In a trying year, some players stepped up big time for their teams. And some of those players were true freshmen. These were the best true freshmen in G5 schools. The future is bright for these young players and their teams.
Offense
Quarterbacks
Michael Pratt – Tulane
Pratt had an incredibly productive season this year, throwing for 1,806 yards and 20 TDs, compared to just 8 INTs. He also rushed for 8 TDs. His 20 passing TDs were the most by a Tulane QB since 2012.
Running Backs
RB Nate Noel – Appalachian State
Rahjai Harris – ECU
Harris rushed for 624 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He also hauled in 6 passes for 31 yards and a score.
Frank Gore Jr – Southern Miss
Gore Jr stepped up big time for Southern Miss this season. He rushed for 708 yards and 2 TDs, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He also caught 9 passes for 97 yards and 1 TD. Bright future ahead for Gore Jr.
Kimani Vidal – Troy
Vidal was one of the top freshman G5 running backs in college football this season. He rushed for 487 yards, 3 touchdowns, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He also added 25 receptions for 205 yards.
DeWayne McBride – UAB
McBride rushed for 439 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, while averaging a massive 9.3 yards per carry. He has a bright bright future. Remember the name!
Wide Receivers
WR Corey Rucker – Arkansas State
Offensive Linemen
- OG Willie Lampkin – Coastal Carolina
- OG Evan Anderson – FAU
Defense
Defensive Linemen
DE Tyler Batty – BYU
Batty showed off his pass rush skills this season with 4 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. He also added 13 tackles. Remember the name!
DT Chidozie Nwonkwo – Houston
Nwonkwo is a 5’11” 285-pound machine at DT. He has good strength and quickness for a DT. This season he totaled 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Expect a big season from him in 2021.
DE Josh Celiscar – UCF
Celiscar was rated as the 215th best player in Florida in 2020 and the 83rd ranked SDE. He proved those wrong this season. He had 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
Linebackers
Tyler Grubbs – LA Tech
Grubbs was the best true freshman linebacker in college football this season. He had 99 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Grubbs has excellent awareness to diagnose plays and he’s a tackling machine.
Kobe Wilson – Temple
Wilson has a chance to be one of the top Linebackers in the AAC the next few seasons. This season he showed flashes of what’s to come with 13 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble.
Defensive Backs
Bryan Massey – SMU
Massey got limited time at DB this season and totaled 6 tackles and 1 PBU. He also made an impact on special teams with 148 kick return yards and 43 punt return yards.
Upton Stout – North Texas
Stout was overlooked by many programs, but the Mean Green got a steal here. This season Stout had 35 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 pass breakups. Remember the name!
Davonte Brown – UCF
Brown had to step up this season for the Knights and he showed a lot of potential. This season he totaled 23 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup.
Corey Thornton – UCF
Thornton made a big impact this season with 30 tackles, 1 INT, and 2 pass breakups. As a recruit, he was overlooked by many and only had one P5 Offer (Syracuse).
Special Teams
(Kick Returner) Shamar Garrett – SJSU
Kick Return TD
