ESPN defines sleeper players like this.
“Players in this cohort haven’t occupied the national stage, and some aren’t even in the community theater phase of their stardom. But they have generated excitement within their programs, and according to their coaches and teammates, will be showcasing their talents in big ways this fall.”
Adam Rittenberg wrote an article defining his top sleeper picks of the upcoming 2025 season. Two of those players will see their teams square off on Aug. 28.
He has ECU receiver Anthony Smith and NCSU running back Hollywood Smothers in that list of sleeper players. He lists details about why both are important to their teams and why they could have big seasons.
For Smith, Rittenberg writes in part about the former NCSU star, “Smith enters his sixth college season and second at ECU, where he should be among the American’s top wide receivers after an impressive 2024. He had only 13 receptions at NC State, while dealing with injuries, but showed big-play ability throughout his first season as a Pirate.”
About Smothers, Rittenberg wrote in part, “Smothers came on strong during ACC play last season, emerging as NC State’s primary running back during the second half of the season. A former ESPN 300 recruit at Oklahoma, Smothers averaged 6.3 yards per carry or better in four of his final five games, and had five rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.”
Click here to read more. Guess we’ll find out in about a week whether Rittenberg is right about either or both players.
Photo credit: Hollywood Smothers and Anthony Smith (Left: AP photo; Right: ECU Sports Information photo)
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