The Future's Looking Bright: Top 10 Offensive Freshmen Of 2008

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

Playing with the ACC's most dominant team for the last several years, Darren Evans exploded onto the scene with 1,265 yards with 11 touchdowns in 287 attempts. He was the Orange Bowl MVP in the victory over Cincinnati with 153 yards and a 5.5 carrying average.

After many wrote them off last year after an upset loss to ECU, Beamer, in perhaps his greatest feat as a college coach, regrouped his team and they went on to win the ACC behind Tyrod Taylor, and of course, Darren Evans.

3. Terelle Pryor QB Ohio State

Replacing Todd Boeckman after the USC game, Pryor began to wow people with elusiveness and his running ability, and in his first start threw for 4 TD's. At 6-6 and 235, he already looks like a man among boys out on the field. He had 1,311 yards passing with 12 touchdows and only four interceptions to go with 631 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns in that category.

In his first full year at starter this coming year, Pryor can only improve and his presence makes Ohio State a favorite for the Big 10

2. Robert Griffin QB Baylor

A freak of an athlete, he doesn't fit the mold of the typical running QB. To go along with some amazing wheels, the kid can flat out throw. He broke the freshman record for passing attempts without an interception, had 2,091 yards passing, with 17 touchdown passes, and only 3 interceptions to go along with 846 yards rushing, and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

The hopes of Bear nation are all pinned on this kid, as he gears up for round two. Nobody will be sleeping on the Bears this season, but many expect the to get to their first Bowl game since 1994, and so do I.

1. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Flying way under the radar coming into the '08 season, was Moore. Moore almost led Boise St. to an 11-1 season with a stellar 3,486 yards passing and 25 touchdowns. They almost busted the BCS last season, but unfortunately for them, Utah took those honors.

One of the few favorites to crack the BCS this year is Boise State, much in part thanks to Moore, who I expect to build upon last years success.