Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s thought-provoking Three-Point Stance is here and is focused on true freshmen excelling in college football this season.
FARRELL'S THREE-POINT STANCE: Vols/Heisman/SEC hot seats
MIDSEASON FARRELL FRESHMAN 15: Nos. 1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15
MIDSEASON FARRELL 50: Nos. 1-50
1. STRONG RB CLASS
Now that the Farrell Freshman 15 has been released, there are so many other true freshmen who have made a big impact on college football this season. While I had a positional breakdown as follows for the 15 – five RB, four OL, three QB, one DE, one CB and one WR – there were many other positions that could have been represented. However, the running back crop of the class of 2017 has been off the charts.
In addition to the five players I chose – Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), JK Dobbins (Ohio State), Malik Davis (Florida), Trey Sermon (Oklahoma) and Travis Etienne (Clemson) – here are some others that you could easily make a case for at the position:
1. AJ Dillon, Boston College – Dillon has been a dude for BC this season with 843 yards and seven scores, and is a huge reason the Eagles are winning.
2. Stephen Carr, USC – He was electric with Ronald Jones early and his ability to run (309 yards) and catch (130 yards) is impressive.
3. Chase Hayden, Arkansas – He’s been a bright spot for Arkansas with his 326 yards rushing and four TDs.
4. Shamari Brooks, Tulsa – He doesn’t get the national attention, but his 687 yards and 10 TDs are noteworthy.
5. D’Andre Swift, Georgia – Overshadowed by Sony Michel and Nick Chubb, he still has 366 yards rushing and 129 yards receiving.
6. Cam Akers, Florida State – We expected more, but he’s running behind an awful offensive line and still has 497 yards rushing.
7. JD King, Oklahoma State – His huge game against West Virginia got him noticed and he has 450 yards and four TDs already.
8. Morgan Ellison, Indiana – Rushing for 473 yards and three TDs in a Power Five schedule is a good start.
2. NEXT IN LINE: WRs
The other offensive position that is often easy to make a smooth transition is wide receiver and in addition to Cee Dee Lamb, who made my Farrell Freshman 15, these are some guys I’m keeping my eye on (I’ll throw the tight ends in here as well):
1. WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama – He only has five catches for 112 yards but all five are for touchdowns; that’s impressive.
2. WR Jeff Thomas, Miami – He’s starting to emerge and has 11 catches for 249 yards and two scores as a deep threat freshman.
3. TE Hunter Bryant, Washington – With 22 catches for 331 yards and a score he’s already one of the most productive tight ends in his conference.
4. WR Sean Savoy, Virginia Tech – He’s been a big surprise with 30 catches for 388 yards and four TDs. Ruggs and Thomas are more dynamic but this guy is more consistent.
5. WR McLane Mannix, Nevada – Who? Only a guy with 41 catches for 611 yards and six scores.
6. WR Justin Hall, Ball State – Again, who? A guy with 53 catches for 529 yards and two TDs, that’s who.
7. WR Jamire Calvin, Washington State – Nebraska fans will remember this name. His speed has helped him with 27 catches for 237 yards and two TDs although his yards-per-catch is lower than expected.
8. TE Bryce Wolma, Arizona – With 24 catches for 212 yards and two TDs, he’s right there with Bryant.
3. AND ON D
And finally, on the defensive side of things here are some players to watch out for as they could emerge as college stars sooner than later (and there are plenty):
1. DE Jaelan Phillips, UCLA – If not for injury, he would be on the Farrell Freshman 15 because he’s a freak. He has 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss in only four games. Watch out.
2. LB Tony Fields, Arizona – With 58 tackles, three sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss, he almost made the initial list. He’s that good.
3. DB Thomas Graham, Oregon – Two picks, 47 tackles and four passes defended, he’s been the best freshman defensive back in the country aside from Marco Wilson (who made the 15).
4. DB Grant Delpit, LSU – He has 37 tackles and an interception. LSU is playing a ton of true freshmen and he’s one of the best.
5. DB CJ Henderson, Florida – Two picks and 13 tackles, he and Marco Wilson are an amazing true freshman duo.
6. DE Bobby Roundtree, Illinois – Illinois doesn’t get much attention, but this guy has been good with three sacks and three tackles for s loss.
7. DB Josiah Scott, Michigan State – With 21 tackles and an impressive five passes defended, he could be the next Michigan State defensive back star.
8. DT Lamont McDougle, West Virginia – With 19 tackles – four for a loss and two sacks – he’s been one of the best true freshmen at his position, if not the best.
9. DT Corey Bethley, TCU – He’s been huge in spot duty with three tackles for a loss and a sack at a position that’s hard to impact early.
10. DB Terrell Carter, Memphis – With 50 tackles and three picks, I should probably have him higher on this list despite the Group of Five schedule.
11. DE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU – With 19 tackles including 3.5 for a loss and two sacks, he could be the next great hybrid for LSU.
12. DB Scottie Young, Arizona – Another Arizona player? Yep, this team looks young and dangerous, and Young is a big part of it.
13. DB Darnay Holmes, UCLA – The former five-star has two picks, two passes defended and 28 tackles.
14. DB Lamont Wade, Penn State – A bigger impact was expected but he’s had his moments and doesn’t look at all out of place.
15. LB Willie Gay, Mississippi State – He only has 11 tackles but two have been for a loss and he has a sack.
