9. Lan Larison | UC Davis
Lan Larison is the heartbeat of UC Davis' offense, and that's with an above-average quarterback in the backfield with him, Miles Hastings. Hastings' improvements as a passer should open up the run game for Larison. If Larison can surpass the 1,100-yard mark again this fall and UC Davis makes a run at the Big Sky title, he'll have a compelling Walter Payton Award case.
10. Rex Connors | UC Davis
Rex Connors' numbers fell in 2023 after playing in only seven games. He still had 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and seven pass breakups. When he played nine games as a freshman in 2022, he had 88 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. If Connors is fully healthy this season, he should be one of the best safeties in the FCS.