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Spring practice is an exciting time for football fans. Though the calendar is changing, as is everything else with the sport, it still provides an opportunity to get an early look at team structure and composition for the upcoming season.
That means, as early enrollees out of high school become the norm, getting an enticing first peek at freshmen. Few players generate headlines like newcomers, especially since spring practice marks their first real debut on the big stage.
With the transfer portal and NIL condensing the timeline to produce and putting added pressure on retaining top talent, freshmen are starting to earn more playing time than ever. Just look at Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who dominated as a first-year player in 2024 and broke several program and Big Ten records for a true freshman.
Though Smith is prototypical, given that he immediately emerged as the Alpha wide receiver for a national title-winning squad, there are plenty of freshmen poised to have an impact for big-time programs during the 2025 season. Here’s a few to keep an eye on as spring practice progresses.
247Sports ranking: No. 5 RB, No. 121 Natl.
Phil Mafah, Clemson’s leading rusher, is off to the NFL and Jay Haynes, his top backup, tore his ACL in the Tigers’ ACC Championship Game win against SMU. So that means Keith Adams Jr. is the only returning scholarship running back that had at least 30 carries last season and will be fully available for spring practice. There hasn’t been any evidence during Adams’ three…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigans-bryce-underwood-oregons-dakorien-moore-among-key-college-football-freshmen-to-watch-during-spring/
Author : Will Backus
Publish date : 2025-03-04 16:12:00
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