Ninth-graders continue to make a big impact on the high school football landscape, perhaps now more than ever.
With plenty of time remaining this season, MaxPreps breaks down the top freshman performances in the country and the early leaders for National Freshman of the Year honors.
MaxPreps 2013 Freshman of the Year Watch List
Favorite: Richard Lecounte, DB, 6-1/175, Liberty County (Hinesville, Ga.)Lecounte has played a huge role in Liberty County's impressive 6-1 start. On a team that features reigning MaxPreps Junior All-American
Raekwon McMillan, Lecounte arguably has been the team's most impressive defensive player.
He has already recorded 73 tackles and five interceptions to go along with three forced fumbles. His highlight film, which features several jaw-dropping plays, went viral and already has over 300,000 views.
A member of Liberty County's coaching staff called him the best ninth-grader he's ever seen in person.
Liberty County could face a challenging slate of teams in the AAAA playoffs, so Lecounte will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself.
Contender: Dylan Moses, RB/LB, 6-1/215, University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)In his first full season on the varsity level, Moses has not disappointed, helping University Lab to a 7-0 record.
He has lined up at both running back and linebacker and has looked impressive on both sides of the ball. In a game against LaGrange, Moses amassed 22 total tackles.
Contender: Foster Sarell, OL, 6-6/300, Graham-Kapowsin (Graham, Wash.)
Foster Sarell, Graham-Kapowsin
Photo courtesy of LouAnn Crook
It's rare for linemen to take home the hardware, but Sarell certainly has a shot.
Sarell has started since game one at left tackle and has been very good, as evidenced by his
impressive highlight video.
Washington and Eastern Washington have already offered. Sarell figures to be a lock for MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors and could be in play for Freshman of the Year until the very end.
Contender: C.J. Cotman, ATH, 5-10/175, Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.)Cotman has been a versatile weapon for one of Florida's top-ranked small schools.
Lining up at receiver, running back and on special teams, Cotmann has showed glimpses of immense potential. He racked up over 600 all-purpose yards in four games and even registered a few tackles.
He may not end up as a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver, but Cotmann has established himself as a valuable weapon on a very good football team.
Contender: Jeff Thomas, WR, 5-11/170, East St. Louis (Ill.)
Jeff Thomas, East St. Louis
Photo by Mark Guthrel
Playing for one of the more talented teams in the Midwest, Thomas has come on as a key contributor for East St. Louis as just a freshman.
In seven games he's made 31 catches for 468 yards and three touchdowns. Thus far, he seems like the most impressive receiver from the class of 2017 this fall.
Contender: Joshua Land, RB, 5-7/165, Hubbard (Chicago)Land is on a roll right now, having exceeded 100 rushing yards in each of his last four games.
His cumulative numbers show how solid he has been all season long: 893 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in just seven games.
Playing for one of Chicago's top public school squads, the diminutive Land has also nabbed two interceptions.
Contender: Bruce Jordan-Swilling, RB, 6-2/215, Brother Martin (New Orleans)The big, physical Jordan-Swilling has burst onto both the high school football scene and the college recruiting scene, as several schools have already taken notice.
In a recent matchup against Vanderbilt Catholic, Jordan-Swilling erupted for 195 yards and three touchdowns, despite splitting time in the backfield with junior
Jared West and senior
Brice Johnston.
A strong close to the season could boost Jordan-Swilling's chances at the honor.
Sleeper: Calvin Ashley, OL, 6-6/240, Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.)One of the most impressive freshmen linemen to emerge from Florida in a while, Ashley is starting at left tackle for powerhouse Dr. Phillips.
Sleeper: Connor Curry, QB, 6-1/163, Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, La.)A youth All-American turned varsity starter, Curry certainly looks the part behind center for Evangel Christian Academy.
Sleeper: Todd Sibley, RB, 5-10/188, Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio)Sibley has made a splash this fall for Archbishop Hoban. He already has the build of an upperclassman and could be the next top running back from the Buckeye State.
Sleeper: A.J. Epenesa, DL, 6-5/230, Edwardsville (Ill.)Epenesa was having a very strong ninth-grade campaign until a broken fibula ended his season early.
