College Football: 25 breakout players to watch in 2016

By John Buhler | Aug 19, 2016

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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Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Brad Kaaya has already had an impressive first two years in Coral Gables quarterbacking the Miami Hurricanes. He has thrown for 6,436 passing yards, completing nearly 60% of his passes (459-767) for 42 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and a passer rating of 144.0 in 25 starts for the Hurricanes.

Keep in mind that he did this as an underclassman during absolute chaos in Al Golden’s final years as the head coach of Miami football. Kaaya should be better under center for one reason alone in 2016 as the Hurricanes quarterback: Mark Richt is now his head coach and that is everything for Kaaya’s growth as a passer.

Richt has had success with quarterbacks at both Florida State as an offensive coordinator and at Georgia as the Bulldogs’ head coach. From Charlie Ward, Danny Kanell, and Chris Weinke in Tallahassee to David Greene, D.J. Shockley, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Murray in Athens, Richt knows a thing or two about bringing quarterbacks along in major college football.

Kaaya has up to two years to learn from Richt at Miami. He has the upside to go in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft this upcoming spring, but might be a more finished product entering the 2018 NFL Draft after his senior campaign at Miami. Either way, Kaaya will be the best quarterback in a deep pool in the 2016 ACC not named Deshaun Watson.

Next: 5. Jabrill Peppers.

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