A number of college football teams have started spring practices during the month of March. As teams begin their preparations for the 2023 season, plenty of freshmen who had big seasons in 2022 are looking to make an even bigger jump during their sophomore years.
Let's take a look at the top returning sophomores at each position.
All the players on this list were impressive in 2022, but some were more productive than others. The less productive ones were somewhat limited by a lack of reps and will benefit from having the depth chart open up above them.
We also highlighted an honorable mention when one felt warranted.
Author's note: Redshirt sophomores and true sophomores are included in this list.
Defensive End: Mykel Williams, Georgia
Georgia's Mykel Williams made a name for himself as a true freshman last season. He finished with 28 total tackles, including 6.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, the latter of which led the team.
Per Pro Football Focus, his run-defense grade of 75.9 was first among freshman defensive ends. The outlet also ranks Williams as the fifth-best returning edge defender in the nation for 2023.
He had his best game last season against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Williams finished with a season-high four solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack of C.J. Stroud.
"It's very hard for a young player to do what Mykel's doing," Georgia co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said of Williams in February. "Tremendous future as a player, a guy that's got huge upside. Again, very humble, very coachable, takes coaching very well, understands those things you've got to do in order to be successful."
Williams should play a huge role in Georgia's defense in 2023.
Honorable mention: Wyoming DE Braden Siders
In 2022, Siders had seven sacks and 44 total tackles, including a team-high 13.5 for loss.
Interior Defensive Lineman: Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Dontay Corleone had a breakout season as a redshirt freshman in 2022. The Bearcats defensive lineman finished with 45 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss, and three sacks. He also forced and recovered two fumbles for Cincy's defense.
His best performance came during the Bearcats' win over Navy. Corleone accounted for 11 total tackles, including two solo stops. He said after the game that he benefited from playing against a triple-option scheme in high school.
"It's awesome," Corleone told reporters. "I have a big advantage over it because I went against it my whole high school career, so it was a big week for me."
Per Pro Football Focus, the Bearcats defensive lineman had an overall 93.8 grade, which was first among all FBS defenders. He also had the highest run-defense grade (94.7) since Micah Parsons in 2019.
We'll see how Corleone performs in 2023 under new defensive coordinator Bryan Brown. Brown was hired by new Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield in December.