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College Football: 25 breakout players to watch in 2016

By John Buhler

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) reaches for a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) reaches for a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tennessee Volunteers could put it all together and win the SEC in 2016. They’ve recruited marvelously under head coach Butch Jones. Tennessee has a strong quarterback/running back pairing in Joshua Dobbs and Jalen Hurd. They might even have the deepest roster in the SEC outside of rival Alabama.

Besides having to go at worst 2-1 against three annual rival teams like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, something that hasn’t happened since Philip Fulmer was in charge of Rocky Top Nation, what will be the tell-tale sign for the Volunteers in 2016 is if they have that third offensive weapon to complement Dobbs and Hurd. Could it end up being sophomore wideout Preston Williams?

Williams had a so-so 2015 freshman season with seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns for the Volunteers. With so much attention being on Dobbs, Hurd, and running back Alvin Kamara, Williams might end up being that vertical threat Dobbs will need to stretch the field for the Volunteers this fall.

Dobbs might be the best quarterback in the SEC and certainly is the most dynamic dual-threat playmaker in the Power 5 conference entering 2016. He’ll make plays with his legs and Tennessee should be able to run the ball with the weapons in place behind that veteran offensive line.

Williams has a real opportunity to become a strong wideout for Tennessee this season. With the Volunteers having a legitimate shot to play for the College Football Playoff in 2016, Williams will have to be a big piece in Tennessee’s aerial attack to help the Volunteers get to Atlanta for the SEC Championship for the first time since 2007.

Next: 8. Bo Scarbrough.

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