If you’ve been keeping up with Texas football this offseason, there’s very strong cases to be made for two freshman players.
Freshman running back Bijan Robinson was the highest-rated back in the 2020 recruiting class. He’s expected to receive carries early and often while joining a running back by committee approach alongside Roschon Johnson and Keaontay Ingram.
Defensive lineman Alfred Collins continues to draw praise due to his impressive size during fall camp. Similar to Robinson, Collins was also a five-star prospect according to 247Sports.
Although several other true freshman players have impressed the coaching staff throughout fall camp, these are the two that are most likely to receive the opportunity to contribute immediately.
When 247Sports released their True Freshman Preseason All-American Team for 2020, they took into consideration both talent and opportunity. For example, a loaded position group full of veteran starters could limit the playing time of young players.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly why Robinson was left off of this list. If it were based off of talent alone, there’s no doubt that he would be present on this All-American team.
Collins was one of four defensive lineman to make 247Sports’ Preseason Freshman All-American team. The three others included Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, Florida’s Gervon Dexter and Georgia’s Jalen Carter.
Barton Simmons of 247Sports reiterated that Texas needs depth in the front seven. Whether Collins is a starter or not, Simmons believes he will contribute immediately due to his massive frame and athleticism.
Collins is a high-ceiling defensive lineman that has the ability to fit multiple roles in multiple schemes if needed. Don’t be surprised to see him receive playing time at defensive tackle behind Ta’Quon Graham.