Freshmen making a splash in their first year on campus is a story that plays out each season at the collegiate level.
In 2010, Marcus Lattimore, Keenan Allen, and James White have all made headlines. They will continue to be a focal point for fans and media alike. In college football at least, the story of the freshman sensation is one that people seem to gravitate towards.
In high school football, the storyline is no less intriguing, just usually less publicized.
Ninth graders often don't command much attention from coaches, media members, and fans, probably because it's extremely rare for a freshman to make a significant impact on the varsity level.
However, some freshmen from the class of 2014 have already started to make a name for themselves on high school squads around the country.
Here's our look at the Top 10 freshman standouts thus far this season:
10. Cole Ousley, QB, Lone Oak (Paducah, Ky.)The 6-foot-3 Ousley has diced up opposing defenses to the tune of 1,919 yards in eight games. He has shown great poise in leading Lone Oak to a 7-1 record. Ousley has also demonstrated the ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for five scores.
9. Nick Harvey, QB/DB, Lancaster (Texas)Harvey has done it all for Lancaster. At quarterback, he has run wild, rushing for four touchdowns against West Mequite. On defense, he has made big plays in the
Coltin Gerhart has thrived behind center
as a freshman at Norco High.
Photo by Josh Thompson
secondary, showing his versatility and athleticism.
It's not entirely clear where he projects best at the next level, but he's certainly one to watch.
8. Coltin Gerhart, QB, Norco (Calif.)Following in the footsteps of his brother Toby, Coltin Gerhart is already etching a memorable career playing under his father Todd at Norco. At 5-11, 195 pounds, he's got a powerful build for a freshman and should only get stronger. Gerhart rushed for 125 yards in Norco's first loss of the season, a 24-21 setback to Roosevelt.
7. Lorenzo Jones, CB, Hale County (Moundville, Ala.)The 5-7 Jones is supremely skilled despite his small frame. He was a 2A all-state selection as an eighth grader a year ago after snagging eight interceptions. This season, he has continued to menace quarterbacks, recording two sacks in a recent game against West Blocton.
6. Jarvis Stewart, RB, Largo (Fla.)Stewart burst onto the scene three weeks ago with a 127-yard game against Sickles and hasn't looked back. He has rushed for four touchdowns the last two weeks and is making quite an impression in the talent-laden Tampa Bay area.
Jabrill Peppers has been a shutdown
corner for Don Bosco Prep.
Photo by Ken Inness
Watch for him to continue to be a key part of Largo's offense for the next four years.
5. Jabrill Peppers, CB, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)It's very rare for a freshman to start at defending national champion Don Bosco Prep, but those that do typically enjoy stellar careers. Peppers, an extremely gifted athlete who suits up at cornerback for the Ironmen, could follow in the path of Brian Toal and Tony Jones, four-year starters who captured multiple state titles.
4. DeShaun Watson, QB, Gainesville (Ga.)On Friday, Watson threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns to lead Gainesville to a 41-7 rout over Oconee County. Watson has been a difference-maker all season for the Red Elephants. He already stands 6-1, and could be the next major prospect from the talent-laden Gainesville program.
3. K.C. McDermott, OL, Palm Beach Central (Wellington, Fla.)Head coach Rod Harris predicts that McDermott will go anywhere he wants for college. The 6-5, 265-pound powerful freshman tackle has more than held his own this season. He's only 14 years old and has great bloodlines: older brothers Tyler and Shane were both Division I offensive linemen.
2. Elliot Berry, ATH, Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.)Along with twin brother Evan, Elliott Berry has performed well in the spotlight cast onto him for being the brother of Eric Berry, one of Georgia's top high school football players ever. Elliott is 6-0 and plays both linebacker and running back for Creekside. He has made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. Along with Berry, Apalachee's Stanley Williams is another Peach State running back to watch in the class of 2014.
1. Leonard Fournette, RB, St. Augustine (New Orleans, La.)Fournette had a September to remember, and is the early front-runner for the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year award. Last month, Fournette rushed for 967 yards and 13 touchdowns in four games. He exceeded the 1,000-yard mark in a loss to Jesuit, but left that game early with a knee injury. If Fournette is healthy the rest of the year, expect eye-popping numbers despite playing against stiff competition in Lousiana’s 5A classification.
Who did we miss? Leave a comment or e-mail Stephen Spiewak at sspiewak@maxpreps.com.
