Not a freshman. However #15, Drew Keszei is my fresh face pick to show "impact" as a possession receiver.
While Keszei is a Redshirt Sophomore, but he's new to the position, so he belongs here. We can also look at Redshirt Freshmen, where a number of players will make an impact. The ones we have heard mentioned the most are on offense, where we hear regularly about O'Shaan Allison, Buckner and Hooks. While mentioned less, there are a lot of Redshirt Freshmen on the defensive side, though, in fact a squad of 11 players. Which of these will we see?
DL - McCraken, A. Baker
DE - Stai, Watkins
LB - McCrory, Thompson, Houston, Wood
CB - Birchette, Gregory
S - Collier
If the Depth Chart that just appeared has any accuracy, the Redshirt Freshmen that will make the most impact are Allison, Buckner, and Hooks, who will be starters. Redshirt Freshmen that will be backups include Danneker, Mishler, Wood, and Collier.
Great question.
My take is I'd have to think that the biggest possible opportunities on defense for young players would come from the DL or LB groups just based on possible need. After that, safety. There are a good number of sophomores who are talented and ready which will also make it tough for freshman to see the field on defense.
We are pretty stacked at DE with Evans/Ogun-Semore, Conrad/McKnight, & Chukwu. Same at CB with Hudson, Brooks, Ilyaas Motley, Xavior Motley, and Tariq Drake. So I dont see a ton of opportunities there in close games barring injury unless someone really hits it out of the park in fall camp.
I think we will see at least one or two players get a look at safety with Hagan being in his last year. I'd think by the end of the year a future starter could emerge. I'd have to guess that Alvin Floyd is the top candidate to replace Hagan but Collier surely could be in the mix.
While Popp and and Conner may be the starters going into fall camp, I'd have to say that their names are written in pencil. Tyler Gullett really took over for Conner by conference games so we'll see how Conner does. Popp has been a great special teams guy but the future is not there as he is a senior unless he really shines in fall camp. I think we might see significant time from rFr Houston or Thompson, or T.J. Robinson. Cannon Blauser might be a name to add to the list because he is an early enrollee and has the size to play early.
I think playing time at DL is available for anyone who can stand out in fall camp and if I am Solich I am going deep here in practice to find contributors. Kylen McCracken has the size to get it done as does Jeremiah Burton
Last Edited: 7/9/2019 7:49:33 PM by Rufusbobcat94