Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson
As we head into the summer, it's a good time to get to know the names of some players that might not otherwise be on your radar. So I've compiled a list of 10 players that you should know in the fall.
Daryl Washington, LB, TCU -- Washington spent the past couple years in the shadow of Robert Henson and Jason Phillips, but emerged this spring and should be a key component for the Horned Frogs' defense.
Emmett Merchant, DB, Navy -- Merchant quit the team this spring because he wanted to transfer, but after talking with teammates, he was convinced to stay and should be a key component in the Midshipmen's secondary.
McKay Jacobson, WR, BYU -- Jacobson was a standout his freshman season, but spent the past two years on a mission. He figures to be the perfect replacement for Austin Collie.
Desmond Johnson, RB, Southern Miss -- With Damion Fletcher missing spring practice because of suspension, Johnson got a chance to impress coaches and earn some playing time in the fall.
Dwight Dasher, QB, Middle Tennessee -- Dasher is the full-time starter in an offense directed by new coordinator Tony Franklin. Dasher is a dual-threat that should play off the talent already on the roster.
Aiona Key, WR, Utah -- With all three of the Utes top receivers gone, Key is expected to fill the void quickly. He had a great spring and should be the go-to receiver in the fall.
DeRon Furr, DB, Memphis -- Furr, a transfer from Auburn, looked like a difference maker for the Tigers this spring. He was named MVP of the spring game and should help their struggling defense.
Brandon Bice, DE, Northern Illinois -- Bice will be called upon to make up where former defensive end Larry English left off. Bice was a third-team All-MAC player last season.
Jovonte Taylor, WR, Hawaii -- Taylor, a junior college transfer, played three games with the Warriors last season before suffering a season-ending viral infection. He also missed some of the offseason with knee surgery. But he's back and could be the top target in the Hawaii offense.
Braxton Amy, DB, UTEP -- Amy missed all of last season after tearing his ACL, but is back this season and should be a key component in a depleted UTEP defense. In 2007, Amy led the team with 9.3 tackles per game.
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
