Ranking the Top 25 Freshmen Heading into the 2016 College Football Season
The 2016 college football season will shove a variety of young talents into the spotlight, but many freshmen appear ready to handle the attention.
All around the country, touted prospects will make their collegiate debuts. Some may hold starting positions, while others will be top backups with the potential of increasing those roles.
Not every freshman is ready to contribute right away, though. Consequently, players who took a redshirt in 2015 were considered for the list, and several made the cut.
Factors used to determine the order were projected role, immediate upside and recruiting ranking.
25. Michael Jordan, Ohio State
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Redshirt freshmen will be integral parts of Ohio State's 2016 campaign, but one first-year player is already on track to start.
"Michael Jordan for sure is playing," head coach Urban Meyer said, per Steve Helwagen of 247Sports. "That's done."
A 4-star offensive lineman, the 6'7", 310-pounder is expected to be the Buckeyes' left guard. Jordan was the second freshman to have the black stripe on his helmet removed.
Jordan will probably be the only true freshman starter, though wide receiver Austin Mack may find a spot in the rotation.
24 and 23. Texas Connection
2 of 23Youth is a common theme on the Texas offense this season. In addition to returning underclassmen, the Longhorns are likely to start true freshmen at quarterback and wide receiver.
Shane Buechele broke out during spring practice, capping his first session on campus with a brilliant scrimmage. According to Mike Finger of the Houston Chronicle, Buechele is still the favorite to win the competition over Tyrone Swoopes.
And the 4-star will need a target besides John Burt. Collin Johnson—a 6'6" wideout—has consistently taken first-team snaps since enrolling early. Texas has a three-year connection developing.
Wide receiver Devin Duvernay and center Zach Shackelford are also expected to hold significant roles for the Longhorns.
22. Devwah Whaley, Arkansas
3 of 23Alex Collins bolted for the NFL, and Jonathan Williams elected to leave despite missing the 2015 season because of injury. Arkansas might turn to Devwah Whaley at running back.
The 4-star has already demanded some attention, scampering for a team-best 96 yards in a recent scrimmage. Per Tom Murphy of the Democrat Gazette, Bret Bielema praised Whaley.
"He's looked good all camp, some nice reads and nice cuts, but today you saw that gear that I saw in high school film," Bielema said. "He definitely showed a burst today that hadn't been seen in practice, and I think he turned some guys' heads."
Whaley will initially share carries with Rawleigh Williams III and perhaps Kody Walker, but the starting job is there for the taking.
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21. Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
4 of 23Freshman defenders typically earn playing time in two ways: Either they have an elite skill, or their skill set matches multiple needs. Trayvon Mullen fits the latter category.
"I love that guy," head coach Dabo Swinney said, according to David Hood of TigerNet. "We are trying to find the best place for him—do we use him as a nickel or dime guy, or use him some at safety, or do we throw him in at corner."
Clemson lost three starters in the secondary, and Adrian Baker tore an ACL in spring practice, so the opportunity is obvious.
Mark Fields and Marcus Edmond are Mullen's primary competition. At worst, he'll see regular snaps in sub-packages.
20. Donnie Corley, Michigan State
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Hype can be a dangerous thing, but the Donnie Corley train is storming down the tracks and doesn't have any brakes.
Michigan State needs to replace Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr., especially since the duo accounted for a majority of the team's pass-catching production last year. The Spartans will rely on new talent, and Corley headlines that group.
"He is playing faster, earlier, than most freshmen would be coming into a college offense," receivers coach Terrance Samuel said, according to Kyle Austin of MLive.
The speedster could also be the starting punt returner. If the hype is correct, Corley will be a recognizable name after 2016.
19 and 18. Auburn D-Line Duo
6 of 23Coaches utilize a variety of motivational techniques for highly recruited players because the staff wants the freshmen to earn everything and not get handed anything.
Sometimes, it's difficult not to gush about them.
"I will say this, we have a long way to go, and he's young, but Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, to have two guys like that in the same class is rare," defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said, per Tom Green of AL.com. "That's just a fact. I could tell you otherwise, and I could try to sugarcoat it and try to mask it—they're not this, we've got a long way—the truth is they're pretty talented."
Although Brown and Davidson probably won't start, it's becoming obvious the duo will factor into Auburn's rotation up front.
17. McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
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The Arkansas defensive line is stocked with talent, but McTelvin Agim should force his way onto the field this year.
The 5-star enrolled early and immediately started rising up the depth chart. Entering fall camp, Agim is a steady second-stringer.
"He has picked up on a lot of those [fundamentals], and it has carried over," position coach Rory Segrest said, according to Otis Kirk of 247Sports. "He still has a ways to go, but he's making progress."
Agim will have a notable role in the season opener. He might be a starter by the end of the season.
