12 College Football Teams with Best Freshmen Classes from September
Some schools are blessed enough to not have to play freshmen in important spots. Some schools are forced to press their youngsters into action.
Others have the best of both worlds.
No matter how they get on the field, though, freshmen are a mixed bag during their first seasons. In rare cases, they play well and help a good team win football games. More commonly, their callowness gets exposed against bigger, faster, smarter competition.
This list went searching for teams that have relied on freshmen and found the kind who can help. To wit, it is not a simple list of teams getting the most snaps or stats from its first years players.
Vanderbilt, for example, has resolved to play freshman all over the field in an effort to rebuild, and some of them, namely linebacker linebacker Nigel Bowden and running back Ralph Webb, have looked pretty darn good. But they aren't helping a team win games. Tons of teams could chalk up the year as a wash, throw their freshmen into the fire and dig up a gem or two.
That's just not what this list is looking for.
Instead, this list is looking for good teams getting meaningful production from freshmen. And it has to be for more than brief stints. Florida State, for example, had a highly ranked class, and that class gave it a big boost against N.C State in Week 5. But before that, hardly any freshmen had made a tangible impact.
Sound off below and let us know whom we missed.
Note: All recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings
Honorable Mentions
1 of 13
The following five teams came close but ultimately missed the list. Their freshman classes still looks promising, though, so it didn't feel right not to mention them. Here they are, presented with their top four contributors—similar to the presentation of the proper list.
Georgia
- TE Jeb Blazevich
- LB Lorenzo Carter
- RB Nick Chubb
- RB Sony Michel
Kentucky
- WR Dorian Baker
- DT Matt Elam
- OG Nick Haynes*
- WR Garrett Johnson
N.C. State
- LB Jerod Fernandez*
- WR Bo Hines
- DB Josh Jones*
- DB Germaine Pratt
Notre Dame
- DE Grant Blankenship
- DT Daniel Cage
- DB Drue Tranquill
- DE Andrew Trumbetti
Oklahoma
- RB Samaje Perine
- DT Matt Romar*
- CB Jordan Thomas
- WR K.J. Young
Alabama
2 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- OT Cam Robinson
Supporting Cast
- CB Tony Brown
- LB Rashaan Evans
- DE Da'Shawn Hand
The star of Alabama's star-laden class has been left tackle Cam Robinson, the No. 4 overall player and top-ranked offensive lineman in 2014. He has been an anchor on the blind side of quarterback Blake Sims, grading out with a plus-6.1 on Pro Football Focus' game ratings against Florida. No player on the offense (including Amari Cooper) scored higher.
Tony Brown has been thrust into an important role at cornerback, and he's held his own despite not blowing anybody away. Rashaan Evans is the most trusted of Alabama's young pass-rushers, seeing the field often and recording his first career sack against Florida Atlantic. Da'Shawn Hand has played a rotational role.
Arizona
3 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- QB Anu Solomon*
Supporting Cast
- CB Jarvis McCall*
- RB Nick Wilson
- DT Parker Zellers*
Anu Solomon has hit some rough patches—see: 90 percent of the UTSA game—but for the most part he's done everything one could ask of a freshman quarterback. That includes leading Arizona to a 4-0 record through five weeks (and throwing the last-second Hail Mary against Cal to get it there). His 363.5 passing yards per game rank No. 5 in the country, and his QB rating of 154.3 ranks No. 29.
Beside him in the backfield, Nick Wilson has rushed for 482 yards and four touchdowns on 77 carries. He had 104 yards on just seven carries in the season opener against UNLV, then proceeded to rip off consecutive 170-yard games against UTSA and Nevada before coming back to earth with 33 yards on 11 carries against Cal.
On defense, Jarvis McCall is holding his own as a starter at cornerback, and Parker Zellers is providing solid rotational snaps in the middle.
*indicates redshirt freshman
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Baylor
4 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- WR KD Cannon
Supporting Cast
- WR Davion Hall
- RB Johnny Jefferson*
- LB Taylor Young*
The level of competition has been spotty, but the production has been impossible to ignore. Even if it took some ticky-tack injuries to get Baylor's freshmen skill players on the field, that doesn't change how awesome they have been.
KD Cannon had 12 catches for for 412 yards and four touchdowns in two games against Northwestern State and Buffalo, proving his merits as a deep threat before adjusting to an underneath role and catching nine passes for 48 yards in the Big 12 opener against Iowa State.
Fellow freshman receiver Davion Hall has caught 14 passes for 200 yards, although he, unlike Cannon, did not play much when the starters returned against Iowa State. Running back Johnny Jefferson has lived up to the offseason hype, too, rushing for 264 yards and three touchdowns on 54 carries in a change-of-pace role.
On defense, linebacker Taylor Young showed well as a blitzer in the nonconference games but was relegated to the bench against Iowa State. Redshirt defensive back Trayvon Blanchard and defensive end K.J. Smith have also made a case for playing time later in the year.
