College football's top six players opting back in for 2021 season

Last season, many college football players opted out of the season due to Covid concerns. Many players did so to begin their focus on their NFL careers. Others have returned to school for the 2021 season. Players were also given one extra season of eligibility. This opened the door for some graduated seniors to return for one more season. Steve Megargee of AP News recently released his top six players that are returning to college football after opting out last year.

Six key players that are returning to college football following their opt outs:

Running back Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma: Brooks is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher for Oklahoma. He ran for 1,056 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018 before a 1,011-yard, six touchdown campaign in 2019. Oklahoma is ranked second in the preseason AP poll, and Brooks is a big reason for that. In addition to Brooks, Oklahoma has Tennessee transfer Eric Gray in the running back room. They have one of the best rushing duos in college football. Brooks is the most productive player to elect to return to college football.

Defensive lineman Kalia Davis, Central Florida: In 2019, Davis started nine games and had 27 tackles with eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Davis earned first-team All-AAC honors for his strong performance. Central Florida should have another strong season in the American. Adding Davis back to the defensive front should help tremendously.

Offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, Minnesota: Faalele is a huge offensive tackle at six-foot-nine and 380 pounds. He started at right tackled in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Australian native is likely to go right back into his starting right tackle role when the season begins. He might be the most impactful player returning to college football.

Wide receiver OrTre Smith, South Caroina: As a freshman in 2017, Smith had 30 receptions, 326 yards and three touchdowns. Injuries hampered his 2018 and 2019 seasons. Smith caught just 12 passes over those two seasons. After opting out and working back to full health, Smith could play a major role on South Carolina’s developing passing offense.

Safety DaeSean Winston, Temple: Temple returns a bunch of opt outs this season with eight returning players. After playing a backup role to begin his career in 2018 and 2019, Winston is in line for a major role this season. Temple is looking for a major rebound after a poor 2020 season.

Linebacker Chandler Wooten, Auburn: Wooten has his degree and has two years of experience under his belt. In 2018, Wooten had 10 tackles. In 2019, he had 27 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery and an interception. Auburn needs depth at linebacker, so Wooten’s decision to return to college football is a welcome one.