Power Ranking the Top 25 College Football Freshmen Through 3 Weeks
College football’s beauty is in its turnover.
Each winter, a large group of junior and senior stars depart the game, through graduation and early entry into the NFL draft.
Each spring and summer, they’re replaced by fresh, talented faces. One of the joys of each football season is watching new talents emerge across the college gridiron landscape, thrill fans and earn their place in college football lore.
Three weeks into the 2014 college football season, some of the top freshmen and redshirt freshmen are emerging as stars. We took a stab at power ranking the top 25 across college football—picked for the stats they have piled up as well as the overall impact they have made on their teams already.
25. TB Nick Chubb, Georgia
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It is unfortunate that Georgia tailback Nick Chubb underwent thumb surgery Monday, according to Chip Towers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which could sideline him for this week’s game against Troy and possibly longer. Even in one of college football’s deepest backfields, Chubb was making noise.
He has 104 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries, averaging 13 yards per tote. His 47-yard touchdown run against Clemson was one of the most impressive runs of the season’s opening week.
Chubb runs with power and speed. While Heisman Trophy candidate Todd Gurley is the clear lead dog in UGA’s backfield, Chubb is proving himself as a very capable understudy.
24. WR Bo Hines, N.C. State
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While he was not one of the more heralded receiver prospects in college football, Bo Hines has emerged as a very prolific wideout for N.C. State and new quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Hines has 16 receptions for 209 yards, averaging 13.1 yards per reception. He is tied for the ACC lead in receptions, and his yardage ranks fourth. However, N.C. State’s opposition hasn’t been impressive.
The Wolfpack are 3-0 with wins over Old Dominion, Georgia Southern and South Florida. The schedule will get tougher, and we’ll see if Hines’ production can hold up. For now, though, he has been very impressive for a young Wolfpack offense.
23. TB Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt
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Vanderbilt has been highly unimpressive under new coach Derek Mason: The Commodores are 1-2, and their only win is a 34-31 victory over UMass, one of the worst teams in FBS.
However, that isn’t the fault of Ralph Webb, a shifty 5’10”, 196-pound tailback. Webb has 281 yards and a touchdown on 58 carries, serving as the bell cow of the backfield.
Webb is a true freshman who went through spring practice with Vandy, and he has impressed Mason’s new staff enough to get plenty of early responsibility. He averages 4.8 yards per carry. While Vandy is off to a difficult start, the Commodores might have found a backfield solution in Webb.
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22. TB Greg Bryant, Notre Dame
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A highly touted prospect, Greg Bryant is finding his way in Notre Dame’s crowded backfield. He leads the Fighting Irish with 119 yards rushing through three games. Emerging as a No. 1 back is tough, as four Irish runners have at least 20 carries.
Bryant has just 22 carries, but he averages 5.4 yards per carry, tops on Notre Dame’s roster. He is a versatile player who also has two receptions for 34 yards as a speedy, shifty back.
He redshirted last fall due to a meniscus issue and matured as a result, as he told Lou Somogyi of Blue Gold Illustrated.
"That was a minor setback for a major comeback. It made me more of a man, it made me more humble, it made me just more hungry to come back this year. It’s a big advantage than just being a true freshman because I know what I’m doing now and it will be easier for me to make plays.
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21. CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
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Last fall, Mackensie Alexander was expected to be one of college football’s top freshmen. That forecast was delayed a year, as it turns out. Alexander suffered a groin injury on the first day of preseason practice and eventually redshirted, sitting out Clemson’s 11-2 season last year.
This fall, he has begun to fulfill that promise. Alexander won a job as one of the Tigers’ starting cornerbacks entering the season despite the presence of seniors like Martin Jenkins and Garry Peters.
He has held it down through two games, although he’ll be tested this week when Clemson travels to No. 1 Florida State for a showdown with the Seminoles’ prolific offense led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston. Alexander has excellent cover skills and has shown he isn’t afraid of anything yet. He should only improve as the season rolls on.
20. QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
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Deshaun Watson is not Clemson’s starting quarterback...yet. But the true freshman is clearly the Tigers’ quarterback of the future.
