ITG-SG / September 2016
It almost seems unreal now, but there was once a time when freshmen student-athletes were ineligible for their first collegiate season. In 1968, the NCAA did away with that rule for all sports except football and basketball, later including the two in 1972. Since then, there have been countless players who have changed the dynamic of games as soon as they arrive on campus, from Herschel Walker, who led a Georgia program to a national title in 1980 while rushing for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns, to Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson, who set a freshman record of 11 games with 100 or more yards rushing.
While it may be true that a running back’s transition from high school to college can come seamlessly, that immediate spark can also be found on the defensive side. One of the best starts to a collegiate career was from a man very familiar to South Georgia. Former Lowndes and UGA great Randall Godfey made his presence known early and often in Athens. The 1992 SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year and 1st Team Freshman All-American linebacker led the Bulldogs with 114 tackles after earning his first start in just his third game.
In recent years, there have been plenty of former players from the ITG South GA coverage area to burst on the college scene. Back in 2011, Valdosta prep star Malcolm Mitchell was a key target for the Dawgs right out of the gate. He finished second on the team in yards and accumulated four touchdown grabs despite missing three games. Mitchell would go on to receive an All-SEC Freshmen recognition as well.
Still, no one has transcended early expectations quite like Greg Reid did when he stepped on Florida State’s campus. The former Viking playmaker was a bright spot for the Seminole defense in 2009 with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, but he truly shined in special teams. Reid led the FBS in punt return average and constantly changed the momentum of games with his electrifying returns. It was no surprise that he ended his true freshman campaign as an All-American punt return specialist.
The incoming crop of freshmen will look to continue the legacy set before them. For many, they will have the opportunity to impress coaches who will also be in their first year with the program. Eagerness to get their own recruits on the field as soon as they arrive makes an instant impact. One prospect who has a shot at doing just that is two-time state champion Kiel Pollard.
The Colquitt product, who flipped his commitment to Will Muschamp and South Carolina late in the process, could be a big-time target early in his career. In addition to bringing in a winning pedigree to Columbia, Pollard will already have the size and strength to counter SEC defenses and help elevate the Gamecocks to the next level.
Another name that might fly under the radar is RJ Merriweather. The quick and shifty wideout from Tift will be interesting to watch, especially if Georgia Southern incorporates more passing into the offense under new coordinators Rance Gillespie and David Dean. Adding a new wrinkle to an already explosive offense will lead to continued success.
There are a couple of 2016 Georgia commits to keep an eye on early. Both outside linebacker Chauncey Manac and offensive lineman Chris Barnes have the physical make-up to play a part this season; and with a new leader in Kirby Smart “Between the Hedges,” nothing is beyond the realm of possibility.
To come into college physically and mentally ready to play as a true freshman is daunting enough, but to perform at a high level is another challenge in itself. While most won’t come in and make the same instant impact as an Adrian Peterson or a Greg Reid, it does not mean they should be discouraged.
After using his redshirt year to get healthy and stronger, offensive tackle Cam Erving went on to have an illustrious career in Tallahassee. Not only was the former Colquitt County Packer a two-time All-American, he was also recognized as the ACC’s top blocker in 2013 and 2014. Erving went out on top after playing a vital role on Florida State’s 2013 National Championship team.
So for many freshmen, year one is a time to develop, not to shine. Physically and mentally, the likes of Gabe Nabers, Seth Shuman, Jay Blakely, and Dee Walker will likely take a redshirt year to grow in their craft. Possessing a strong work ethic and willingness to do the little things right will always pay off in the end. It may not be apparent right away, but when the time is right, someone will notice and decide to take a chance to make that dream a reality.
ITG Web Content
The Impact Freshmen
By Lambert Bales
