(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
There is something to marvel at when a freshman outperforms older and more experienced players.
Maybe it is just the theory of the underdog or the unthinkable, but whatever it is, it certainly is amazing.
Each college season shines light on new freshmen making a name for themselves. The 2008 season was no exception.
I fielded 10 players, five each from the BCS and non-BCS schools, to present to you what I think are the 10 most impressive offensive performances by freshmen during the 2008 season.
Bowl Championship Series
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Though his numbers were not particularly stellar, he performed above expectations.
Julio Jones came to Alabama as the top wide receiver recruit in the nation. His expectations were set high as the hype surrounding him took on a surreal feel.
Jones’ start in the Crimson Tide’s opening game against Clemson saw him being the first true freshman wide receiver to do so.
He ended the year with 924 yards on 58 receptions, along with four touchdowns. His receiving yards average per game increased as the season progressed, but Jones failed to connect for a touchdown reception after just the fifth game.
To start for a perennial powerhouse is difficult, especially with anticipation enclosing you. Jones performed each week, and he performed well, good enough to earn Second Team All-SEC, AP SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Coaches’ All-Freshman Team honors, and AP All-Freshman Team honors.
Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
A name not too many have heard due largely in part to bigger names roaming the Big 12 scene, Cyrus Gray is an outstanding player. The true freshman running back also saw some snaps at receiver and quarterback.
Gray was the Aggies’ primary kickoff returner. He set a Texas A&M record with 1,169 return yards, with one return for a touchdown (against Oklahoma).
His efforts on the ground certainly helped a revived offensive squad: 363 yards rushing with a touchdown. He did so splitting carries with fellow back Mike Goodson and sophomore sensation quarterback Jerrod Johnson.
Gray led the team in all-purpose yards (294 against Oklahoma), setting a TAMU freshman record.
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
AJ Green surprised most by leading the SEC in receiving yardage. His numbers were very respectable (56 receptions for 963 yards and eight touchdowns).
Green, like Jones, was one of the premier receivers coming up to the collegiate level. The bar for his expectations was set high, and again like Jones, his efforts were more than sufficient.
2008 saw a down year in receiving throughout the SEC. Not a single player topped 1,000 receiving yards, nor did a single player top double-digit touchdown receptions. Green placed first in both categories.
Green was named to the 2008 All-SEC First Team as well as multiple 2008 All-Freshman First Teams. The SEC coaches placed him as the 2008 SEC Freshman of the Year.
Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
The freshman with the most hype preceding any type of collegiate experience, Terrelle Pryor made a name for himself early.
Ohio State is rich in history, and to make a name for yourself on that squad is impressive. Pryor managed to do so as a freshman.
For the year, he was 8-1 as a starter, the loss coming against Penn State.
Pryor managed to score and limit mistakes. He kept his team in position to win games. He ended the year with 1,311 passing yards and a 60 percent completion percentage. He added 19 touchdowns (12 passing, six rushing, and one receiving) with just four interceptions.
Oh, and he led the Big Ten in passing efficiency, posting a mark of 146.5, good for fourth in the BCS outside of the Big 12.
Pryor made many plays happen with just his intelligence. His knowledge of the playbook could use much improvement, as well as his overall understanding of football at the FBS level. He managed to impress, and he did so on a grandeur stage.
Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
Robert Griffin might have been the most impressive freshman in all of the NCAA. Not only was he a stellar track star, placing first in the Big 12 and NCAA 400-m hurdles, but he was also successful as a starting quarterback for the Baylor Bears.
Griffin started all but one game as a freshman, leading his team to a 4-8 record.
His 2008 stat line included 2,091 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns to just three interceptions. He added 846 rushing yards and 13 additional rushing touchdowns. He failed to fumble the ball once all year.
Griffin is the leader of the Bears’ offense, and surprisingly at a young age (just 19 years old, and only 17 when he came to Baylor).
His efforts earned him 2008 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors by the coaches and multiple 2008 Freshman First Team All-American Team honors.
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