Farrell Freshman 15: The top freshmen playing this fall
Every year in August, I roll out the Farrell Freshman 15, a look at the top true freshmen that will impact the college football landscape. For this exercise, we are leaving out the Big Ten for now but will revisit after the season when we look back at the most impactful newcomers.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
FARRELL 15: Nos. 10-12 | 13-15
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
9. B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Overview: Ojulari initially committed to Tennessee, but a bit more than two months later he flipped to LSU during his senior season. The Tigers were actually seen as the leader before his somewhat surprising commit to the Vols. Since his arrival on campus, coach Ed Orgeron has raved about Ojulari’s skill set and potential. He has already proven himself terror coming off the edge in practices so look for him to become a regular part of the rotation, and especially on third downs.
Farrell’s take: Ojulari was a hybrid for us out of high school as someone who could play with his hand down or standing up. He was an excellent pass rusher and that’s what we expected to see sooner than later at LSU.
8. Myles Murphy, Clemson
Overview: With multitudes of options, it came down to Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Ohio State before culminating in a battle between the two Tigers. At the conclusion of his spring game, Murphy made it official by committing to Clemson. While many of the early freshman buzz at Clemson was about Brian Bresee, Murphy gradually began to grab many of the headlines. Physically advanced, he quickly earned a spot in the defensive line rotation and responded by dominating in the opener against Wake Forest with seven tackles and two sacks.
Farrell’s take: As the No. 5 prospect in the 2020 class you might expect Murphy to be higher on this list and his start has been amazing. But depth at Clemson is strong along the defensive line and he’ll continue to come off the bench and make an impact. He is such an accomplished pass rusher already it’s not surprising to see him impact in the first game of the season.
7. Brian Branch, Alabama
Overview: After being an Alabama lean for several months, Branch committed to the Tide during the spring over Oklahoma and Tennessee. He took an official visit to Norman the weekend before his decision. Branch arrived on campus as a safety, but has also seen more time at Alabama’s star position in nickel scenarios. In fact, he very well may be the starter when the Tide opens the season. Also worth mentioning, Malachi Moore is another true freshman who has turned heads at the same position.
Farrell’s take: Branch was a Rivals100 defensive back that Nick Saban coveted but he’s already ahead of schedule and ready to start. He can fly to the ball and likes to hit as well.