Watson, who accounted for more than 17,000 yards of total offense as a prep quarterback in Gainesville, Georgia, has lived up to the hype surrounding him and then some through two games. While playing periodically behind senior starter Cole Stoudt, Watson has completed 10 of 13 passes for 213 yards, averaging 16.4 yards per attempt with four touchdowns against no interceptions. He sports a stellar 316.1 quarterback rating and has left Clemson fans wondering when he’ll replace Stoudt for good.
He has excellent deep touch on his passes and solid athleticism. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has resisted calls to start him, but he told The Associated Press (h/t Fox News) that Watson has been impressive.
"We know that we have a very special talent in Deshaun Watson. It’s not some big, shocking thing to us. We know that. And he has to play well with his opportunities."
19. TB Shaun Wilson, Duke
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Shaun Wilson was not well-known in the recruiting process, but he made himself known to Duke and ACC fans Saturday afternoon. He ripped off a Duke single-game record 245 yards rushing in the Blue Devils’ 41-3 rout of Kansas, rushing for touchdowns of 45, 68 and 69 yards. Through three games, he has 334 yards rushing, averaging 111.5 yards rushing per game, fourth-best in the ACC.
The Blue Devils offense is quick-moving and productive, and while Duke has veteran backs, Wilson is making a real name for himself. If he can keep up this pace, he’ll earn his keep in coach David Cutcliffe’s eyes.
18. TB Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
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Entering this fall, Curtis Samuel could have fit in as a receiver or running back, but he has found a home as a do-everything tailback for Ohio State. The 5’11”, 190-pound back has excellent speed and elusiveness and is a highly versatile player.
Saturday, Samuel had a breakout game in the Buckeyes’ 66-0 rout of Kent State, carrying 15 times for 100 yards, catching four passes for 40 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
OSU coach Urban Meyer told Bill Landis of The Plain Dealer that Samuel has a "bright future," and the freshman is confident as well. “I think I’ve proved I can come out and play with anyone,” he said.
17. LB Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
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Lorenzo Carter was one of Georgia’s top recruits of the 2014 recruiting class, so big things were expected of him this fall. Carter has not emerged as a starter yet while playing behind talented sophomore Leonard Floyd, but he has made an impact nonetheless.
The 6’6”, 240-pound true freshman is playing as a reserve outside linebacker, and he had a fumble recovery in Georgia’s 38-35 loss at South Carolina Saturday.
He has certainly caught the attention of Georgia linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer, who told Chip Towers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "He’s about 240 right now, but two or three years from now he’s going to be a lot thicker and heavier and he’s got the speed to handle it, too. Before he’s done here he’s going to be a great player, one of the best ones to come through here probably."
16. WR Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
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Speedy Noil had, pardon the pun, a fast start to his collegiate career. One of the top wide receiver prospects in the class of 2014, Noil had 12 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown, fitting in immediately in Texas A&M’s high-powered offense alongside fellow wideouts Malcome Kennedy and Ricky Seals-Jones. Noil is multitalented, with the ability to catch passes and return kicks.
However, you’ll have to wait a little while to see him on the field again. GigEm 247 reported Monday that Noil will be sidelined three to five weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament. That’s a blow to the Aggies’ passing game, as well as a blow to those who enjoy watching talented receivers.
15. TB Johnny Jefferson, Baylor
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While Baylor has one of college football’s deepest, most versatile running attacks, Johnny Jefferson has wasted no time becoming a key cog. The freshman, who stands 5’10”, 205 pounds, has 216 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
Jefferson is three yards behind Shock Linwood for the Bears’ rushing lead, and the two should be a solid one-two punch for Baylor’s potent offense going forward.
14. QB J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
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Entering August, nobody expected to hear much from J.T. Barrett this fall. He was behind a senior and Heisman Trophy candidate in Braxton Miller, and if Barrett played, it would be at the end of blowouts.
Miller’s season-ending shoulder surgery changed that equation. Suddenly, Barrett was the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback and expected to play a huge role in the offense.
Barrett hasn’t been perfect. He has 757 yards with nine touchdowns against five interceptions, completing 59.5 percent of his passes, and Ohio State dropped a 35-21 home decision to Virginia Tech. But given that he is learning on the job, Barrett has been very solid. He also has 126 yards rushing and a rushing score.
