College Football: Top True Freshman in the Nation

True freshman are kind of gem in college football. They’re the “high schoolers” who get on the field far too soon before anyone thinks they’re fully ready. The best part about them though is we’re given the opportunity to watch them grow and complete their game as they go through the next three (some two) years of college. You look at guys like Myles Garrett, the defensive end from Texas A&M who has become even better in his second season off of his outstanding freshman year. Leonard Fournette, the next “Adrian Peterson” who at one point was averaging nearly 200 yards rushing per game this year. KD Cannon who exploded on to the scene last year and is putting up similar numbers this season. All of these guys were labeled as some of the top freshman of 2014, this year I wanted to highlight a few freshman that look to make a similar impact in 2016.

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Josh Rosen, QB

Josh Rosen splashed on to the scene when he threw 3 touchdowns against Virginia and led the UCLA Bruins to a 34-16 victory in the first game of the season. Since then he’s acquired a strong 8-4 records for the Bruins and has solidified himself as the leader of this team for the next few years. The Pac-12 freshman of the year has put up over 3300 yards through the air and 20 touchdowns to add to that. He’s thrown only nine interceptions, an impressive stat for a freshman QB who was asked to throw the football nearly 450 times this year. There’s already talk about Rosen being the top pick in the 2018 NFL draft and while it’s too early to tell what will happen years from now, it’s safe to say he’s well on his way to being one of the best.

Saquon Barkley, RB

In Barkley’s first ever game with the Nittany Lions he had one carry for one yard. Since then he’s received 164 more carries for 1006 more yards. Barkley came into college football already at the right size as he’s 5’11 215lbs. He brings a great combination of both power and speed while also being a student of the game. The young Penn State back has veteran qualities as he’s always aware of where the first down is and has the strong quality of keeping his legs moving. He may not get the same hype as a Leonard Fournette or Ezekiel Elliott but Barkley is already one of the better backs in college football and he’s only a freshman.

Sep 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies fullback Myles Gaskin (9) cuts the ball on Sacramento State Hornets defensive back Manny Scott-Anderson (29) on his way to a first quarter touchdown at Husky Stadium. Washington won 49-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Gaskin, RB

Another true freshman who’s making headlines from the backfield is Myles Gaskin from the University of Washington. Like Barkley, Gaskin had a forgettable first game of the season but he’s turned into not only the top back for the Huskies, but probably the second best back in the Pac-12 behind Stanford’s Christian McCaffery. He isn’t a big back by any means but he’s got the speed and the vision to be the lead back, he’s had 7 games of over 100 yards and handled the rock 32 times against in state rival Washington State. Chris Petersen has produced his share of running backs over the years, Gaskin looks to be the next in line.

Christian Kirk, WR

No freshman in the country enjoyed as much success as Christian Kirk in their first four games of college football. He posted 3 games of 100 yards or more and added 3 touchdowns to the stretch. For the season he’s compiled 925 yards receiving and six touchdowns. The team has had a bit of a quarterback issue throughout the season and it’s affected Kirk’s body of work in the second half of the season. However it’s clear that he’s the most talented option on that Texas A&M roster, if any number is going to be dialed up for a pass it’s going to be number three.

Terry Beckner Jr, DT

Terry Beckner has emerged as one of the best young defensive tackles in college football. At 6’4 300 pounds and with room to grow he’s become a guy who can not only plug the gap but also find his way to the quarterback when called upon. While he’s missed some time due to injury and one ejection he’s shown the capability to be one of the best interior lineman in college football. Gary Pinkel has a knack for finding great defensive players, even though he’s gone I think he’s found another great in Beckner.

Malik Jefferson, LB

Charlie Strong and the Longhorns have had a forgettable season. One name that’s hard to ignore however is Malik Jefferson. If you’ve been paying attention to college football you’ve heard Jefferson’s name since the spring time and he continues to be a force for a young Texas defense. He’s second on the team in tackles and is the sole leader of a defensive unit that desperately needed one. While he’s had to go through a few growing pains, especially in the passing game, he is arguably the best defensive freshman in the country and looks to be the next best Texas linebacker since Derrick Johnson left.