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 16 features Georgia Tech safety LaMiles Brooks, Hawaii running back Tylan Hines, Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul and Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey.
Georgia Tech safety LaMiles Brooks
Brooks is arguably the best player on the Georgia Tech defense. He is the leading returning tackler after totaling 52 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and three interceptions a season ago.
Photo by Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
He has good size at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds. Brooks was even Third Team All-ACC last year. Expect to see him earn similar honors this season with the secondary being the strength of this Georgia Tech defense.
Hawaii running back Tylan Hines
Hines will be one of the top running backs in the Mountain West. He was second on Hawaii in rushing yards last season. With Dedrick Parson gone, last season’s leading rusher, Hines will see his production increase this season.
Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty
Hines is not the biggest running back. He is actually pretty small at only 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds. Hines makes it work though. He is explosive, elusive and versatile. Hines can even play in the slot which will give defenses a variety of looks.
Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul
One of the main questions for Houston heading into the Cougars first season in the Big 12 is how will they stack up at the line of scrimmage. If the offensive line is successful against the physical defensive lines in the Big 12, Paul would be a main reason why.
Photo via UH Athletics
Paul is 6-foot-7 and weighs 315 pounds at the left tackle spot. He started all 13 games for Houston last season. As a result of his stellar year, he was named to the First Team All-AAC.
Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey
On a team with a lot of transfers and unknowns in Tom Allen’s seventh season at Indiana, Casey provides stability and leadership at the linebacker position. Casey was the leading tackler for the Hoosiers last season and returns for his senior season.
Photo via Indiana Athletics
Last season, Casey saw his production increase from his previous three seasons in Bloomington. He racked up 86 tackles, 1.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, two pass breakups and four quarterback hurries.
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