In the final segment of my Fresh Faces series, I’m going to dive into the top G5 freshmen to watch for in the 2024 season. If you missed any of the P4 coverage, be sure to check out the articles for the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, and SEC.
I’m home! @BroncoSportsFB @OrangeVistaFB pic.twitter.com/xxr12ZqOHm
— Sire Gaines (@GainesSire) December 8, 2023
Sire Gaines, RB, Boise State
This may come as a surprise with last season’s Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, Ashton Jeanty, leading the backfield, but Sire Gaines possesses exceptional talent. He already showcased his abilities during the spring game, earning the confidence of the coaching staff. Gaines’ first carry went for 27 yards and he finished with 45 yards on five carries, averaging 9 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 18 yards. Despite the depth in the RB unit, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gaines get his share of touches this season to spell Jeanty and because he’s just too talented to keep off the field.
The Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, has high praise for Gaines, stating, “For a 17-year-old, wow, he’s off to a great start,” on Tuesday. “He’s very impressive not only when it comes to running the ball and yards after contact, but he’s also physical in pass protection.”
Brandon Winton, WR, USF
South Florida was the only Group of Five team to have a top 50 recruiting class in 2024, including three-star Brandon Winton. The Tennessee native is a true athlete, having played both sides of the ball in high school and run track. Winton also reportedly had offers to play basketball from Howard and South Carolina. USF should have another explosive offense this year led by Byrum Brown and a talented wide receiver room. Sean Atkins is the clear number one target, but I believe there will be opportunities for Winton to see the field and make the most of his chances.
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Alex Golesh is eager for Brandon to get on the field, remarking, “We are very fortunate that one of the premier players in the state of Tennessee decided early on to call South Florida home. A state champion and finalist for Mr. Tennessee Football, Brandon is going to make a name for himself in The Bay!”
Martavious Collins, TE, UTEP
In his first season, Scotty Walden and UTEP brought in the top recruiting class in Conference USA for 2024, headlined by Martavious Collins. The tight end position returns three players who combined for 6 receptions, 56 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown in 2023. At 6’4” and 265 lbs., Collins will be the biggest in the group. I think he’ll make an immediate impact for the Miners this year with his talent and Walden’s desire for an explosive offense.
”We are thrilled to announce Martavious Collins is part of this class. He’s an OKG all the way. He’s going to make some big-time plays for the Miners,” said Walden.
Tashi Braceful, WR, Toledo
Although Jason Candle and the Rockets return All-MAC First Team player Jerjuan Newton, Tashi Braceful is a name to know for Toledo. He turned down multiple offers from P4 programs to be a Rocket. The position unit has good depth, but I don’t see Candle and the staff keeping Braceful off the field this season.
“He’s one of the best players in the Toledo class to me,” said Allen Trieu, a Midwest recruiting analyst for 247Sports. “He had Power Five opportunities, which isn’t always a guarantee of college success, but it’s nice to get kids who had those offers in the MAC. The bigger piece is he’s had a really good senior year. He was good before this, but I think he’s taken his game to another level this fall. I think he’s one of the impact players in the class.”
𝑨𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑩 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲𝑭𝑰𝑬𝑳𝑫‼️💪
Our NEWEST RB @JaylenBoardley is coming HOME🏡#The2tand4rd x #WolvesUp pic.twitter.com/uDieFSU1y5
— Arkansas State Football (@AStateFB) December 20, 2023
Jaylen Boardley, RB, Arkansas State
Butch Jones is experiencing a rejuvenation at Arkansas State, proving his prowess by signing one of the top classes in the Sun Belt. Jaylen Boardley had offers from major P4 teams like Auburn, LSU, and Texas Tech, so the talent is there. The offense brings back plenty of experience, promising another explosive season with ample opportunities to spread the ball around. The Red Wolves are deep at running back, but with his talent and versatility, I expect Boardley to make his presence felt as a true freshman.
