Week 5 has come and gone and it was a doozie! Cincy added a legit win to its resume after taking down Notre Dame. Both Bama and UGA looked multiple cuts above the rest after decimating top 12 teams. UF lost to Kentucky! And perhaps best of all, my diaper dandy, Maple, finally got to experience the first FSU win of her lifetime. Bless. On top of that there were a number of frosh across the country who made a name for themselves on the gridiron.
The Freshmen
Alton McCaskill
Houston – RB – 0.8851 247 composite
Alton McCaskill could not wait til Saturday to get to work, kicking the weekend off with a 3 touchdown performance Friday night. He went off on Tulsa for 77 yards on 17 carries, scoring thrice. The track and football star has quickly assumed lead back status in a fairly talented backfield. He has had four straight games with 16 or more touches, finding pay dirt an astonishing 8 times during that span. Through five games, he already has eleven catches, showing that he is getting it done in all areas of the field. Given that he goes to a G5 school, his NFL shot remains long, however he is CFF dynasty and C2C gold, easily a top 100 pick in either format. The former Texas District 13-6A Offensive Player of the Year is one of the front runners for the AAC Freshman of the Year award. On his second TD run of the night, a 27 yard scamper, he showcases vision, balance, and agility en route to the score.
Seth Henigan
Memphis – QB – 0.8464 247 composite
Speaking of contenders for the AAC Freshman of the Year, Henigan is another who is undeniably in the mix. Despite the loss against Temple, Henigan notched his second straight solid game since he struggled against Miss St. He threw the ball 40 times, completing 24 for 305 and 3 scores. He now has 12 touchdowns on the year compared to only 1 interception. Two weeks ago he only completed passes to three different receivers, well he was able to spread it around it a bit more this week, hitting six different ball catchers. The first year player is top 12 in the nation in yards and is tied for top 11 in touchdowns. I do not see Gunnell seeing the field again, barring injury. This team belongs to Seth. Here he hangs in the pocket in the face of a big hit, and delivers a 35 yard strike down field with aplomb.
J.J. McCarthy
LSU – WR – 0.9866 247 composite
Fans have been burning to see the former 5* in action, and boy did he add a heft helping of kerosene with his flashes this weekend. McCarthy had one pass attempt in the game. 56 yard bomb to Daylen Baldwin in the 4th quarter. He added another score on the ground. And the legend grows. Cade McNamara has played well, yet to throw an interception on the season, but moments like Saturday are a reminder of what is waiting in the wings, a reminder that Cade’s still on a short least.
De’Zhaun Stribling
Wash St – WR – 0.8204 247 composite
Stribling followed up a 93 yard performance last week with another 4 catches for 36 yards and a score against Cal. While the yardage does not pop off the page, he was targeted 7 times. He now leads all true freshman in targets with 35. While he has only hauled in 19 of them for 217 yards, he is drawing the attention of the QB early and often during his first season. He is still buried behind Travell Harris and Calvin Jackson Jr in his quest for targets, but he should have a lion share of the receiving work for years to come, and he is likely available on your C2C waiver wire. Go get him!
Jarquez Hunter
Auburn – RB – 0.8647 247 composite
Despite being behind one of the best backs in the country in Tank Bigsby, Hunter keeps finding a way to get involved. Like Thanos, he is inevitable. Only 6 carries, but he amassed 65 yards and a score on the ground. His most important carry came in the waning moments of the game, with his team down to LSU deep in the fourth quarter. Hunter took the chance and put the team on his back, galloping 44 yards in what would be the game winning drive. Hunter is averaging over 10.5 yards a carry with 40 carries already under his belt. He has also shown promising early usage in the receiving game, with 6 grabs to his name already. At 5’10 202 lbs, he has a solid foundation to build legitimate NFL size. He is currently my RB4 on the class, the highest riser of any freshman by far.
Quick Hits
Jack Bech – LSU
7 catches for 84 yards against Auburn. Who could have seen him being the best LSU freshman WR before the season? He received a whopping 10 targets as well.
Dominic Lovett – Mizzou
Turned 6 targets into 3 catches for 26 yards. Tied for 4th on the team in catches with 14 receptions on the year.
Trevion Cooley – Louisville
11 carries for 64 yards against Wake. Also added a 22 yard reception. By far his most encouraging usage of the season.
Malik Rutherford – Ga Tech
In his first action of the year, he caught 5 of 6 targets for 62 yards against Pitt.
Mikey Keene – UCF
Starting in the place of injured Dillon Gabriel, Keene went 16/28 for 178 yards, 2 scores and a pick. He was unable to get the win, but performed serviceably in his first start.
Devin Neal – Kansas
Another day at the office for the Kansas lead back. 16 carries for 83 yards.
TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio St.
Further cemented his place as RB2 overall in devy. 8 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown.
