In this weekly series, I will highlight some of the top players to watch ahead of the 2023 College Football season, which is set to begin on August 26. We will go from the SEC to the MAC and everywhere in between. Part 13 features Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary, Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo, UL Monroe offensive guard Tellek Lockette, Boston College offensive guard Christian Mahogany and Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders.
Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary
After coming off of a great career at NC State, Leary is set to light up the SEC. In his time at NC State, he threw for over 6,800 yards and 62 touchdowns. If he can stay healthy at Kentucky, Leary should be one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.
Photo by Jacob Noger/UK Athletics
Going back to 2021 when Leary was healthy for the full season, he threw for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Those 35 passing touchdowns broke Philip Rivers' record for most passing touchdowns in a single season at NC State.
Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo
Skattebo was a standout player at Sacramento State in the FCS. He was the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year last season after rushing for 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 31 balls for 371 yards out of the backfield. All of that production came after he was named Third Team All-Big Sky in 2021.
Photo by Andy Silvas/Sun Devil Source, 247Sports
Skattebo is a small back at 5-foot-10 but he is explosive and powerful. With Xazavian Valladay departing Arizona State, Skattebo looks to be the lead horse in the running back room for new head coach Kenny Dillingham.
UL Monroe offensive guard Tellek Lockette
Get to know the name Tellek Lockette. While he only played in seven games last season for UL Monroe, he is expected to step into a bigger role this season on the interior of the offensive line after being the top guard in ULM’s freshman class.
Photo courtesy of Tellek Lockette
Lockette has a lot of potential. He is already being talked about by NFL Draft scouts as one of the top young offensive lineman in College Football. Look for the big 6-foot-4, 330-pound sophomore on the Warhawks offensive line this season.
Boston College offensive guard Christian Mahogany
Mahogany suffered a tough blow last season as he missed the entire year due to injury. He was set to be one of the top offensive linemen in the conference as he was named to the Preseason All-ACC team.
Photo by Anthony Garro
The 6-foot-3, 330-pound guard was a two-year starter for the Eagles prior to his injury. He has a future in the NFL. In a make or break year for Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, the offensive line will be a crucial position group for this team.
Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders
Anders is one of the top linebackers in the MAC. He has been a consistent force for the Falcons defense since the 2019 season. In his Bowling Green career, Anders has 276 tackles and 19 tackles for loss.
Photo via BGSU Athletics
He had his best season statistically in 2021. Anders totaled an impressive 124 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss that campaign. The 6-foot, 230-pound inside linebacker will be the leader of the Bowling Green defense as the Falcons look to have their first winning record since 2015.
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