College Football Freshman Battles We Can't Wait to See in 2015
A litany of talented freshmen are entering the college football ranks in 2015.
Many of these athletes will go head-to-head against each other at some point—due to both conference affiliation and bowl games.
This piece will look at the best potential freshman battles in 2015. In essence, it will pit a player at one position against another freshman he figures to compete against on the opposing side of the ball.
Now, we must preface it by saying depth charts are fluid. This is merely speculation—and not necessarily a concrete depiction of what's to come.
While there are many exciting battles on the horizon, we will look at five—with one in each of the five power conferences.
DB Tarvarus McFadden vs. WR Deon Cain
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The battle between wide receiver Deon Cain and defensive back Tarvarus McFadden figures to ensue for at least the next three years.
They are Rivals.com 5-star prospects who signed with rival ACC schools (Cain at Clemson, McFadden at Florida State).
The depth charts open up nicely for both—and it would be a surprise not to see Cain and McFadden in their respective two-deep depth charts come August.
McFadden will compete with a host of Seminoles for the vacant starting spot opposite Jalen Ramsey. Cain will likely see time at a host of positions—namely behind Artavis Scott and Charone Peake.
Both are too talented not to play right away. With Cain and McFadden projected as second-string players initially, don't be surprised if they face off with each other in obvious passing situations in 2015.
DE CeCe Jefferson vs. OT Drew Richmond
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The addition of elite defensive end CeCe Jefferson gives Florida a much-needed boost of speed and athleticism off the edge. In many respects, he's the quintessential SEC edge-rusher.
In order to combat such a problem, one needs an exceptional tackle prospect. This is where Tennessee signee Drew Richmond comes into the mix.
The mammoth tackle out of Memphis figures to impact the Volunteers' depth chart right away. It wouldn't be a complete shock to see him start at right tackle as a true freshman.
New Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins figures to get creative when it comes to utilizing Jefferson. While he may not start, Jefferson will likely be on the field on third-down situations—where he can get after the passer.
With Richmond and Jefferson both competing in the SEC East, expect them to battle against each other for the foreseeable future.
QB Josh Rosen vs. LB Porter Gustin
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The crosstown battle between UCLA and Southern Cal will feature two impressive freshmen in quarterback Josh Rosen and linebacker Porter Gustin.
Conventional wisdom suggests Rosen will get the starting nod as the quarterback for the Bruins in 2015. He's been impressive in spring practice and will be buoyed by a veteran UCLA offense—led by the likes of Paul Perkins and Jordan Payton.
Gustin comes to Southern Cal from the state of Utah. Possessing exceptional physical ability, he seems like a lock to see extensive time on the defensive side of the ball. He'll start out as a linebacker but could develop down the line into a defensive end.
Both are capable of performing well right away. With the lack of depth on the Trojans defense, Gustin should carve out a nice niche for himself as a true freshman. In some aspects, he's quite similar to former USC linebacker Brian Cushing.
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WR Brian Cole vs. DB Eric Glover-Williams
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Could we really speak about the Big Ten Conference without mentioning the rivalry between (the) Ohio State and Michigan?
The next installment will come in the form of Michigan slot receiver Brian Cole vs. Ohio State defensive back Eric Glover-Williams.
Glover-Williams probably won't start as a true freshman. His size (5'11", 165 lbs) indicates he'll have to get physically bigger and stronger to withstand the rigors of a full season.
With that said, he is a dynamic athlete who plays much taller than he is and can scrap with the best of them. He could function as the perfect nickelback early in his career. If one wants a comparison, look no further than former Ohio State great Antoine Winfield.
Cole has been a standout thus far for the Wolverines in spring practice, according to Kyle Bogenschutz of Scout.com. With a dearth of quality receiving options on the roster, there's no question he can make his presence known as a true freshman.
Glover-Williams will likely start out defending versus slot receivers. Cole is slated to play as a slot receiver.
This seems like a great matchup in the making.
LB Malik Jefferson vs. RB Rodney Anderson and Joe Mixon
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Freshman linebacker Malik Jefferson already appears to be a fixture within the Texas defense. He should (barring injury) have a productive first-year campaign.
Samaje Perine is Oklahoma's unquestioned starting running back. Behind Perine is incoming freshman Rodney Anderson. According to Jason Kersey of NewsOK.com, the youngster has been impressive.
Joe Mixon was a top recruit out of California a season ago. With his legal problems now behind him, he should be an impactful player in '15.
With the quarterback position being unsettled, Oklahoma will likely rely upon a strong rushing attack. While Perine will get the bulk of the carries, the addition of Mixon and Anderson enables the Sooners to rest Perine when need be.
As a result, Jefferson should get plenty of opportunities versus the talented OU backfield on Oct. 10 in the Cotton Bowl.
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