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No college football player is more dangerous than the athlete who can turn a routine carry or reception into an explosive gain or a long touchdown.

Programs covet the game-breaking skill, but only a select group of teams already have an established player like that. Although most of them are wide receivers, a few running backs have also made themselves a premier big-play threat.

Only returning players were considered for this list. Incoming freshmen could make a similar impact in 2017, but they don't yet have defined roles in college.

Quarterbacks were not included, though Louisville's Lamar Jackson, Mississippi State's Nick Fitzgerald and South Florida's Quinton Flowers deserve a mention for their running ability.