16. Drew Richmond, Tennessee
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Every freshman wants to help his program immediately. For some such as Drew Richmond, though, that means taking a redshirt.
One year after arriving in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the nation's third-best tackle prospect, the 4-star is poised to showcase his development—and not simply as a physical specimen.
"He's always been talented, but the mental part of the game has really helped him out," teammate Kyle Phillips said, per Ryan Callahan of 247Sports. "I think redshirting last year was probably the best thing for him. Even if he wasn't a big fan of it, I think he's going to see the benefit of it later."
Richmond needs to fend off Brent Kendrick for the starting job, but the 6'5", 301-pounder should be Tennessee's left tackle.
15. Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
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Miami desperately needed a couple of linebackers to emerge in the spring, and Shaquille Quarterman answered the call.
"Shaq just has that alpha male thing, like all the little dogs follow the one guy. He's got that," defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said, according to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post.
Quarterman—a 6'1", 240-pounder who amassed 412 total tackles in high school—is on track to start at middle linebacker.
Fellow freshmen Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney are also important pieces for the 'Canes, but Quarterman will be the linchpin of an attack-minded defense.
14. Oluwole Betiku, USC
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Oluwole Betiku fits the definition of "raw talent." He only played two years of organized football yet still earned a 5-star billing.
Listed at 6'3" and 250 pounds, Betiku doesn't lack the necessary size. Although the USC staff needs to refine several aspects of his game, Betiku's potential is undeniable.
"Looks like a 26-year-old," head coach Clay Helton said of Betiku, per Zach Helfand of the Los Angeles Times. "Thank God he had a spring. The progression from him from the 15 practices in spring to now is light-years. He's not a finished product, nowhere near, but his upside is tremendous."
Since the Trojans have a thin defensive line because of injuries and departures, Betiku will likely be on the field early.
13. Isaac Nauta, Georgia
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Jeb Blazevich is likely Georgia's starting tight end, but the offense should feature plenty of Isaac Nauta, too.
The top-rated prospect at his position, Nauta caught six passes for 58 yards and a touchdown during the spring game. Considering Blazevich managed 15 receptions, 144 yards and one score throughout the 2015 season, the hype surrounding Nauta is building.
While first-year coach Kirby Smart has consistently tried to temper expectations, he recently commended Nauta for his summer work, according to Jake Rowe of 247Sports.
Soon enough, Nauta will have a chance to impress on the field.
12. Demetris Robertson, Cal
12 of 23In 2015, Cal boasted a deep, versatile and reliable pass-catching corps and an NFL-bound quarterback. However, all six players with 40-plus receptions and Jared Goff are no longer on the roster.
Graduate transfer Davis Webb filled Goff's void, so the Golden Bears now turn their attention outside—and to Demetris Robertson.
Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle noted Robertson is sharing first-string reps. It's an expected yet still promising development for the 5-star and No. 14 overall prospect.
Robertson has both the potential and opportunity to lead all freshmen in a couple of major receiving categories.
11. Nick Bosa, Ohio State
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Nick Bosa is still recovering from an ACL injury, so Ohio State is limiting the 5-star during fall camp. Still, the Buckeyes coaching staff is eager to utilize a healthy Bosa.
"Can't wait," Urban Meyer said, per Ari Wasserman of Cleveland.com. "Larry Johnson is the one that I have got to calm down."
Johnson, the defensive line coach, said "he never has had a true freshman" like the 6'4", 265-pound Bosa, according to Tom Dienhart of the Big Ten Network.
If he's healthy, Bosa could earn a major role in the trenches. Otherwise, he'll be a regular contributor on a revamped line.
10. Greg Little, Ole Miss
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Laremy Tunsil only needed four games as a freshman before he ascended the depth chart at left tackle. Ole Miss fans are hoping 5-star Greg Little can follow a similar path.
However, the Rebels won't rush him into the starting lineup.
"We do think he's a really good future left tackle," head coach Hugh Freeze said, per Daniel Paulling of the Clarion-Ledger. "When that takes place is hard to say."
Barring a dramatic change, Little will be a rotational piece to open the season. And if he's a reliable blocker, Ole Miss may have no choice but to steadily increase Little's role in 2016.
9. Rashard Lawrence, LSU
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Although LSU has terrific depth on the defensive line, injuries—such as Christian LaCouture being out for the season—still sting. Fortunately, the Tigers have Rashard Lawrence.
Listed at 6'3" and 301 pounds, the 5-star possesses the physical gifts. Now, it's a matter of earning his place.
Ross Dellenger of the Advocate noted head coach Les Miles expects Lawrence to play. He'll compete with Travonte Valentine and Edwin Alexander for snaps behind Greg Gilmore.
8. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
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In many schemes, the primary job of a defensive tackle is to clog the trenches, attract double-teams and free teammates for big plays. Anything extra is a bonus.
