Joe Milton, John Rhys Plumlee, CJ Donaldson Jr., Johnny Wilson, Nyckoles Harbor, Oronde Gadsden II, Cam Jones, Cooper Beebe, Desmond Watson, Laiatu Latu, Harold Perkins, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cooper DeJean, and Travis Hunter are some of the most unique college football players to watch for the 2023 season.
Joe Milton, quarterback for Tennessee, stands out from his peers with his impressive frame and one of the strongest arms in the game. John Rhys Plumlee of UCF is a multi-sport athlete who excels in both baseball and football. CJ Donaldson Jr. of West Virginia is a talented running back who initially signed as a tight end. Despite the position change, he made a significant impact on the field. Johnny Wilson from Florida State is a standout wide receiver due to his remarkable size at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds. Nyckoles Harbor of South Carolina is an exceptional athlete with dreams of competing in the Olympics. He possesses both size and speed, making him a versatile player on the field.
Oronde Gadsden II from Syracuse is a tight end who had a breakthrough season in 2022 after transitioning from wide receiver. On the offensive line, Cam Jones of Cincinnati started as a quarterback before finding his place as a right tackle. Cooper Beebe of Kansas State has played multiple positions on the offensive line, earning recognition and multiple accolades along the way.
Defensively, Desmond Watson of Florida is the largest player in college football, weighing in at 439 pounds. Laiatu Latu of UCLA has an inspiring story, overcoming a neck injury to become one of the top pass rushers in the Pac-12. Harold Perkins of LSU is a versatile linebacker who can excel in various positions on the defense. Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama is highly regarded as a cornerback and punt returner. Cooper DeJean of Iowa has played multiple positions in his time with the Hawkeyes and is expected to contribute as a cornerback in the 2023 season. Finally, Travis Hunter made history as the first five-star prospect to sign with a Football Championship Subdivision program, and he now has the opportunity to make an impact as a cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado.
As the 2023 college football season approaches, these unique players are worth keeping an eye on. With their exceptional skills, versatility, and inspiring stories, they are sure to make a significant impact on the field. Whether it’s their physical attributes, multi-sport abilities, or positional versatility, these players have something that sets them apart from the rest and makes them a must-watch for any college football fan.