Freshman Power Rankings of the Week: Top 5

If you can believe it, we're approaching one month into the college football season. 

And the B/R freshman power rankings are chugging along, like a train of high ceilings, raw talent and untapped potential. 

The freshmen on this list didn't technically have to start—as in, they didn't have to be the first player on the field at their respective position—but they did have to play at least a complementary or rotational role with at least one recordable stat. 

These rankings are also subject to change from week to week depending on who shines. 

So which freshmen stood out in Week 3? Which ones had the most jaw-dropping highlights? Which ones underwhelmed? The answers are in the list below.

Name	School	Position	Stats (year)
1. Armani Watts	Texas A&M	Defensive Back	20 tackles, 3 pass break-ups, 1 interception
2. K.D. Cannon	Baylor	Wide Receiver	14 receptions, 471 yards, 5 touchdowns
3. Myles Garrett	Texas A&M	Defensive End	5.5 sacks
4. Samaje Perine	Oklahoma	Running Back	66 carries, 419 yards, 5 touchdowns
5. Anu Solomon	Arizona	Quarterback	1,454 passing yards, 167 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns

The Standout

Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine. With Keith Ford sidelined with an ankle injury, the freshman running back helped the Sooners grind out a 45-33 victory against West Virginia. Perine, unofficially known now as Optimus Perine, carried the ball 34 times for 242 yards and four touchdowns.

Of course, the Sooners did a tremendous job blocking up front, but opposing defenses shouldn't want anything to do with the 5'11", 243-pound freshman. He's a wrecking ball. 

"He's gonna be special," said head coach Bob Stoops of Perine (h/t David Ubben of Fox Sports Southwest). 

Best Highlight

How do you not go with Anu Solomon's 47-yard Hail Mary to Austin Hill in Arizona's wild 49-45 come-from-behind stunner over Cal?

Solomon had a night he may never replicate again with 73 pass attempts for 520 yards and five touchdowns. Considering the Wildcats had to score 36 fourth-quarter points, it's no surprise Solomon had to throw the ball a ton. 

Still, what an incredible play to cap off a wild Week 4. 

Who’s Rising?

Ohio linebacker Quentin Poling. Yeah, this is an off-the-radar pick, and the Bobcats have been so-so at best this year. But Poling is quietly starting to rack up some eye-catching stats. 

The redshirt freshman had three interceptions in 36-24 win over Idaho, returning them for a total of 77 yards. He also leads the team in tackles with 34.  

Poling won't get a lot of publicity because of the team he plays for, so might as well give him a little love while we can. 

Who’s Falling?

Technically, Leonard Fournette led LSU with seven carries for 38 yards in Saturday's 34-29 loss to Mississippi State. He had a long run of 20 yards, but he was otherwise quiet. Then again, LSU was playing from behind. Running the ball isn't really an option there. 

Fournette is churning out a decent enough year with 200 yards through four games, but with SEC play underway, the Tigers have been a so-so rushing team. Fournette is quickly falling out of the spotlight. 

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football.