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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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Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Soso Jamabo (1) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Soso Jamabo (1) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

The UCLA Bruins have to be one of the contending teams in the Pac-12 in 2016. They’ve recruited marvelously under head coach Jim Mora and have been a factor in the Pac-12 South since its creation a few years back and 2016 shall be no different for UCLA.

While Mora and presumed No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft quarterback Josh Rosen take on much of the spotlight for the stellar Pac-12 program in Westwood, one player that is poised to have a breakout season in 2016 is sophomore tailback Soso Jamabo.

Jamabo was in the same 2015 recruiting class as Rosen and did see some action on the gridirion for the Bruins. As a true freshman in 2015, Jamabo had 66 carries for 404 yards and four touchdowns. His 6.1 rushing yards per carry average is impressive, as is his ability to catch balls out of the backfield. Jamabo had an additional five catches for 58 yards in 2015.

He’ll move up the running back depth chart as running back Paul Perkins and running back/linebacker Myles Jack have moved on to the NFL in 2016. With Rosen being the most gifted quarterback in the Pac-12 and possibly the entire Power 5 in 2016, that should leave ample opportunity for Jamabo to emerge as a star tailback for the Bruins.

A 1,000-yard rushing season or a 1,250 all-purpose yards season seem like they are definitely on the table for the young UCLA running back. If Jamabo can be the perfect complementary tailback to star quarterback Rosen, UCLA has a great shot at winning the Pac-12 in 2016.

Next: 20. Arden Key.

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