As the season progresses, more freshmen are taking center stage, and we have a better idea of who will make the freshmen All-American teams. Still, there are a few we can’t help but gravitate towards.
There are some true freshmen in key matchups, and for the most part, those are the ones we’ll focus on in this eighth installment of College Football Network’s Freshmen To Watch list.
Top 10 Impact Freshmen in Week 8
10) Xavier Lucas, CB, Wisconsin
Xavier Lucas flashed early in the year but didn’t play significant snaps until Week 6. He’s a big corner who can step up in run support to tackle and has great coverage skills.
Lucas has allowed just five receptions on 13 targets this year. Against Northwestern, he should get on the field more and as the year progresses.
9) Fluff Bothwell, RB, South Alabama
After two ridiculous games, Fluff Bothwell has been quiet in two blowout losses this month. Expect that to change Tuesday when he faces a porous Troy run defense.
Bothwell has received few touches, but he should have at least a couple of explosive runs against a defense that is allowing nearly six yards per carry.
8) Isaac Wilson, QB, Utah
While Isaac Wilson didn’t get the start last week, Cam Rising looked like a shell of himself. Now that Rising has been shut down for the year, it’s Wilson’s team, and the Utes desperately need him to be more careful with the ball.
Wilson has been electric but also erratic, throwing seven interceptions in five games. He gets a favorable matchup with an awful TCU defense.
7) Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville
Isaac Brown took over as the primary ball carrier in a four-part backfield against Notre Dame, and he looks like the most explosive of Louisville’s running backs. In the last three weeks, he’s led Louisville’s offense in touches and has been more productive each week.
After torching Virginia’s defense, Brown will face undefeated Miami, which just so happens to be his hometown team.
6) Michael Van Buren Jr., QB, Mississippi State
While the Bulldogs have struggled in Jeff Lebby’s first season, they’ve got something in freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.
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It’s rough when a quarterback gets his first extended action against Florida, Texas, and Georgia, but Van Buren was excellent against the Bulldogs, throwing for over 300 yards. It doesn’t get any easier against Texas A&M, but I’m excited to see his progress.
5) Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas
Ryan Wingo has been quiet the last few weeks but started to build a connection with Quinn Ewers last week. This week, the Longhorns face Georgia in a game that could shake up the SEC Championship race. The Bulldogs have been susceptible to the deep ball this season, and Wingo could be an X-factor.
4) Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
Ryan Williams had his quietest game to date against South Carolina, largely because the Gamecocks were in the backfield every other play. It won’t get easier for Alabama’s offensive line against a strong Tennessee front, so I’m interested to see if the Crimson Tide can manufacture touches for their best playmaker.
3) Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
It’s been a quiet few weeks for Dylan Raiola, which isn’t a bad thing as far as freshmen quarterbacks are concerned. This week, though, Raiola needs to be more than a game-manager if the Cornhuskers hope to beat undefeated Indiana.
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Raiola has the ability to take over games, and he’ll need to show that after throwing for just 411 yards and one touchdown in his last two games.
2) Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Colin Simmons has his first true test this week against a strong Georgia offensive line. He leads all freshmen defenders in pressures but hasn’t played many strong offensive lines (at least on a team that tries to throw the ball).
If Simmons can put pressure on Carson Beck, it will completely change the complexion of the game.
1) Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart was quiet Saturday in a near upset of Alabama. It’s probably because he was being double-teamed the entire game, allowing fellow edge rusher Kyle Kennard to create consistent havoc.
On Saturday, Stewart matches up with a struggling offensive line and a freshman quarterback. Expect him to get back to form against Oklahoma, and don’t be surprised if the Sooners slide protection toward Kennard, allowing Stewart 1-on-1 opportunities.
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