20 college football players who should be highly paid in 2017

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold No. 14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks on against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images /

1. Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Quarterbacks annually dominate the list of the NFL’s highest-paid players, making Darnold the top potential earner in college football as an elite signal caller.

Darnold ended his career at San Clemente High School as a four-star recruit and top five dual-threat quarterback prospect in the class of 2015. With offers from all over the country, Darnold chose to stay close to home and committed to the Trojans early in the recruiting process.

With the Trojans struggling out of the gate at 1-2 last year, Clay Helton named Darnold the starting quarterback, a move that quickly changed the trajectory of USC’s short-term future. Darnold threw for 3,086 yards and 31 touchdowns with nine interceptions, leading the Trojans to a 9-1 record and Rose Bowl win over Penn State.

The Trojans should enter the season ranked in the top five with Darnold returning for his redshirt sophomore year under center, and his presence is the main reason why many expect USC to reach the College Football Playoff after looking dead last September. With just one year of collegiate experience under his belt, Darnold has already shown terrific decision-making, arm strength and accuracy, all traits which could help him become a future No. 1 draft pick.

As an elite quarterback on a team that has national championship or bust expectations, Darnold is the most valuable player in college football for 2017. A potential deal for Darnold would equal $25 million this season, matching the figure from top NFL earner Derek Carr.

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