It’s a very interesting time of the year in college football, not just because it’s bowl season but because a handful of the most talented NCAAF players in the nation will have to decide whether or not they want to continue their college careers or move on to the NFL. UCLA’s Myles Jack, Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell, Baylor’s Corey Coleman and Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott have all committed to entering the NFL Draft, but there are a handful of key players that will return to their respective programs next year. Here is a look at four key players that will likely stay at the college level.
Will Fuller, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Wide Receiver
Fans of the Fighting Irish had to be happy when their star wide receiver Will Fuller committed to returning for his junior season. He’s been a big part of Notre Dame’s offense and will continue to be moving forward to next season. Fuller had 56 catches for 1,145 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games this season and has the potential to put up even better numbers next year. Fuller is a unique talent, but he isn’t a massive wide receiver. He can still improve his craft in his senior season in order to try to make sure he will be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
Mike Williams, Clemson Tigers
Wide Receiver
Clemson will be happy to have their star receiver back as well, as Williams returns for his senior season after missing pretty much all of his junior year. It will be very interesting to see what he and quarterback Deshaun Watson do with a full season together. Williams has all of the tools to become an elite NFL wide receiver, including a massive 6’4’’, 210-pound frame. He will have all of next season to dominate for the Tigers and improve his draft stock for 2017. Clemson receivers have done well in the pros recently and Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins are shining in the NFL.
Williams likely would have projected as a high first-round pick had he not been hurt this season and as long as he stays healthy, he should put up big numbers at Clemson next season. There aren’t many cornerbacks in the ACC that are going to slow down the production that him and Watson will be able to put up.
Corey Clement, Wisconsin Badgers
Running Back
Wisconsin’s star running back informed the team this past week that he will return for his senior season after he was absolutely ravaged by injuries throughout this year. Clement is the type of workhorse back that the Badgers will want to ride hard next season, but he needs to be able to stay healthy. We’ve seen the Badgers become a bit of a factory of quality college football running backs with Melvin Gordon and Montee Ball (although both have struggled in the NFL). Many people feel Clement is the next great running back to have success at Camp Randall and the Badgers are happy to be getting him back for one more season.
Jake Butt, Michigan Wolverines
Tight End
The tight end position is extremely important for what Jim Harbaugh wants to do with his offense at Michigan, so he had to be thrilled when he learned his star tight end will return for his senior season. Butt had 48 catches for 620 yards and three touchdowns this season. He served as not only a big target for quarterback Jake Rudock but also as a valuable safety valve for checking down. Although the yards and touchdown totals might seem low, the 48 catches is quite impressive for a tight end at the college level. He will play an important role for the Wolverines next year as they look to take another step forward with increased expectations in Year Two under Harbaugh.
