Stepping Up: Redshirt freshmen that shined in 2018
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
True freshmen get a lot of attention nationally, but what about the redshirt freshmen? Here are 11 players who stepped up this past season after a redshirt year.
The skinny: Adebo initially committed to Notre Dame, but after re-opening his recruitment in early January, an official visit to Stanford a few days later sealed the deal for the Cardinal. There was some buzz about Adebo heading into the 2018 season, but not many would have expected him to finish second in the country with 19 pass break-ups, which is also a school-record. Also adding 64 tackles and four interceptions, he has already established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the Pac-12 heading into the 2019 season.
Farrell’s take: Adebo was a four-star athlete because he was so good on offense and defense he could have played either in college. His ball skills have shown this season and he’s a physical and willing tackler but the best is yet to come.
The skinny: Considering his record-breaking performances in Texas, Brooks kept his recruitment relatively quiet. He committed to Oklahoma during his senior season, which came as a surprise to some since many expected the Sooners to take one running back in the class, which was thought to be Trey Sermon. With Rodney Anderson returning, Brooks was not penciled in for a major role this season. However, when Anderson went down with a season-ending injury, Brooks responded with 1,056 yards and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 8.9 yards per carry.
Farrell’s take: Brooks was a highly regarded running back out of Texas who rushed for 2,853 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior and was a huge pickup for Oklahoma. He had good size but also the wiggle needed to make people miss and he stepped up in a big way this season when needed.
The skinny: Cosmi’s recruitment was flying under the radar, with offers from TCU, Houston and Memphis, until Texas swooped in with an offer in late January. He took an official visit to Austin the following weekend and committed to the Longhorns soon after. Cosmi had previously been committed to Houston. In what proved to be a successful season for the Texas offensive line, Cosmi may have been the player who produced the most excitement from both coaches and fans. With graduation hitting the line hard this off-season, Cosmi will return in 2019 as someone who will be look upon as a leader.
Farrell’s take: Cosmi was a mid-level three-star and a late offer for Texas and now he’s going to be one of the leaders of the team next season. He was a skinny lineman out of high school who could handle speed but had trouble with bull rushes and bigger linemen. That’s not an issue now and he’s emerging as one of the best offensive linemen in the Big 12.
The skinny: Hamler, who finished off his high school eligibility at IMG Academy after starting off in Michigan, took official visits to Penn State, Michigan State and Oregon before committing to the Nittany Lions in December. While Penn State’s offense lacked a big play threat in its passing game throughout the 2018 season, Hamler gave the team a consistent weapon. Finishing with 42 receptions for 754 yards and five touchdowns, he brought excitement to the offense. On top of this he added one rushing touchdown and became Penn State’s main kick returner.
Farrell’s take: Hamler was a four-star outside the Rivals250 out of high school because he lacked great size but had excellent quickness and was so sudden in and out of his breaks. Size has not been an issue at the college level and he was a big key to the offense this past season. That should continue next year.
The skinny: Minnesota was not a major player for Ibrahim until coach PJ Fleck took control of the program. He quickly made Ibrahim a priority, which led to the three-star's commitment in January. Ibrahim’s success this season came as a surprise to some, as he struggled to separate himself from the pack at running back during summer camp. However, when given the opportunity during the season he shined with 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns in only 10 games.
Farrell’s take: Ibrahim was a high three-star coming out of high school who did a lot of things well. He could run with surprising power and bounce it outside. He was a huge key to the Minnesota offense this past season and should have an even bigger year next season.
The skinny: McFarland took official visits to Maryland, Penn State and Miami before deciding to stay close to home and committing to the Terps in late January. Many considered Miami the the front-runner leading up to his decision. McFarland proved to be an explosive addition to the Terps' backfield in 2018 with 1,034 yards, four touchdowns and a 7.9 yards per carry average. It will be interesting to see how new head coach Mike Locksley utilizes McFarland in 2019.
Farrell’s take: McFarland was one of the top three all-purpose backs coming out of high school from the 2017 class and was ranked in the Rivals250. He was a huge get for the Terps and emerged this year showing he has recovered from previous injuries and has lost no explosiveness. He runs with natural leverage and is hard to get a clean shot on.
The skinny: Moore trimmed his list of top schools down to NC State and Army before committing to the Wolfpack during a summer camp event on campus. Moore was somewhat of a forgotten man heading towards summer camp last year after his return from a year-long suspension. That quickly changed, as his effort and play earned him increased playing time throughout the season. Finishing with 69 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery, even more will be expected from Moore next season.
Farrell’s take: Moore was a low three-star out of high school who had adequate size but lacked great change of direction and speed. However, he has developed very nicely so far in college and his instincts are off the hook. He looks to be one of the top tacklers in the ACC next season and beyond.
The skinny: Cincinnati was the first school to offer Ridder in early May, and after an unofficial visit to campus he committed to the Bearcats less than two weeks later. There was plenty of uncertainty with the Bearcats heading into the 2019 season at the quarterback position, but Ridder quickly answered all questions. Quickly proving to be a threat both with his arm and legs, while also quickly grasping the offense, he passed for 2,445 yards, 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions, while also rushing for 583 yards and five scores.
Farrell’s take: Ridder was a tall, skinny two-star quarterback out of high school whose only offer was from the Bearcats. He was a one-year starter at a huge school who could run but struggled passing with accuracy and consistency. He’s added size and has improved greatly as a passer and the staff has done a great job with him.
The skinny: Despite being a late-bloomer in the recruiting world, Terry still picked up offers from Florida State, Georgia and Florida after a huge senior season. The offer from the Seminoles proved to be special for Terry, as he committed to Florida State soon after receiving the news in January. There was plenty of buzz surrounding Terry after his impressive spring game performance, and despite some lackluster play from the quarterback position, he still managed to finished with 35 receptions for 744 yards and eight touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: Terry was a mid-level three-star that many felt should be ranked higher and right now it’s looking like he was under-valued. His size and speed combination was key for the Seminoles' offense this season and the future looks bright.
The skinny: Verdell committed to Oregon in May, but then kept his options open with official visits to Nebraska and Utah in January. However, after weighing all of his options he decided to stick with the Ducks. With Tony Brooks-James suffering an injury and Taj Griffin deciding to transfer after four games, there were plenty of concerns regarding the Ducks’ running attack this season. Verdell responded with 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming only the third Oregon freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards. He also proved to be a threat in the passing game with 27 receptions for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: Verdell was a low three-star out of high school who was a downhill runner with power but lacked great speed and elusiveness. However, he’s improved in every aspect of the game at Oregon and is one of the better all-purpose backs in the Pac-12 now.
The skinny: Wilson took official visits to Georgia, Florida State, Michigan and Alabama before committing to the Bulldogs in December. This was thought to be a battle between the Tide and Wolverines before Wilson’s final official visit to Athens. Wilson seamlessly slid into the starting right tackle spot after the departure of Isaiah Wynn to the NFL, and while he experienced some ups and downs, his ups were more than enough to produce plenty of excitement in Athens about his future.
Farrell’s take: Wilson was a monster coming out of high school, a surefire five-star with his combination of size, strength and agility. I expected him to hold his own from the start and eventually become a dominant blocker. He’ll was better at run blocking than pass protection at first but that’s to be expected but if he continues to progress the way he did through this past season, watch out.
