Athletes to Watch in 2013

By Jordan Raanan, XFINITY Sports

This past year there was Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Anthony Davis, Rory McIlroy and LeBron James. They all busted out or took their games to the next level.

That was the class of 2012. Now it's on to the next one. (AP Photos)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Athletes to Watc... By Jordan Raanan, XFINITY Sports

This past year there was Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Anthony Davis, Rory McIlroy and LeBron James. They all busted out or took their games to the next level.

That was the class of 2012. Now it's on to the next one. (AP Photos)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Rudy Gay (NBA) The Memphis Grizzlies are legit. They have a realistic shot at the NBA Finals, which would elevate Gay's status to a different level. He already averages more than 18 points per game, but it's playoff success that will make him more of a household name. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Ricky Rubio (NBA... When Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves are healthy, watch out. Rubio's going to be a star with his flashy game and incredible marketability. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Rickie Fowler (G... The flamboyant golfer is only 24 years old. He won his first career PGA event in 2012. More are coming in 2013, maybe even a major given his immense talent. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Wil Myers (MLB) The Tampa Bay Rays' top prospect will likely begin the 2013 season in the minors. But remember, that is where Trout began last season. There will be plenty of time for the career .303 hitter with a .395 on-base percentage to make a splash. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Todd Frazier (ML... Even without a true starting spot or position, Frazier finished third in the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year voting. Given the chance to start consistently, fans can expect big numbers from the Cincinnati slugger in a year where the Reds are serious World Series contenders. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Gio Bernard (Foo... Never heard of him? You will soon enough. The University of North Carolina running back is a stud. He's going to be the top back selected in this year's NFL Draft. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
David Wilson (NF... Wilson was been a menace as a kickoff returner for the New York Giants in 2012. He showed flashes of being an excellent running back in his rookie year as well. It's only going to get better for the talented back in 2013. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Agnieszka Radwan... The 23-year-old is already ranked fourth in the world. She has 10 career WTA victories and reached her first Grand Slam final (Wimbledon) in 2012. This is the year she breaks through. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Amari Cooper (Co... Cooper had a strong freshman season for Alabama with 53 catches, 895 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns. It's only going to get better for the true freshman working with senior quarterback Anthony McCarron next season. Cooper will be one of college football's biggest stars next season. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
C.J. McCollum (C... The Lehigh guard already busted out in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. It wasn't a fluke. McCollum is one of college basketball's leading scorers. Expect another big March from him, followed by an NBA lottery pick in the spring. (AP Photo)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.