Tennessee Vols star named by national media outlet as one of the best true freshmen players in College Football Playoff Era…
On Friday, 247Sports ranked the top 10 true freshmen players of the College Football Playoff era (which started in 2014) and a former Tennessee Vols standout made their list.
247Sports ranked former Volunteers defensive lineman Derek Barnett at No. 9 on their list of top true freshmen players during the College Football Playoff era.
Barnett was a four-star recruit coming out of Brentwood Academy. He was rated by 247Sports as the No. 8 strongside defensive end in the 2014 recruiting class and the No. 4 player in the state of Tennessee.
From 247Sports: An immediate starter and superstar for Tennessee, Derek Barnett just put up numbers as a true freshman. He had an incredible 72 tackles as a 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end to go along with 21 tackles for loss (first in the SEC) and 10 sacks.
Barnett came on particularly strong in SEC play, posting 18 TFLs in eight conference games. He had a three-sack performance against then-No. 3 Ole Miss and posted three sacks again two weeks later against Kentucky.
He was instantly one of the sport’s best and most productive edge rushers.
Tennessee Vols star Nico Iamaleava is making waves as one of the top true freshmen in the College Football Playoff Era. He recently led the Vols to a 35-0 win against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, scoring three rushing touchdowns and throwing for another.¹ This impressive performance has fans and analysts alike taking notice of his exceptional skills.
Iamaleava’s success is not an isolated incident. He’s part of a talented crop of true freshmen who made significant contributions during bowl season. Other notable players include:
– *Rickey Hunt*, RB, Ohio: Hunt had a standout performance in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, rushing for four touchdowns and catching another.
– *Ja’Kobi Lane*, WR, USC: Lane hauled in three catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl.
– *Avery Johnson*, QB, Kansas State: Johnson led the Wildcats to a 28-19 win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another.
These freshmen, including Iamaleava, are proving that they’re ready to make an impact in college football. Their performances are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and fans can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve in the future.²