Dexter Lawrence is a 6'5", 340-pound monster who demands attention, but he also provides quickness that defensive coordinator Brent Venables said isn't normal for someone his size.
"Man, he is such a wonderful, young guy that likes to practice, likes to be coached hard, and never gets his lip stuck out," Venables said, according to Tony Crumpton of TigerNet. "He knows how to compete. He's very talented, ultra-talented in both his technique and his toughness and then his skill and mobility. He's pretty special."
Lawrence will probably begin his career as a backup, but he'll soon be a fixture on the Clemson defensive line.
7. Mike Weber, Ohio State
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Mike Weber arrived in Columbus, Ohio, as a 4-star talent, but that didn't much matter because Ezekiel Elliott rarely left the field.
One year later, Weber is a redshirt freshman with a greater understanding of the Ohio State offense.
"Last year I was kind of running around with my head cut off. I didn't know too much," he said, per Marcus Hartman of the Daily Dayton News. "I just knew to get the ball and run. ... Now this year I know what's going on, know the plays well, know my approach, know how to handle things differently, and it should be a fun year."
Weber will be the starting running back for the Buckeyes in 2016.
6. Levonta Taylor, Florida State
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The returning players in the Florida State secondary compose what should be an excellent unit, but Levonta Taylor will crack the rotation. Put simply, he's too good to not play.
"He's doing amazing things, really," teammate Derrick Nnadi said, according to Brendan Sonnone of 247Sports. "It's amazing how fast he's picked up to it. He's done a really great job."
In addition to practicing on defense, Taylor is working on kickoff coverage and is a leading contender to return punts. It's fair to assume the 5-star will add special teams to his resume as a freshman.
Taylor has the makings of a special player.
5. Jacob Eason, Georgia
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"In a perfect world, we should not be starting a freshman," Smart said on WCNN, per Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.
But that doesn't mean Jacob Eason isn't the best option. The 5-star quarterback is pushing incumbent starter Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.
Eason—who Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee considers the top freshman to watch—enrolled in January and dominated the spring game. By no means is that an indication of future success, but the performance didn't quiet Eason supporters.
There's no doubt Eason is the quarterback of the future. Will the coaching staff agree the future starts now?
4. Ed Oliver, Houston
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When a "Group of Five" school signs a 4-star prospect, you pay attention. When a 5-star chooses a non-power program, jaws may drop.
Tom Herman reeled in Ed Oliver, a local defensive lineman who earned a No. 6 overall ranking in the 2016 class. He and safety Collin Wilder have already lost the blue stripe on their helmets. Herman explained why, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle:
"They're not always right, and in fact, most of the time they're wrong. They don't know if the ball is pumped or stuffed, left or right, if there is a back in the backfield or if it's empty, and we don't care. Just run and hit on defense. That's all you have to do. Ever since we put the pads on that's what they have been doing.
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A 6'2", 290-pounder, Oliver can contribute at any spot on the defensive line. Rest assured, he'll do exactly that this season.
3. Blake Barnett, Alabama
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For the third straight offseason, Alabama has a stacked roster but no clear starter at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Blake Barnett is trying to earn that title.
"He has a very, very special skill set," offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said, according to Tony Tsoukalas of the Ledger-Enquirer.
The 5-star is currently battling Cooper Bateman—and to some degree true freshman Jalen Hurts—for the No. 1 role. And if previous seasons are any indication, the competition won't have a resolution at least until after the season opener.
Barnett might not begin the campaign as the starter, but there's a strong chance he's leading the Crimson Tide toward an SEC championship come November.
2. Deondre Francois, Florida State
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Florida State had an intriguing quarterback competition between a respected veteran and a promising redshirt freshman. Well, it lasted all of one week.
Sean Maguire injured his right ankle and will be sidelined for at least four weeks. Deondre Francois is now the starter.
"Deondre has done a great job mentally of approaching the game in practice the right way, allowing himself to be coached, but he prepares himself," head coach Jimbo Fisher said, per the Orlando Sentinel. "He learns well. Physically, he can make all the throws."
Francois' first test will be a prime-time showdown against a Top 15 Ole Miss team on Labor Day night.
1. Rashan Gary, Michigan
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The unanimous No. 1 overall prospect in 2016, Rashan Gary hasn't wasted time impressing the Michigan staff.
"I don't care if a guy's a freshman or a fifth-year senior, best players play," defensive line coach Greg Mattison said, according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. "So he's going to have the opportunity to show his ability."
Mattison added Gary will play strong-side defensive end, which means he'll serve as Chris Wormley's backup. In other words, the Wolverines will rotate between a potential first-round NFL draft pick and the nation's top recruit.
The starting lineup won't include his name in 2016, but Gary will be a featured player on what is arguably the nation's best defense.
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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