*indicates redshirt freshman
Clemson
5 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- QB Deshaun Watson
Supporting Cast
- CB Mackensie Alexander*
- OLB Dorian O'Daniel*
- WR Artavis Scott
Dabo Swinney made the right move switching to Deshaun Watson during the Florida State game, and the true freshman quarterback has rewarded him ever since. He couldn't lead the upset in Doak Campbell Stadium, but he looked significantly better than senior Cole Stoudt, the hitherto starting QB. In his first career start against North Carolina, Watson led the Tigers to 50 points and set a school record with six touchdown passes.
One of those touchdown passes went to Artavis Scott, a fellow true freshman who leads the team with 18 catches and three touchdowns and ranks second with 305 yards. "Watson to Scott" is a radio call Clemson fans should get used to hearing—something along the lines of Tajh Boyd to Sammy Watkins.
Cornerback Mackensie Alexander has looked like a future All-American on all but one play—the game-tying touchdown pass from Sean Maguire to Rashad Greene against Florida State. His slip-and-fall technically cost Clemson the game, but Mackensie was a big reason the Seminoles only had 10 points until that play in the first place.
Dorian O'Daniel has done most of his work on special teams.
*indicates redshirt freshman
LSU
6 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- RB Leonard Fournette
Supporting Cast
- DB Jamal Adams
- WR Malachi Dupre/Trey Quinn
- QB Brandon Harris
Leonard Fournette has failed to meet expectations this season, which says more about his expectations than how he's played. The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2014 class has 408 total yards and four touchdowns in four games, but he's padded his stats against lesser competition and struggled against Wisconsin and Mississippi State.
Quarterback Brandon Harris (finally) appears to have won the starting quarterback job from Anthony Jennings, subbing in against New Mexico State and finishing his longest string of action with 214 total yards and five touchdowns. He led the Tigers to a touchdown on all seven of his series and should start each game hereafter.
Malachi Dupre and Trey Quinn have flashed at wide receiver, failing to make a steady impact in large part because of Jennings' struggles. They should do better with Harris at the command.
Jamal Adams has been a tackling machine when he's seen on the field, which should be more often after starting nickelback Dwayne Thomas tore his ACL. He looks to be the next in a long line of great defensive backs at what's quickly become "DB U".
Miami
7 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- QB Brad Kaaya
Supporting Cast
- WR Braxton Berrios
- LB Darrion Owens
- RB Joseph Yearby
Brad Kaaya was shaky in his first start at Louisville, but that can be forgiven. The Cardinals have one of the 20 best defenses in America, and they probably have one of the 30 best home-field advantages to boot. That is a tough first assignment for a true freshman QB.
Since the Louisville game, Kaaya has shown signs of future stardom. He hasn't been perfect, but he's thrown 12 touchdowns and is averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He had 359 yards and three scores against Nebraska in Lincoln—an even tougher road setting than Louisville—and looks to get more comfortable each week.
Around him, running back Joseph Yearby has looked like the second coming of Duke Johnson (the man whom he backs up) and slot receiver Braxton Berrios has made plays whenever he's been called upon. Both should see an even bigger role moving forward, as might offensive tackles KC McDermott and Trevor Darling.
On defense, linebacker Darrion Owens has been the standout of the class, playing his best game of the year (seven tackles) at Nebraska. Jewel-of-the-class Chad Thomas is beginning to threaten for playing time at defensive end but hasn't made a big impact thus far.
Ohio State
8 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- LB Darron Lee*
Supporting Cast
- QB J.T. Barrett*
- LB Raekwon McMillan
- RB Curtis Samuel
Quarterback J.T. Barrett has improved each week since being thrust into the starting lineup for Braxton Miller (shoulder surgery), peaking with 409 total yards and four touchdowns last week against Cincinnati. The way he played against Virginia Tech was enough to keep him from "Alpha Freshman" status, but he's starting to look like a cornerstone.
Along with Barrett, the offense has been bolstered by true freshman Curtis Samuel, a change-of-pace back who also contributes in the passing game. He had 140 total yards and two touchdowns in the 66-0 rout of Kent State and ranks fifth on the team in total yards.
But the real keys to this freshman class have come on defense, where outside linebacker Darron Lee has been blossoming into a star. He's tied with Joey Bosa for the team lead in tackles for loss (4.5) and returned a fumble for a touchdown against Navy in Week 1.
Elsewhere, 5-star inside linebacker Raekwon McMillan played extended snaps against Cincinnati because of his coverage skills, and Eli Apple has been starting at cornerback. The latter has had his share of struggles but appears, for the most part, to have a bright future.
