Previewing the most terrifying college football players heading into the 2024 season, a series of intimidation

When you think of “terrifying football players”, it could mean several things. The first that people will think about is physical stature. Football is still a big man’s game and seeing how massive some of these players are, and how effortlessly they move is very impressive. Then there’s the side of the opponents, fearing them for the mismatches they are on the field.

With college football right around the corner, let’s take a look at the 20 most terrifying players coming back this fall. It’s an impressive list of talented football players, and overall scary people. The list kicks off with No. 16 through 20, including a couple honorable mentions.

Related: From non-scholarship player to legitimate 2025 NFL Draft Prospect, Virginia's Brian Stevens has continued to defy the odds

16. Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia

If people remember the behemoth known as Ben Cleveland a few years ago, Ratledge has some striking similarities. His 6’ 6 ⅛” and 315-pound verified measurements are pretty shocking. Ratledge is a massive kid on film, looking a whole lot bigger than 315 pounds. You can have an assumption when watching Ratledge that he is a powerful blocker who just loves to work opposing defensive lineman at the point of attack.

While Ratledge is certainly powerful, he also is very smooth moving laterally. That’s really what makes him so terrifying. That all around skill set is impressive, as is Ratledge’s physical stature.

17. Branson Robinson, RB, Georgia

Robinson is probably the least accomplished player on the list right now, although he was expected to be huge last season before an injury ensued. Now he is back in a less crowded backfield, and seems ready to take that massive step forward. Georgia will need him with so much skill position turnover this offseason.

At 5-10 and 220 pounds, Robinson is just the latest in freak show running backs for the Bulldogs. The Mississippi native is set for a huge 2024 season, as long as he doesn’t eat someone first. We can’t discount that possibility after looking at his picture.

18. DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

Overshadowed by the likes of Bryan Bresee, Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis, not many fans know about Capehart. That will change this fall. After collecting five tackles for loss and a sack in limited opportunities last season, it’s expected for Capehart to become a national commodity soon. The NFL seems to already be well aware of Capehart.

At a verified 6’ 4 ⅜” and 320 pounds, there’s an argument that Capehart might be Clemson’s most impressive interior defensive lineman they’ve had physically the last couple of seasons. He is dense, explosive and powerful. Capehart is the type you throw at nose and tell him to beat the (expletive) out of the center. He’s a scary dude when he gets rolling.

19. Anthony Belton, OT, NC State

Belton surprised some by bypassing the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to NC State this season. The Wolfpack are obviously happy, getting back their star left tackle who has been a prominent performer each of the past two seasons. With some uncertainty at the position nationally, Belton has the chance to quickly rise up national lists and draft boats this fall if his play takes a step forward.

At 6’ 5 ⅝” and 348 pounds, calling Belton big would be a massive understatement. When he hits his pass set well and stands tall, the NC State star is big enough to seemingly block out the sun. Good luck to opposing pass rushers getting around him this fall. That task doesn’t seem overly fun.

20. Jah Joyner, EDGE, Minnesota

What is a Jah Joyner? The average fans probably aren’t overly familiar with Joyner, but they should get to know him quickly. The 6-5, 265-pound defensive end terrorized opposing quarterbacks last fall, quietly leading the Golden Gophers with 7.5 sacks. No. 17 is expected to be a mainstay this season, who is also well liked in NFL circles.

The frame is very well put together, and has a lot of growth potential. It’s the arm length that is terrifying for opposing offensive lineman. Joyner is a good athlete but he has the ability to outreach just about anyone with those long arms. There isn’t a verified number out there for his arm ones but it wouldn’t be shocking to see a number over 35 inches.

Just missed the list

There are several players who made a strong case to be included on the list. Here are a couple who just missed out on the last couple of spots.

Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

Verified at a legitimate 6-6 and 280 pounds, there aren’t many defensive ends who are built the way Burch is. He boasts very long arms, and is well-proportioned throughout his frame. It’s not great analysis but Burch is simply a massive kid with no bad weight on him. The former South Carolina transfer will be among the “first men off the bus” for whatever NFL team drafts him next April.

KJ Jefferson, QB, UCF

It’s not often that quarterbacks can qualify as terrifying but then you imagine yourself as a safety in space trying to tackle Jefferson, and the nervous sweats begin. At 6’ 3 ⅛” and 250 pounds, Jefferson resembles more of a tight end or throwback fullback than a quarterback. Expect UCF to call his number a lot this fall. Linebackers beware.