Independent Football Teams: Top Seven Players in 2015

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame fields one of the top offensive lineman in college football with Ronnie Stanley. The 6-6, 285 pound offensive lineman decided to forego the NFL draft for his final year with the Fighting Irish, which could help make the offensive line one of the top in the nation with all returning starters back. Quarterback Malik Zaire should get time to throw and running-backs should get some open space, thanks in great part to Stanley’s return.

Stanley was a highly sought after four star recruit (according to ESPN). He received offers from schools like Auburn, Florida State, Oregon, Oklahoma, only to name a few. Stanley was the top recruit from Nevada in 2012 and is credited as being a very physical player.

This year Stanley is a preseason First Team All American and should easily make a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft next year. Look for him to have a dominant season this year and a great future in the NFL.

Fun fact: Stanley actually caught a pass in Notre Dame’s spring scrimmage this year. Not a lot of linemen get to say they’ve done that before.

Next: Jaylon Smith