Top 7 College Football Players To Watch Out For In The Spring

As teams hit the field for spring practice, it's a period filled with anticipation and opportunity. This time marks a transition phase for many programs, with rosters undergoing changes and players striving to establish themselves in the spotlight. From rookies eager to make their mark to seasoned veterans seeking to solidify their positions, the field is ripe with talent ready to seize the moment. 

From explosive quarterbacks to tenacious defenders, fans are given a spectacle to witness. During this period, certain players show awesome promise, and of course, why watch a football game if there's no superstar to look out for? This article focuses on some of the key college football players to watch out for.

Top Players To Watch Out For

An awesome football game is inspired by great players on the pitch, the real superstars who make things happen by doing what they know how to do. During the college spring football session, many players show promise and are worthy of note. Here are some of the top seven players in this category.

Bryce Love, RB, Stanford

Bryce Love showcased his skills in Stanford's Sun Bowl victory over North Carolina, rushing for 119 yards. Despite Christian McCaffrey's absence, Love proved himself with his explosive plays and remarkable burst on the field.

Although he may not possess the same level of athleticism as McCaffrey, Love's ability to keep Stanford's offense dynamic in the running game is crucial. He follows in the footsteps of Stanford's exceptional running backs and has the potential to become the next standout in the lineup. His explosive plays and knack for finding the end zone make him a player worth watching closely, especially as the spring season unfolds. Keep an eye on Love; he's poised to leave his mark on the field.

Brandon Wimbush, QB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame faces numerous questions following their disappointing 4-8 season. However, the quarterback position doesn't seem to be one of those concerns, as Brandon Wimbush emerges as the frontrunner to replace DeShone Kizer.

Beyond his on-field performance, Wimbush's relationship with coach Brian Kelly is paramount. Kelly's shift in focus towards getting to know his players better, as highlighted in a Sports Illustrated profile, adds an intriguing dynamic to their connection.

The evolving relationship between Wimbush and Kelly will be a storyline to monitor throughout the season, potentially impacting Notre Dame's success on the field. This makes him one of the top players you should watch out for. 

Iman Marshall, CB, USC

While Adoree' Jackson garnered much attention, Iman Marshall quietly excelled on the opposite side of the field for USC. Marshall's potential as a true cornerback prospect for the NFL is significant, potentially surpassing Jackson.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 200 pounds, Marshall possesses physical attributes that make him an imposing figure in the secondary. Despite playing alongside Jackson, Marshall ranked second on the team in interceptions and passes broken up.

His standout performance in key games, such as the victory over Colorado, showcased his ability to step up when it matters most. As he assumes the role of the Trojans' top cornerback this season, Marshall's impact on the field is expected to be substantial.

Marshall's impressive physical stature and on-field production make him a player to watch closely as he continues to develop his skills and solidify his status as a top cornerback prospect.

Jaheim Thomas, LB, Cincinnati

Another player to look out for is Jaheim Thomas, an incredible outside linebacker and edge player for Cincinnati. He possesses exciting physical capabilities and immense potential for growth. Since enrolling at Cincinnati, Thomas has experienced significant physical development, gaining 2.5 inches in height and 45 pounds.

In his breakout third season in 2022, Thomas demonstrated his disruptive prowess on the field, recording impressive statistics including 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks as a rotational starter.

Thomas's versatility as an edge player allows him to excel in rushing the quarterback while also showcasing his ability to anchor against the run. His athleticism and skill set have already garnered significant interest, with a visit scheduled for Auburn since entering the transfer portal.

Thomas's potential to be a game-changer lies in his ongoing development and refinement of his skills, particularly in areas such as coverage, where further improvement could elevate his impact on the field.

Hunter Johnson, QB, Clemson

Hunter Johnson, along with Kelly Bryant and Zerrick Cooper, is in contention to succeed Deshaun Watson as Clemson's quarterback. While Bryant currently holds the top spot due to his tenure in the program, 

Johnson's early enrollment and coveted five-star recruit status make him a compelling candidate. The speed at which Johnson adapts to the offense will be a key storyline in the highly-watched quarterback battle. The competition's duration will also be intriguing, with many favoring the philosophy of playing the young talent.

