True freshmen to watch at every Texas FBS program: Part 1

[caption id="attachment_24189" align="alignright" width="213"]4C5A8161 Photo by Russell Wilburn[/caption] As the amount of redshirt sophomores and juniors entering the NFL Draft early grows, so do the amount of true freshmen counted on to play right away across the country. The days of redshirting each prospect at a program are over. Each FBS program in Texas needs at least one true freshman to make an immediate impact. Here’s a name (or two, or three) to watch from each P5 program plus Houston, otherwise known as the Texas Six. Baylor The Bears’ 2016 recruiting class was decimated by controversy. When it was announced Art Briles would no longer be head coach, numerous players jumped ship. That list included running back Kam Martin, offensive linemen JP Urquidez and Patrick Hudson, wide receivers Tren’Davian Dickson and Devin Duvernay, and defensive back Parrish Cobb. That leaves defenders Michael Johnson and Grayland Arnold as contenders for early playing time. Johnson was a two-time all-state defensive lineman from Missouri City. Arnold is a defensive back capable of covering slot receivers right away. TCU The Horned Frogs notched a top 25 class, according to every recruiting service. The 2016 class was big and well-balanced between positions. TCU is one of the more experienced teams in the Big 12, so fewer true freshmen tend to play early for Gary Patterson. The defense needs improving up front and two big defensive linemen arrive on campus with Isaiah Chambers and Ross Blacklock. Both players are physically ready for the college game. Blacklock weighs over 300 pounds and can be a run-stopping one-technique at TCU. Chambers is a three-technique with the ability to move around the defensive line. Texas Tech Kliff Kingsbury knows his program needs to improve on defense, but it might be an offensive player who makes the most impact as a true freshman. Former Wichita Falls wide receiver T.J. Vasher provides a different dimension in the passing game for the Red Raiders because of his height and jumping ability. Historically, Texas Tech is known for shorter, quicker receivers. Vasher is not that, and he’ll provide Patrick Mahomes with a big target in the red zone or on third down. Texas A&M Kevin Sumlin wants to erase last season from the Aggies’ memory banks. The best way to do that is to win in 2016. To do that, Sumlin will need instant help on the defensive side of the ball. Texas A&M is improving along the defensive line and in the secondary, but linebacker is still a troubling spot on paper entering the season. Out-of-state prospect Tyrel Dodson could crack the two-deep at linebacker by the opening game. Dodson is an SEC linebacker with a bright future. The need at linebacker might force him into early playing time. Texas Charlie Strong was left with an embarrassing lack of talent on the 40 Acres when Mack Brown was fired. Strong was forced to play countless underclassmen in his first two years on campus because of Brown’s failures late in his tenure and 2016 won’t be any different. Texas likely starts true freshman Shane Buechele at quarterback against Notre Dame. It speaks to Buechele’s talent and maturity level, but it also points back to Brown. Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay may also start as a freshmen. Expect defenders like Brandon Jones, Erick Fowler and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to make major impacts. Houston If a Texas team goes undefeated in 2016, the smart money is on the Cougars. Head coach Tom Herman nearly pulled off the accomplishment in his first year in charge and likes his team’s chances of winning the AAC again this year. Five-star defensive tackle Ed Oliver was the recruiting coup for Herman and his staff, keeping the local big man in the Third Ward. He’ll provide an instant upgrade with size and athleticism to the one- or three-technique. Wide receiver Courtney Lark could also earn playing time as a true freshman.

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