Fansided

College football 2018: Top 30 breakout players to watch

By Jeremy Morris

Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 30
Next
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Tony Fields #19 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Tony Fields #19 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Cody White was only a three-star prospect coming out of Walled Lake Western High School in 2017. He played quarterback, defensive back and special teams on his way winning Michigan’s Mr. Football as a senior on top of three other varsity sports in high school. White is a phenomenal athlete and a coach’s dream because of his willingness to play wherever, do whatever he’s asked and quickly make any adjustment or learn any new position if it helps his team win.

The 6-foot-3 athlete played immediately at receiver last year but only caught five passes in his first four games. Midway through the season though, he settled into his role on the offense and had back to back games of six catches for 99 yards then nine catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. White also had a pair of touchdowns in Michigan State’s Holiday Bowl win against Washington State. He finished the season with 35 catches for 490 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2018, as a sophomore, Cody White should be a major factor on an offense that returns ten of eleven starters, including junior quarterback Brian Lewerke and senior running back L.J. Scott. The Spartans went 10-3, beating Michigan and Penn State, last year.

They should be a serious contender in the Big Ten again. If someone like White and another player or two on either side of the ball can really break out, watch for Michigan State to contend for a playoff spot.