10 Breakout players for the 2017 season

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) is congratulated with a belt on the sideline after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

10. QB Shane Buechele, Texas

In his freshman season, quarterback Shane Buechele had a better start to the season than he finished. Buechele led the Longhorns to a 50-47 double-overtime upset over Notre Dame, passing for 280 yards and two touchdowns. But under Charlie Strong, the Longhorns dropped their last three games of the season with Buechele throwing six interceptions and two touchdowns.

The Longhorns have since fired Charlie Strong and hired Tom Herman as their head coach. It bodes well for a Texas offense that returns a promising young quarterback. The move instantly puts Buechele on the list of players to watch. Herman led Houston to a record of 22-5 in two seasons as their head coach. The Cougars have defeated Florida State, Louisville and Oklahoma in the past two seasons.

Buechele didn’t put up terrible numbers this season either. He threw for 2,958 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 161 total yards and two touchdowns. Look for him to make some noise in the Big 12 next season.

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