As the season progresses, more freshmen are taking center stage, and we have a better idea of who will make the reshmen All-American teams. Still, there are a few player we can’t help but find ourselves watching each week.
There are some true freshmen in key matchups, and for the most part, those are the ones we’ll focus on in this ninth installment of College Football Network’s Freshmen To Watch list.
Top 10 Impact Freshmen in Week 9
10) Ahmad Hardy, RB, Louisiana-Monroe
The UL-Monroe Warhawks weren’t supposed to be good this season. While the passing game has been a struggle, Ahmad Hardy has led a potent rushing attack. He leads the Warhawks in total yards (ahead of even the quarterbacks) and has six of the team’s 14 touchdowns this year.
He’s a tough runner who will put his skills on display in another winnable game against South Alabama as the Warhawks looks to become bowl-eligible for just the second time in their 30-year FBS history.
9) Eli Bowen, CB, Oklahoma
Though the Oklahoma offense has been a complete trainwreck, the defense has continued its strong play. Eli Bowen has made the most of his increased playing time after starting the last two games. He’s only allowed 20 yards in coverage the last two weeks.
This week he has a matchup with an explosive Ole Miss passing attack.
8) Koi Perich, S, Minnesota
After a slow start to the year, Koi Perich has exploded in his last two games with three interceptions and a forced fumble since getting consistent playing time. Perich has been all over the place for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and plays a Maryland Terrapins team that likes to play fast and get the ball to their playmakers. Can he continue his hot stretch Saturday?
7) Duke Watson, RB, Louisville
I’ve written about Duke Watson’s teammate, Isaac Brown here a few times, but I want to highlight the “other” freshman running back for the Louisville Cardinals.
Watson has game-breaking explosion and ridiculous contact balance. He’s only gotten 23 carries this season, but he’s averaging over eight yards a carry after contact and has forced 13 missed tackles. He’s in the national spotlight on Friday night against a Boston College team that has struggled against the run.
6) Michael Van Buren Jr., QB, Mississippi State
While the Mississippi State Bulldogs have had a rough few weeks in a brutal stretch of their schedule, freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren looks like the real deal.
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It’s rough when a quarterback gets his first extended action against Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Texas A&M, and although Arkansas is no slouch, this has to feel like a breath of fresh air.
5) Nick Marsh, WR, Michigan State
The Michigan State Spartans have finally realized good things happen when they throw the ball to the best receiver on the team. Nick Marsh had a quiet couple of weeks in losses to Ohio State and Oregon, but he returned to top form with an eight-catch, 114-yard outburst against Iowa. Now, he gets a Michigan team that could be missing an ailing Will Johnson. Marsh will be key if the Spartans want to beat their rival.
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) Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Colin Simmons finally had a freshman game last week, failing to record a pressure for the first time this season against a strong Georgia offensive line. Can he bounce back against an upstart Vanderbilt team with a dynamic dual-threat quarterback?
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Simmons has the athleticism to prevent Diego Pavia from breaking the pocket — I think we’ll see his snaps go up in Nashville.
2) Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is one of the top receivers in the country regardless of class, but he hasn’t had a game this season during which he’s truly taken over. Smith has a touchdown catch in every game and has hit 100 yards twice, including last game against Oregon.
Smith has game-breaking ability, but the Buckeyes haven’t truly needed him to break the game. Nebraska’s defense is strong, especially against the run. Is this the game that Smith cements himself as a truly elite receiver?
1) Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Dylan Raiola got off to a hot start against weaker competition, but he has cooled significantly since starting Big Ten play. Saturday, the freshman quarterback will face a strong Ohio State defense that hasn’t really been challenged outside of a loss to Oregon.
Raiola has elite ability, but the offense as a whole has been bogged down in recent weeks. Can he get momentum against a strong Ohio State defense?
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