The CheckerBoard

Who do you guys think will be the player or players that come out of nowhere and produce in 2013? (Kinda like LaDarrell McNeil and, to an extent, Zach Rogers did in 2012) Pick one for offense and defense.

Mine:

Offense: Jason Croom (RS Freshman WR). At 6'5" 230 lbs, this guy is an absolute freak physically. I don't think there is a defensive player in the SEC who can match up with Croom physically. I repeat: I do not think there is a defensive player in the SEC who can cover Jason Croom. He's 6'5 230 and runs in the 4.5-4.6 range. Questions do remain about him: How will he respond to being put into the main rotation at WR? How good of a motor does he have? Does he have the route-running skills, blocking skills, and, most importantly, hands to go along with his freakish stature? Even with the question marks, I think Croom is poised for a huge, huge, huge year in 2013. I'm talking in the 900-1000 yards receiving range. Call me crazy, but I've been extremely high on this kid since we signed him.

Defense: LaTroy Lewis (RS Freshman DE). Another 2012 kid that I have been high on since we signed him. IIRC he was a 4* recruit coming out of the talent-rich state of Ohio. I think the reason Lewis didn't contribute much last year was because his size does not fit a 3-4 scheme. At 6'4" 238 he's too big to play LB but too small for DE. I think Lewis will be hand in glove at the LEO position in the 4-3 under Jancek. He does need to get a bit stronger in the upper body, but spring and summer training can cure that. He's a guy that runs in the 4.7-4.8 range, which is pretty decent for a D-Lineman. From his film, he has nice quickness and has impressive "finesse" moves at the line. He looks like a potential stalwart in pass rushing (something we've lacked for about 5 years now) and really seems like someone who can, even if he doesn't get a sack, get in the backfield and just make the opposing O's plays FUBAR. I think Lewis is a budding star, and him being a RS Freshman next season makes me downright giddy.

What say you, board?