By Mark Pszonak
Now that the college football season has begun, everyone can stop projecting and start actually seeing who the top true freshmen in the country will be. With a full slate of games being played during the long holiday weekend, here are some of the true freshmen who excelled during Week 1:
RB Dylan Edwards – Colorado
While Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter grabbed most of the headlines after Colorado’s victory at TCU, it was Edwards who shined just as brightly. Surprisingly, most of his work was done through the air, where he grabbed five receptions for 135 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground he added another touchdown on six carries. Overall, it proved that the Buffaloes have another verified offensive weapon that is sure to become a big part of their offense this season.
QB Jaden Rashada – Arizona State
There were some ups-and-downs for Rashada, which is expected for any true freshman quarterback, but overall, he showcased the potential that made him a national recruit. Completing 18 of 31 passes for 236 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions during a 23-21 victory over Southern Utah, plenty of eyes will be on Rashada this month as the Sun Devils’ schedule quickly gets more difficult with upcoming games against Oklahoma State, Fresno State and USC in September.
DB Caleb Downs – Alabama
Anytime a true freshman is named a starter at Alabama, it is worth taking note. Lining up at safety, Downs did not disappoint with a team-high eight tackles and one tackle for a loss during an easy 56-7 victory over Middle Tennessee State. The level of competition will quickly get more difficult this weekend against Texas, which will surely look to test the true freshman on Saturday night.
DB Jalon Kilgore – South Carolina
Listed as a back-up free safety coming into Friday night, Kilgore ended up playing most of the game during the Gamecocks loss to North Carolina. And he responded by finishing with 12 tackles, second most on the team behind Debo Williams. Athleticism was never a question mark with Kilgore, but his maturation has come quicker than some expected. There is no reason to think that he won’t be a major part of the South Carolina secondary for the remainder of the season.
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LB Suntarine Perkins – Ole Miss
The highest-rated Class of 2023 high school signee for the Rebels, Perkins quickly entrenched himself as a pivotal player on the defensive unit this fall with a team-high nine tackles, one tackle for a loss, one sack and one pass breakup in an easy 73-7 victory over Mercer. The level of competition will obviously get much tougher for Ole Miss, including an intriguing game against Tulane on Saturday night, but whoever the Rebels play, look for Perkins to be in the midst of the action.
DB Dillon Thieneman – Purdue
While Purdue suffered a home loss in their season-opener against Fresno State, Thieneman’s play was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance by the secondary. Totaling 10 tackles and an interception, his play substantiated what was previously months of hype. Now the Boilermakers must try and fix the remainder of their secondary, while also hoping that Thieneman continues his excellent start.
LB Brad Spence – Arkansas
After turning heads throughout summer camp, Spence did the same on Saturday against Western Carolina. Earning a spot on the two-deep, he only finished with two tackles, but he showcased his athleticism late in the game when he returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.
WR Creed Whittemore – Mississippi State
When you consider that Whittemore was a high school quarterback, his first game at the collegiate level as a wide receiver becomes even more impressive. In a 48-7 victory over Southeastern Louisiana, he had four receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown and added two carries for 57 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs showed plenty of trust in Whittemore on Saturday, so it will be interesting to see how he is used for the remainder of the season.
K Kyle Ferrie – Mississippi State
The second Mississippi State player on this list, Ferrie excelled on Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana by connecting on all six of his extra points and both of his field goal attempts from 40+ yards. His field goal in the first quarter, from 47 yards, was the first score of the game, while his 49-yarder closed out the first half.
QB Keyone Jenkins– FIU
After not playing in the season opening loss to Louisiana Tech, Jenkins was named the starter and played a huge role in the Golden Panthers victory against Maine on Saturday. While he only completed 50% of his attempts, his 15 completions went for 292 yards and two touchdowns. There is no reason to think that Jenkins won’t be the starter for the remainder of the season in Miami.
RB Sedrick Alexander – Vanderbilt
Through two games, the Commodores have yet to select a lead-back, as carries have been split amongst three players. One of these is Alexander, who may have proven his case for more carries in the future after rushing for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries against Alabama A&M. If he can continue to showcase the impressive combination of speed and power that he has flashed more consistently, look for more carries to come his way.
