We’re a month into the season, so it’s a good time to check in on the freshmen — in particular, the 12 freshmen who have stood out or put themselves in positions to have an increased role on their respective teams.
This list is an alphabetical order. All players are true freshmen unless listed otherwise.
Trystan Castillo, C, Missouri
Redshirt, 3-star
It’s going to be a rough season for the Tigers, but Castillo came out the gate starting at center and I like the work he’s done. He’s a big kid but moves well enough and is quick. It’s going to be hard to appreciate his play as the Tigers struggle, but keep an eye on Castillo down the road.
Malik Davis, RB, Florida
4-star
It appears that Jordan Scarlett will be dealing with off-the-field issues a while, so Davis should continue to build on his 93-yard performance against Kentucky. Davis is quick, but more importantly, he’s tough. He grinded out tough yards against the Wildcats to key that comeback. His effort Saturday made more people forget about his unfortunate goal-line fumble on what should have been a 74-yard touchdown run against Tennessee the previous week.
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
4-star
The reports coming out of Athens during the spring and training camp were that Fromm had put pressure on Jacob Eason. Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said before the season that red-shirting wasn’t an option for Fromm. Well, we saw Eason get hurt in the opener, and now the question to me is if there’s a way for Eason to re-gain his starting job as long as Fromm’s healthy. Fromm clearly has all the tools, and he’s efficient. As long he’s healthy, the running game performs and the defense continues its current pace, it’s Jake Fromm’s team.
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
5-star
Harris is waiting in the wings for the most part while Damien Harris (no relation), Bo Scarbrough and Jalen Hurts do most of the heavy lifting for the Crimson Tide’s ground game. But Harris is averaging over 5 yards per carry and getting about 8-9 touches a game. Talent appears to be something the freshman Harris has in bunches — we’ll just have to be patient to see it fully bloom.
C.J. Henderson, DB, Florida
4-star
Henderson was averaging a touchdown a game for his career through two weeks … which is very impressive considering he plays defense. Henderson’s pick-six streak ended Saturday against Kentucky, but the true freshman from Miami has “future first-round pick” written all over him. He will be one of the top cornerbacks in the nation during his time in Gainesville.
Cole Kelley, QB, Arkansas
Redshirt, 3-star
This is less for what Kelley has done so far than the role he might take for the rest of the season. Arkansas used the 270-pound QB in the wildcat formation against Texas A&M and found some success with it. I could definitely see the Razorbacks using Kelley more frequently in this role as the season goes forward, whether it be in short-yardage situations or to do some read-option plays to give a defense a different look.
Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
4-star
Mond has rebounded from a disastrous outing against UCLA (3-for-17, 27 yards) to open the season, improving every week since. No one could have seen his tremendous performance against Arkansas happening (216 passing yards, 109 rushing, 2 TDs), but it couldn’t have happened at a better time for the Aggies as they are facing a tough five-game stretch that will likely determine the future of Kevin Sumlin in College Station.
OrTre Smith, WR, South Carolina
4-star
Another situation where Smith hasn’t done a lot so far but should see an increase in his role shortly. He had his first touchdown catch Saturday, and at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, Smith seems like as good an option as the Gamecocks have to replace some of the production that Deebo Samuel was expected to provide. I would be shocked if Smith didn’t have a true breakout game in the next month.
Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
5-star
Even people who don’t watch line play see this young man plowing through defensive linemen, then checking to see where running back John Kelly is so he can pancake a few more. As a team, the Volunteers aren’t exactly inspiring a lot of confidence from their fan base, but everyone can agree that Smith looks like he’s going to be a special one.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
5-star
It’s a little hard to judge Tagovailoa based on the fact that he hasn’t taken snaps in a game that was in question. However, it’s hard to ignore how good his arm looks and the considerable upside with the nation’s top-rated dual-threat quarterback. Tagovailoa gave us all a tease last Saturday against Vanderbilt when he looked exceptional against the Commodores. We might have to wait a while for Tagovailoa to run the show, but the Crimson Tide appear to be good hands for the future.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
3-star
Toney entered the Gators’ program as a quarterback but has quickly found the field as an all-purpose threat. Against Kentucky, he lined up behind center and ran for a 36-yard touchdown and completed a 50-yard pass to Tyrie Cleveland on a throwback option play. With Antonio Callaway occupied off the field, Toney is going see a lot of playing time, and defenses will need to account for him at all times.
Andreaz Williams, CB, LSU
Redshirt, 4-star
There are high expectations that come with a prospect who has the nickname “Greedy.” Williams, however, lives up to the name — he leads the Tigers with three interceptions and is third on the team in tackles. Williams also leads the Tigers with five pass-breakups and eight passes defended. His numbers may taper off for a bit because teams are going to get wise and stop throwing in his direction.
Love the list? Hate the list? Looking for the linebackers and defensive linemen on the list? Drop a comment in the box and tell me who I forgot!
Corey Long is a freelance writer for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Corey on Twitter @CoreyLong.
