The Wave of the Future: Breakout Players in the Independents

New Mexico State

The Aggies have been in the same boat as the Vandals, and have suffered the same lack of success (there’s a reason no one wanted them). The talent level is low, but new head coach Doug Martin has been around the block a few times, and should get NMSU back into some kind of fighting shape soon.

Andrew McDonald, QB

“Wait a minute!” you say, “Wasn’t Travaughn Colwell the supposed QB coming out of spring?” Yes, but he failed to hang onto the job in camp recently and is being tried out at wide receiver. McDonald only threw 3 passes last season, but the former JUCO has shown he’s capable of getting the ball down the field, something the offense needs more than a running back who can pass. He’s also a capable runner, although he’s not a major threat. There is a concern at receiver though – maybe Colwell will come through.

Prentavious Morehead, WR

One of Martin’s biggest pickups on the recruiting trail, Morehead’s a quick, possession-type receiver who could have gone to a much bigger school. He knows how to get open and does a good job of fighting for contested balls. He’s not a major deep threat, but he knows how to move the chains. He’s lanky, and probably would have needed a redshirt to bulk up at a BCS school, but he can compete from the start here. There’s a vacancy too with top target Austin Franklin declared academically ineligible.

Larry Butler III, LB

The Aggies were terrible against the run last season, and need some playmakers to try and make a difference. With the defense moving to a 3-4, and last season’s MLB BJ Adolpho graduating, a strong presence is needed in the middle. Step forward Butler, one of the NJCAA’s finest at the position. He has the size and strength to be a factor between the tackles, and has the speed to make plays on the outside too. More importantly, he’s got the smarts to play from day 1.

Nov. 10, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Troy Niklas (85) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Boston College Eagles safety Spenser Rositano (47) in the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame

After a dream season that ended on a bum note, the Fighting Irish are loaded with talent, but need to find some players to step forward at key positions, such as QB and RB. They also need to replace Manti Te’o, the leader of their defense. Now doubt the Irish have designs on getting back to the big dance, but there are some big holes to fill.

Greg Bryant, RB

With the top guys from last season, Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood, gone, the freshman can expect to see action early. One of top running back recruits in the country, Bryant should contribute early in South Bend. He’s a slippery runner between the tackles, but he can run with some power too, despite not being a bigger back. He has enough speed to break off the occasional big run, but he’s at his best moving the chains consistently, and he fits in nicely with what ND likes to do on offense. Best of all, he’s very capable of carry the load, and he may be asked with the uncertainty at quarterback.

Troy Niklas, TE

It’s not easy taking over for a playmaker, yet that’s what expected of Niklas, who came to Notre Dame as a linebacker, but made the switch to tight end last season. Despite catching just 5 passes for 75 yards and a TD, the signs are there that Niklas is ready to follow in the footsteps of a long line of quality tight ends at South Bend. He has great size at 6’7 and 270 pounds, and is a capable blocker as well as receiver. More importantly, the light has gone on since the position change, and Brian Kelly has spoken highly of him. With the focus on tight ends in this offense, he should be poised for a big year, and could become a major endzone threat.

Sheldon Day, DE

Day was a key part of the rotation as a freshman last season, making 23 tackles and a couple of sacks, and gets the chance to show his stuff as a starter, replacing Kapron Lewis-Moore. Day has good size at 6’2 and 286 pounds, and has shown the ability to play the run as well as rush the passer. He’s also playing on a defensive line which features Louis Nix and Stephon Tuitt, meaning not only will he receive a lot less attention from opponents, but he won’t need to be “The Guy” making plays out there for the team to succeed. He probably won’t hit double-digits in sacks, but replacing Moore adequately will be more than enough for this line.