Redshirt Freshmen You Need to Know for 2016 College Football Season
Redshirt freshmen will dot the college football landscape in 2016, hoping to make a considerable impact after spending one season learning on the sideline.
Some players were trapped on a full depth chart, while others encountered injury problems or simply needed to develop.
At Ohio State, the upcoming campaign is the year of the redshirt freshman. Elsewhere, second-year talents are stepping into vacated roles—openings often left by longtime starters.
Broken down by positional unit, the list features 21 players who should become weekly contributors, perhaps even stars. Don't be surprised when your hear these names in the fall.
Quarterbacks
1 of 7
Blake Barnett | Alabama
Alabama's quarterback competition will be decided in fall camp. Blake Barnett is among the contenders, along with Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell.
If head coach Nick Saban's trend of tabbing a veteran to open the season continues, Barnett won't initially win the job. However, the 5-star will remain in the conversation and have support from a vocal fanbase.
At some point, Barnett will get a shot. He must take advantage whenever that happens.
Deondre Francois | Florida State
An ankle injury didn't cost Sean Maguire the title of "No. 1." Jimbo Fisher said the returning starter is the man to beat, according to Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel.
Deondre Francois could do exactly that.
The No. 3 pro-style quarterback in 2015, Francois threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns during the spring game. But he also tossed a couple interceptions and lost a fumble.
Young players often present larger upside than veterans. But as in Francois' case, youth is a bigger risk, too. Fisher faces an intriguing decision in August.
Running Backs
2 of 7
Johnny Frasier | North Carolina State
Matt Dayes is the clear starter, but Johnny Frasier will be a factor.
A top-100 recruit, Frasier earned the offense's Scout Team Player of the Year last season. Then, during the spring game, he ran for 62 yards and scored twice.
"He's going to be a really good back," head coach Dave Doeren said, per Joe Giglio of the News & Observer. "He really is."
Frasier—who is listed at 5'10" and 224 pounds—could be a short-yardage terror, particularly in the red zone.
Mike Weber | Ohio State
Nobody is going to fill the Ezekiel Elliott-sized hole at Ohio State. His combination of power, speed, elusiveness and blocking ability was unmatched in college football.
But the Buckeyes have a great replacement in Mike Weber.
Although he must officially win the competition over Bri'onte Dunn, the 5'10", 215-pound Weber will likely lead the backfield and contend for freshman All-American honors.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
3 of 7
Torrance Gibson | Ohio State
Ohio State essentially lost its entire receiving corps. It's good to have someone like Torrance Gibson waiting to play.
Though he was recruited as a quarterback, Gibson has always projected better on the outside. The 6'4" target possesses an excellent catch radius and great speed.
Gibson snagged six passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game, and he'll be a regular presence this fall.
Van Jefferson | Ole Miss
The son of former NFL receiver Shawn, Van Jefferson is poised for a breakout season at Ole Miss.
"Van is wired a little differently," head coach Hugh Freeze said, per Dave Bevan of 247Sports. "He really understands what to do with the time that he has to work."
Even if Jefferson doesn't earn a start in the regular-season opener, he'll be a regular target for Chad Kelly. By season's end, however, Jefferson should occupy a No. 1 role.
Blake Lynch | Baylor
Questions surround the program. More changes could be in store, but for now, we'll work under the belief Kendal Briles will coordinate the Seth Russell-led Baylor offense in 2016.
Blake Lynch, a speedy 4-star, should be a problem for safeties. On the post-spring depth chart, Lynch was listed as a co-starter at inside receiver.
So, yes, the 6'3" Lynch will be matched up against smaller defenders in an offense designed to get playmakers the ball quickly. Fans should get accustomed to hearing Lynch's name.
Carlos Strickland | Cal
The top six receivers from Cal's 2015 team departed. If that's not a perfect scenario for Carlos Strickland, what is?
A hip issue and torn left PCL prevented the 4-star from suiting up last season. But now, Strickland said he's healthy, according to Ryan Gorcey of Scout.
Graduate transfer Davis Webb is an ideal fit for the offense, which had six receivers with at least 40 catches in 2015. Strickland certainly can fill one of those spots.
Daniel Imatorbhebhe | USC
After enrolling early at Florida, Daniel Imatorbhebhe decided Gainesville wasn't for him. The 3-star then transferred to USC.
Imatorbhebhe sat out the required season, and he's settled into Clay Helton's offense out west.
"I feel super comfortable, and I'm getting more and more comfortable every day," he said, per Ryan Abraham of Scout. "I'm not where I want to be, but I see myself progressing to get there so it's all good."
Imatorbhebhe is likely the best pass-catching option at a deep position, so he could become a situational standout.
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Offensive Linemen
4 of 7
Madison Akamnonu | Texas Tech
A 6'5", 294-pounder, Madison Akamnonu entered the spring with high expectations and emerged as a starter—just at a different position than expected.
