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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 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Austin Bryant (91) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Austin Bryant (91) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2015 Clemson Tigers really came up an onside kick short of winning the second national championship in school history last January. Though Clemson does lose a great deal of talent on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have to be one of the favorites to win the 2017 College Football Playoff.

If Clemson can get past division rivals Florida State and Louisville, the Tigers should have little difficulty winning the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte and earning a trip to its second straight College Football Playoff. The Tigers have the quarterback in Deshaun Watson and the head coach in Dabo Swinney to have a magical 2016 NCAA campaign.

That being said, what could prove to be Clemson’s Achilles Heel in 2016 might be on the defensive side of the ball. Losing key players like Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd and Mackensie Alexander to the NFL Draft doesn’t help at all.

One player that will have to step up in a big way in 2016 has to be sophomore defensive end Austin Bryant. Bryant did have a strong freshman campaign in 2015 with 22 tackles, two for a loss of yardage and one quarterback sack, but he’ll have to push towards a 10+ sack season in year two in the Southland to get Clemson back to another National Championship Game.

Fortunately for Bryant and Clemson, the Tigers should be favored in every game they play this year. Yes, they will have to play a buttoned-up brand of football against the Seminoles and Cardinals in ACC Atlantic play, but Watson’s Heisman campaign should help take the pressure of Bryant and the Clemson defense en route to another dominating season for the Tigers football team.

Next: 17. Jacob Eason.

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