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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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Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo (1) sacks Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles quarterback Michael Birdsong (3) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo (1) sacks Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles quarterback Michael Birdsong (3) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Kongbo

Defensive Lineman, Tennessee

For the Tennessee Volunteers, the 2017 college football season should be an interesting one. While the team does have a ton of talented players, they will be asked to replace three players who have meant so much to the program. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs is gone, as is running back Alvin Kamara, and their leader on defense, Derek Barnett will also not be suiting up for the team in 2017.

Dobbs and Kamara were the leaders on offense, and replacing their production is going to be a problem in itself. To replace Barnett, the Vols will have to replace a guy who broke Reggie White’s all-time sack record during his time on campus. Barnett was a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and to replace him, Tennessee has got to hope Jonathan Kongbo is up for the challenge.

Kongbo got some good experience last year, and comes into the 2017 season with tons of hype around him. He was a big-time recruit for the program, and though he has had to deal with a sprained knee this spring, it should not hinder him in any way as the season draws closer. He has had to deal with some maturity issues during his time with the Vols, and the hope is he can step up and be the leader the team needs right now on that side of the ball.

During his time in JUCO, Kongbo was rated as the best prospect in the country. Last season, he had a few memorable moments, including a 59-yard interception return against Missouri on November 19. He can make an impact, and if he reaches his full potential, he could be an even bigger NFL prospect than Barnett was this season.

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