Wilson, F/C, Michigan

Projection: 24th to Utah

Strengths: Terrific athlete, quick learner, showed ability to hit three-pointer

Weaknesses: Needs to add muscle, poor defender

Bust Potential: Moderate

33. Derrick White, G, Colorado

Projection: 32nd to Phoenix

Strengths: Ideal size, good decision-maker, rock-solid defender

Weaknesses: Average upside, won't wow anyone with physical tools

Bust Potential: Low

34. Dwayne Bacon, G, Florida State

Projection: 36th to Philadelphia

Strengths: Can score in bunches, very dangerous from deep, good size

Weaknesses: Poor defender, turnover-prone, sometimes overconfident

Bust Potential: Moderate

35. Frank Jackson, G, Duke

Projection: 30th to Utah

Strengths: Fabulous shooter, underrated defender, plenty of upside

Weaknesses: Tweener, leadership questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

36. Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia

Projection: 41st to Charlotte

Strengths: Incredible size, decent shot-blocker, solid jump shot

Weaknesses: Very untested, will need significant time to adjust to NBA speed

Bust Potential: High

37. Ivan Rabb, F/C, California

Projection: 29th to San Antonio

Strengths: Spaces the floor very well, versatile offensively

Weaknesses: Not very big, average upside

Bust Potential: Moderate

38. Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse

Projection: 33rd to Orlando

Strengths: Very good shooter, plenty of potential, very mobile

Weaknesses: Not very big, wildly inconsistent

Bust Potential: Moderate

39. Wesley Iwundu, G/F, Kansas State

Projection: 43rd to Houston

Strengths: Can play multiple positions, polished offensive game, great at getting to the rim

Weaknesses: Streaky shooter, average defender

Bust Potential: Low

40. Frank Mason, PG, Kansas

Projection: 49th to Denver

Strengths: Superb leader, incredibly durable, excellent decision-maker

Weaknesses: Very little long-term potential, extremely undersized

Bust Potential: Low