2017 Conference USA Top Returning Offensive Players

One of the best parts of watching college football is the chance that any night could be a 55-52 shootout. In no conference is that truer than in Conference USA. Every team has a multitude of weapons on offense and defenses seem to be a step behind at all times. 

The 2016 season may have been a peak for CUSA offenses, but don't discount this year's group. Beyond the returning stars, there are quite a few dark horse players that could put up outstanding seasons. 

With that said, let's take a look at the top returning offensive skill position players for this fall.

Rushing:

1. Ito Smith, Southern Miss: 265/1,459/17TD
2. Ray Lawry, Old Dominion: 200/1,255/11TD
3. Jarred Craft, La. Tech: 191/1,074/9TD
4. Devin Singletary, FAU: 152/1,021/12TD
5. Jeffery Wilson, North Texas: 169/936/14TD

Others to watch: Alex Gardner FIU (181/930/6TD), Gregory Howell Jr. FAU (167/828/13TD), Jalen Rhodes UTSA (155/827/9TD), Jeremy Cox ODU (129/732/13TD), Anthony Jones FIU (116/562/4TD), Quinton Baker WKU (99/542/4TD), Boston Scott LA TECH (70/515/6TD), Leon Allen WKU (Injured).  

The running back position took a hit with graduation and the NFL, losing the league’s top three rushers from last season. That trio combined for just under 5,000 yards and 61 touchdowns last season. Despite the losses, the drop is not as steep as you would think with Ito Smith, Ray Lawry, and Jarred Craft all ready to dominate this fall.

Watch out for the ODU combination of Lawry and Jeremy Cox to be among the most deadly in CUSA, but eyes have to be on WKU’s Leon Allen. He has recovered from a devastating injury and could be a difference maker if he is anywhere near the player he was in 2015.

Passing:

1. Mike White, WKU: 329-496/4,617/41TD/168.6 Efficiency
2. Brent Stockstill, MTSU: 262-414/3,233/31TD/150.2 Efficiency
3. Chase Litton, Marshall: 231-371/2,612/24TD/137.9 Efficiency
4. Jason Driskel, FAU: 200-327/2,415/9TD/125.6 Efficiency
5. Dalton Strum, UTSA: 169-299/2,170/20TD/135.5 Efficiency

Others to watch: Alex McGough FIU (1,891/13TD), Mason Fine UNT (1,572/6TD), Ryan Metz UTEP (1,375/14TD), Hasaan Klugh CHARLOTTE (1,356/10TD).

When you talk about star power in Conference USA, it starts behind center. WKU’s Mike White and MTSU’s Brent Stockstill are two of the best in the nation. Stockstill already has 7,279 yards passing and is on pace to end his career inside of the top ten all time. If he duplicates his first two years, he would end up seventh all-time behind Kellen Moore of Boise State.

It is put up or shut up time for a few other quarterbacks as Chase Litton has to prove his worth, Jason Driskel has to prove he deserves to start, and Alex McGough has to live up to expectations.

Receiving:

1. Richie James, MTSU: 105/1,625/12TD
2. Allenzae Staggers, Southern Miss: 63/1,165/7TD
3. Jonathan Duhart, ODU: 48/735/9TD
4. Ty Lee, MTSU: 63/699/9TD
5. Josh Stewart, UTSA: 36/682/5TD

Others to watch: Thomas Owens FIU (47/652/7TD), Kerry Thomas Jr. UTSA (35/555/8TD), Travis Fulgham ODU (29/478/8TD).

Compared to previous seasons, this year’s crop leaves a little to be desired. Only James and Staggers broke 1,000 yards last year, but both did it in style. James is among the best in the nation at his position and is already within 2,307 of catching Corey Davis for #1 all-time. If he stays all four years and does not get injured, he will set the record.

An outside the box player to watch is Travis Fulgham of Old Dominion. He made only 29 catches last season, but he ended the year with eight touchdown grabs. He could be a stud second receiver with Duhart this fall.

Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for Conference USA before rolling out conference previews.