These college football players may not be household names yet, but they will be this fall. Presenting 10 players poised for breakout seasons in 2020
One thing that college football taught us last year; breakout players can come out of nowhere. If anyone put money on Joe Burrow to win the Heisman Trophy, they made a nice sum of cash. One of the beautiful things about college football is that when players leave, it gives opportunities for someone to become a star.
Some players are returning from injury and others who will assume more responsibility because of graduation or the NFL. A new season means a unique opportunity for someone to step up and have a great year.
With this shortened offseason, continuity is as important as its ever been. Players who have been part of the program for any amount of time stand to have breakout seasons. This list is specialized. Due to the Pac-12 and Big Ten canceling their fall seasons, players come from the ACC, SEC and Big 12.
10. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy shouldered too much of the burden last year in the running game. Sophomore running back Breece Hall emerging as the full-time starter was huge for the running game last season.
Hall is RB1 and is in line for a tremendous season. Purdy has a legit pitch-man on the option-read, and Hall is dangerous. The true sophomore has a rare combination of both power and speed. Hall’s compact frame changes his pad level, which makes him hard to tackle.
Hall strong enough to run between the tackles and enough burst and wiggle to run outside in Iowa State’s zone-blocking scheme. Hall has good speed but is not a home run hitter.
What makes Hall most dangerous is his versatility. In Matt Campbell’s spread offense, Hall can move all over any given formation. Hall’s 23 receptions prove he is a competent pass catcher. In an attack where two of their three leading receivers from last season are gone, they are going to need that pass-catching ability.
Trevor Downing and Colin Newell anchor an offensive line full of redshirts. The Cyclones lost four linemen this past season, but depth should compensate for the lack of experience. Campbell likes the way Iowa State has recruited the offensive line the last three cycles; expect to see the fruit of that labor.
The depth at offensive line, in addition to the losses at the receiver, should equal more touches for Hall. More touches mean a big season in Ames; they are going to need it.