True freshmen to watch at every Texas FBS program: Part 2

[caption id="attachment_24210" align="alignright" width="207"]Allen v Arlington Martin 28 Nov 14-9 Photo by JD Bryant[/caption] True freshmen will be expected to contribute for the Texas G5 schools. A number of holes to fill on each roster, along with three new coaches, mean jobs are open and snaps are available for the young guys. Here are a few names we expect to contribute right away. If you missed Part 1 (Power 5 schools plus Houston), check it out here. SMU Chad Morris has a duo of sophomore running backs to lean on in 2016, but watch for former Manvel star Jordan Carmouche. He was a highly rated linebacker with P5 offers, but chose the Mustangs so he could run the football. Carmouche is a bruiser and could become the short-yardage back for Morris by the opening game. Linebacker Michael Badejo can contribute as a pass rusher from day one. North Texas The Mean Green are one of three G5 schools in Texas breaking in new head coaches. Texas State and UTSA are the other two. Seth Littrell brings a high-flying attack to North Texas and will lean on the old roster and some JUCO guys from the 2016 class. He likely plays a few freshmen from the 2016 class, however, and running back Nic Smith from Arlington Martin could be the first impact player to see the field. Cedar Hill cornerback Jameel Moore is a name to watch on defense. Rice The defense was really bad at Rice in 2015 and that needs to change for the Owls to reach a bowl game this season. Enter linebacker Will Phillips from small-school Franklin. Phillips was a man-child in his high school playing days and can provide instant depth at linebacker and at defensive end if used as a pass rusher. Jude-Anthony Ekpe, a linebacker from Pflugerville Hendrickson, could also see early playing time on defense. UTEP Quadraiz Wadley might be the star of the 2016 class, but UTEP is loaded at running back with the healthy return of Aaron Jones. That leaves Keith Sullivan as the most likely pick to make an instant impact as a true freshman. The massive defensive end can use his length to get around the edge and has the tools to become a terror in Conference USA. UTSA The Roadrunners lack depth along the defensive line more than anywhere else on the roster. UTSA inked signatures from two prep defensive ends – Solomon Wise and Jarrod McLin. Both players should compete for playing time at defensive end. McLin, a Carthage product, was the higher ranked prospect out of the two. Texas State Everett Withers needs help at numerous positions in his first year at the helm, but most of that help likely comes from JUCO and grad transfers. One of the prep products to watch is running back Tyler Tutt with Robert Lowe lost to graduation. The Bobcats need offensive weapons and the well-rounded Tutt had offers from P5 schools.

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