(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Some programs bring them in as saviors.
Many programs have them continue thier storied dynasties.
These men are called freshman, and a select special few actually crack the starting lineup.
Here are my top ten most successful freshman of the 2008 season, all of whom I believe will have very lucrative futures.
10. Julio Jones WR Alabama
Drawing comparisons to Randy Moss, he easily became John Parker Wilsons favorite target during the 2008 season. On a run based team, he led with 58 receptons and 924 yards. His impact on the team was immediate as his Crimson Tide team almost went undefeated and made an appearance in the Sugar Bowl.
Expect him to help out the new Tide QB this year by giving him a big fast target.
9. Jacquizz Rodgers RB Oregon State
This dimunitve but fast RB really made his presence known in a 27-21 upset victory against USC in which he gained 186 yards rushing on the mighty trojan defense!
His Beavers came within a game of playing in the Rose Bowl last year, but he suffered an injury, and the Beaver were without him against Oregon, and in the Sun Bowl, against Pitt. Expect him and Oregon State to contend for the Pac-10 again his sophomore season.
8. Ryan Tannehill WR Texas A&M
This QB turned WR was one of the strong points on an otherwise floundering A&M Team. He led the team in catches with 55 and had 844 yards with 5 td's in head coach Mike Shermans new pro-style offense.
Though the Aggies struggeled last year, I expect Tannehill to become a team leader and really help the Aggies succeed this year, and though he has expressed intrests in playing QB, I think his forte is at WR, and thats where he will likely stay.
7. Kendall Wright WR Baylor
One of the more underrated WR's in the country, Wright is an important part of the BU football revival program. He led the team in in receptions with 50, and had 645 yards with 5 TD's. He's got great speed, and great hands and will be a vital part of the team in the coming years.
Now before my intelligence is questioned, remember that he is accomplishing these feats at Baylor.
6. Bryce Beall RB Houston
A great RB out of the Conference USA Beall was a part of a high scoring, high octane offense last year. He had a whopping 1,247 yards with 198 attempts and 13 TD's. Listed at 5-11 and 198 pounds, he made most CUSA D-lines look silly.
With returning QB Csse Keenum, Houston is a heavy favorite to win the CUSA under second year head coach Sumlin.
5. A.J. Greene WR Gerogia
In arguably the toughest conference in college football, especially in a one known for its tough defenses, A.J. Greene led the conference in receiving yards, and receiving TD's. Greene had 56 receptions and 963 receiving yards with 8 touchdowns.
Another up and coming SEC WR, we will get a good showing in one of the most anticipated non-conference games against Oklahoma State to see if he can build upon an outstanding freshman season.
4. Darren Evans RB Virginia Tech
14 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete