Here it is:
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The 2016 Heisman winner took the nation by storm with one of the all-time great seasons for a running quarterback. Jackson rushed for 1,897 yards and 21 touchdowns, including 1,393 yards on designed runs, all while averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Jackson still has room to improve as a passer, but he took strides, improving his adjusted completion percentage from 63.8 percent in 2015 to 69.3 percent in 2016. Another step forward as a passer is a scary proposition for opposing defenses.
18. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
While Lamar Jackson was getting the Heisman hype, Alexander quietly ranked fourth in the nation among cornerbacks at 87.7 overall. He picked off five passes and broke up eight on his 61 targets while doing a nice job of keeping the ball in front of him when he did allow a catch into his coverage. Alexander also added strong work in the return game, including a punt return for a touchdown.
24. Stacy Thomas, LB, Louisville
Another quietly productive Louisville defensive player, Thomas made plays in all phases, including an interception and four pass breakups that led to the No. 8 coverage grade in the nation at 87.0. Thomas was also excellent against the run, ranking third at 87.7.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/college-football-the-top-25-returning-players/
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The 2016 Heisman winner took the nation by storm with one of the all-time great seasons for a running quarterback. Jackson rushed for 1,897 yards and 21 touchdowns, including 1,393 yards on designed runs, all while averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Jackson still has room to improve as a passer, but he took strides, improving his adjusted completion percentage from 63.8 percent in 2015 to 69.3 percent in 2016. Another step forward as a passer is a scary proposition for opposing defenses.
18. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
While Lamar Jackson was getting the Heisman hype, Alexander quietly ranked fourth in the nation among cornerbacks at 87.7 overall. He picked off five passes and broke up eight on his 61 targets while doing a nice job of keeping the ball in front of him when he did allow a catch into his coverage. Alexander also added strong work in the return game, including a punt return for a touchdown.
24. Stacy Thomas, LB, Louisville
Another quietly productive Louisville defensive player, Thomas made plays in all phases, including an interception and four pass breakups that led to the No. 8 coverage grade in the nation at 87.0. Thomas was also excellent against the run, ranking third at 87.7.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/college-football-the-top-25-returning-players/