*indicates redshirt freshman
Oregon
9 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- WR Devon Allen*
Supporting Cast
- OT Tyrell Crosby
- RB Royce Freeman
- DB Tyree Robinson*
Devon Allen has been Oregon's patented home run threat this season. He has translated his track speed to football speed—something that is easier said than done—and leads the team with 299 receiving yards and five touchdowns on only 14 catches. His two receptions of 70-plus yards are tied for the national lead.
Royce Freeman has become the closer in the backfield, a role he inhabited well with two late touchdown runs against Michigan State. He leads the Ducks with 48 carries, 261 yards and five touchdowns, and his quick learning curve has allowed Byron Marshall to move into the slot (into De'Anthony Thomas' old role) and catch a team-leading 18 passes.
Tyree Robinson has been a mixed bag as a backup safety, and Tyrell Crosby has been a mixed bag since injuries have forced him into the starting lineup at both tackle spots. Both have had their moments, though, and should continue to improve with added reps.
*indicates redshirt freshman
Tennessee
10 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- RB Jalen Hurd
Supporting Cast
- DE Derek Barnett
- WR Josh Malone
- DB Todd Kelly Jr.
Much ado was made about Tennessee's 32-signee recruiting class, and thus far the group has done nothing to disappoint.
Jalen Hurd leads the offense with 387 yards from scrimmage, and he just had a career day with 119 rushing yards at Georgia. Jashon Robertson has done a pretty good job as one of his starting guards, and receiver Josh Malone and tight end Ethan Wolf combined to catch 10 passes for 112 yards against the Bulldogs in Week 5.
Defensively, the Vols have once again called on quick contributions from their youngsters, and for the most part those youngsters have answered the call. Defensive end Derek Barnett has recorded a tackle for loss in three consecutive games, and safety Todd Kelly Jr. made four tackles and recorded his first interception against Georgia.
The entire defensive two-deep is littered with freshmen.
Texas A&M
11 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- DE Myles Garrett
Supporting Cast
- WR Speedy Noil
- WR Ricky Seals-Jones*
- DB Armani Watts
Myles Garrett is the early choice for Freshman of the Year. The No. 2 overall player and top-ranked defender in the 2014 class ranks fifth in the country with five sacks, and Pro Football Focus graded him higher than any other player on the field against Arkansas.
On the back end of Texas A&M's defense, safety Armani Watts has become a solid starter, starring in the Week 1 win over South Carolina with two pass breakups and an interception. He defended the run poorly against Arkansas in Week 5, but he has shown enough promise as a tackler to forgive that (for the time being).
On offense, Ricky Seals-Jones has shown no ill-effects from last year's ACL tear, and Speedy Noil has been tough to guard underneath. Both have struggled with injuries, but if they can stay on the field, they are probably the best pair of freshman receivers in the country.
(Sorry, Baylor and Virginia Tech fans.)
*indicates redshirt freshman
USC
12 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- CB Adoree' Jackson
Supporting Cast
- CB Chris Hawkins*
- OG Damien Mama/Toa Lobendahn
- WR Juju Smith
Adoree' Jackson caught four passes for 36 yards and a touchdown against Fresno State in the season opener, and he's been even better since making the switch back to cornerback, his projected position when he was rated a 5-star athlete in the 2014 class.
Another 5-star athlete from that class, JuJu Smith, has remained on offense and ranks second on the team with 183 receiving yards. He and both starting offensive guards, Damien Mama and Toa Lobendahn, give this offense a core of true freshman to build around.
Defensively, redshirt freshman Chris Hawkins has fared well as a starting cornerback. Jackson also got the start against Oregon State and tipped a Sean Mannion pass that became an interception.
"It's definitely something I want to hold on to," Jackson said of being in the starting lineup, per Rahshaun Haylock of FoxSports.com. "I don't want to just go out there and start and then slack off (and) get complacent. I'm still going to go out there hungry and just act like I'm not full and just keep eating."
*indicates redshirt freshman
Virginia Tech
13 of 13
Alpha Freshman
- WR Isaiah Ford
Supporting Cast
- TE Bucky Hodges*
- WR Cam Phillips
- RB Marshawn Williams
Last year, Virginia Tech won with defensive freshmen such as Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson making an impact.
This year, it has looked to the other side of the ball.
Isaiah Ford is tied for the team lead in catches (24) and leads alone in receiving yards (294) and touchdowns (4). Bucky Hodges and Cam Phillips are tied for third on the team in catches (15) and are third and fourth, respectively, in receiving yards behind senior Willie Byrn. Neither player is more than five yards behind Byrn.
Running back Marshawn Williams leads the team with 64 carries and 286 rushing yards, adding a pair of touchdowns to boot. The Hokies' other star running back, Shai McKenzie, is a fellow true freshman, but he tore his ACL against Georgia Tech and is out for the season.
"Shai had been the most effective ball-carrier for the Hokies this season," wrote Joe Lanza of The Key Play. But the difference between him and Williams is negligible. This offense will continue its reliance on true freshman playmakers to get going.
*indicates redshirt freshman
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
