True freshmen to watch at every Texas FBS program in 2017: Part 1

Last season it was Houston’s Ed Oliver, Texas A&M’s Trayveon Williams and Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks who stood out among a crowd of true freshmen while putting together impressive inaugural seasons. In 2015, it was Christian Kirk (A&M), Connor Williams (Texas), Patrick Vahe (Texas), Will Noble (Houston) and Malik Jefferson (Texas). With the season right around the corner, here are a few newcomers to keep an eye on heading into August. Baylor The Bears are one of three schools on this list ushering in a new coach this year, as Matt Rhule takes over the program and looks to right the ship in Waco. Rhule put together an impressive recruiting class given the circumstances and snagged a few players with the potential to see a lot of early playing time. Baylor has some real depth issues on the offensive line, but Xavier Newman (DeSoto) is one of six newcomers who should help address that issue. QB Charlie Brewer (Lake Travis) put up record numbers en-route to a 6A state title last year and appears to be giving Zach Smith a run for his money heading into fall camp. Texas For Tom Herman to achieve the level of success the Longhorns are hoping for in year one, he’s going to need to get some solid production out of his 2017 recruiting class. Luckily, Herman got some big-name players to flip their commitment to Texas down the stretch of the process in the spring, which improved the class from where it appeared to be heading. With D’Onta Foreman’s 323 carries and 2,028 yards gone to the NFL, RB Toneil Carter (Langham Creek) played well enough in the spring to lay claim to a good share of those touches behind Chris Warren. Like Brewer for the Bears, QB Sam Ehlinger (Westlake) has challenged returning starter Shane Buechele at times. TCU The Horned Frogs may not need as much production out of their 2017 recruiting class as some of the other programs in the state, but Gary Patterson certainly landed a few guys who have the potential to get on the field early in their career. Wes Harris (Aledo) will bolster an offensive line that struggled through a lot of injuries last season. Omar Manning (Lancaster) and Jalen Reagor (Waxahachie) join a talented group of receivers that at times underperformed last season, leaving room for the explosive duo to carve out roles as weapons for Kenny Hill. Texas Tech There isn’t much question as to which true freshman will be put in position to make the biggest impact right away for the Red Raiders. Jack Anderson (Frisco) is already listed as a starter at right guard and will immediately strengthen a young offensive line that returns three starters from last season. The majority of Kliff Kingsbury’s recruiting class that will make an impact from day one came from the junior college ranks, but LB Riko Jeffers (Sachse) plays with an intensity the Red Raiders could use defensively. Texas A&M The Aggies are entering a year that will determine a lot for the program moving forward, and Kevin Sumlin may have to rely on a significant number of true freshmen to help vault A&M to where it wants to be. QB Kellen Mond (IMG Academy) has an exciting run-pass option skillset that could help him win the starting job, while WR Jhamon Ausbon (IMG Academy), WR Hezekiah Jones (Stafford) and WR Roshauud Paul (Bremond) will be relied on in the passing game. Most importantly though, the Aggies will need a big season from LB Anthony Hines (Plano East), who was the team’s highest rated recruit and fills a need in the middle of the defense. Houston No freshman will stand out in the way Oliver did for the Cougars last year, but Major Applewhite did add some help on the defensive side that will bolster the unit playing alongside Oliver. Houston suffered a major blow when it was announced that DE Bryan Jones (Madison Prep, LA.), who was the team’s top rated recruit, won’t be joining the Cougars this season. That leaves LB Derek Parish (Pearland) and DE Noah Jones (Lancaster) as two players likely to help out Mark D’Onofrio in his first season as defensive coordinator.

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