Breathe in and slowly exhale… college football is finally upon us. Cal and Hawaii played a game in Sydney, Australia last weekend (not kidding), which means we will have football nearly every Saturday from now until January. And, in what has become a growing trend, there will be several local products that will be coming to a television set near you. Here are some to keep an eye on.
NOTE: This is a list of local players currently on Football Bowl Subdivision rosters only.
Mizzou loves offensive linemen from the Ozarks
Apparently Justin Britt created a pipeline from the Ozarks to Columbia for big, athletic kids. No, he wasn’t the first, but Britt is now the most notable. That could change with the development of the guys below.
R-Sophomore OL Sam Bailey
Bailey’s athleticism is the reason Mizzou offered him and it’ll also be the reason he starts this year. At Lamar he played all over both the offensive and defensive lines and now he’s transitioning to center. Bailey played in four game last year and is listed as an “or” starter for Mizzou’s season-opener against West Virginia – ahead of senior Michael Stannard. To play in the SEC is impressive, but to start on the offensive line is truly a feat. Bailey may have found just solidified the Tigers’ center spot for the next three years. The last local product to start a center for Mizzou was Webb City’s Adam Spieker, who was a 4-year starter (Mizzou gave up 77 sacks in his 50 games).
Freshman OL Trystan Castillo, Missouri
To play in the SEC is impressive. To do it as a freshman is ridiculous. Last August Trystan Castillo was paving the way for Tyson Roderique and Keaton Burroughs to run wild against the COC Large, now Castillo is one play away from starting in the SEC. He’s been able to step in immediately and compete for playing time, largely because of his preparedness physically (he’s gained 30lbs during the summer). He’s shifted over to guard from tackle and as it stands now, he is extremely unlikely to receive a redshirt. Don’t be surprised to hear his name called as a starter at some point during the season.
Other Power 5 Guys
Sophomore KiAnte Hardin, Minnesota
There was no bringing KiAnte Hardin along slowly last year for Minnesota – the freshman was expected to play and produce immediately. KiAnte Hardin was able to do that. He played in 13 games for Minnesota and saw action in the secondary as a backup corner. He also turned into one of the conference’s most dynamic special teamers with electrifying kick and punt returns, nearly breaking multiple returns for scores. He is likely to start at corner and again return kicks for the Gophers. Of course, people in the Ozarks are used to seeing Hardin do ridiculous things. At Webb City he was one of the most dynamic players in program history, becoming an all-state receiver and defensive back. He was also one of the fastest sprinters in the nation as a senior. That speed could lead to a monster sophomore year.
“One underclassman who I believe is truly on the verge of taking that next step this spring for Minnesota is true sophomore cornerback KiAnte Hardin… With Minnesota losing both of their starting corners to the NFL in Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Eric Murray, Hardin is the prime candidate to start alongside Jalen Myrick next year in defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel's defense. Hardin reminds me a lot of Boddy-Calhoun as he's a very smart player with great acceleration and football IQ and if Hardin can continue to build of a very successful true freshman season this spring, there's absolutely no reason he shouldn't be starting at corner for Minnesota this fall.”
– Ryan Burns, Gopher Digest
Freshman Chase Allen, Iowa State
Chase Allen is a man of many aliases – Google “crying UNC fan” or “Iowa State player hit by car” and you’ll see Allen’s mug. He’s also the son of former Kansas and Missouri State head coach Terry Allen. It’s easy to label him many things, but Allen is making his own name at Iowa State. Adding 15 pounds during the summer has him competing for playing time. First-year Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has not been shy in his desire to play the best players, regardless of age and Allen could benefit from that. Allen should also benefit from Campbell’s run-first offense that is built on establishing the run (Allen is a great blocker) and taking advantage of mismatches in the passing game. Two things that are very similar to what Allen did last year at Nixa. Campbell also loves two tight end sets, which he runs roughly 35% of the time.
“Chase did a really good job. I think Chase, what really helps him, is he's extremely bright. We didn’t do a ton of stuff today, but I think he had a pretty good idea of what’s going on. He did run a hot route today, which we don’t even have in, so that was good for him… Chase has done a good job. He’s competing and learning at a high rate.”
