11 Pac-12 true freshmen positioned to be factors in 2023
Every year with true freshmen, there are highly-rated players who step in and make an instant impact as well as lower-rated recruits who exceed expectations and end up being immediate factors.
It will be no different this year.
On3 is taking a conference-by-conference look at true freshmen set to make noteworthy contributions this season. We’ve already identified some from the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12. Today, we shift to the Pac-12.
Based on intel from team sources, here are 11 Pac-12 true freshmen in position to be factors in 2023 (listed alphabetically).
Stanford WR Tiger Bachmeier
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Three-star, No. 74 wide receiver, No. 515 overall prospect
Bachmeier is the younger brother of Louisiana Tech QB Hank Bachmeier and older brother of Class of 2025 four-star QB Bear Bachmeier.
He ranks 12th in California high school football history with 3,958 receiving yards.
The expectation seems to be that he’ll be in mix for playing time as a true freshman with Stanford, maybe even for a starting role as the season progresses.
USC WR Zachariah Branch
Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star, No. 1 wide receiver, No. 4 overall prospect
Branch has been as advertised through the early part of his time at USC.
In addition to being set to make an impact at wide receiver, Branch is also in position to potentially be the Trojans’ punt returner.
“It was a special first spring for him,” a USC source told On3. “He’s extremely competitive and well-rounded. Super impressive.”
Oregon WR Jurrion Dickey
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star, No. 2 wide receiver, No. 28 overall prospect
Dickey was the second-ranked wide receiver in the 2023 class behind the aforementioned Branch.
Although Oregon is deep at wide receiver with star Troy Franklin, other returners like Kris Hutson and transfers Gary Bryant Jr., Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden, Dickey is so talented that the Ducks expect him to find a way to contribute this season.
“He’s so freakin’ good,” a source said.
Colorado RB Dylan Edwards
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 11 running back, No. 181 overall prospect
Colorado stole Edwards from Notre Dame shortly after Deion Sanders was hired as the Buffaloes’ head coach.
Despite being on the smaller side, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Edwards has continued to surprise and impress behind the scenes at Colorado since his arrival and is part of a deep running back room that also includes Houston transfer Alton McCaskill and Kentucky transfer Kavosiey Smoke.
Edwards is viewed as a versatile piece who can be used in some different ways within offensive coordinator Sean Lewis’ offense.
Four-star wide receiver Omarion Miller is another Buffaloes offensive freshman generating some buzz and is pushing for playing time at wide receiver.
Utah OL Spencer Fano
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 4 interior offensive lineman, No. 78 overall prospect
The addition of Fano and his work through the early part of his time at Utah has added to the Utes’ optimism about their offensive line group.
Utah staffers view the offensive line room as being in good shape and as being really deep even after losing two starters from last year’s unit.
Fano seems to be among the players competing for a starting job.
Arizona State DL C.J. Fite
Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Three-star, No. 140 defensive lineman, No. 1,397 overall prospect
Fite may be among the most productive freshman defensive lineman in the nation this season.
The Texas native is set to start for Arizona State.
People at ASU view him as a Freshman All-American caliber player.
Cal WR Nyziah Hunter
Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 48 wide receiver, No. 326 overall prospect
The top-rated player from Cal’s 2022 signing class, running back Jadyn Ott, made a significant contribution as a true freshman.
The top-ranked player from the Golden Bears’ 2023 class could end up being an immediate factor, too.
While Cal returns wide receivers such as All-Pac-12 selection Jeremiah Hunter to go along with adding multiple transfers at wide receiver, Hunter has “true speed” and is viewed as someone with the versatility to play both inside and outside at receiver.
Colorado DB Cormani McClain
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star, No. 1 cornerback, No. 13 overall prospect
McClain, the most high-profile piece of Sanders’ first recruiting class at Colorado, didn’t take part in spring practice with the Buffaloes but could end up being a key part of Colorado’s secondary as a true freshman.
Even if he doesn’t start right away, the belief is that he’ll play. And he’s a definite possibility to start at some point this season.
“He can cover at a really, really high level,” a source said.
UCLA QB Dante Moore
Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star, No. 2 quarterback, No. 3 overall prospect
Although it sounds like 2022 UCLA backup Ethan Garbers is the current favorite to open the year as the Bruins’ starting QB, don’t be shocked if Moore ends up starting at some point this season, even if it doesn’t end up being Week 1.
Moore had a “very strong” first spring with UCLA.
He has been described to On3 as special and advanced in terms of how he carries himself, his poise, his decision-making and just “knowing how to play the quarterback position.”
Oregon LB Teitum Tuioti, DE Matayo Uiagalelei
Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Tuioti — Three-star, No. 45 EDGE, No. 505 overall prospect; Uiagalelei — Four-star, No. 5 defensive lineman, No. 40 overall prospect
Uiagalelei and Tuioti are maybe the two most likely out of Oregon’s early enrollees to make noteworthy contributions this year.
Uiagalelei, the younger brother of Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei, posted two tackles and a tackle for loss in the Ducks’ spring game.
Tuioti, meanwhile, finished with two tackles and a pass breakup.
While Tuioti wasn’t as highly ranked as players like Uiagalelei, he’s made a strong early impression in Eugene with his speed, power, toughness and motor.