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

After a year in which true freshman quarterback Mason Fine (North Texas) emergeami as one of the top newcomers to the state’s G5 schools, there are several guys ready to emerge as impact players for schools looking to take the next step in 2017. With the season right around the corner, here is the next group of newcomers to keep an eye on heading into August. Previously: Part 1UTEP There may not be as much pressure on any true freshman in the state as there will be on RB Josh Fields (El Paso Americas). UTEP returns just seven percent of its rushing yardage from a year ago as Aaron Jones moved on to the NFL and Quardraiz Wadley succumbed to a season-ending injury in the spring, so Fields is going to be relied on to replace a good portion of that yardage. Look for former high school teammates DT Trace Mascorro and LB Kobie Herring (Refugio) to work their way onto the field early in their career, as well. SMU SMU has the pieces in place throughout its offense to make some noise and score a lot of points, but it was the defense that gave the Mustangs trouble last season. Chad Morris added some talent on the offensive line on signing day, but also landed a few dynamic athletes on defense that should see the field as freshmen. Delano Robinson (Denton Ryan) and Elijah McQueen (Terrell) have the potential to help out in the secondary while Matthew Huhn (San Antonio Jay) will likely see time on an offensive line looking to replace both tackles from a year ago. UNT The Mean Green were excited with the production Fine was able to put together under center as a true freshman last season, but Seth Littrell and North Texas may need another first-year gunslinger to be ready to go in 2017. Cade Pearson (Texas High) is competing with Quinn Shanbour for the backup job behind Fine, and could see playing time if Fine is injured this year. WR Greg White (Riverdale, GA) adds depth to a group of receivers that has been decimated by graduation and attrition heading into the season. Rice The Owls have gradually declined on the field since winning the Conference USA championship in 2013, but David Bailiff has recently managed to gain some traction on the recruiting trail. The Owls got a couple impact recruits in the 2017 class and currently have the second ranked class in C-USA for 2018, per 247Sports. Look for three-star recruits CB George Nyakwol (Aldine Eisenhower) and DE Kenneth Orji (Elkins) to crack the depth chart this season. UTSA The Roadrunners and coach Frank Wilson have their starting quarterback in senior Dalton Sturm, but it’s a pair of freshmen waiting on the depth chart who will have to be ready to go if Sturm goes down. San Antonio natives Bryce Rivers (Stevens) and Frank Harris (Schertz Clemens) could see action if Sturm is injured. CB Samuel Barnes (Richmond George Ranch) was the highest rated prospect in the class and has a chance see the field — and make an impact — at either corner or safety. Texas State Now that Everett Withers has had a chance to implement a new culture with his own recruits, the Bobcats have a host of freshmen who could contribute to a team looking to take a significant step forward this season. Senior Damian Williams has star potential at quarterback (if he rejoins the team after suspension), but true freshmen Jaylen Gipson (Mexia) and Willie Jones III (Silsbee) are next in line on the depth chart. RB Anthony Smith (Fossil Ridge) will see his fair share of touches in the backfield while Caleb Carlile (Waxahachie) is one of three offensive lineman who will likely see the field this season. Look for CB Kieston Roach (Galena Park North Shore) and S Preston Dimery (Kerrville Tivy) to add some depth to a secondary that is extremely young.

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