We wrap up our brief look at freshmen who have stood out in camp with a brief look at wide receivers, and even a couple of tight ends. While many drafters are plotting last-minute draft strategy, those that have already had their evening o' fun may want to file these names away as waiver options for when the inevitable injury bug strikes.
Sure to Shine:
Julio Jones, Alabama
Expectations were high, and he hasn't disappointed. With a 5-125-1 performance in a recent scrimmage, it's clear that Jones can get it done against his own secondary. Now we're a little over a week away from seeing him unleashed on Clemson. This kid has Larry Fitzgerald-type potential, and he's going to make things much easier for John Parker Wilson and the Bama running game.
DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss
Possessing a 6'6" frame and speed to burn, DeAndre Brown is going to be a mismatch all season as he runs routes against the likes of Louisiana-Lafayette, Rice, Arkansas State and SMU. My colleague Alex was all over him from the day he signed on at Southern Miss, and once eligibility was no longer an issue, he was salivating at what this super talent would do against overmatched secondaries. He sat out a practice with a tender ankle this week, however this was primarily a precautionary measure. He's good to go.
Spot starter now, stardom later
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Marvin Jones, California
The Bears need to replace a lot of receiving talent, and they need to do it right now. The word "polished" has been used to describe this top recruit, and when this adjective is thrown about it usually means ready to play right now. He's been awarded DeSean Jackson's #1, and he's looking like he may be a #1 receiver in the Cal offense.
Jared Karstetter, Washington State
Brandon Gibson called the 6'4" Karstetter a "stud" and that's good enough for us. This freshman has had one heck of a camp, and he not only has jump ball target written all over him, but reports of his speed have us thinking even bigger. Injuries have befallen the Cougars' WR corps a little bit, and with a chance to play in a new, pass-happy offense, Karstetter may emerge as one of the Pac-10's top freshmen.
Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt
We've read reports all summer that have detailed Baldwin's aerial acrobatics, making crazy catch after crazy catch. And while Baldwin certainly has an extremely high ceiling, he's likely a ways away from consistent fantasy production. Many have reported on his need to work on aspects such as route running and blocking; of course there aren't many incoming freshmen that don't need a crash course in these skills. These shortcomings will allow the veteran talent split wide to see snaps befitting of starters. Baldwin will have a break out game or two, however he should be nabbed as a draft and stash for 2009.
A.J. Green and Tavarres King, Georgia
Now we couldn't go ahead and predict huge seasons for these freshmen after we tabbed their quarterback, Mr. Stafford, as an overrated fantasy player. So we're not telling you to pounce on either or both of these guys for 2008. Rather, we're telling you that each is a special talent, and each will make a sizable impact in Athens before he finishes. Each will make a splash this season, but it'll be more like a Chinese diver's splash, not a cannonball.
Darryl Stonum, Michigan
Seemingly not concerned about big-head syndrome, Coach Rich Rodriguez has been heaping praise on his incoming freshmen. Along with Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw, RichRod has been gushing about Darryl Stonum, an early-enrollee. Expect to see Stonum line up in a variety of spots, and he'll make the big plays. However bear in mind that save for Darius Reynaud last season, Rodriguez wide receivers haven't exactly put up big numbers.
Brandon Green, Minnesota
For all his talent, Brandon Green is still very...green. He's going to make his mistakes, but he'll also make big plays. If you invest a pick in this freshie then you'll want to pull for Minnesota to win a few more games in 2009, because if Brewster is allowed to hang around for Green's time in Minny, he'll eventually produce excellent numbers.
Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
Head Coach Mark Dantonio and Offensive Coordinator Don Treadwell have been piling on the praise for this freshman who flew under the recruiting radar for a good portion of his senior year. He needs to put some weight on his lanky frame, however if he can get the ball in space good things will happen because: a. he possesses soft hands, and b. he can fly. A couple years back MSU had a very promising WR prospect in T.J Williams who simply couldn't do the right thing off the field. This will not be a concern with Martin. Don't be surprised if he makes big plays on special teams and split wide this season.
Gonna have to wait.draft and stash
Burton Scott, Alabama
Talented and will see the field in 2008. However with Jones and veterans above him on the depth chart, don't expect much by way of fantasy production this season.
Dwight Jones, North Carolina
Jones is an interesting add to the list as he wasn't sure he'd even be in Chapel Hill this season. Following the resolution of a NCAA Clearinghouse issue, he packed his bags and now he's ready to help in the Butch Jones rebuilding project. He has suffered from a quad contusion and this has put him behind the others. Wait until 09.
Phillip Pierre-Louis
Only 5'7", Lewis has been overlooked by many. However after being singled out on a few occasions by Coach Tuberville, it's clear that this freshman from Florida will see the field in 2008. He's a candidate to emerge as the punt returner, and for a kid who was second to Jeffrey Demps in the 100 meter dash a year ago, he has a bright future in the open space that will be provided in the new offense.
And two tight ends for good luck
Dion Jordan, Oregon
The freshman TE has looked very good in practice. The Pac-10 has been a great spot to nab that TE in recent years, and Jordan could emerge down the road.
There are two primary reasons why you should pay attention to Michael Egnew. First, he plays for Missouri, which has become Tight End Central over the past couple of years. Two because he's getting serious practice reps, and looking good...for Missouri.
Finally, after months of draft preparation and projections, it's finally time to focus entirely on our Week One prep work. While we love all of the off-season news and discussions over who is going to be the next breakout star, we're bigger fans of taking in all the sights and sounds of college football Saturdays. Under ten days boys and girls...we're almost there.
