Continuing the countdown of most terrifying players in college football heading into the 2024 season, 11-15 broken down
Summer is already flying by, which means that fall will be here soon. That also means that college football is right over the horizon. As we get excited for that football return, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the top players returning this season. That includes some of the most terrifying players across […]
Summer is already flying by, which means that fall will be here soon. That also means that college football is right over the horizon. As we get excited for that football return, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the top players returning this season.
That includes some of the most terrifying players across college football. Whether it’s from their physical appearance, or their impact on the field, there are several players who can bring nightmares to the opposition. No. 20 through No. 16 have already been unveiled. That brings us to No. 11-15, another group of imposing players you need to know.
11. Zachariah Branch, WR, USC
People are going to see Branch’s 5-10 and 175-pound frame and immediately throw him out as a “terrifying” football player. Then you pop on the film, and it quickly becomes apparent how dynamic of an athlete that Branch is. It is no exaggeration to say that the USC star has the potential to score every time he touches the football.
Branch scored a touchdown in four different ways as a freshman during the 2023 season, including as a wide receiver, a runner, as well as on kick and punt returner. In total, Branch went for 1,164 total yards and five touchdowns. He did that on just 80 total touches, averaging 14.6 yards per touch. The scary part is we haven’t seen even close to the impact that Branch could have. We can get a deeper look at that in 2024.
12. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
If you popped on the college football playoffs last season, there may not have been a more dominant player for any team than Graham. The 6-3, 318-pound interior defender is one of the most disruptive forces in all of college football. Graham’s impact goes well beyond the box score where he collected 36 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Graham is bull-strong and plays with great leverage. His wrestling background while at Servite High School in California makes a lot of sense. Interior offensive lineman beware, No. 55 for Michigan is going to make for a lot of long days.
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13. Nyckoles Harbor, WR, South Carolina
Imagine being a 6-5, 235-pound wide receiver. Now imagine being that wide receiver and also running the 100-meter dash in 10.11 seconds, and the 200-meter in 20.20 seconds. Now imagine all of that together, while also just entering your true sophomore year. It’s not hyperbolic to say that Harbor is a rare athlete, perhaps boasting the most absurd height-weight-speed combination in recent memory.
So why isn’t Harbor higher on this list? He just isn’t that great of a player right now. As a freshman, Harbor hauled in just 12 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown. The Washington D.C. native has the upside to become a mismatch weapon, but he wasn’t that last season. 2024 is going to be a big opportunity to actualize that potential.
14. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
When you first see Ersery on the field, it’s easy to see why he’s such an imposing force. At a verified 6-6 and 325 pounds, he is a massive man with length and power to give opposing defensive lineman some awful days. The thing that takes you off guard is how smoothly that Ersery moves for his size.
This isn’t just a plodder or lumbering athlete. Ersery is a massive offensive tackle who navigates space surprisingly well. If you don’t know Ersery, he could end up being a big riser in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Ersery is also set to be one of the better offensive lineman in the country heading into the fall.
15. Shavon Revel, CB, ECU
Revel is one of the best kept secrets in all of college football. You don’t see cornerbacks who are over 6-2 move the way he does. His ability to turn and run is on another level. The length that Revel boasts also makes him look like he was born on a different planet. If you aren’t aware of Revel, you need to introduce yourself.
The NFL is certainly aware of Revel, which includes several day two grades early on. During the 2023 season, the ECU star recorded 55 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 12 pass breakups. Revel is sure to gain more national attention this fall.
