Freshmen ready to produce immediately
First-year players increasingly playing key roles for teams
Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher says he learned long ago not to assume which of his freshmen would make the biggest impact each year.
How much someone might play in his first college season can depend on everything from his level of homesickness to the position needs of his new team.
“There are just so many different (factors),” Fisher said. “And position can have a big impact. Certain positions are harder to play early in your career than they are for other guys. There’s not as much learning.”
That uncertainty still exists even in an era when freshmen play an increasingly important role every season.
Just last year, Alabama freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts was named the Southeastern Conference offensive player of the year and Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver became the first freshman to earn first-team Associated Press All-america honors since 2011. Hurts had the Crimson Tide on the verge of a national title before Clemson’s last-second rally in the championship game.
Here’s a look at six true freshmen who could emerge as forces this season:
Salvon Ahmed, RB, Washington
The return of two-time, 1,300yard rusher Myles Gaskin could make it difficult for any newcomer to get many carries in Washington’s backfield, but Ahmed’s playmaking ability demands that he earn some kind of role. Whether Ahmed is catching passes, running the ball or returning kicks, Washington will find some way to use him. Ahmed needed only six games to rush for 1,300 yards his senior year at Juanita High in Kirkland, Washington.
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Akers’ presence could help Florida State withstand the loss of Minnesota Vikings second-round draft pick Dalvin Cook, the Seminoles’ career rushing leader. Akers was rated as the nation’s No. 3 overall prospect in his class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. He threw for 3,128 yards and 31 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,105 yards and 34 more scores last year to lead Clinton (Mississippi) High to its first state title. Akers likely will start his college career behind junior Jacques Patrick on the depth chart but still should get plenty of carries.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Just about every year, it seems Alabama has a freshman wideout produce big numbers. It happened in 2012 with Amari Cooper and in 2015 with Calvin Ridley. Jeudy caught five passes for 134 yards in Alabama’s spring game.
K’lavon Chaisson, LB, Louisiana State
Chaisson’s pass-rushing skills already have been evident. “K’lavon Chaisson has been dominant,” coach Ed Orgeron said after the first week of training camp. “He’s exactly the type player we thought he’d be.” Chaisson posted 15½ sacks his senior year to help Houston’s North Shore win a Texas Class 6A Division I state title. His ability to get to the quarterback should earn Chaisson an immediate role this fall.
Donovan Peoples-jones, WR, Michigan
Michigan must rebuild its receiving corps after losing Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson and tight end Jake
Butt to the NFL draft. That should create an immediate opportunity for Peoples-jones, who was rated as the top receiver and the No. 12 overall prospect in his class according to the 247Sports Composite.
N’kosi Perry, QB, Miami
The departure of Detroit Lions sixth-round draft pick Brad Kaaya has created a wide-open quarterback competition at Miami. Perry arguably has the greatest upside of all the candidates, though coach Mark Richt said Monday the experience of junior Malik Rosier and sophomore Evan Shirreffs currently gives them an edge. Perry, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall, is the nation’s No. 7 dual-threat QB prospect in his class according to the 247Sports. Another freshman competing for the quarterback spot is Cade Weldon, the son of former Florida State star and 1991 Heisman Trophy runner-up Casey Weldon.