Week One of the college football season has come and gone and many freshmen across the country put on a show with their big performances. Whether true freshmen or redshirt freshmen, the young guys showed they belong on your team, in your lineup, or at least on your radar.
These freshmen wide receivers played big parts in their team’s successes over the weekend, and hopefully, they have a place on your rosters. It’s likely one or two are already rostered, as they should have been. However, there are always hidden gems to unearth.
Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes
The most highly touted freshman receiver in recent memory lived up to the overwhelming hype in his first career collegiate game on Saturday. The true freshman led Ohio State in targets (9), receptions (6), yards (92), and touchdowns (2) against the Akron Zips in his much-anticipated debut. Even with veterans Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate on the field with him, Smith seemed like the alpha among the uber-talented group.
Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide
Another supremely talented and highly touted true freshman, Ryan Williams did not disappoint. Even though he only saw two targets, he cashed in with two long catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He should eventually see more opportunities, but with Alabama’s offensive structure, those opportunities may not be as consistent as we would want.
Reece Vander Zee, Wide Receiver, Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa showed some offensive ability that had been lacking for the last several seasons on Saturday. Granted, it was against a lackluster Illinois State team in the 40-0 victory. However, it was an improvement based on last season’s results. Vander Zee finished second on the team with five receptions but hauled in a team-leading 66 yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Cade McNamara. The 6’4” freshman should maintain his role within the offense with his elite size and matchup advantage and he has now been named a starter heading into the week two matchup against instate rival Iowa State.
Kameran Shanks, Wide Receiver, UAB Blazers
Shanks led UAB in targets, receptions, and yards in their week one victory over Alcorn State. He caught six passes on eight targets for 73 yards and included a 57-yard punt return touchdown. The redshirt freshman played in four games as a true freshman in 2023 but did not record any stats. With Amare Thomas set up to be the team’s leading receiver, Shanks could end up eating into that role as the season continues.
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