Sideline Scouting

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Inside The Trenches #2
By Rob Peckham

May 15, 2004

It use to be rare that a true freshman could or would make any real impact right out of the gate. Most freshman spend their first year on the Scout Team, while getting bigger, stronger and faster. While redshirting during one’s freshman year is the normal practice, more and more true freshman are finding their way to the playing field. Some are not only starting for their team, but making quite an impact as well.

Past true freshman who have done just that are current Minnesota Center Greg Eslinger, Northwestern Defensive End Loren Howard, Tennessee Left Tackle Michael Munoz, Oregon Defensive Tackle Haloti Ngata, LSU Center Ben Wilkerson, Virginia Left Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and North Carolina State Defensive End Mario Williams… to name a few.

Here are a couple TRUE FRESHMEN who should make a big splash in 2004:

DT Khalif Mitchell, North Carolina - Neither Alden Blizzard or Tommy Davis are a lock at Defensive End. Mitchell, who’s future may be at Defensive Tackle, could and should step right in start “the Mitchell Era”. right now.

OC Jeff Byers, USC - USC’s offensive line, while big on talent, is lacking in experience. Byers, a top rated recruit, could work his way into the starting job.

Some REDSHIRT FRESHMEN to keep an eye on are:

DT Lawrence Dampeer, Oklahoma - Could work his way into DT rotation if foot injury doesn’t slow him down too much.

OG Martin O’Donnell, Illinois - Should get a shot at a starting spot.

DT Teraz McCray, Miami - The rich just keep getting richer.

OT Sam Baker, USC - The offensive line is rebuilding and Baker could
become one of the cornerstones.

DT Corey Clark, Mississippi State - Playing along side Ron Fields and Deljuan Robinson should create numerous opportunities.

DE Nick Larkin, Boston College - Anyone playing opposite Kiwanuka Mathias should have a good season. Larkin may get the chance to be that guy.

DE Tranell Morant, Florida - Defensive End is not a particularly strong position in Gatorland. Morant should make the most of his opportunity.

OT Caesar Rodriquez, Kansas - Someone needs to step in for Adrian Jones.

DE Lawrence Jackson, USC - With Frostee Rucker’s immediate future unknown (toe injury), Jackson should find himself in the rotation at defensive end. He could eventually bulk up and move inside

OG/C Tripp Carroll, Virginia Tech. - Openings at Center and Guard are available for the taking.

DE Shaun Bailey, Louisville

OG Andrew Crummey, Maryland

OC Adam Spieker, Missouri

OT Tyler Luellen, Missouri

OG Roy Schuening, Oregon State

Email Rob by Clicking Here. For past Inside the Trenches articles, go to our Editorials page.

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