Top 10 Impact Freshmen In College Football For 2017

The 2017 college football season kicked off in limited fashion over the weekend. With a full slate of action scheduled for this coming week, here’s a look at the 10 true freshman players who will have the biggest impact for their teams this year.

10. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The Crimson Tide signed a fantastic wide receiver class in 2017, but Jerry Jeudy is the cream of that crop. A five-star and the 21st-ranked player in the country, the 6’1″ and 187-pounder out of Deerfield Beach, Florida is ready to contribute immediately. He was on campus for spring ball and looked excellent.

While speed is certainly part of Jeudy’s game, it’s not his best attribute. He’s a slick route-runner with outstanding hands and has no trouble getting open. He can be explosive and should contribute early on the perimeter for Alabama.

9. Marlon Tuipulotu, DE, USC

USC lured a good one away from Washington late in the process in 2017, landing Marlon Tuipulotu just before he enrolled early. He was on campus for spring ball and impressed everyone with his power, quickness and instincts. At 6’3″ and 295 pounds, the four-star prospect (ranked 60th) out of Oregon is a load along the defensive front.

The Trojans loaded up on the defensive line in 2017, landing touted recruits in Jay Tufele, Jacob Lichtenstein and Brandon Pili. But Tuipulotu looks like the guy who will make an impact first, and has already seen time running with the ones during fall camp.

8. Anthony Hines, LB, Texas A&M

This linebacker out of Plano East High School is an absolute tackling machine. Anthony Hines posted two 200-plus tackle seasons as a prep player and should immediately see time for an Aggies defense that’s thin at linebacker.

Hines is well built at 6’2″ and 222 pounds, and the four-star was the 65th-ranked player in the 2017 recruiting class. He fits best as an inside ‘backer but could move outside in certain situations. Wherever he plays, he’ll be making tackles.

7. Lamont Wade, CB, Penn State

Penn State’s secondary was a problem in 2016, which is why it was such a coup when the Nittany Lions landed Pennsylvania native Lamont Wade. Wade was a four-star recruit who ranked 43rd overall nationally, but should have a much bigger impact than those ratings suggest.

At 5’10” and 187 pounds, Wade has decent size for a corner, but he’s incredibly athletic and fights receivers for the ball. He’s a tough dude, who can tackle (though he needs to work on his from) and comes across as an instinctive, pure cover man. This kid has swagger and it’s hard not to love watching him.

6. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

A five-star with tons of big-time offers, Donovan Peoples-Jones opted to stay in-state and play for Michigan. The Wolverines will be thankful he did. The 12th-ranked player in the country, Peoples-Jones is a big receiver (6’2″ and 193 pounds) with fantastic hands and enough speed to burn defenses.

With Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh gone, Michigan has big needs to fill at wide receiver. Peoples-Jones should start Week 1.

5. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

A five-star cornerback out of Texas and the eighth-ranked player in the 2017 recruiting class, Jeffrey Okudah has a unique opportunity as a freshman with the Buckeyes. Ohio State lost Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley to NFL, robbing them of both their starting cornerbacks. That leaves lots of playing time available.

Okudah can play every spot in the secondary and at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he fits at each. He’s long and fast and should contribute early. If he gets tougher an becomes a better tackler and hitter, he could win up seeing plenty of time with the ones this season.

4. Foster Sarell, OT, Stanford

The fifth-ranked player in the class and one of the top offensive lineman in the nation as a recruit, Foster Sarell has already made his debut for the Cardinal. He and fellow offensive tackle Walter Little saw time late in Stanford’s opening-weekend thrashing of Rice. It won’t be their last action of the season.

Sarell is a massive 6’7″ and 315 pounds, and the Washington native can move as well. He already has the makings of a punishing run blocker, with adequate feet to become a pass protector in time. He may be ticketed for right tackle long-term, but at Stanford he should become a mauler David Shaw can build his running attack around. Look for Sarell to be used in creative ways when Stanford adds extra offensive linemen.

3. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

Dalvin Cook is playing on Sundays now, and that gives Cam Akers a shot to take his spot. The No. 3 overall player in the 2017 class, Akers enrolled for spring football and wound up posting 102 total yards during Florida State’s spring game.

A thin, strong back at 5’11” and 210 pounds, Akers has lateral quickness that helps him get into the open field. Once he’s there, he has the extra gear to run away from defenders. This kid has it all and even played quarterback for his high school team. There are carries open in the Seminoles’ offense and he’ll have an opportunity to do some big things as a freshman.

2. Jaelan Phillips, DE, UCLA

The No. 1 player in the class according to 24/7, Jaelan Phillips is really dang good. At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, he has the perfect build for an edge rusher at the collegiate level. UCLA lost a lot up front, as Takkarist McKinley and Eddie Vanderdoes are gone to the NFL.

Phillips is a big, rangy defender who could wind up as a 3-4 OLB at the next level. He has excellent burst, superb athleticism and a ridiculous wingspan that helps him shield off linemen. He’s a very talented pass rusher right now, and the rest of his game won’t be far behind. This kid can play and will improve UCLA’s defense a ton.

1. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

It seems every year Alabama has a returning starter at running back and a stud freshman in the wings. This year, that stud freshman is Najee Harris, who was the nation’s top running back and the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2017. The Antioch, California native enrolled for spring ball and looked fantastic, racking up 70 yards on 17 carries while showing he definitely belonged.

At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Harris is already built the way Nick Saban likes his running backs. He’s big, but has excellent burst and easily has the speed to run away from defenders. He has lateral agility and can also grind out tough yards when he needs to. Harris is a ton of fun to watch and there is no way Saban will leave him on the bench this year. He’s just too good.