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(STATS) - Preseason prognostications in college football often don't take into consideration a variable that quickly becomes a major factor - some freshmen are ready to contribute in a big way.
There has been no shortage of freshman standouts across the FCS this season.
The best of the best include 17 players named to the STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Year Watch List on Tuesday.
A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the FCS freshman player of the year following the regular season. True and redshirt freshmen are eligible for the award.
Following are the nominees, listed alphabetically by last name.
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Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, QB, 6-2, 180, St. Petersburg, Florida
Efficient dual-threat ranks second in the Southern Conference and 12th in the FCS in total offense.
2016 Statistics: 157 of 243, 1,818 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs; 72 carries, 179 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Jordan Bentley, Alabama A&M, RB, 6-0, 200, Guntersville, Alabama
Considered a steal for the SWAC, running back has a nose for the end zone.
2016 Statistics: 98 carries, 576 yards, 7 TDs; 7 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Marlon Bridges, Jacksonville State, S, 6-1, 240, Lanett, Alabama
Works all over the field as the leading tackler for the two-time defending OVC champions.
2016 Statistics: 47 TT (24 Solo), 1.5 TFL, 3 INTs, 3 PBU, 4 FF (7 games)
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Elijah Burress, Campbell, QB, 6-2, 225, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Strong, sturdy dual-threat ranks fifth in the Pioneer Football League in total offense.
2016 Statistics: 70 of 122, 858 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs; 68 carries, 358 yards, 1 TD (6 games)
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Stephen Calvert, Liberty, QB, 6-2, 180, Plantation, Florida
Reigning STATS FCS Freshman of the Week has surpassed 300 passing yards in two of his three starts.
2016 Statistics: 97 of 157, 1,214 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs (7 games)
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Jaylan Foster, Gardner-Webb, CB, 6-0, 190, Duncan, South Carolina
Defensive playmaker is among the FCS leaders in takeaways.
2016 Statistics: 31 TT (23 Solo), 2.5 TFL, 0.5 SK, 3 INTs, 6 PBU, 2 FR (8 games)
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A.J. Hines, Duquesne, RB, 5-11, 220, Wilson, North Carolina
Ranks fifth in the FCS in rushing yards and sixth in rushing yards per game.
2016 Statistics: 149 carries, 817 yards, 6 TDs; 10 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Pop Lacey, New Hampshire, S, 6-0, 194, Reading, Pennsylvania
Athletic safety wraps up ball carriers to lead perennial CAA Football power in tackles.
2016 Statistics: 51 TT (38 Solo), 3 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF (8 games)
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Sully Laiche, Nicholls, DE, 6-2, 255, Gramercy, Louisiana
Was the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Week following Oct. 8 win over Stephen F. Austin
2016 Statistics: 44 TT (20 Solo), 7.5 TFL, 4 SK, 1 FF, 1 BK (7 games)
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Joe Logan, Northern Arizona, RB, 5-11, 200, Buckeye, Arizona
All-around threat plays for NAU team that boasts 2015 FCS freshman of the year Case Cookus.
2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 571 yards, 4 TDs; 5 receptions, 29 yards; 7 KR, 139 yards, 19.9 ypr (6 games)
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Jerry Louie-McGee, Montana, WR, 5-9, 168, Coeur d'Alenee, Idaho
Tied the Big Sky record with 21 receptions against Cal Poly in his third career game.
2016 Statistics: 41 receptions, 366 yards, 2 TDs; 7 KR, 153 yards, 21.9 ypr; 8 PR, 154 yards, 1 TD, 19.2 ypr (4 games)
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Steven Newbold, Tennessee State, WR, 5-11, 170, Carol City, Florida
Speedster stretches the field while averaging 22 yards per reception.
2016 Statistics: 25 receptions, 550 yards, 3 TDs (7 games)
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Corey Parker, William & Mary, S, 5-11, 190, Haymarket, Virginia
Season's first STATS FCS Freshman of the Week had 15 tackles and an interception against N.C. State.
2016 Statistics: 46 TT (26 Solo), 3 INTs, 2 PBU, 2 FR (7 games)
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Max Roberts, Fordham, LB, 6-1, 222, Delaware, Ohio
Hard-hitting linebacker is adept at hurrying quarterbacks into throws.
2016 Statistics: 33 TT (20 Solo), 7 TFL, 4.5 SK, 9 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF (7 games)
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Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota State, LB, 6-2, 215, Sioux Center, Iowa
Team leader in tackles ranks third in the rugged Missouri Valley Conference.
2016 Statistics: 72 TT (34 Solo), 4 TFL, 3 SK, 2 INTs, 2 FF
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Shane Simpson, Towson, RB/RS, 5-9, 185, Easton, Pennsylvania
100-yard kickoff return vs. New Hampshire shows 2015 shoulder surgery didn't impact Simpson's legs
2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 307 yards, 1 TD; 6 PR, 38 yards, 6.3 ypr; 21 KR, 617 yards, 1 TD, 29.4 ypr (7 games)
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Gee Stanley, Robert Morris, LB, 6-2, 200, Miami
Leads all FCS freshmen and tied for ninth nationally with 7.5 sacks.
2016 Statistics: 48 TT (26 Solo), 9 TFL, 7.5 SK, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF (8 games)
