As ESPN.com projects its college football Future Power Rankings, many of those teams will be built upon budding stars and stud recruits.
Here are 10 future college football stars:
LSU RB Leonard Fournette
Watching Fournette as a freshman in 2014 was like seeing an 18-year-old in a 24-year-old body with a 30-year-old mind. He is that mature in just about every facet. This is the only running back to be ranked No. 1 overall in the ESPN 300 coming out of high school, and it was for a reason. Expect to see Fournette explode over the next two years in Baton Rouge. The box will certainly be loaded until LSU can get moderate QB production, but regardless, Fournette will get his touches and, barring injury, would be the most complete running back to enter the NFL draft in years.
Clemson QB Deshaun Watson
In 2015, it's all a matter of health for Watson this fall as the sampling we saw as a true freshman was spectacular. Watson has a chance to be special, and from a maturity standpoint, he is light years ahead of others mentally and physically. He will be charged with continuing the Tigers' run of double-digit-win seasons and competing for championships. Expectations are huge for the Tigers, and the added strength and bulk Watson has added this offseason is going to be vital. Clemson goes as Watson goes, and if he remains under center, look out ACC.
Alabama OT Cameron Robinson
Last season was just the tip of the iceberg for Robinson. The only comparison to Robinson in college football is Ole Miss OT -- and likely first-round NFL draft choice -- Laremy Tunsil, who has a two-year head start. Given the question marks under center early for Alabama, it is imperative Robinson has a big year up front.
Michigan ATH/CB Jabrill Peppers
Had Peppers not been injured as a true freshman, he likely would have blossomed into a premier player by the end of the year, despite Michigan's woes. The Wolverines' current roster does not have a player of Peppers' caliber athletically. Yes, many comparisons -- fair or not -- have been made to Charles Woodson. At any rate, Peppers is a difference-maker who is capable of playing multiple positions on offense or defense and is a future star. Having seen him in the spring, it is clear he is the best overall player on Michigan's team.
Auburn DE Carl Lawson
Lawson showed flashes of being a difference-maker as a true freshman but was lost to an ACL injury in 2014. He will be a key cog for new coordinator Will Muschamp, especially considering the youth and inexperience Auburn will have in the secondary. If Muschamp can somehow get some edge production from true freshman Byron Cowart opposite of Lawson, the Tigers' pass rush could be off the charts. Lawson is likely the Tigers' best defensive player, and with a full season as a starter, he could enter the 2016 season as one of college football's premier players regardless of position.
Ohio State LB Raekwon McMillan
It takes a certain breed to play middle linebacker, even though it might not be the flashiest or most high-profile position on the field. McMillan slowly began to take hold of the Buckeyes' defense as the season progressed, and he should take the next step as a sophomore and develop into one of college football's most feared defenders. He possesses all the physical and mental attributes you want in the position and he has a high football IQ. All the attention is going to be on the QBs in Columbus, but once Joey Bosa moves on, this is going to be McMillan's team on defense.
Florida State S Derwin James
James enrolled early and participated in spring football and is likely to be a starting safety when the Seminoles open their season. He is physically and mentally mature enough to handle the jump and plays like a bigger version of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. There will be a lot of new faces throughout FSU's defense for the next couple of years in Tallahassee, but don't expect a drop-off in talent. Plus, Jalen Ramsey's move back to corner this fall will allow James to get on the field early and begin what will likely be a three-and-out career for Florida State.
Clemson OT Mitch Hyatt
After enrolling early and participating in spring football for the Tigers, Hyatt ought to be ready to contribute. There is a need along the offensive line and Hyatt fits the bill. He might never be the ideal player for the left side, but he should fit in in early on the right. From a technical standpoint, he could find himself just about anywhere because he is ahead of the curve. While he is a late bloomer physically in terms of weight and bulk, he has a high ceiling and could be a three-year starter.
Virginia S Quin Blanding
Blanding made an immediate impact for Virginia as a true freshman; he recorded a staggering 123 tackles in 2014. The next phase in his development is to continue to improve coverage range and plays in pass defense. His transition from high school to college was about as seamless as could be expected. Virginia's struggles could overshadow just how impactful Blanding is, but he is worth watching.
Alabama QB Blake Barnett
It might be too early to tell if Barnett is the answer under center for Alabama this fall, but if things don't go well in the first half of the season, Lane Kiffin could start building for the future and throw Barnett into the fire. Barnett participated in spring football and it is clear he is the future of Alabama's offense. Whether it's as a true freshman or over the next two years, Barnett brings the athleticism, arm talent and intangibles that could take the Crimson Tide offense to another level.