Freshmen make early impact across FBS football

Legree leads the receiving highlights

According to the NCAA FBS report, Legree had recorded at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in each game to that point. His season totals stood at 23 catches, 585 yards and six touchdowns.

His biggest game in the report’s account came against ranked Texas Tech: he made eight catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns. The article said his receiving-yard total was behind only Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, and that Legree ranked fourth in receiving touchdowns.

Freshmen stand out on defense

LSU defensive tackle Deuce Geralds had four sacks and four tackles for loss, according to the report. His two-sack, two-tackle-for-loss performance against Texas A&M was identified as his breakout outing; one of those sacks came just before halftime.

Ohio State cornerback Jay Timmons forced a fumble on the opening play of the Buckeyes’ game against Texas, the report said. He had four pass breakups and had taken over the nickel position before an injury against Illinois.

UAB safety Jo’Tavion Pierce had 26 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The report also noted his 11 tackles against Louisiana-Monroe and his 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks against Navy.

Two SEC quarterbacks featured

Tennessee’s Faizon Brandon was named the Volunteers’ starter in August and led the team to a 3-0 start before a loss to Texas, in which he suffered a shoulder injury. Across four starts, he had seven passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and no interceptions, according to the NCAA FBS report.

Vanderbilt’s Jared Curtis became the starter in Week 3. The report listed 746 passing yards for the freshman, along with three touchdown passes and two interceptions against NC State and no touchdowns and one interception in a loss to Auburn.

A note on freshman classification

The report said Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell was classified as a sophomore by his team under the new five-for-five rule, although he might have been considered a redshirt freshman under prior practice.