5 MORE METRO-AREA STANDOUTS TO WATCH

RB Gus Edwards, Rutgers

After receiving limited playing time as a backup in three years at Miami, running for 977 yards and 12 touchdowns, the bulldozing running back from Staten Island is coming home. A graduate transfer, the former Tottenville High School star has impressed Rutgers coaches, winning the starting job.

DT Folorunso Fatukasi, UConn

Entering his third year as a starter, the 6-foot-4, 303-pound lineman from Far Rockaway is a linchpin to the UConn defense, producing 123 tackles, 10 sacks and 13.5 tackles for losses in his first three seasons.

DT Jay Hayes, Notre Dame

The outgoing defensive lineman (right) from Brooklyn has yet to reach expectations in South Bend, failing to make much of an impact. But now a redshirt senior, the once highly rated prospect out of Poly Prep followed up a strong spring with an even better summer, and is a projected starter.

OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

This is expected to be a learning season for the five-star offensive lineman. A true freshman from Poly Prep, Wilson has worked all over the Georgia line as a backup this summer, seeing time at guard and tackle. But he’s already taking reps as the second-team left tackle, so he could force his way onto the field this fall.

QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame

All eyes are on the kid from Teaneck, N.J., the key to Notre Dame rebounding from a four-win season. The big-armed quarterback out of St. Peter’s Prep has thrown just five passes in his college career, and will be counted on to guide a talented, though mostly inexperienced, offense.