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Five freshmen from South Florida bound to make an immediate impact in 2025

IMG_6270by: Marcus Benjamin08/01/25benjaminrivals
Syndication: Naples Daily News
American Heritage Patriots receiver Malachi Toney (1) runs the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Naples Golden Eagles at Staver Field in Naples on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

With the start of the college football season around the corner and fall camps in full swing around the country, many are wondering if freshmen will see the field in year one of their college career.

Here’s a look at some South Florida freshmen looking to take college football by storm.

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami

The super-athletic slot receiver out of American Heritage Plantation High School impressed in the spring and may be on the field more than expected this season. Malachi Toney, who carried his team at quarterback in the state championship game, consistently gets open and possesses an elite ability to catch the football in traffic and get yards after the catch.

Toney would have to beat out junior Ray Ray Joseph, sophomore Ny Carr, and transfers Tony Johnson and Keelan Marion, as LSU transfer CJ Daniels and sophomore Jo Jo Trader are the projected wide receiver one and two starters.

My guess is that he’ll start in games later in the season.

Ben Hanks, CB, Florida

The lengthy, talented corner from Miami Booker T. Washington is projected to be fourth on the depth chart behind Devin Moore, Dijon Johnson, and Cormani McClain.

If the injury bug bites the Gators at cornerback at some point this season, I would not be surprised if Hanks starts this season.

Koby Howard, WR, Penn State

Koby Howard has a legitimate chance to play at Penn State this season. The Chaminade-Madonna Prep alum impressed in the spring and seemed to be in a great position to challenge for playing time this fall.

However, with the addition of talented slot receiver Trebor Pena, Howard’s chances of playing early lessened to play at the slot position. Howard, who is not limited to a slot receiver, could also play on the outside, giving him a shot to play early in Happy Valley.

Cortez Mills, WR, Nebraska

The Cornhuskers have a relatively young receiving corps, giving Cortez Mills a real opportunity to get on the field early this season. Aside from projected starter, senior Dane Key, Mills will be battling underclassmen for the most part for playing time.

Nyziah Hunter and fellow Miami-Dade County native Jacory Barney are solidly ahead of Mills for now, but an injury or an impressive showing in fall camp from the Homestead native could have Mills on the field in Lincoln often this season.

Darryl Desir, Edge, Florida State

Miami Norland product Darryl Desir, currently projected as the sixth-best defensive end, has a chance to move up the depth chart this fall. James Williams, Daniel Lyons, Jayson Jenkins, Amaree Williams, and Deamontae Diggs currently project ahead of Desir. Still, many inside the program believe he has the best chance to play among the 2025 class.

Desir recorded 149 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in his last three high school seasons.