In this new 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 seven features Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen, Tulane center Sincere Haynesworth, Army fullback Jakobi Buchanan, San Diego State cornerback Dezjhon Malone and Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White.
Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen
From his very first game in Madison, Allen has made a significant impact for Wisconsin. As a true freshman in 2021, he ran for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and was named a Walter Camp Freshman All-American. He backed that up with 1,242 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Photo by David Stluka
At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, Allen is a physical back. He is incredibly shifty and can break tackles with ease. He will lead a Wisconsin offense that looks to be undergoing a renaissance under new head coach Luke Fickell and new offensive coordinator Phil Longo.
Tulane center Sincere Haynesworth
Haynesworth has been a mainstay on the Tulane offensive line for the past four seasons. As a true freshman, he took most of his snaps at right guard. He later became the starting center for the Green Wave later in his college career.
Photo by Tulane Athletics
Haynesworth has garnered 48 total appearances for Tulane. The three-year starter has only given up four sacks in his Tulane career. The 6-foot-1, 310-pounder has plenty of experience and is a leader on a solid football team.
Army fullback Jakobi Buchanan
Army football has been known for its triple option offense. With a great triple option comes a great fullback that can bulldoze the opposition. Buchanan is that fullback for head coach Jeff Monken and the Army Black Knights.
Photo by Danny Wild - USA TODAY Sports
Buchanan has rushed for 1,403 yards and 24 touchdowns in his four seasons so far in West Point. The 250-pound Buchanan led Army in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2021. Expect to see him be relied on heavily in goal line packages this season.
San Diego State cornerback Dezjhon Malone
Malone had a breakout season in 2022. After only playing on special teams in his first two seasons as an Aztec, Malone recorded 43 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defended and one tackle for loss last season for San Diego State.
Photo via SDSU Athletics
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Malone has great size and athleticism. He has waited his turn to be in the spotlight for head coach Brady Hoke and the Aztecs. Expect Malone to be one of the top defensive backs in the Mountain West this season.
Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White
As a true freshman in 2022, White totaled 30 receptions, 481 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. White also averaged 16 yards per catch, which was good enough for fourth on the team. White is a deep threat with his speed.
Photo via Tennessee Athletics
The word electrifying gets thrown around a lot when describing skill position players. However, White has the talent to be the next electrifying receiver in College Football. Expect his role to increase this season as Tennessee has had numerous departures at the receiver position.
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