2011 Bowl Predictions: 10 Freshmen to Watch This Bowl Season

College football bowl season is here and this is a time to enjoy the success of all the bowl teams. It's also a chance to watch the players that you haven't had the chance to or just haven't heard about before.

There are a ton of great football players out there, but the freshmen are always he most interesting to watch. It's always nice to know who the future of college football is. We already know who the upperclassman are, as they get majority of the shine.

With the bowl season about to kick off in just days, here are 10 freshman you should take the time to watch.

Ohio State QB Braxton Miller

Bowl Game: TaxSlayer.com Bowl vs. Florida

This will be the last time we see a sub-par Braxton Miller, as he has struggled to find himself this year. He has a ton of athletic ability and once he's in the spread offense, he'll thrive. He still finished the year with 18 total touchdowns and nearly 700 rushing yards.

His passing game may be mediocre at best, but he is very fun to watch and makes big plays when it counts.

Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater

Bowl Game: Belk Bowl vs. North Carolina State

If you didn't have a reason to watch the Belk Bowl, Bridgewater is one of them. He is still extremely raw and needs to work on things, but he can develop into a solid quarterback. He has a very strong arm and buys himself more time in the pocket with his athletic ability.

He threw for over 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Bridgewater is an underrated player with a lot of upside.

North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard

Bowl Game: Independence Bowl vs. Missouri

Bernard has been a very consistent player for the Tar Heels, as he's rushed for over 100 yards in seven games this year. He's not a very fast or flashy back, but he fights for every yard and waits for his blocks to set up. He's also a decent receiver, with 39 catches this year for 326 yards.

Against a tough Missouri rush defense, this game will be a test for him. He will get every opportunity to succeed.

Georgia RB Isaiah Crowell

Bowl Game: Outback Bowl vs. Michigan State

Crowell didn't fulfill his potential this season, as the expectations were extremely high coming in. It may take some time to find his niche, but the kid is extremely talented. He is also very fast and versatile.

He finished the season with 847 yards and six total touchdowns.

Against a great defense like the Spartans, it's important for him to have a big game.

Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell

Bowl Game: Outback Bowl vs. Michigan State

Another Georgia freshman that just has a ton of talent, Mitchell has the ability to be one of the top wide receivers in the SEC. He is a big receiver with big-play and game-changing ability.

Despite missing three games this season, he finished with 38 catches for 614 yards and four touchdowns.

With the Bulldogs having a bad case of the drops lately, it's important for him to get off to a fast start.

Texas RB Malcolm Brown

Bowl Game: Holiday Bowl vs. California

Malcolm Brown is going to be extremely good and has a possible Heisman trophy in his future. If you haven't had the chance to watch this kid play this year, this is your chance.

He is a back that has a great combination of speed and power and doesn't do a lot of dancing. He's a straight runner and his 707 rushing yards on just 159 carries has really paid off.

With all of the young talent on this team, Brown will be a huge part of the Longhorns' return to the top.

South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney

Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl vs. Nebraska

Jadeveon Clowney was the most talked about recruit last year and had a solid season, despite being often double-teamed. He finished the season with 33 tackles, six sacks and six tackles-for-loss.

He is an absolute beast and has a great combination of speed and power. 

Against a running quarterback like Tyler Martinez, it will be important for him to get pressure and force the QB to throw the football.

Notre Dame DE Aaron Lynch

Bowl Game: Champs Bowl vs. Florida State

Lynch may be listed at 265 pounds, but you wouldn't know that by seeing how quick he is. He is very explosive and can get to the quarterback in a hurry.

He finished the year with 28 tackles, four sacks and five tackles-for-loss.

EJ Manuel will be running for his life in this game.

Oregon RB De'Anthony Thomas

Bowl Game: BCS Rose Bowl vs. Wisconsin

Very few players are more exciting or explosive as De'Anthony Thomas. Every time he touches the football, there's a chance he can take it the distance. He's a game changer and the defense must know where he is on the field at all times.

In a game that will feature a ton of points, he will play a big part in Oregon's game plan.

He also has a possible Heisman trophy in his future.

Clemson WR Sammy Watkins

Bowl Game: BCS Orange Bowl vs. West Virginia

Sammy Watkins was by far the best freshman of the year. He made big play after big play for the Tigers. Despite missing a game due to injury, he finished the year with 77 receptions for 1,153 and 11 touchdowns.

He is a speedy receiver and if you don't know where he's at, at all times he will kill you.

In a game that expects a ton of points, he will be a key player for Clemson.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]