College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the first half against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 28: Byron Pringle #9 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates after a 79 yard touchdown reception against the Texas A&M Aggies in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl on December 28, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

As a high school recruit, wide receiver Byron Pringle wasn’t exactly recruited heavily. In fact, he accepted a scholarship to play for Youngstown State before departing and going the JUCO route. Kansas State landed him in the 2016 class as the nation’s 71st-best JUCO transfer and 12th-best receiver from that level of competition.

Now 23 years old and entering his junior season, Pringle has the opportunity of a lifetime, starting at receiver for Kansas State for the second straight year. He started all 13 games for the Wildcats last season, but they weren’t exactly a pass-first offense.

Pringle finished the 2016 season with 39 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns and he also had 23 kickoff returns for nearly 700 yards and a touchdown. He was one of the most dynamic athletes in the country, but he didn’t put up the stats he was capable.

Some would argue he broke out in 2016, but those numbers are pedestrian compared to some of the nation’s top receivers. He will approach the 1,000-yard mark and he could be one of the nation’s top return men as well.

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