Johnson's potential to step into the starting role for Clemson adds an element of excitement to the team's spring practices, as fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the emergence of the next quarterback to lead the Tigers.

Bear Alexander, DL, Georgia

Bear Alexander's entry into the transfer portal came as a surprise to many, especially after his impressive performance in Georgia's late-season run in 2022, which included a sack in the national championship game.

As a recruit, Alexander was highly regarded, ranked as the No. 15 defensive lineman in the 2022 class. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, Alexander brings size and athleticism to the defensive line.

In 2022, Alexander showcased his talent by playing 169 total snaps for Georgia and recording two sacks. His ability to excel against both the run and pass makes him a valuable asset on the inside.

Alexander's visit to USC signals significant interest from top programs, highlighting his status as a sought-after player in the transfer portal and adding intrigue to his potential impact on a new team. 

Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

Rashan Gary, the No. 1 recruit in the country in 2016, had a promising debut season, playing in all 13 games and tallying 27 tackles. With several veteran players leaving the program, particularly on defense, Gary is poised to emerge as a prominent figure for the Wolverines.

As Michigan transitions to a team embodying more of Jim Harbaugh's coaching style than that of Brady Hoke, Gary's role becomes increasingly significant. With a shift in leadership, expectations are high for Gary to elevate his production, potentially experiencing a substantial increase.

Gary's combination of talent and opportunity positions him as a player to watch closely during Michigan's spring practices, as he aims to solidify his status as a standout contributor on the Wolverines' defense in the upcoming season.

Betting Options for College Football Fans

Amidst the anticipation of college football's spring practices, fans can elevate their experience with betting options tailored to Canadian players. With $1 minimum deposit casinos for Canadian players, enthusiasts can add an extra layer of excitement to the game while keeping an eye on the top players to watch this season. 

By identifying top players and knowing what to expect from promising prospects, you can further advance your probability of wins. Whether it's analyzing statistics, predicting standout performances, or simply following your intuition, the knowledge gained from observing these college football stars can inform strategic betting decisions. 

So, as the action unfolds on the field, explore the thrills of wagering and immerse yourself in the excitement of college football.

FAQ

When does the college football spring season start?

The start date for the college football spring season varies depending on the conference and team schedules. Generally, spring practices and scrimmages begin in late February or early March, with some teams starting as early as January. Fans can check with their favorite teams or conference websites for specific dates.

Are spring football games open to the public?

In many cases, spring football games are open to the public, allowing fans to get a glimpse of their favorite teams in action. However, the availability of tickets and admission policies may vary depending on the university and local regulations. Some schools may offer free admission, while others may require tickets or have limited seating capacity.

How does the spring football season differ from the regular season?

The spring football season serves as an opportunity for teams to evaluate players, implement new strategies, and prepare for the upcoming fall season. While the format may vary, spring practices typically focus on player development, refining techniques, and building team chemistry. 

Unlike the regular season, spring games are often less competitive and may not count towards a team's official record. Additionally, rules and regulations regarding practice time and contact may be different during the spring season compared to the regular season.

Conclusion

The beauty of football is imbued in the thrills and excitement football fans get from watching their favorite teams play. This goes beyond the mere action on the field; it's about the narratives, the rivalries, and the anticipation that surround each game. As we look forward to the upcoming college football season, the spring practices serve as a tantalizing preview of what's to come. 

From emerging talents like Bryce Love and Brandon Wimbush to established stars like Iman Marshall and Rashan Gary, the spring showcases a glimpse of the future of college football. Each player brings their own story, their own journey, and their own potential to the field, adding layers of intrigue to every snap. 

As fans, we eagerly await the unfolding drama and the moments of brilliance that define the game we love. So, as the spring practices commence, let's savor every moment because in football, every play has the potential to become a legend in the making.