With the national signing day in the rear view mirror, the focus now shifts to the top freshman recruits in the country and whether or not their respective teams should play them immediately or redshirt them. Of course, redshirting them gives them another year to develop. It’s never an easy decision when it comes to the top prospects in the country, but it is a necessary one that could have a dramatic impact on how their individual college football careers play out. Here is a look at whether the top five recruits in the country should redshirt or play in 2016.
Rashan Gary, Michigan Wolverines
Defensive Tackle
The consensus top recruit in the 2016 class it’s the total package at his position and there is no doubt that he should and will start for Michigan in 2016. The 6’5’’, 293-pound defensive tackle has exceptional explosiveness off of the ball and his unique blend of size, strength and athleticism pushed him to the top of the recruiting charts. The Wolverines were thrilled to sign him and there is no doubt that he is ready to take the next step in his career. You simply don’t redshirt a player as talented as Gary and it will be very interesting to see how big of an impact he will have as a freshman this September.
Verdict: Play
Dexter Lawrence, Clemson Tigers
Defensive Tackle
Clemson has rolled out Vic Beasley, Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd among its latest on a long list of quality defensive lineman from the school and Lawrence appears to be next in line. The 6’4’’, 327-pound tackle has incredible power and athleticism along with surprising agility and quickness for a man of his size. Lawrence is talented enough to not only play, but start and make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ defensive line. Factor in that Clemson will return only one starting defensive lineman from last year’s team and it’s clear Lawrence will be playing big minutes right away. Not only will he play but they’ll need him.
Verdict: Play
Gregory Little, Ole Miss Rebels
Offensive Tackle
Star junior Laremy Tunsil declared for the NFL Draft, so the Rebels have an immediate void to fill at their left tackle spot and the perfect option to fill it in Little. The top offensive line recruit in the country is ready to step in right away and there is every reason to believe he will excel under the guidance of head coach Hugh Freeze. The 6’5’’, 305-pound tackle is an excellent pass blocker that also excels in the run game and he should excel as a freshman at Ole Miss this season.
Verdict: Play
Shea Patterson, Ole Miss Rebels
Quarterback
Securing two of the top five prospects in the country was an absolute steal for Freeze, but unlike Little, there is a good chance Patterson won’t play right away. The Rebels already have the top returning quarterback in the SEC in Chad Kelly and there is no doubt he will be their starter next season. Patterson can redshirt his freshman year and behind an experienced quarterback like Kelly while taking in Freeze’s system slowly. That’s the best plan of action. Unless there’s an injury to Kelly, Patterson should be redshirted.
Verdict: Redshirt
Jacob Eason, Georgia Bulldogs
Quarterback
Georgia won’t have the same luxury as Ole miss when it comes to the No. 2 overall quarterback prospect in the country as they have a much more pressing need at the position. The son of former NFL quarterback Tony Eason is the complete package as a big quarterback with outstanding arm strength, accuracy, pocket presence and intelligence and he will enter this season as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. The bigger issue at play here is that Georgia has a new head coach in Kirby Smart and as we all know, there is a lot of pressure to deliver results right away. Smart isn’t going to want to lose games with his top prospect on the sideline. Look for him to rely on Eason early because that’s what the fans and the school brass want to see.
Verdict: Play
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