NWADG College Football

2020

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36 NWA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9.20.2020 STEVE MEGARGEE AP SPORTS WRITER Figuring out which true freshmen could make an impact is more challenging than usual this year with the coronavirus pandemic having such an impact on the preseason. Much of the offseason focused on the viability of having a season all rather than detailing which newcomers were making a statement. Did the unusual nature of the offseason limit opportunities for freshmen to make much of an impression? Or will the number of upperclassmen opting out create more chances for first-year players to contribute immediately? While this is a tough year to guess which freshmen could step forward this year, we decided to give it a try anywhere. Here's a list of true freshmen who could come in and make a difference right away. We're focusing this on true freshmen, which explains is why redshirt freshmen such as Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler aren't on this list. BRYAN BRESEE DT, CLEMSON Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has said Bresee has been "better than advertised." That's a pretty bold statement, considering that Bresee was the nation's No. 1 overall prospect in his high school class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247S ports. Bresee, listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, had 80 ½ tackles for loss and 35 sacks in his career at Damascus (Maryland) High School. Top-ranked Clemson already is strong at defensive tackle with Tyler Davis and Nyles Pinckney, but Bresee is talented enough to have some kind of role this season. FORECASTING FRESHMAN STARS PARTICULARLY TOUGH THIS SEASON Tim Warner/Houston Chronicle via AP FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, North Shore Mustangs running back Zachary Evans (3) rushes for a touchdown chased by Atascocita Eagles Daniel Onwuachi (4) during the first half of the high school football playoff game at Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium in Houston, Texas. Evans reportedly signed with Georgia but got released from his letter of intent and was connected to a few different schools before eventually becoming the first five-star recruit ever to sign with TCU. Evans rushed for nearly 5,000 career yards at North Shore High in Houston and was the nation's No. 16 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite.

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