Texas Tech initially tried him at right tackle but shifted the 4-star to left guard, per Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Fellow redshirt freshman Terence Steele was also a post-spring starter.
Tristen Hoge | Notre Dame
Go ahead and put an asterisk next to Tristen Hoge, but don't forget about Notre Dame's reserve lineman.
Sam Mustipher seemed to lock up the starting nod at center, and Hunter Bivin settled in at right guard while Colin McGovern chased. Hoge was—and technically is—an option at both spots.
If any player gets injured, though, a shuffle up front should result in Hoge entering the lineup.
Drew Richmond | Tennessee
Tennessee needs to replace Kyler Kerbyson, a two-year starter at left tackle. Drew Richmond has emerged as the leader.
"He's making calls and he's playing faster, and he's really starting to make the progress we've been hoping for," position coach Don Mahoney said, per Ryan Callahan of 247Sports.
Defensive Linemen
5 of 7
Jamario Bell | Arkansas
Following a redshirt season in 2015, Jamario Bell dealt with a one-week academic suspension. The 4-star is immensely talented, but he presents a good bit of risk, too.
Eric Bolin of the Arkansas News Bureau notes head coach Bret Bielema said Bell could be "one of the greatest achievements or greatest underachievements in my coaching career."
Per Otis Kirk of 247Sports, the Razorbacks moved Bell to tight end late in spring practice. But Kirk adds the staff tried Bell at linebacker before shifting him back to D-end.
We'll stick to the belief Bell will contribute on a talented Arkansas defensive line, but he might stay on offense. Either way, remember Bell's name next season.
Clelin Ferrell | Clemson
Gone are Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd, but Clelin Ferrell is among the players vying to replace that production.
A 4-star recruit, he redshirted because of a wrist injury. However, per Aaron Brenner of the Post and Courier, Ferrell has already pulled ahead for the starting job at weak-side defensive end.
According to Brenner, teammate Carlos Wilkins said, "I like Clelin, man. It felt like they had him in a cage last year. The guy's a technician. He's got a good football IQ."
Keisean Lucier-South | UCLA
Though he's listed as a linebacker, Keisean Lucier-South practiced with the defensive line during the spring. But that means the 215-pounder needs to put on weight.
How will the 5-star accomplish that? "A lot of protein. I eat a lot of steak. A lot of steak," he said, per David Woods of Scout. "My plan is to eat a lot of breakfast, a lot of hash browns."
As long as Lucier-South fills out his 6'4" frame and stays in suitable physical condition—and there's no concern that will happen—he'll be a useful weapon alongside Eddie Vanderdoes.
Linebackers
6 of 7Ricky DeBerry | Oklahoma
Oklahoma is stacked with talent on defense, but outside linebacker is a notable question mark.
Ricky DeBerry needs to help replace Eric Striker and Devante Bond, who combined for 110 tackles and 10.5 sacks last season.
Following a redshirt season, DeBerry is a near-lock to start and certain to occupy a major role.
Justin Hilliard | Ohio State
A 5-star from Cincinnati, Justin Hilliard battled injury issues during the 2015 campaign as well as 2016 spring practice. That hasn't softened the expectations on Hilliard.
"We are counting on him and we expect some great things from him," defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said, according to Steve Helwagen of 247Sports.
He'll serve as Dante Booker's backup at outside linebacker, but Hilliard should receive plenty of snaps this year.
Leo Lewis | Mississippi State
Normally, the nation's top-rated linebacker doesn't request a redshirt. Consider Leo Lewis an exception.
“I was really just being lazy. Senioritis had gotten to me," he said, per Michael Bonner of the Clarion-Ledger. "When I got here, we work so hard here, I just had to kick it into another gear and just make the most out of my opportunity."
Lewis—who notched seven tackles and an interception during the spring game—can play both inside and outside linebacker, and that versatility will result in significant playing time.
Secondary
7 of 7
Shaun Crawford | Notre Dame
Knee injuries were a common sight in South Bend, Indiana, last season. Shaun Crawford (torn right ACL) was a part of the unfortunate group.
The most disappointing part, though, was the 4-star had lined up a starting job at nickelback. Instead, Crawford watched the nation's No. 26 pass defense from the sideline.
In 2016, Crawford can rotate between outside cornerback and nickel to best fit Notre Dame's game plan.
Kendell Sheffield and Deionte Thompson | Alabama
Alabama's secondary is absolutely loaded, so much so that 5-star Kendell Sheffield and 4-star Deionte Thompson are backups.
But they'll play. Charlie Potter of 247Sports notes longtime starter Cyrus Jones said "the sky is the limit" for Sheffield. Thompson has settled in at safety after moving to wide receiver last season.
The Crimson Tide have no worries in the defensive backfield.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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