By Ty Scheiner
In our next Fresh Faces series, we’ll take a look at the Big 10. As I’ve already touched on Jeremiah Smith and Dylan Raiola, I won’t be including them in this piece. Be sure to check out the other SEC, ACC, and Big 12 Freshmen who are poised to make an impact in 2024.
Jordan Marshall, Michigan, RB
We all know what Donovan Edwards brings to the Wolverines, and he is the clear number one. However, in this day and age, it’s always beneficial to have a two-headed monster in the backfield. Jordan Marshall, reigning Mr. Ohio, could be the back that helps break up the ground and pound for Edwards. If last season is any indication of what Sherrone Moore will try to do with this offense, it is built on running the ball, and Marshall could be the guy to fill Blake Corum’s shoes come fall. There will be plenty of opportunities for Marshall to get his touches, as Michigan led the Power 5 in rushing touchdowns and was third in the Power 5 in total run plays last season.
ESPN’s Tom Luginbill says of Marshall, “Marshall is everything Michigan wants in a running back — tough, physical, and fantastic after contact. He has the power to press the hole but also the vision to exploit the cutback lane when available.”
Cooper Cousins, OL, Penn State
Coming off a season where the Nittany Lions lost three starters to the NFL Draft, there is a glaring gap up front, which is where Cooper Cousins can make an immediate impact. Penn State fans already got a glimpse of Cousins during the Blue-White game, where he seemed right at home. Another advantage he has is his versatility and ability to play anywhere on the line, which should help James Franklin find spots and reps to get him in during the season, even if he isn’t starting right away.
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Franklin on Cousins: “He came to every camp. That was unique,” Franklin said. “We played him at tackle, and he showed he could do it. He’s got a nasty streak, and, to your point, he doesn’t look like a high school kid. He’s a lean 6 foot 6, 320 pounds, which is unusual.”
DB Aaron Flowers, Oregon
Part of a top-five recruiting class, Dan Lanning will be looking to Aaron Flowers to make an immediate impact for the Ducks in the secondary this upcoming season. Flowers will definitely have an opportunity to see some snaps in the secondary, as the Ducks lost three starters to the NFL Draft but have also brought in some high-end talent through the portal, including Jabbar Muhammad (Washington), Kam Alexander (UTSA), Kobe Savage (Kansas State), and Brandon Johnson (Duke). Flowers had a solid spring game, recording four tackles: two solo and two assisted. Lanning isn’t shy about playing young players, and Flowers shouldn’t be any different. He should see the field a decent amount this upcoming season.
Chris Hummer at CBS Sports says, “There are some snaps to grab at safety behind Kobe Savage and Tysheem Johnson. That is a plus for Flowers, who greatly impressed during spring ball and had a huge spring game. Given that almost every other player in the safety mix is an unproven underclassman, Flowers definitely has a path to the field.”
