With the newest release of the AP Top 25, let's take a look at some of the players that have had the biggest hands in propelling top programs to their lofty rankings. Here are the most impactful players on the top four teams in the newest AP Top 25.
1. ALABAMA
Impact player: “Daron Payne is one of the most dominant defensive tackles in college football. Alabama lost a lot on the defensive front, and can't afford to lose a player of Payne's caliber. Alabama does not give up many yards on the ground, and until newcomers step up on the line, Payne is the key centerpiece for the Tide.” – Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
Look back at his recruitment: Auburn was Payne's favorite school as a child, and the Tigers were one of the finalists for him. Mississippi State was in the mix for a while, but the relationship Payne built with then-Alabama assistant coach Mario Cristobal was too strong for either of the two other teams to overcome. He announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide at the Under Armour All-America Game in early 2015.
2. CLEMSON
Impact player: “Sophomore defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence doesn't generate as much publicity as Clemson's skill players or pass-rushers. But more than any player on the roster, he singularly affects what opposing offensive coordinators do. He's the prototypical nose -- a mountain of a man who, even on a bum foot, consumes two blockers as a proverbial interior anchor at the line of scrimmage. And in pass-rush situations, few are physically able to push the pocket with his blend of size and strength.
“Defensive coordinator Brent Venables can be as aggressive as advertised because his defensive lines dictate play up front, and this group's potency and productivity starts with Lawrence.” – Paul Strelow, TigerIllustrated.com
Look back at his recruitment: Clemson was really the leader from start to finish for Lawrence. He took official visits to Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, N.C. State and Clemson, but the Tigers overcame a strong push from N.C. State and landed his commitment. Lawrence burst onto the scene as a freshman and quickly established his dominance among a defensive line group at Clemson that featured many talented NFL Draft prospects.
3. OKLAHOMA
Impact player: “I doubt many are going to have an easier selection than Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield in this list. The talented quarterback played a game that will go down in Oklahoma's history books in the Sooners' big win in Columbus. But while everyone can see his playmaking ability, few realize the impact he makes on every aspect of the team, even helping keep the Sooners coaches moving forward.
In fact, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops talked about it following the Sooners victory over Ohio State.
"'He is a guy that we all feed off of him, everyone of us - coaches, players. I've never seen a guy like him. I wouldn't trade him for anybody in America,’ Stoops said in Columbus on Sat. night.” – Josh McCuistion, SoonerScoop.com
Look back at his recruitment: Instead of taking advantage of offers from Washington State, Florida Atlantic and Rice, Mayfield walked on at Texas Tech and surpassed all expectations by earning Big 12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. He transferred to Oklahoma and, after sitting out the 2014 season, has become a dominant figure in all of college football.
4. PENN STATE
Impact player: “There’s not much imagination to this, but it’d be hard to conceive of Penn State’s rise the past 12 months without the notable contributions of Saquon Barkley. Certainly, he has proven himself worthy of the Heisman talk for his proven game-breaking ability, but his impact goes beyond just the direct benefits of his touchdowns scored or crucial yards gained.
“As the team's star, he draws the extra attention of every opponent the Nittany Lions face, leaving the likes of Trace McSorley, Mike Gesicki and Penn State’s collection of wideouts to cash in on the weaknesses defenses open themselves to as a result. Joe Moorhead’s offense, which has climbed from No. 101 at 23.2 points per game before his arrival to No. 21 and 37.6 ppg last season, is predicated on taking advantage of those opportunities, and Barkley’s presence is the key to making that happen.” – Nate Bauer, BlueWhiteIllustrated.com
Look back at his recruitment: Barkley was an early commitment to Rutgers but offers flooded in once he decommitted. Penn State jumped to the front of the pack, and he committed during a visit. Many people have pegged Barkley as the top player in college football this season.
