College Football: Top 25 breakout players for 2016

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Sep 12, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) looks for a receiver while being pressured by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Josh Sweat (9) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /

After suffering an ACL injury during his senior year of high school, it seemed like Josh Sweat was destined to be a redshirt player in 2015. But as the season progressed, the Virginia native progressed as well.

Sweat started his first collegiate game in Florida State’s opener against the Texas State Bobcats. In that game, Sweat showed the explosiveness and athleticism that earned him the right to don a Florida State uniform. During his first year in Tallahassee, Florida tallied 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and two pass breakups.

With another offseason to add strength onto his already impressive 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame, Sweat could contend and become an All-ACC performer this season. And with the other threats around him that opposing teams also have to focus on, Sweat could be one of the nation’s most elite pass rusher as a sophomore in 2016.

Next: Kavontae Turpin

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