Nobody has a crystal ball when it comes to projecting future success for college football teams or individual college football players. So many factors come into play, including playing time, injuries and off-field issues.
But as part of our look this week at what the next few years hold for college football -- be sure to check out our new ESPN 300, Recruiting Class Rankings and College Football Future Power Rankings -- we thought it would be fun to take a look at the top 10 players who aren't yet stars (many of whom you might not have heard of) but could become household names in the near future.
Keep in mind this is a huge projection, as a couple of guys on this list haven't even made their college choices. Here is my list of the top 10 players who could become college football stars over the next three seasons.
1. Chris Black | WR | Alabama Crimson Tide
With Amari Cooper's emergence as a true freshman, Black figures to be the speedy complement opposite him. Black was injured as a true freshman in 2012 but likely would have seen significant time when Alabama had injuries on offense. Redshirting was likely the best thing to happen to Black and Alabama, as Black is not as big as Cooper and needed time to get healthy and bulk up in the weight room.
Black adds speed and explosiveness, which is something Alabama's receiving corps recently has lacked aside from the likes of Cooper and former standout Julio Jones. Black can stretch the field and create explosive, big plays after the catch, which gives this offense even more value off play-action. It is likely Cooper will depart early for the NFL draft, which could propel Black into becoming a go-to guy down the road. Expect two years of the one-two punch of Black and Cooper.
2. Ronald Darby | DB | Florida State Seminoles
Darby saw limited duty in 2012 as a reserve during his true freshman year, but at times displayed flashes of huge potential and of becoming a lockdown cover corner. Darby, a former track star, has the size of Patrick Peterson along with top-end speed. If he stays healthy, expect him to potentially be a three-and-out NFL draft entry. In today's college game, height and long arms at the cornerback position are highly coveted yet rarely found. Darby, who possesses both, can match up with big, physical targets while also holding up in coverage against smaller, quicker threats.
3. Keller Chryst | QB | Undecided (2014 class)
We are going out on a limb with this ranking, as Chryst is in the current recruiting class. But from a pedigree standpoint, he might possess the most definitive positive traits and intangibles needed for success at the QB position. Chryst might not be the dynamic athlete others in this class are, but he has the competitive character and aptitude to succeed. And as the son of an NFL coach -- dad Geep Chryst is the 49ers' quarterback coach -- he has certain advantages. He's been able to absorb a lot while working out with older, more mature and faster players -- all while in high school. That is rare and invaluable.
Also, he has extensive experience playing in a pro-style offense, in which he must work from under center and off play-action. He has great footwork and isn't just a guy sitting in the shotgun, which for many prospects in today's game is an afterthought. I see tons of kids who struggle to take a five-step drop because they don't have to. If he plays in the right scheme, we believe Chryst has a high probability for success.
4. Derrick Green | RB | Michigan Wolverines
If ever there was an identity-defining running back for an offensive philosophy, it's Green. Michigan wants nothing more than to get back to power football via a controlled passing game based off play-action, and Green is the right back to execute it. Not only do we expect him to get significant playing time as a true freshman, but we expect him to be a bell-cow back, in similar fashion to Montee Ball at Wisconsin (only Green is bigger and more physical and might be faster). He is capable of being stronger in the fourth quarter than he is in the first, as he can wear down defenses.
Surprisingly, he will provide above-average pass-catching skills; as such, offensive coordinator Al Borges might use Green as he did Ronnie Brown at Auburn in terms of passing nearly exclusively to the running back. He'd love to get similar production from Green on passing downs.
5. Robbie Rhodes | WR | Baylor Bears
Baylor has put together a string of offensive weapons in the passing game with the likes of Kendall Wright and Terrance Williams. Rhodes was a three-sport athlete in high school, which is becoming more and more rare these days. He's a dynamic athlete and a serious track star who can stretch the field. He was not highly recruited for much of his high school career until the summer going into his senior year, when everyone began to catch on. But by that time, Art Briles already had him wrapped up. We would expect Rhodes to develop into a go-to player within Baylor's version of the spread offense, in which he potentially could see significant action as a freshman.
6. Leonard Fournette | RB | Undecided (2014 class)
While Fournette, like Chryst, is in the current class, we have not seen his complete package of running back skills since Trent Richardson, who we felt confident early on would be a star. We feel the same about Fournette. In fact, we feel so good about his physical gifts that we would bank on his being one of the premier linebackers in this class if he weren't such a natural at tailback.
In terms of the key traits you look for in a running back, Fournette possesses all of them, and regardless of where he ends up signing, he will play as a true freshman barring injury because he is an elite physical talent. More importantly, he possesses competitive character and mental toughness, which gives him an even better chance of succeeding at the college level. Remember the name: Leonard Fournette.
7. Robert Nkemdiche | DE | Ole Miss Rebels
OK, maybe it isn't fair to include Nkemdiche on this list considering anyone who is a fan of college football knows who he is (unless they have been living on Mars for the past year). But hearing about him in high school is different than knowing him in college, and you can expect to get to know him real quick, as Nkemdiche, unlike most players, has the mental makeup to live up to his sky-high expectations.
He'll play right away because he's better than the Rebels' current roster of defensive ends and because if he plays his cards right, he likely will be a three-and-out guy. As a result, Ole Miss needs to get the most out of him early and often. First there was Jadeveon Clowney, and now comes Nkemdiche. Get ready.
8. Leonard Williams | DE | USC Trojans
He started as a true freshman for two reasons: First, USC needed him in terms of sheer numbers, and second, he is better than what USC had up front. In fact, Williams might be better than what everyone in the Pac-12 has up front. He was a first-team all-freshman in 2012, and we expect that to improve to All-America status over the next two years. Like many others on this list, Williams is a likely early entry for the NFL draft, and in two seasons, he will be thought of as one of the best interior linemen in the country.
9. Devonte Fields | DE | TCU Horned Frogs
Fields is suspended to open the 2013 season (for violating university and team policy). And many people might not realize that Fields was not only a freshman in 2012, but was the Big 12 defensive player of the year -- as a true freshman. He also led the league in sacks, which is a rare feat for a freshman. Now he must deal with hype, expectation and all the things that come with early success. If Fields adheres to coach Gary Patterson's standards of excellence, he will end up being one of college football's most-feared pass-rushers over the course of the next two years.
10. Derrick Henry | ATH | Alabama Crimson Tide
Henry is one of four running backs signed by the Crimson Tide in the 2013 class, but he is the best athlete of the bunch with the most versatility to play in a utility role, which could include H-back and tight end. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he isn't your normal running back in terms of measurables, but he has a tremendous work ethic and drive to prove himself as a running back. At the very least, he creates serious matchup problems in the passing game. He has enrolled early to get a head start on the depth chart going into this fall, and we expect him to become a prominent force at Alabama for years to come.