– Iowa State OC Tom Manning on Allen’s first day of camp (IowaStateDaily.com)
Alec Murphy, Mississippi State
There are few tougher positions to play in the SEC than running back. First, the nation’s best defenses live in the conference. Second, the nation’s best running backs are also in the SEC. Murphy is entering his second season in Starkville after redshirting last year. Senior Brandon Holloway is back for the Bulldogs, but weighing in at 160lbs means Mississippi State will likely look for a power back to compliment Holloway. There are several guys competing for that spot, including Murphy. The good news is he rushed 45 yards on just eight carries in the spring game, which was the second-highest total of the game. At Nixa, Muphy’s power running helped the Eagles to the Class 5 state championship game in 2014. Murphy and the Bulldogs open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at home against South Alabama. Mississippi State’s slate also features road games with LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss, all of which are ranked in the preseason top 11.
Freshman Logan Tyler, Florida State
What is better than playing major college football? How about playing major college football in the state of Florida. Logan Tyler will now sport a year-round tan and it is also coming with a starting gig this year. He was touted as one of the nation’s top kickers and punters coming out of Nixa and Tyler backed it up by winning the punting and kickoff duties outright – he could also be used on long field goal attempts because of his leg strength. I think everyone in the Ozarks is just waiting for the first time that Florida State tries a fake punt. Mark my words, Logan Tyler will find the end zone at some point in his college career. Tyler is also thrown right into the mix of a national championship race for the ‘Noles. You’ll get a chance to see him and his new number (No. 21) on Monday when No. 4 Florida State takes on No. 11 Ole Miss.
“Last time [FSU had a player who could kick and punt] was Graham Gano. Graham did it for a whole season," Fisher said. "He did it really well. I think guys like that are really good athletes… He was a quarterback, linebacker, fullback. I mean, he was a football player that just happened to have a good leg. They figured, 'If you did this, you'll have a future.”
– Florida State head coach Jim Fisher on Tyler (Warchant.com)
R-Sophomore TE Jordan Frazier, Oklahoma State
This is a name many in the Ozarks aren’t used to hearing because he played for Lighthouse Christian before they were allowed to play MSHSAA programs. ESPN gave Jordan Frazier 3-stars and Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Illinois and Indiana all offered him. He caught his first pass last year and was in a position battle this summer before meniscus injury limited his work during camp. The good news is the guy ahead of him is a senior. Don’t be surprised to see Frazier make an in-season push this year in a very trigger happy Oklahoma State offense. It also helps that Frazier is roommates with Heisman Trophy candidate Mason Rudolph. Rudolph was also in OSU’s 2014 recruiting class.
R-Freshman FB/LB Chase Johnston, Kansas State
The former Carl Junction star was part of Doug Buckmaster’s first team that has helped set the foundation for what has been one of the best Class 4 programs in Missouri recently. Johnston was a standout linebacker at CJ, but is transitioning to fullback this year although he expects to shift back to the defensive side of the ball in 2017. Johnston was a workout warrior during his redshirt year, being given the program’s Overachiever Award as the top freshman in strength and conditioning. He will also likely play special teams for Bill Snyder this year as the Wildcats are looking to build on last year’s 6-7 season that ended with a Liberty Bowl loss. Kansas State opens the 2016 season against nationally-ranked Stanford on Sept. 2.
Sophomore NG Jacob Banholzer, Navy
Before Banholzer was becoming one of America's finest, he was shredding opposing offensive lines in the Ozark Conference. The Rolla product didn't shift sides of the ball, but has moved from defensive end to nose guard in Navy's 3-4 scheme. Playing time will be hard to come by in 2016, but the Midshipmen have more than 20 seniors on their 2-deep depth chart. He should have a shot at starting next fall. Navy is coming off of an 11-win season and will have two shots at top 25 wins with Houston and Notre Dame on the schedule.
Arkansas State loves the Ozarks
The Red Wolves have built themselves into one of the top Group of 5 programs in the country after winning 44 games over the last five seasons, including five straight bowl trips. Arkansas State has been so good recently that it is was on a shortlist of programs to be added to the Big 12 as it seeks to expand before getting cut this week. The program has added an Ozarks prospect in each of the last two years and currently has three locals on the roster. Arkansas State opens the season on Sept. 2 at home against Toledo. The Red Wolves visit Auburn on Sept. 10 in a primetime game on SEC Network.
