Making the jump from college soccer has never been more challenging.

In 2021, Daniel Pereira (Austin FC) and Javain Brown (Vancouver Whitecaps) were the lone pair of draftees to see significant minutes after making the jump from college to MLS. There weren’t too many Homegrown players signed from college either.

So as the 2022 MLS season starts, are there are any players set to make the jump from college to MLS – and hit the ground running? There are a solid number of candidates to watch as the new season begins.

Kipp Keller, Austin FC

The central defender and No. 5 pick out of Saint Louis has ended up in a promising opportunity. Austin is far from stacked in central defense, and there are whispers in the media that Keller could make his MLS debut this Saturday. A big, vocal center back, what he’s able to do with that opportunity is going to go a long way in dictating his success in the league.

William Sands, Columbus Crew

Signed as a Homegrown player after the Crew acquired his rights from NYCFC, Sands enters MLS after a strong career at Georgetown. A forward-thinking left back, is Sands can show the consistency and defensive chops to handle MLS attackers, minutes appear to be well-within reach for the twin brother of James Sands.

Deandre Kerr, Toronto FC

It’s going to be a battle for minutes at Toronto FC for the team’s promising group of young talent. Kerr, who left Syracuse after two seasons, plays the kind of position where he can first build his case as an impact substitute off the bench. Impressing Bob Bradley is no easy feat, though Toronto should be a bit younger at the start of the season, at least in the wide areas. If Kerr can get started early, he could have a shot at earning some MLS minutes this year.

Sean Zawadzki, Columbus Crew

Another Georgetown product looking to make a breakthrough, Zawadzki is back in Ohio after four years in the nation’s capital. Per media reports, he’s impressed during preseason playing in his normal center mid spot. He’s sure to get his chances as one of the depth options behind Artur and Darlington Nagbe, and what he’s able to make of them, will determine his role with the Crew this season.

Benjamin Bender, Charlotte FC

The No. 1 overall pick out of Maryland, getting selected by an expansion side can automatically open doors for younger players. Bender’s shown a bit of versatility as well, getting deployed as a No. 9 in preseason action to go with his normal center midfield role. Being effective in the final third won’t be easy, and Bender is likely to start the season as a bench option. Still, there will be chances for him at some point in 2022.

Sofiane Djeffal, D.C. United

Could a second-round pick really make some appearances this season? It’s not too far out of bounds to make the suggestion for Djeffal. Seen by many as a top-tier talent in the draft, Djeffal understandably (or not) fell down the draft due to his status as an international. Ending up at D.C. is a perfect situation, given the team’s lack of depth in midfield. The chances could be there for the 23-year-old French native to play some minutes in MLS.

Ousseni Bouda, San Jose Earthquakes

Perhaps the biggest stretch on this list, a lot of this depends on how effective Bouda manages to be against higher level MLS defenders, while also keeping fit. The forward out of Stanford has the kind of pace to be a quality backup for Cade Cowell, and create chances for Jeremy Ebobisse.

Chris Hegardt, Charlotte FC

A fixture with the starters for a big chunk of preseason, Hergardt has impressed Charlotte FC coaches and looks like he’ll make his pro debut this weekend. The central midfielder is likely to feature in a deeper role at the pro level than he did at Georgetown, where he played in 2021.

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