Barrett should only improve as the season progresses.
13. WR JuJu Smith, Southern California
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With a number of talented veterans in Southern California’s receiving corps, it wasn’t an automatic that a player like JuJu Smith would earn immediate playing time. However, he has done just that so far this fall.
The 6’2”, 210-pound wide receiver has 11 receptions for 170 yards. Both are second on the Trojans roster behind junior Nelson Agholor.
Smith has the size and speed to excel in Steve Sarkisian’s offense, and he is doing just that. He had an excellent opener against Fresno State, making six receptions for 123 yards, and had five receptions for 49 yards in Saturday’s upset loss at Boston College.
12. S Armani Watts, Texas A&M
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Texas A&M badly needed young players to emerge on its defense, and Armani Watts has filled the bill and then some in the Aggies secondary. The freshman won a starting job and contributed immediately, scoring an interception in A&M’s 52-28 season-opening rout at South Carolina.
He followed that up with six tackles and a tackle for loss in the Aggies’ rout of Lamar, and he showed his overall versatility in last week’s win over Rice. Watts scooped up a blocked field goal deep in A&M territory and took off, scoring what looked like a 93-yard touchdown before a penalty wiped it out.
It will be interesting to see how Watts holds up week-in and week-out against SEC offenses, but he couldn’t be off to a better start to his college career.
11. S Quin Blanding, Virginia
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Entering this season, Quin Blanding was considered one of college football’s top overall recruits. He has more than lived up to the hype. Blanding has been a starter from Game 1, piling up 25 tackles, three for loss and an interception.
The competition has been solid too. Virginia has already beaten a Top 25 Louisville team and lost 28-20 to UCLA. Blanding is an excellent tackler with great athleticism and should only improve as the season wears on.
“I was a little nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Blanding told Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress. “But I knew if they threw me out there, I just had to go out there and do what I do best and just work hard.”
10. LT Cameron Robinson, Alabama
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There are places where a true freshman can step into the starting lineup at left tackle from Day 1.
Alabama is generally not considered to be one of those places. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line is not an easy one to break through on, but Cameron Robinson, a true freshman, has done just that.
Robinson, who stands 6’6”, 323 pounds, became the first true freshman to start at left tackle since NFL first-round pick Andre Smith did so nearly a decade ago. He has been impressive in protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Blake Sims and Jake Coker. While Alabama coach Nick Saban has yet to fully settle on a starting quarterback, there’s no question: Robinson is the man at left tackle.
9. ATH Adoree' Jackson, Southern California
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Where do you think Adoree’ Jackson fits in best?
Depends on which of Southern California’s units is on the field. Jackson is one of the most versatile players in college football. He is capable of making an impact on offense (as a wide receiver), defense (as a cornerback) and special teams (as a kick returner).
In the Trojans’ season-opening win over Fresno State, Jackson logged 25 offensive snaps, 13 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps. Few players can do such double-duty (UCLA’s Myles Jack was the Pac-12 defensive and offensive freshman of the year last fall), and they’re worth their weight in gold.
No matter where Jackson ultimately settles in, he’ll make a major impact for Steve Sarkisian and the Trojans.
8. WR Ricky Seals-Jones, Texas A&M
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Last fall, Ricky Seals-Jones teased Texas A&M fans. In the season opener against Rice, he caught three passes for 84 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown. But he hurt a knee while being hit from behind on the touchdown and didn’t play again the rest of the season.
This fall, he is living up to the hype. The 6’5”, 230-pound wideout has 13 receptions for 154 yards and three touchdowns through three games as a key target of sophomore quarterback Kenny Hill.
Seals-Jones has impressive speed and physicality and can stretch a defense vertically. It will be fun to see him against SEC defenses, and with freshman wideout Speedy Noil’s knee injury, he’ll carry a bigger load in the passing game going forward.
7. CB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
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While he has been limited by an injury suffered in the opener, there’s little question that Jabrill Peppers is living up to his clippings as one of the top overall recruits in the class of 2014.
Peppers is capable of playing as either a cornerback or safety, but he started the season opener as a cornerback—a versatile, talented defensive back. MLive.com's Nick Baumgardner said Peppers held up well in his first extended game action Saturday against Miami (Ohio), with only two of seven passes thrown at him completed.
