Freshman are playing more than ever in 2014. Heck, 20 plus true freshman have played for the Tennessee Volunteers already. Here are ten that have already made their presence known in big ways for these respective teams.
Deshaun Watson (QB) Clemson
Watson started off splitting time with Cole Stout this season. When he took over as the Tigers starter this past weekend against North Carolina, though, he absolutely torched the Tar Heels, going for 435 yards and six touchdown passes. He’s the nation’s No. 2 signal caller in passing efficiency at 212.7 and has thrown for 914 yards, 10 touchdowns and only one pick so far this season. This is just the beginning for Watson. He was last year’s No. 3 ranked quarterback.
Brad Kaaya (QB) Miami
Now 3-2 as a starter, this kid is getting more comfortable with every passing week. He has now thrown for 1,275 yards, 12 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Kaaya was a four-star recruit on Scout and the No. 18 ranked QB in the 2014 class.
Jarvion Franklin (RB) Western Michigan
This true freshman has rushed for 618 yards and 11 touchdowns in just four games this season for Western Michigan, including 163 yards and three touchdowns against Purdue and 76 yards and two scores against Virginia Tech. Franklin leads the nation in scoring (16.5 points per game). Franklin was a three-star recruit on Scout last season as a senior in high school.
Samaje Perine (RB) Oklahoma
As the backup running back in Norman, Perine leads the Big 12 in rushing. So far he has 419 yards and five touchdowns in four games. He had 242 yards (34 carries) versus West Virginia. It’s not Joe Mixon as the impact freshman. It’s Perine. He was a three-star recruit on Scout last season as a senior in high school.
Cannon is not one of the best freshmen - he's one of the leading wide receivers in the country. In four games for the Bears he has 23 receptions for 519 yards with five touchdowns. Cannon is averaging 22.6 yards per reception. He was a four-star recruit and the No. 5 wide receiver in the country in the 2014 class.
Click here to read about five more impact true freshman on Scout. You can also check out our breakout players on offense and defense.
