Eight Freshmen Already Making an Impact at the Varsity Level

Jake Lemming

September 17, 2024 @ 05:02 PM

Playing varsity football as a freshman is no easy feat, as most prospects are still developing physically. However, the prospects featured in this piece have started to make a name for themselves at the varsity level and are beginning to become names to watch over the next four years. These guys still have a long career ahead of them and should continue to develop not only on the football field but off of it.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='996994' first='Terrell' last='Stinson'] 5'9" 160, Clear Lake   Terrell has compact breaks that stay inside the framework of his body, he plays downhill and can make challenging tackles in space. He's tough as nails and plays a lot bigger than his listed size.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1577312' first='Mike' last='Brown'], 5'8" 160, Fulshear   Get the football in this kid's hands and watch him go to work. He's elusive in space, he does a good job letting his blocks set up ahead and he's got instant turbos for when he spots a crease. He's also a highly productive punt returner as well.   RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1577280' first='Zyien' last='Dupree'], 5'10" 180, Lake Belton   Zyien has it all: patience, vision, burst, and on top of it all breakaway speed. He's got excellent change of direction and can make defenders look silly in the open. I think he's the next big prospect to come out of Lake Belton.   DB: Jacob Thompson, 6'2" 160, Sanger   A long safety prospect that can roll up in the slot to play man and is equipped with plenty of physicality as a tackler. If he's beat downfield he doesn't look back for the football and does a good job of playing through the receiver's hands.   WR: Damarion Mays, 6'2" 175, Life Oak Cliff   Mays has already put up ridiculous numbers, accounting for 544 yards and four touchdowns through three games. He's sure-handed, has got plenty of speed to make something happen after the catch, and has the leaping ability to go up & make a play on the jump ball.   RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1577286' first='King' last='Stephens'], 5'9" 155, Azle   A north and south runner with power, excellent balance, and the ability to stick his foot in the turf & bounce a run if a hard edge isn't set. There's not a ton of tape on him right now, but in the small sample size, you can clearly see the upside.   ATH: Joziah McNeely, 5'10" 175, Cypress Park   This kid is fearless venturing through the teeth of a defense, he's got strong hands, and the body control to contort his frame into awkward positions for poorly placed throws. He's a physical blocker on the perimeter and can also line up in the backfield & provide value as a runner between the tackles.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1035302' first='Josyah' last='Johnson'] 5'9" 165, Allen   Johnson looks to get vertical following a reception, he is slippery with the ball in his hands and is quite smooth at the top of his route. He's got a big catch radius for a smaller guy and can turn a simple quick game concept into an explosive play.

Playing varsity football as a freshman is no easy feat, as most prospects are still developing physically. However, the prospects featured in this piece have started to make a name for themselves at the varsity level and are beginning to become names to watch over the next four years. These guys still have a long career ahead of them and should continue to develop not only on the football field but off of it.