While this week lacked some of the fireworks that we saw in Week 3, there was still a number of strong showings by this years freshman class across the country. More importantly than that, we have seen a number of repeat performers already. The more we see the same names continue to pop, the more comfortable we can be moving said player up our rankings. One strong showing is a good game, three or four and you have yourself a freshman breakout. The cream is already starting to separate, as you may already recognize a few of these names. So let’s dive in!
The Freshman
Xavier Worthy
Texas – WR – 0.9713 247 composite
Speaking of repeat performers, Worthy followed up last weeks strong showing by leading all tFR in receiving yards in week 4. Worthy hauled in 5 of 6 passes for 100 yards and found the end zone a whopping 3 times. Much to Michigan fans’ chagrin, the former Wolverine commit is easily the WR1 of the 2024 draft class. Worthy is scorching right now, he has a 27% yards market share, a 25% reception market share, and an absurd 2.8 yards per team pass attempt (next highest tFR has 1.2).
Brock Bowers
UGA – TE – 0.9532 247 composite
Another player who looks like a lock to finish as the top TE in the class (and possibly already the TE2 in devy, behind Mayer of Notre Dame) is Georgia’s Brock Bowers. He made quick work of Vanderbilt, nabbing 4 catches for 69 yards and 2 scores (and a 12 yard carry for a 3rd score). He is currently leading the Dawgs in receptions (18), yards (272) and touchdowns(4). He is also averaging over 15 yards a catch. Darnell Washington returns to action this week, but considering how much Washington has produced in his career (hint not much) versus what Bowers is doing (lighting worlds on fire), I do not expect him to eat into his workload very much.
Devin Neal
Kansas – RB – 0.8852 247 composite
Neal was a big riser this offseason and had quite a fair bit of hype. We had seen promising usage but not much actual substance. However, it was clear that things were heading in the right direction when he led the position in snaps last week. This prompted his main competition for touches to enter the transfer portal. Neal made good on his newfound job security, romping for 107 yards on 17 carries and a score against the Blue Devils.
Kyle McCord
OSU – QB – 0.9858 247 composite
With Stroud unable to suit up, McCord got the nod over fellow freshman phenom Quinn Ewers. Despite only tossing it 18 times against Akron, the Philadelphia native completed 13 of them for an absurd 319 yards and 2 touchdowns. While he threw a pick, it was mostly rave reviews for the freshman as he got better as the game went on. His value in any format is capped currently, due to the depth of the QB room. If Stroud cannot go this week, and McCord puts together another strong showing, he may have earned the job the rest of the way, however, most expect Quinn Ewers to take the reigns next year. He may have to transfer out if he wants to realize his potential.
Cody Brown
Miami – RB – 0.9134 247 composite
Cody Brown has great size at 6’0” 217 lbs, and all of it was on display on Saturday against Central Connecticut. He led the backfield in carries, logging 14 for 77 yards and two TDs. He is a great trade target for rebuilding teams in C2C leagues. He was a highly rated recruit but likely is buried behind Cam’Ron Harris the remainder of the year. You can probably get him for a 6th+ rounder or as a throw-in in a bigger trade. But I love him to make a real run at the starting RB job next year, and he has the size and strength to handle the workload.
Quick Hits
Emeka Egbuka
The OSU WR got his first touch of the season and took it 85 yards for a score! Get this man involved!
Keagan Johnson
Had a great showing for Iowa, 2 catches for 92 yards and a tuddy vs Col St.
Jake Garcia
Didn’t get the start with King out, but the Hurricane freshman had a strong showing vs Central Connecticut nonetheless: 11/14 for 147 and 2 TDs.
Timmy McClain
In his 2nd start for USF he didnt throw a pick, completed 17 of 24 for 186 and no picks against 15th ranked BYU. He also tacked on another 50+ on the ground for the second straight week.
TreyVeon Henderson
Another day at the office for Henderson. Despite receiving only 8 touches, he ran for 93 and two scores against Akron.
Will Shipley
While his stat line won’t raise any eyebrows, I am happy to relay that he did not sustain a major knee injury during the upset loss vs NC State on Saturday. Sadly, he should still be out about a month.
