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Five Underrated Sun Belt Stars

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By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com
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These five Sun Belt stars don’t get the media attention that they deserve.

1. Appalachian State cornerback Latrell Gibbs

Gibbs started nine games for the Mountaineers as a true freshman in 2014, and he has taken his game to new heights as a sophomore this fall. Utilizing his top-end speed and natural instincts in coverage, Gibbs has registered an interception in all five of his teams games in the 2015 season. He currently leads the Sun Belt and is second nationally with his five interceptions. Gibbs has also shown the ability to make special things happen once he intercepts a pass, as he has returned two of those picks for touchdowns. There is a good chance that his interception totals will drop as the year progresses due to the fact that quarterbacks will simply stop throwing in his direction.

2. Arkansas State defensive end JaVon Rolland-Jones

Though he is considered undersized for the position at 6-2, 224 pounds, Rolland-Jones has clearly established his status as one of the top pass rushers in the country. After leading the Red Wolves with 7.5 sacks as a freshman a year ago, Rolland-Jones now leads the entire conference with four sacks through the first half of the season. He is an explosive athlete who uses speed and quickness to blow past offensive linemen in order to create havoc in the backfield. Teams have started to focus a lot of attention on Rolland-Jones, which has opened the door for many of teammates on defense to find success as well.

3. Idaho kicker/punter Austin Rehkow

There is a very strong argument that can be made in favor of Rehkow being the top special teams player in the entire country. He led the FBS in punting as a freshman in 2013, and followed that up by finishing second nationally last season. Rehkow is once again on pace to finish this fall as one of the nations top punters, but he has also taken his talents as a placekicker to an elite level. Though he made less than 60 percent of his field goal attempts in his first two collegiate season, Rehkow is currently one of just 12 kickers nationally to not have missed an attempt in 2015 (7-of-7). Special teams players dont usually get a lot of attention, but Rehkow is undoubtedly worthy of any media hype he gets. Oh yeah, he also once made a 67-yard field goal in high school, which the video below will show.

4. Idaho wide receiver Dezmon Epps

Epps had a spectacular year for the Vandals in 2013, hauling in 77 receptions for 971 yards and four touchdowns. And after sitting out all of last season due to injury, Epps has not only picked right back up where he left off; he has improved upon that production. Though he missed one contest due to suspension, Epps has registered a conference-leading 42 catches and 528 yards in just four games. He has registered at least eight catches in every game this fall, and is on pace to go well over 100 receptions on the season. His speed and shiftiness in the open field make him an absolute nightmare for opposing defensive backs.

5. New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III

Despite rushing for nearly 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns as a senior at Fairfield High School in Texas, Rose was very lightly recruited coming out of the prep ranks. Since arriving at New Mexico State, however, he has more than proven that he was worthy of further considerations by major college programs. Rose rushed for over 1,100 yards as a true freshman in 2014, and is currently ranked second in the Sun Belt in rushing yards this season. Though he is not particularly big for the position, Rose runs stronger than his size would indicate, and he is absolutely electric in the open field. The Aggies have struggled on defense, but Rose has ensured that the offense remains a serious threat.

Matt Osborne – Matt Osborne currently serves as the director of recruiting and lead editor for Southern Pigskin. His work has been published in a number of national publications, including USA Today. Although he loves all levels of football, Matt’s number one joy in his life is his relationship with Jesus Christ. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattOsborne200. For media requests, please email Matt at [email protected].


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