In college football, everyone knows the big names. The Tua Tagovailoas, the Trevor Lawrences, and the Grant Delpits of the world. But who are the guys that are under the radar, that are stars in the making, that you need to know? Well, we’ve got your list right here. These are 19 under the radar college football players for 2019.
RB Cade Carney – Wake Forest
Carney has had a chip on his shoulder going back to his high school days. He was a 3⭐ recruit, ranked as the 59th best RB in the 2016 class. He’s a bruiser who runs people over and breaks quite a bit of tackles. Last season, he rushed for 1,005 yards and 8 Touchdowns, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Carney is fun to watch, and has a little “Alstott” in him. Go check him out this season.
LB Charles Snowden – Virginia
If he declares early, Snowden is a player that is a darkhorse to go Round 1 in the 2020 NFL Draft, based off of his potential and freak athleticism. He’s still growing into his body and working on getting stronger. He’s 6’7″ 225 lbs and uses his long strides and athleticism to cover the field and track players down. Last season, he had 61 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.
TE Dalton Keene – Virginia Tech
Dalton Keene, otherwise known as Rambo, has really caught my eye while watching tape on him. One thing you’ll notice is how great of a blocker he is. This guy gives 100% on every play and every block. Last season, he opened up a ton of rushing lanes for the Hokie rushing attack. He’s also a viable pass catcher who caught 28 passes for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns.
QB Holton Ahlers – ECU
Ahlers made a name for himself last season as a freshman. He threw for 1,785 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding 592 rushing yards and 6 touchdownson on the ground. He’s a dual threat QB, who, being a lefty, has one of the smoothest throws around. ECU will go as far as Ahlers can carry them in 2019.
LB Shaun Bradley – Temple
Bradley is a senior leader on the Owls’ defense. Last season, he had 78 tackles, 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss and 2 INTs. He’s been overlooked his whole career. He was a 2⭐ recruit who was ranked as the 198th best RB in the 2015 class. Bradley is a tackling machine who does well in pass coverage. Don’t be surprised if he racks up 100+ tackles in 2019.
RB Darius Bradwell – Tulane
One of the best running backs in college football who doesn’t get talked about enough is Darius Bradwell. Last season he rushed for 1,134 yards and 11 TDs, while averaging 5.6 YPC. He’s a big physical back who’s also quick for his size. Bradwell has the size & skill to play in the NFL.
CB Hasan Defense – Kansas
Defense. Isn’t that a perfect name for a lockdown defender? Hasan has been a productive player for the Jayhawks the past two seasons. In 2017, he had 42 tackles, 1 TFL, and 2 INTs. Last season, he had 43 tackles, 2 TFL and 3 INTs. The secondary could be a bright spot for Kansas in 2019 with both Hasan Defense and Corione Harris at the cornerback position.
WR Jeshaun Jones – Maryland
Jones had an incredible freshman season last year. He opened up the season vs Texas with a Passing TD, Rushing TD and Receiving TD. He finished the season with 22 receptions for 288 yards & 5 touchdowns. He’s a weapon that can be used in multiple ways. Jet sweeps, at RB, he can pass, or catch jump balls. He can do it all. With Josh Jackson at QB, expect him to have a big sophomore season.
WR Rashod Bateman – Minnesota
Bateman was a late bloomer in the 2018 class. He committed to the Golden Gophers on June 6th, 2017. When he ended up being a 4⭐ recruit and bigger programs came calling for the Tifton, GA native, he never wavered on his commitment to the Gophers. A great early evaluation by the Minnesota staff has turned into a superstar-in-the-making at wide receiver. Last season as a freshman, Bateman caught 51 passes for 704 yards and 6 Touchdowns, while averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Big things are on tap for Bateman and the Gophers.
RB Benny LeMay – Charlotte
LeMay has quietly been one of the best hidden gems in college football. When you’re playing on a team that’s 10-26 the last three years, it’s easy to get overlooked. Last season, he rushed for 1,243 yards and 11 touchdowns, while averaging 5.4 YPC. He caught 21 passes for 282 yards as well. Expect another 1,200+ yard season for LeMay in 2019.
QB Isaiah Green – Marshall
Green was great as a freshman in 2018. He threw for 2,459 yards and 15 TDs to go along with 1 rushing TD. He completed only 56.7% of his passes. So he just needs to get more consistent while cutting down on INTs. The future is bright in Huntington with Green leading the charge.
DB Prudy Calderon – Rice
Calderon was ranked as the 143rd best athlete in the 2018 class and the 274th best player in Texas. He was offered a walk-on opportunity at the University of Texas but decided to play at Rice on scholarship. And the Owls got a great one. Last season as a true freshman, he had 38 tackles, 1 TFL, 7 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. A defensive playmaker for the Owls.
LB James Patterson – Buffalo
Could Patterson be the next Kahlil Mack for the Bulls? He’s off to a great start and has a lot of upside. Last season as a freshman, he had 77 tackles, 1 sack, 9 tackles for loss and 2 pass breakups. He’s the QB of the defense, calling out plays and diagnosing routes. The future is bright for Patterson.
LB Logan Wilson – Wyoming
Wilson has been a special player for many years. The Wyoming defense has been a strength for a few years and Wilson is a big reason why. In three seasons, he has 304 tackles, 26 tackles for foss, 6 sacks and 6 interceptions. Wilson is a versatile player who can play safety or linebacker. That will help him greatly if he plans on making it in the NFL.
LB Bryan London II – Texas State
The average college football fan doesn’t wake up on a Saturday excited to watch a Texas State Bobcats game. However, that means they might miss London having another stellar game. For instance, if you watched Georgia Southern vs Texas State last year, you saw London rack up 11 tackles. He’s got 342 tackles & 19.5 tackles for loss in his career. What’s odd and just a complete fluke is that he has 0 career sacks. He’s in the backfield a ton and should record a few sacks in 2019. When you think of a Tackling Machine, you should think of Bryan London II.
CB Kindle Vildor – Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern bounced back last season and recorded 10 wins. A big reason why was lockdown CB Kindle Vildor. Vildor has NFL potential. Last season he had 42 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. Last season vs Clemson he had an INT and held his own vs Tee Higgins. Remember the name!
RB A.J. Rose – Kentucky
Unfortunately for Wildcat fans, the Benny Snell era is over. Fortunately for Wildcat fans, they have another outstanding RB waiting to make a name for himself. Rose averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2018, 1.2 yards per carry more than Snell. Rose is a player that I’m predicting to have a big breakout season in 2019. You can expect 1,200+ rushing yards.
WR Corey Sutton – Appalachian State
Sutton, who’s a former Kansas State Wildcat, is a 6’4″ 200 pound receiver who’s a nightmare match-up for defensive backs. His size and athleticism causes problems, especially on jump balls. Last season, he caught 44 passes for 773 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 17.6 yards per catch. Expect another big season from Sutton in 2019 with QB Zac Thomas, who was one of our G5 QBs On the rise, back under center.
DE Austin Lewis – Liberty
Lewis is a 6’6″ 245 pound manimal at defensive end for the Flames. As a recruit, he was ranked as a 2⭐ and the 118th best WDE in the 2018 class. Last season as a freshman, he had 24 Tackles, 3.5 sacks & 6 tackles for loss. Lewis and fellow DE Jessie Lemonier combine for one of the best DE duos in the nation.
