The majority of the bigger college football programs are so loaded with talent that it is rare for a freshman to break through and make a major impact as a starter. It usually takes time for young stars to adjust to the pace and skill level of the college game but there are always exceptions to that rule. This year we certainly expect that a handful of freshman will make a major impact. Here’s five that we’re eyeing:
Josh Rosen, UCLA Bruins
Quarterback
The loss of Brett Hundley has been talked about all offseason on the west coast but UCLA is expected to be in good hands with an absolutely loaded roster and the nation’s top-ranked quarterback prospect Rosen set to take over the starting role. Rosen is a gifted passer that will be helped along by a strong supporting cast and if he can make the necessary adjustments to the speed of the game, he could dominate as a freshman.
Jim Mora Jr. has not made a decision on whether it will be Rosen or junior Jerry Neuheisel that starts the year under center for the Golden Bears but if the freshman lands the starting job, there is no doubt he will make the biggest impact for better or worse with a chance to shine for UCLA.
Trent Thompson, Georgia Bulldogs
Defensive Tackle
Thompson was considered the top prospect in the country regardless of position by nearly every recruiting service, so it only makes sense that he will step right in and make an impact as a freshman along the Georgia defensive line. Thompson is an absolute beast at 6’2’’, 310 pounds and his ability to rush the passer in addition to being a massive run-stuffer will make him stand out every time he is on the field.
The Bulldogs don’t want to rush Thompson in to more responsibilities than he can handle but considering he has everything they need at the position and the fact that they lost several starters from last year’s group, he should be an impact player in his freshman season.
L.J. Scott, Michigan State Spartans
Running Back
A lot has been made about the return of quarterback Connor Cook at Michigan State and while there is no doubt about the integral role he will play to the team’s success in the Big Ten, they will also need an effective rushing attack with running back Jeremy Langford gone. Langford ran for 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns last season and while no one player on the Spartans roster will be asked to replace that production on their own, the freshman Scott could make up a big chunk of it. Scott is expected to share touches with Delton Williams in the Michigan State backfield and there is no doubt he will be a big factor in the team’s success this season.
Kevin Toliver, LSU Tigers
Cornerback
Les Miles and his staff has been preparing for Toliver’s arrival since he committed to them as a high school sophomore and there is every reason to expect he will make an immediate impact as a freshman this season. The LSU secondary is already loaded with three All-American candidates in Jamal Adams, Jalen Mills and Tre’Davious White, but the reality is that injuries happen and Toliver’s versatility makes him a very dangerous weapon. The Tigers coaching staff has praised his football IQ and ball skills, and considering he can line up at both cornerback and safety, it will be no surprise if Toliver makes a major impact as a freshman this season.
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Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama Crimson Tide
Offensive Line
After redshirting his freshman season, Pierschbacher absolutely dominated for Alabama in spring competition and secured one of the starting jobs at the guard position. There is no doubt that at 6’4’’, 298 pounds, Pierschbacher certainly has the size to dominate at the position and while he won’t stand out from a statistical standpoint, the way that some of the other players on this list will he could certainly make a major impact. Alabama usually has a stout line and Pierschbacher should shine as the starting guard.
