SEC’s redshirts of 2016 could be trend
Other schools eye 2nd-year freshmen for important roles.
This could turn into a big year for redshirt freshman quarterbacks in the SEC.
It all depends on how a few preseason competitions turn out. Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M all have redshirt freshman quarterbacks bidding for starting spots. None of the three schools has named a starter.
Texas A&M’s Nick Starkel has emerged as the likely front-runner in a race that also includes Oklahoma State transfer Jake Hubenak and true freshman Kellen Mond.
Florida’s Feleipe Franks had a big spring-game performance but is facing a major challenge from Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire and junior Luke Del Rio. Zaire just joined Florida’s team this summer.
Tennessee’s quarterback derby features redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano and junior Quinten Dormady.
All three redshirt freshmen are counting on the lessons they learned over the last year. “From the spring game to now, I’ve been able to grow as a player,” Guarantano said.
Here’s a look at some other redshirt freshmen across the country who could make major impacts this season:
Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin: Biadasz has worked as Wisconsin’s first-team center throughout preseason. Michael Deiter, who started 10 games at center last season, has moved to left tackle as part of the shuffling that resulted from the absence of tackle Jacob Maxwell, who hasn’t returned since missing much of the 2016 season with a shoulder injury. Deiter’s move has cleared a path for Biadasz to start Wisconsin’s opener with Utah State.
Josh Jackson, QB, Virginia Tech: Coach Justin Fuente said Monday that Jackson will start the Sept. 3 season opener against West Virginia. Jackson won a competition that also included junior-college transfer A.J. Bush and freshman Hendon Hooker. “He’s very consistent,” Fuente said. “He’s continued to improve in terms of his ability to deliver the ball on time. He’s got a pretty good understanding of what we’re trying to get accomplished. He’s got a great demeanor, a competitive spirit in there.” Jackson is the son of Fred Jackson, an ex-Michigan assistant coach.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi: Unlike the other players on this list, Metcalf actually has college playing experience. The 6-foot-4 receiver scored touchdowns in each of Ole Miss’ first two games and made a spectacular catch against Florida State in which he tipped the ball to himself in the end zone. But he broke a foot against Wofford and took a redshirt. Metcalf, the son of former Ole Miss and NFL offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, returned in time to get four receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington: The Huskies have holes to fill at cornerback after the Packers selected Kevin King and the Eagles picked Sidney Jones in the second round of the draft. Their departures create an opportunity for Murphy, who has made the most of the situation with his performance in preseason. Murphy was named the defensive MVP of Washington’s scout team last fall. Murphy was Washington’s top 2016 signee and the No. 103 overall prospect in his class according to composite rankings compiled by 247Sports.
Jon-Michael Terry, LB, Oklahoma: One way or another, the Sooners figure to open with a Mike linebacker making his college debut. Terry is competing with true freshman Kenneth Murray for the starting spot as Oklahoma switches from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.