He won the role with excellent preseason production, starting over a returning first-team All-Big Ten corner in Blake Countess and a returning starter in Ray Taylor. While the Wolverines’ Big Ten schedule will test him, it won’t be long before Peppers is starting again. He is a future cornerstone of Michigan’s defense and should emerge as one of college football’s most exciting players.
6. TB Leonard Fournette, LSU
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LSU tailback Leonard Fournette was one of the most-hyped freshmen this preseason, drawing significant praise from coach Les Miles. He stands 6’1”, 230 pounds and has great speed for his frame, having been clocked as fast as 10.68 seconds in the 100-meter dash. He’ll be a special player for LSU but hasn’t truly kicked it into the gear most expected him to this month.
Through three games, Fournette has 162 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He ranks second in rushing on the Tigers’ roster behind Kenny Hilliard, who has 215 yards.
While Fournette has shown flashes of brilliance, he hasn’t yet emerged as the cream of the freshman crop. However, it’s early, and LSU fans should be patient with him. Good things come to those who wait.
5. WR DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State
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Entering the season, there were serious questions about who would emerge beside Geno Lewis to catch passes from Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
Three games in, the fears in Happy Valley have been assuaged. Redshirt freshman wideout DaeSean Hamilton has been one of the most prolific pass-catchers in college football. While he hasn’t caught a touchdown yet, Hamilton has 26 receptions for 337 yards. He has rolled up 100-yard receiving games against both Central Florida and Rutgers.
Hamilton stands 6’1”, 210 pounds and is a sturdy target for Hackenberg. And now that Penn State has had its postseason eligibility restored, Hamilton should become a player that national audiences learn about quickly.
4. QB Anu Solomon, Arizona
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Rich Rodriguez began preseason with a crowded group of quarterbacks looking to step forward as Arizona’s new starting signal-caller. RichRod settled on Anu Solomon, and that looks like a very smart decision.
Through three games, Solomon has thrown for 934 yards with eight touchdowns against one interception, completing 62.7 percent of his passes.
He threw for 425 yards and four touchdowns in a season-opening win over UNLV and has the ability to move in the pocket or run if necessary. It’s early, but Solomon looks like the man in the desert.
3. TB Nick Wilson, Arizona
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When this season began, Nick Wilson was not well-known outside the West Coast. That’s changing quickly. Wilson has 449 yards and four touchdowns through three games, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
He went for 104 yards rushing against UNLV, 171 against UT-San Antonio and 174 against Nevada, with a career-long 85-yard touchdown against the Runnin’ Rebels.
While Arizona fans expected to miss Doak Walker Award winner Ka’Deem Carey, Wilson has become the engine of the Wildcats’ go-go offense. He’ll have to keep it up if Arizona hopes to compete in the Pac-12.
2. WR KD Cannon, Baylor
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Baylor’s fast-paced, high-flying offense produces a number of talented players, and freshman receiver KD Cannon is the latest to thrive in Art Briles’ system.
Through three games, Cannon already has 471 yards on 14 carries. He is averaging an insane 33.6 yards per reception and already has five touchdowns. He has receptions of 81 and 89 yards. He burned Northwestern State for 223 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions and battered Buffalo for 189 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.
Assuming that Baylor senior quarterback Bryce Petty is healthy going forward, he and Cannon could become one of college football’s best overall deep threats.
1. DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
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Texas A&M needed an impact pass-rusher for its defense. The Aggies have certainly gotten that from Myles Garrett. Through only three games, the freshman defensive end has already tied the A&M freshman record with 5.5 sacks.
The 6’5”, 255-pound rush end leads the SEC in sacks and has more sacks than any Aggies defender had in 13 games last season. He causes extreme havoc for opposing offensive linemen and alleviates pressure on the rest of A&M’s defense.
A&M coach Kevin Sumlin told the AP that Garrett “really, really causes some havoc, particularly on passing situations.”
“He's got more sacks right now in Game 3 than we had all last year as a defense," Sumlin joked. "I don't know what else I can say, but he's doing a good job."
That he is indeed, and the Aggies are benefiting from it.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
