Fansided

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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Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) hits Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Speedy Noil (2) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) hits Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Speedy Noil (2) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mack Wilson

Linebacker, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have had one of the best defenses in the country for the past couple of seasons, and linebacker Reuben Foster is a big reason why. Foster, who is rated as the best linebacker prospect in this year’s draft class, was all over the field for the Tide, leading the team to two straight national title games. He will sorely be missed in 2017, but Mack Wilson should be able to soften the blow left by Foster heading to the NFL.

For head coach Nick Saban, it is not about rebuilding, but only about reloading. He has the luxury of attracting some of the best defensive recruits in the nation, thanks to the fact he usually sends a handful to the NFL every year. Alabama will not take a step back in 2017, and with Mack Wilson in the middle of their defense, they should be able to capture an SEC title for the fourth straight season.

Wilson really turned heads as a freshman last season, as he was one of the best special teams players on the roster. A five-star in-state recruit, Wilson will be asked to do a lot more than just special teams in 2017, as he is going to be expected to really step up in his second year on the field. Saban loves his motor, and with all the losses across the Tides defense from last season, Wilson will have a golden opportunity to really take the reins.

Alabama is a factory when it comes to churning out star defensive players, and Wilson could be one of the best they have seen in a long time. He may struggle a bit at the beginning of the season, but by the end of the year, you can be sure he will be appearing on highlight tapes all over the country.

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