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30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we look toward the 2017 college football season, here are 30 players who have big shoes to fill for their respective teams.

The 2016 college football regular season was full of drama, but nothing compared to the incredible National Championship Game. Clemson avenged their loss the year before in the big game, as Deshaun Watson led his Tigers to an incredible comeback victory. Watson is gone off last year’s team, as is star wide receiver Mike Williams, but they are only two of the 30 big-time players that will need to be replaced in 2017.

Here is a look at the 30 college football players with big shoes to fill this season.

30

Michael Ojemudia

Cornerback, Iowa

For the past four seasons, cornerback Desmond King has been the heart and soul of the Iowa Football program. A standout defensive back for the Hawkeyes, King played a huge role on the team over his career, leading the nation in interceptions as a junior in 2015. Last year, the Hawkeyes ruined the Michigan Wolverines try at an undefeated season, and King was in the middle of all the action.

As the page turns to 2017, King is headed to the NFL, having exhausted his eligibility. The Iowa Hawkeyes should be in the mix in the Big Ten West Division this season, and it is going to be crucial to their success to get a big year from Michael Ojemudia. The redshirt sophomore appeared in 13 games last season as a freshman, but he will be expected to play a much bigger role on the defense this season.

Safety Brandon Snyder’s season is in jeopardy after an ACL tear, which means the cornerbacks are going to have to be even better if the Hawkeyes want to stop the passing game. Ojemudia has a nice skill set, and being on campus for the last three years has allowed him to soak up King like a sponge. He has good size, standing 6-foot-2, and was a standout player during his high school years at Harrison (MI) High School, playing in the Border Classic (Ohio vs. Michigan).

The Hawkeyes finished 8-5 last season, with their signature win being that 14-13 home win against No. 2 Michigan. The West Division was won by Wisconsin last year, but they lost most of their defensive stars to the NFL this offseason. If Ojemudia can step up and replace King as the top corner on the roster, Iowa may be able to supplant the Badgers in the West.

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