R-Junior Jonah Hill, Tight End
Hill was a jack of all trades at Hillcrest, starting his career by becoming one of the state’s top tight end prospects before moving to quarterback for his senior season. That trend has continued at Arkansas State where Hill started as a tight end, moved to the defensively line in the spring of 2014, before moving back to tight end last spring. Hill played in ASU’s first two games in 2014 before tearing his ACL. He’s listed as the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind a senior, but a suspension during the summer due to a violation of team rules will cause Hill to miss the first two games of 2016.
R-Freshman Dalton Ford, Guard
Ford has also found a home in Jonesboro and could see major playing time sooner rather than later at ASU. He is currently in a position battle with senior Austin Moreton, creating a very likely scenario where Ford could end up being a three-year starter at worst. Before No. 75 got to Arkansas State, he helped lead Webb City to a state championship and paved the way for the Cardinals to rush for more than 300 yards per game. Ford was also offered by Illinois and Syracuse.
“Another name is Dalton Ford. He’s really played well for us and been consistent in his play. He’s played a good bit in fall camp with the ones and done a good job in that role. Everybody is making progress but those are two guys I wanted to brag on a bit.”
- Arkansas State OL coach Allen Rudolph on impressive players at camp (Scout.com)
Freshman Malachi Stout, Running Back
Stout realized his D-1 dream extremely late in the recruiting process when he accepted a preferred walk-on spot at ASU. There have been several stories of under-recruited guys that have earned playing time and scholarships through hard work and it’s hard to bet against Stout (2,230 all-purpose yards, 42 total TD). It is also worth noting that Arkansas State has averaged 40 PPG last year (12th in the nation), running one of the most effective spread offenses in all of FBS and frequently utilizes specialty players. Stout will redshirt the 2016 season.
Sitting out 2016, but bright futures ahead…
R-Sophomore QB Rafe Peavey, SMU
Peavey made headlines in early August with his decision to transfer from Arkansas. Honestly, it wasn’t much of a surprise considering the amount of quarterbacks on the roster and depth at the position – playing time was going to be hard to come by and offseason back surgery didn’t help anything for Peavey. The good news is he’s getting a second chance in a quarterback-friendly system. SMU’s Chad Morris enters his second season with the Mustangs and this is the same guy that set up the juggernaut of a system that Clemson has been running over the last few years. The better news is that current starter Matt Davis is a senior, seemingly creating a void that Peavey can step right into. Keep in mind, it’s not like Peavey is just some joker that wonder his way to Fayetteville Forrest Gump style – he was a PLAYER coming out of Bolivar. The 2014 Under Armour All-American was a consensus 4-star recruit and had offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Mizzou, Nebraska and West Virginia. I even talked to a coach from UCLA – who also offered Peavey – at a Bolivar game during Peavey’s senior year (keep in mind he committed to Arkansas the summer before). The talent is certainly there and several quarterbacks have found success after a change of scenery. He will sit out this year and have two years of eligibility remaining in 2017 and 2018. There are still several chapters to be written in this book.
Mason Husmann, Lousiana-Monroe
Barring injury Husmann should redshirt the 2016 season but stranger things have happened. The former Aurora standout picked ULM over Air Force, Army and several FCS offers. His athleticism and frame are big-time, growing into both will be important for his development – keep in mind this kid ran the 100m in high school at 6-foot-5, 230lbs. Jared Allen, Jason Taylor, John Randle and DeMarcus Ware are in the top 11 all-time on the NFL sack list and none of them went to a Power 5 program. Don’t forget J.J. Watt was also a 2-star recruit and started his career at Central Michigan. Guys frequently slip through the cracks, especially in football.
“The summer was intense everything was fast paced and challenging but nothing you couldn't handle it was more of a mental challenge more than anything. I've gained 20 pounds since I've been here. I'm weighing around 250. The biggest difference I've noticed at this level is that everything is very technical and precise.”
- Husmann on transitioning to college
Freshman DB Jerney Jones, Mizzou
Jones rushed his way to a school-record 1,819 yards and 26 touchdowns last year for Republic, but the reigning COC Large Offensive Player of the Year has shifted to the other side of the ball at Mizzou. He turned down several offers to walk-on for the Tigers and will likely sit this year as a redshirt. Keep in mind that Jones’ raw numbers at several combines and camps last summer were among the best in the nation.
