National Football Freshman of the Year Watch List

Although it's early, several ninth graders have emerged as star players for their respective teams.

MaxPreps takes a look at some of the nation's premier ninth graders who are early frontrunners for National Freshman of the Year honors.

Favorite: Tyrhee Pratt, QB, Capital (Charleston, W. Va.)

Pratt comes off a week in which he threw for three touchdowns and rushed for a fourth to power Capital past Princeton. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal-caller is extremely athletic and has great size.

"He's one of the best I've ever seen," Capital head coach Jon Carpenter told MaxPreps. "He can throw it well. He can run it well. He can do all the things you can measure."



Pratt camped at Ohio State this summer, where he caught the attention of Urban Meyer. He's led Capital to a 3-0 start.

Watch more videos of Capital football

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Contender: Antonio Williams, RB,
North Stanly (New London, N.C.)

While other freshman running backs had more hype entering the season, Williams has been by far the most productive.

The 5-8, 180-pound ninth grader has carried the ball 126 times for 730 yards and eight touchdowns through five games. Barring injury, he'll be a lock for 1,000 yards, a very significant achievement for a player in his first year of high school. North Stanly is having a rough go of it this season, with an 0-5 record.

North Stanley head coach Ralph Jackson describes him as a "very smart football player," who runs with power and is committed to becoming a better player.





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Contender: Kentrail Moran, RB, O'Fallon (Ill.)

On film, Moran might be the most impressive freshman running back in the country.

The 5-10, 180-pounder has only accrued 112 rushing yards in three games, but he has seen his workload increase each week. He's also been responsible for seven catches totaling 91 yards and a score.

O'Fallon head coach Brandon Joggerst has been impressed with Moran's development.

"He's very strong and has excellent vision. He does a lot of things well," Joggerst said.

Illinois has shown early interest in Moran.



Watch more videos of O'Fallon football

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Contender: Erik Swenson, OL,
Downers Grove South (Ill.)

It's rare for a lineman to receive this type of honor, but Swenson is that good - and that big.

He has started every game for Downers Grove South and has looked very good in the process.

At 6-7, 285 pounds, he possesses great size and is very strong. Several Big Ten programs have taken notice, as he would be a perfect fit for the conference's style of play.

Downers Grove South is 1-3 so far this season, with two losses coming by a single touchdown. Swenson will likely be a national recruit by his sophomore or junior year.





Sleepers:
Jared Stewart, DB, Fultondale (Birmingham, Ala.)
Harley Kirsch, QB, Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.)
Gabe Angel, RB, Wilson Central (Lebanon, Tenn.)
Zyaire Hughes, QB, Lone Oak (Paducah, Ky.)