True freshmen who stood out in Week 2 in college football
The second week of college football saw an increasing number of true freshmen earn significant playing time and make big plays. Several top performers were included in On3’s Preseason True Freshman All-America Team, which was released before Week 1.
This week, we saw a few repeat top performers from Week 1, and some new names also emerged.
QB Tyler Buchner, Notre Dame
The freshman quarterback was among the highlights in Notre Dame’s close win over Toledo. Buchner came off the bench a few times as a change-of-pace rushing quarterback for the Irish and had a hand in two scoring drives. The highlight play came in the fourth quarter, when Buchner hit running back Chris Tyree off play-action for a 55-yard score. Buchner, from the San Diego area, finished 3-of-3 for 78 yards and the touchdown while also rushing seven times for 68 yards.
QB Seth Henigan, Memphis
Henigan remains the only true freshman quarterback to start at the FBS level so far this season. Henigan, who is from Denton (Texas) Ryan, came up big again, turning in a gaudy stat line in a 55-50 win over Arkansas State. He was 22-of-33 for 417 yards and five touchdowns against zero interceptions. He did a nice job taking care of the ball while also hitting some tight-window throws in the process.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Bowers was Georgia’s top receiver for the second consecutive week, building on a strong debut in the win over Clemson. This week, in a rout of UAB, we saw the athleticism that had Bowers ranked as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 tight end in the 2021 On300. Bowers, from Napa (Calif.) High, showed his elite speed early, outrunning UAB’s secondary for an 89-yard score.
Bowers added another score on a 9-yard catch before halftime. He finished with three catches for 107 and two touchdowns, and looks like one of the more dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the nation, regardless of class.
EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Coastal Carolina
Stewart, from Everett, Mass., was the top-ranked signee in Coastal Carolina’s 2021 class and he is living up to billing early. Stewart lived in Kansas’ backfield Friday night, racking up 3.5 sacks. That total is the school’s single-game sack record. Needless to say, it’s impressive stuff for a true freshman in his second game. Stewart pairs with senior Jeffrey Gunter to give Coastal what looks to be a tough pass-rushing duo.
DL Maason Smith, LSU
Smith was a bull in a china shop against an overmatched McNeese State offensive line. The high-end length, strength and quickness were on display as Smith teed off, sacking McNeese quarterback Cody Orgeron (yes, Ed Orgeron’s son) three times. Smith, a five-star prospect, finished with six tackles.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The five-star cornerback made the start at corner for the Crimson Tide — no small feat for a true freshman. McKinstry quickly made good on the opportunity, with a diving interception in the first quarter.
We thought McKinstry had the best ball skills among cornerback prospects in the 2021 cycle. That ability certainly was on display Saturday. The Crimson Tide have another big early-season test this week at Florida.