With the 2023 UTSA football season set to kick off next Saturday against the Houston Cougars, the Roadrunners find themselves favored to finish second in the AAC conference. Although it is not the number one spot, it is still a respectable ranking for this year’s football team. The ‘Runners have been picked to finish second in large part due to the stellar talent that is returning for another year. While a plethora of players find themselves returning, there are a select few that fans should definitely watch out for. Whether it be having a breakout year or leading the team to new heights, these five players are certainly some of the most valuable returners to watch out for this 2023 season.
De’Corian Clark
Returning for his final year, wide receiver De’Corian Clark is projected to have an all-time season at UTSA. Named to the Comeback Player of the Year watchlist, Clark posted a formidable stat line last season before missing the last four games with an ACL injury. Despite missing time, the stud receiver still managed to make second-team all-conference while hauling in 51 passes for 741 yards and eight touchdowns. Clark even managed to break the university’s single-game receiving record with 217 yards along with three touchdowns, which tied his own personal record in a game against Texas Southern. Though there are some doubts about Clark’s productivity coming off of an injury, he is still a formidable threat to look out for during the 2023 football season.
Joshua Cephus
Lining up directly opposite Clark is fifth-year receiver Joshua Cephus. The consensus number one option for the UTSA offense, Cephus is a 6-foot-3 inside receiver equipped with incredible speed and impeccable hands. Although only posting six touchdowns in 13 games last year, Cephus still managed to rack up 985 yards on 87 receptions. Assuming former UTSA receiver Zakhari Franklin does not return, Cephus has been touted by many as the new best receiver in the AAC conference. Placed on the Paul Hornung Award watch list for the upcoming year, Cephus is certainly one of UTSA’s biggest names to watch out for this football season.
Brandon Brown
Coming off of a first-team all-conference USA selection, Brandon Brown is set to be an intimidating force on the defensive line. Starting all 14 games last year, Brown recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. His elite defensive presence in key moments is what makes him such a dominant player and valuable asset to the 2023 Roadrunners. His presence, along with the others on this list, is one of the reasons why UTSA is favored to finish high in their conference. With Brown being healthier than ever and determined to make an impact, he finds himself as one of the key returning players to look out for.
Trey Moore
There are very few defensive talents that are as skilled and elite as returning redshirt sophomore Trey Moore. Standing at 6-foot-3, the dominant outside linebacker is truly a force to be reckoned with. Coming off of a stellar Freshman All-American campaign, Moore will only improve as he heads into his sophomore season. Despite being a freshman last year, Moore still found himself with 59 total tackles, two forced fumbles as well as eight sacks. Using this past offseason to better his mentality, skill and ability, Moore is certainly on pace to have a record-breaking 2023-2024 football season. Placed on the preseason watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Moore certainly possesses the capability to be the best defensive player and leader for this year’s Roadrunners.
Frank Harris
Of course, a top-five returning players list would not be complete without superstar quarterback Frank Harris. Placed on multiple award watchlists for the upcoming season, Harris is simply a game-changer for the Roadrunners. Despite not being the tallest quarterback in the conference, Harris certainly makes the case for being the best. Coming off of a season throwing for 4,063 yards and 32 passing touchdowns, the return of Harris will do wonders for the UTSA offense. By returning for another season, the quarterback-receiver chemistry will be at an all-time high for all 12 games this year. While the past couple of years have been nothing but great for UTSA, the return of Harris will take the roster to never-before-seen heights. His presence as both a player and leader certainly makes him the number-one player returning for the 2023 football season.
