Instant Impact True Freshmen

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 5, 2006

Instant Impact True Freshmen

Emmanuel Moody, RB

In a talented crop of freshman backs, Moody has established himself as the best of the bunch. Though he splits carries with junior Chauncey Washington, Moody leads the Trojans with 334 yards rushing and a 7.4 yards-per-run average.

Tim Tebow, QB

At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Tebow employs a bruising running style that has already made him a favorite in the Swamp. Tebow provides an important change of pace from pocket passer Chris Leak and has seen regular action in every game. After Leak graduates, Tebow should excel as a full-time QB in Urban Meyers' spread offense.

Javarris James, RB

James has been one of Miami's few highlights this season. A cousin of former Miami star Edgerrin James, "Baby J" has ascended to the starting role just over a month into his college career. In his first start last week, James rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown and helped the Hurricanes edge Houston 14-13.

Percy Harvin, WR

Harvin has missed most of the last two games with a high ankle sprain, but he burst onto the scene in the Gators' first two, running circles around Southern Miss and Central Florida. A transcendent playmaker, Harvin has already drawn comparisons to Reggie Bush.

Damion Fletcher, RB

Fletcher averages 122.75 rushing yards a game (eighth-best nationally), highlighted by a 177-yard, three-touchdown performance against N.C. State. His instant dominance has surprised everyone: "For a true freshman, nothing fazes him," Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower said. "He isn't intimidated. He's poised, athletic and has learned fast. I didn't expect this."

Andre Smith, LT

One of the nation's top recruits, Smith made headlines for his creative commitment to Alabama, during which he pulled out a houndstooth hat, a la Bear Bryant. At 6-4, 338, Smith has shown great athleticism as 'Bama's starting left tackle.

Nate Davis, QB

After seeing quality time in each of the first four games of the season, Davis earned his first career start last week against Northern Illinois. Although NIU won 40-28, Davis completed 27 of 38 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns. He's sixth in the country in passing efficiency.

David Harvey, WR

The pint-sized (5-11, 160) receiver has hauled in 17 passes for 415 yards and a team-high five touchdown catches. He has also returned four kicks for 216 yards. A top 100 recruit out of high school, Harvey took a year off to improve his grades before signing on with Akron.

C.J. Spiller, RB

Averaging 240.6 yards a game on the ground (seventh nationally), the Tigers feature a stable of talented runners. Spiller has established himself as the No. 2 back behind James Davis. Against Louisiana Tech, Spiller had 15 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Sam Young, RT

Only the fourth true freshman in modern history to start on the offensive line for Notre Dame, Young performed very well in the first five games. Although Young's playing time has decreased a bit recently, Charlie Weis says he's fully satisfied with his freshman tackle.

Delone Carter, RB

The Orange have won three straight games, thanks in large part to the dynamic Carter. He rushed for a combined 134 yards in wins over Illinois and Miami (Ohio), but he truly made his presence felt last week. In a 40-34 double-overtime win over Wyoming, Carter ran for 129 yards and four touchdowns.

Juice Williams, QB

Illinois' biggest recruit in years has brought some excitement back to a dormant football program. In last week's shocking upset of Michigan State, Juice threw for 122 yards and a touchdown and ran for an additional 103 in his second start of the season.

Crezdon Butler, CB

Recently, Clemson has enjoyed a plethora of talented cornerbacks, including Justin Miller and Tye Hill, and Butler could be next in line. The well-rounded, athletic corner got his first two interceptions against Louisiana Tech last week.

Myron Rolle, Rover

Listed by many as the No. 1 recruit in this class, Rolle earned his first start against Rice last week. Playing rover, Rolle led Florida State with eight tackles (three solo).

Mitch Mustain, QB

Mustain came into the season as possibly the most hyped quarterback in the class. Statistically, his first season has been a rollercoaster ride, but he is 3-0 as a starter, including a 224-yard, three-touchdown performance against Vanderbilt.

Instant Impact True Freshmen