ESPN recently put out a video chronicling the "next big player" for each conference. James White pulled it down for the Big Ten and should be even more of a star as he slices and dices through opposing defenses. For the ACC, it is stud running back David Wilson who should shine as the main man now that Darren Evans and Ryan Williams are gone. It is hard to call Chris Polk the "next" big player as he has rushed for over 1,000 yards the last two years but he represents the PAC-12. Now that he is healthy, the Big 12's next big thing is tailback Christine Michael. Receivers Tavon Austin and Trovon Reed represent the Big East and SEC, respectively.
All of these players should be household names by midseason with White teaming with Montee Ball to spearhead the vaunted Badger ground game. Wilson will be the workhorse in Blacksburg and will display his speed, power, and receiving ability. Polk will shoulder even more of the load as the Huskies break in new quarterback. Michael will still split carries with Cyrus Gray but is too good to keep off the field. With Dana Holgorsen around, Austin should explode. Reed was supposed to breakout last year but redshirted and is now ready for the limelight.