National Football Sophomore of the Year Watch List

With the regular season hitting the home stretch in most states, MaxPreps takes a look at who is currently in contention for the National Sophomore of the Year award:

Jabrill Peppers, DB, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
The reigning National Freshman of the Year has continued his superb play amid the bright spotlight that shines on the nation's No. 1 team, Don Bosco Prep. Peppers has been outstanding all season long, beginning with a two-touchdown performance against Mission Viejo and continuing with a big interception return for the Ironmen in their showdown against St. Edward. He remains a shutdown cornerback, but his offensive output this season has also been extremely impressive.

Bo Scarborough, RB, Northridge (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Possessing a unique blend of size and speed, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Scarborough has been clocked in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash and also boasts a 38-inch vertical leap. Scarborough has led Northridge to an impressive 7-0 record. Head coach Michael Smith has publicly stated his belief that Scarborough could start right now for the hometown Crimson Tide at any skill position other than quarterback.

Cole Ousley, QB, Lone Oak (Paducah, Ky.)
For the second consecutive season, Ousley has been lighting up opposing defenses. A U.S. Air Force Freshman All-American last season, Ousley has continued his stellar play as a sophomore, completing 129 of 188 passes for 1,994 yards and 24 touchdowns. Ousley has only been intercepted four times. Lone Oak currently sits at 5-2.

Joe Yearby, RB, Central (Miami)
Last season, Yearby was overshadowed by the breakout performance of freshman Sony Michel. This year, Yearby is proving he is a blue-chip recruit in his own right. His most impressive outing came against local rival Columbus. Yearby exploded for 292 yards and five touchdowns in the Rockets' come-from-behind win. He also posted three rushing touchdowns in a victory against Elder and has looked impressive on special teams throughout the season.

Talal Yousufzai, QB, Washington (Phoenix)
The first sophomore signal-caller to cross the 2,000-yard threshold this season, Yousufzai has been extremely difficult to contain. He has completed 119 of 230 throws in Washington's pass-happy offense, good for 2,063 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's rushed for an additional 224 yards and four scores.

Will Hunter, QB, Lexington (S.C.)
Before the season, when senior recruit Shaq Roland was the focus of media attention, Lexington head coach Scott Earley deliberately pointed out that he had another special player on his roster in sophomore Will Hunter. Hunter has delivered in a big way for 7-0 Lexington. Through seven games, the 6-foot-1 Hunter has thrown for 1,963 yards and 21 touchdowns, 12 of which have been to Roland. Hunter has rushed for 256 yards and four additional touchdowns.

Travis Waldroup-Rodriquez, WR, Thomas Jefferson Academy (Mooresboro, N.C.)
A small-school sensation, Waldroup-Rodriguez is a basketball star who seems to have a bright future in football as well. The 6-6, 200-pound wide receiver has been a bright spot for Thomas Jefferson during a challenging, winless season. He has posted 72 catches for 1,202 yards and 13 touchdowns. His yard and touchdown totals are tops among sophomore wide receivers.