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Justin Fields and college football’s 15 breakout players to watch in 2019

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a second quarter touchdown pass during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a second quarter touchdown pass during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Lorenzo Lingard #1 of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball against the Florida International Golden Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Lorenzo Lingard #1 of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball against the Florida International Golden Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

This one took a lot of debate. At first, Tate Martell was my choice for this 15th spot on the list, but he didn’t look good during spring and subsequently lost the quarterback battle with Jarren Williams. Would the redshirt freshman take his spot on this list just like he did under center? Not exactly, I’m going with a safer bet.

While he might miss the season opener in Week 0 against Florida, Lorenzo Lingard just has a different look to him. He’s not your typical running back, he’s a beast in the making.

Lingard is a former five-star back who suffered a season-ending injury after six games in 2018 and had a solid impact in his first season with minimal carries. He took advantage of the workload he was given, averaging 8.0 yards per touch on 17 carries. He also scored two touchdowns and just showcased some electricity with the ball in his hands.

Miami has DeeJay Dallas at running back, too, so losing Lingard for the opener shouldn’t hurt too much, but it won’t take long for the staff to realize he’s the most talented rusher on offense.

A 1,000-yard sophomore season may not be seen by outsiders but it should be expected of the explosive Lingard in 2019 if he can stay healthy.