D-Rob not only emerging star; 6 others quickly making name for themselves

Pick 6: Emerging stars in college football

In two games, Denard Robinson has established himself as one of college football’s brightest new stars. The Michigan quarterback leads the nation in rushing and total offense, having quickly gone from first-year starter to early season Heisman Trophy front-runner.

Here are six more players who have emerged as guys to watch this season.

Edwin Baker, rb, Michigan State. Baker had a solid freshman season in 2009 with 427 yards and 5.0 per carry. This season, with fellow sophomore Larry Caper out with a hand injury, Baker’s been the Spartans’ featured back and he’s responded with 300 yards rushing and 9.2 a carry.

Marcus Lattimore, rb, South Carolina. Maybe even more than a quarterback, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has been searching for a top-notch tailback since he arrived in Columbia. In freshman Lattimore, who ran for 182 yards and two touchdowns in a victory against Georgia, the Gamecocks finally have a go-to back.

Robert Lester, s, Alabama. The Crimson Tide had to replace nine starters off last year’s stellar defense and in two games Lester has been as good as any of the new guys. The sophomore has two interceptions, a fumble recovery and the team’s only sack.

Taylor Martinez, qb, Nebraska. The redshirt freshman is a dynamic runner like Robinson. He’s averaging 13.5 yards per carry in two games against sketchy competition (Western Kentucky and Idaho), but the talent is there for him to be the most exciting Huskers’ QB since Eric Crouch.

T.J. Moe, wr, Missouri. The Tigers had to replace Danario Alexander, the nation’s leading receiver, and Moe has moved into the role of quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s favorite target. The sophomore has 23 catches in two games, reaching double-figures in each.

Paul Vassallo, lb Arizona. The junior college transfer is one of three new starting linebackers for the Wildcats and so far he leads the team in tackles with 14 and has recovered a fumbled.