10 Impact Early Enrollees Since 1990

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 26, 2007

10 Impact Early Enrollees Since 1990

Eric Zeier, QB

Zeier threw for 1,984 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman, starting the final seven games of the season.

Casey Clausen, QB

Clausen took over the starting job at midseason and went undefeated as the Vols' No. 1 signal caller in the regular season before losing to Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. He set a UT freshman record with 1,473 yards passing.

Maurice Clarett, RB

Probably the most prolific early enrollee ever, Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading Ohio State to a 14-0 season and the national championship.

Mario Williams, DE

Williams was a starter from the day he stepped on campus. In his freshman season, the physical freak began his assault on the N.C. State record books, racking up 13 tackles for loss.

Dan Connor, LB

Even though he started just four games -- as Penn State's defense was filled with talent -- Connor finished his first season in Happy Valley ninth in the Big Ten in tackles (85).

Justin King, WR/CB

The multi-talented King started five games at wide receiver, catching 10 balls for 126 yards and two touchdowns and carrying the ball 18 times for 227 yards (12.6 yards per carry). He also spent time at corner, recording 11 tackles.

Derrick Williams, WR

Williams instantly became one of the Big Ten's most exciting playmakers. Before breaking his arm against Michigan and sitting out the final five games of the season, the freshman caught 22 balls for 289 yards and a TD, rushed 22 times for 105 yards and three scores and averaged 21.1 yards per kick return.

Matthew Stafford, QB

Stafford had an up-and-down season while starting eight games for the Bulldogs, but was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. He also earned MVP honors in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, throwing for 129 yards a touchdown and one interception.

Myron Rolle, S

Rolle started the final 12 games of the season and finished third on the team in tackles (46), earning multiple accolades as one of the nation's most dominant freshmen.

Tim Tebow, QB

As Urban Meyer's change-of-pace quarterback in Florida's national title run, Tebow bulldozed defenses for 469 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also threw for 358 yards and five scores to just one interception.