Freshman Report Card Grades Through Week 10
With the conclusion of the college football season nearly upon us, we’ve gained a better feel for this year’s freshman class.
Each of these players has appeared in at least six games, giving us plenty of film to break them down with. We’ve seen some grow to become one of the best in their current position while seeing others struggle to find their footing.
All in all, it’s been quite an array of fresh talent in 2013.
So without further ado, let’s grade the performances of some of the nation’s best freshmen.
Note: This list consists of the top true freshmen on 247Sports' composite; one player from outside the top six who has most impressed; and one superlative redshirt who couldn't be ignored.
DE Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss)
1 of 6
Previous Grade: B
Last Week: DNP
The Skinny
Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche hasn’t played a down of football for the Rebels since Oct. 12.
The freshman injured his hamstring while chasing after Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel during the second half of Ole Miss’ 41-38 loss. He would end up missing the next two contests as well.
Although the team won both of those matchups—including a 27-24 victory over then-No. 6 LSU—the Rebels defense will be pleased at the announcement that Nkemdiche is expected to return this weekend against Arkansas, according to a tweet from the player’s Twitter account.
In six games, Nkemdiche has recorded 15 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and two passes broken up.
It will be interesting to see how the top recruit of the Ole Miss Class of 2013 performs upon his return.
Grade: B
OLB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame)
2 of 6
Previous Grade: A
Last Week: 3.0 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss (W 38-34 vs. Navy)
The Skinny
It was an overall bad effort from linebacker Jaylon Smith and the Irish defense last weekend against the Midshipmen.
The unit was burned for 419 yards of total offense—331 of which came on the ground. That includes allowing Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds to account for four total touchdowns on the day.
All of this after Notre Dame’s defense appeared to be on the come up.
But other than this setback, the Smith has been playing relatively well as of late. He has recorded his first career interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery all in the last four games.
In comparison, it took Manti Te’o until his senior year to accomplish the same.
OK, comparing Smith to one of the best defensive playmakers in Irish history is a little premature. But there’s no arguing that Smith has certainly come along very nicely in his first season.
Grade: A
CB Vernon Hargreaves, III (Florida)
3 of 6
Previous Grade: A+
Last Week: 9.0 tackles (L 23-20 vs. Georgia)
The Skinny
Defensive back Vernon Hargreaves, III has been simply outstanding for the Gators thus far.
Just how good has he been? Good enough to be named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist via The Tampa Bay Times’ Antonya English.
The freshman continued his strong play against the Bulldogs in a losing effort last weekend. He recorded a career-high nine tackles while limiting Georgia wide receivers Michael Bennett and Arthur Lynch to a combined six catches for 90 yards.
On the season, Hargreaves III leads the team in interceptions with three while ranking seventh on the team in tackles (28).
It’s hard to believe the kid is just a freshman.
Grade: A+
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S Su'a Cravens (USC)
4 of 6
Previous Grade: B
Last Week: DNP
The Skinny
Safety Su’a Cravens missed the Trojans' matchup against Oregon State last weekend.
The freshman suffered a groin injury and had to be carted off the field during USC’s contest against Utah on Oct. 26. It was a disappointing conclusion to a game Cravens played very well in, picking up his third interception of the season.
Fortunately, the secondary fared well without him against the Beavers and their prolific offense, limiting the team to just 369 total yards and forcing quarterback Sean Mannion into three interceptions.
Regardless, the defense would be given a boost upon Craven's return. Especially with a showdown against No. 5 Stanford on the horizon.
Grade: B+
RB Alex Collins (Arkansas)
5 of 6
Previous Grade: A-
Last Week: 18 carries, 92 yards (L 35-17)
The Skinny
It’s been an up and down kind of season for running back Alex Collins.
Over the Razorbacks first five games, the freshman topped the century mark on the ground four times. However, he has failed to reach that plateau in each of the team’s last four games.
Against the Tigers, Collins looked a lot better than he has in recent weeks, rushing for 92 yards on 18 carries. But he was outshined by sophomore back Jonathan Williams (15 CAR, 104 YDs).
Regardless, it’s a positive sign for Collins, and one that he can hopefully begin building upon.
Arkansas needs him if the team hopes to end its six-game slide. Grade: A-
QB Jameis Winston (Florida State)
6 of 6
Previous Grade: A+++
Last Week: 21-of-29, 325 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions (W 41-14 Miami)
The Skinny
Quarterback Jameis Winston finally showed the rest of college football that he is in fact human.
The redshirt freshman threw multiple picks for the first time in his career. However, he still moved the ball with relative ease and was backed up by a solid performance from the Seminoles rushing attack.
It all resulted in a drubbing of the previously unbeaten Hurricanes.
The poise and calmness that Winston has displayed in the pocket up to this point is truly amazing. He has single-handedly taken an ACC title contender and transformed them into a BCS title favorite in the eyes of some.
With not a single opponent with a winning record left on Florida State’s schedule, don’t expect Winston’s performance to drop anytime soon. He only loses a “+” due to the pair of interceptions.
Grade: A++
All stats and rankings used in this article are courtesy of NCAA.com.
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