5 Freshmen Contributing Early

Nowadays, freshmen are contributing earlier and more often than ever before. In Georgia, where the talent is on another level, this is especially true. Here are 5 freshmen who are already contributing this year, and likely will the rest of the year.    Tristan Robinson is a small-school prospect who will contribute on offense, defense, and special teams. Robinson is very athletic and changes direction well, which he showcases offensively. He plays as a WB in the wishbone, showcasing good vision and plant strength as he gets vertical. Breakaway speed is still developing, but he is explosive and has some bounce in his feet. Perhaps his most eye-opening play in week 1 was as a DB, flying to the football and leveling a WR on a screen. Robinson is underrated, but at this rate, he should be one of the most productive freshmen rushers in the state this fall.     Trey Fulton had a highly productive HS debut, finishing with 12 total tackles and 5 TFLs according to MaxPreps. Fulton is already at 6'3 215 and has the room to add plenty of play strength. In week 1, he frequently found himself behind blockers and pulling guards, giving himself a direct path to the RB. He arrived on time and showcased good tackling mechanics, wrapping up and ragdolling the ball carrier to the turf. At this point, Fulton is a good athlete and is still in his youthful days. It's a matter of time before he gets to 6'3 230, and with his athletic profile, he should generate D1 attention when that time comes.     [player_tooltip player_id='1201242' first='Casey' last='Barner'] is already among the best 2028 prospects in Georgia and an offer from UGA is proof of that claim. Barner plays both ways for Douglass, and is a well-developed athlete for his age. He is stout and runs hard with the ball in his hand. Not to mention, he possesses the speed profile required to get around the edge. On defense, he is a striker from the second level. Against LaGrange, he frequently came downhill to deliver hard contact and even forced a fumble. Barner is a P4 athlete with a P4 frame. What takes his game to another level is his mean streak and confidence, which is impressive to see in a youngster playing his first HS game.     Trey Bush had himself a memorable varsity debut against Warner Robins. Bush is a thinner, athletic CB prospect that made an impact as a defender and as a returner. He jumped a screen for a pick six, battling through blocks and driving through traffic to jump the route and take it to the house. Bush is a good athlete with plenty of physical growth ahead of him, but he also showed a knack for making plays around the football, a trait that translates across multiple levels.     I am very intrigued with Robinson's game. He is a speedy 6'0 170, presenting a solid size/speed combo which will only get better as he adds more weight. Robinson reeled in two receptions, one of which was a deep ball which would've been a TD if the throw didn't lead him out of the bounds. The other was a screen, where he reeled in the ball after bobbling it and then dodging a defender for six. He showcased solid speed profile and flashed good focus. I expect him to contibute more this season and over the next several years as well, eventually popping on the D1 radar.

Nowadays, freshmen are contributing earlier and more often than ever before. In Georgia, where the talent is on another level, this is especially true. Here are 5 freshmen who are already contributing this year, and likely will the rest of the year.