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. Here are some of the true freshmen who excelled during Week 7 :
QB Avery Johnson – Kansas State
Johnson turned in a monumental performance during a 38-21 victory over Texas Tech. While splitting time with starter Will Howard, he completed 8 of 9 passes for 77 yards and rushed for 90 yards and five touchdowns on 13 carries. He is the first FBS player to rush for five touchdowns in a game this season.
WR Kevin Concepcion – NC State
The Wolfpack offense struggled during a 24-3 loss at Duke, despite Concepcion leading the team with six receptions for 63 yards. He also had four carries for 33 yards as he has become the most dangerous offensive weapon on the team.
WR London Humphreys – Vanderbilt
After a couple of slow weeks Humphreys was a key contributor against during a 37-20 loss to Georgia. He finished the game with two receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown, which was his second scoring grab of the season.
WR Eugene Wilson III – Florida
Wilson followed up his best game of the season with six receptions for 83 yards and three carries for 10 yards during a 41-39 victory at South Carolina.
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LB Tackett Curtis – USC
In an otherwise disappointing performance at Notre Dame, Curtis shined as he led the Trojans with eight tackles and one tackle for a loss. He is now fourth on the team in tackles (29).
LB Taurean York – Texas A&M
York once again impressed during a 20-13 loss at Tennessee with a team-high nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. He is now second on the team in tackles (41).
DB Dillon Thieneman – Purdue
Despite a 41-7 home loss to Ohio State, Thieneman had yet another big game with nine tackles. He continues to lead the Boilermakers in tackles (63) and interceptions (3).
DB Jalon Kilgore – South Carolina
Kilgore finished with a team-high 11 tackles and one pass breakup during a 41-39 loss to Florida. He continues to be one of the top true freshmen in the SEC.
DB Caleb Downs – Alabama
Downs once again led the Tide in tackles, this time with seven, during a 24-21 victory over Arkansas. Not many true freshmen make as much of an impact for the Tide as Downs has this season.
DB Raion Strader – Miami-Ohio
Playing in the MAC, some players may slide a bit under the radar, but Strader’s performance this season deserves more attention. On Saturday during a 34-21 victory over Western Michigan he finished with six tackles, giving him 30 tackles and an impressive seven pass breakups for the season.
