As the college football season unfolds, we’ve seen more and more freshmen having huge impacts on their teams. This week, several of the top freshmen are off, while a few others play diminished competition.
There are a few freshmen in key matchups, though, and for the most part, those are the ones we’ll focus on in this fourth installment of College Football Network’s freshmen to watch list.
Top 10 Impact Freshmen in Week 4
10) Deshawn Purdie, QB, Charlotte
In a thinner Week 4 slate, try to get eyes on Charlotte’s freshman quarterback. Deshawn Purdie made his first start last week against Gardner Webb, and while he took his lumps, he’s physically impressive.
At 6’5″, 220 pounds, Purdie is able to escape the pocket and deliver downfield. He had a fumble problem but will have a chance to play on a national stage against Charlotte.
9) Fluff Bothwell, RB, South Alabama
Fluff Bothwell is a name I heard quite a bit in the offseason as a potential impact player. He ran all over FCS Northwestern State last Thursday, averaging over 20 yards a carry.
This week, Bothwell gets Appalachian State in the only Thursday night game of Week 4. This is an upset spot for South Alabama, and he could be a huge part if it happens.
8) Kaleb Harris, Auburn
Auburn is starting a bunch of freshmen this season, and though he hasn’t received as many accolades as the rest of the first-year guys, Kaleb Harris has arguably been the best of the bunch. He’s actually been one of the best players on Auburn’s defense.
With the Tigers facing a strong Arkansas offense, Harris will be front and center.
7) OJ Frederique Jr., CB, Miami (FL)
One of the lower-key games of the week is South Florida and Miami. The Bulls have an offense capable of putting up points, but Miami’s defense has been stout, especially as the younger players are getting better each week.
If you haven’t heard OJ Frederique Jr.’s name, that’s probably because he hasn’t given up much in coverage.
6) Wayshawn Parker, Washington State
Though Washington held Wayshawn Parker mostly in check last Saturday, he was able to break a long 37-yard run against the Huskies, which really helped the Cougars in an Apple Cup for the ages.
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Now, Parker and the Cougars get a strong San Jose State team in what could be a high-scoring game. Expect Washington State to ride him to a potential career high in carries on Saturday.
5) Nick Marsh, WR, Michigan State
The only reason I didn’t include Nick Marsh in last week’s write-up is because the Spartans were playing an FCS squad. This week on a national stage against Boston College, Marsh will be front and center. He’s a big, long receiver who can both get behind defenses and beat them after the catch.
If you don’t believe me, just ask Maryland.
4) Caden Durham, RB, LSU
Saturday against South Carolina was Caden Durham’s coming-out party, as the freshman was the X-factor for the Tigers in a thrilling win. Durham was brilliant after contact and was the one part of the offense South Carolina simply couldn’t figure out.
Durham has a matchup with a struggling UCLA defense on Saturday, and we could see a heavy dose of him.
3) Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart is human, apparently. The freshman only registered one quarterback pressure and a pass deflection last week against LSU (though the Gamecock front as a whole was fantastic).
Stewart has an extremely favorable matchup with Akron this week and could have a return to his form from the first two games — when he was one of the best defenders in the country.
2) Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas
This freshman receiver class is ridiculously good. After Quinn Ewers left the UTSA game with an oblique injury, Arch Manning came in and quickly built a strong rapport with Ryan Wingo, who got behind the defense three times for big plays.
Wingo can absolutely take the top off of the defense, and with some strong opponents coming up, developing him as a true threat will be key.
1) Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
After seeing him play for the better part of two games, I’m ready to declare it — Marcel Reed is the real deal.
Yes, he’s a redshirt freshman, but in a weaker slate, make sure to put eyes on Reed, who picked Florida apart last week as the starter in place of Conner Weigman. Weigman is considered “day-to-day,” but as long as Reed continues his strong play, the job is his to lose.
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