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CBS Sports ranks Top 25 college football true freshmen since 2000

The article from On3, titled "CBS Sports ranks top 25 college football true freshmen since 2000," provides a detailed ranking of the most impactful true freshmen in college football over the past two decades. This list, compiled by CBS Sports, highlights players who made significant contributions to their teams during their first year, showcasing their talent and potential early in their careers. The article delves into the performances and achievements of these young athletes, offering insights into their impact on the field and their future prospects in the sport.

Starting at the top of the list, Reggie Bush from USC in 2003 is ranked number one. Bush's freshman season was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 1,034 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability and versatility as a running back and return specialist earned him the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year award, a rare honor for a freshman. Bush's performance set the stage for a stellar college career and eventual Heisman Trophy win in 2005.

Following closely at number two is Adrian Peterson from Oklahoma in 2004. Peterson burst onto the scene with a record-breaking freshman season, rushing for 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns. His performance against Oklahoma State, where he ran for 225 yards and three touchdowns, remains one of the most memorable games in college football history. Peterson's freshman year established him as one of the most dominant running backs in the nation and set the tone for his successful NFL career.

At number three, we find Saquon Barkley from Penn State in 2015. Barkley's freshman season was marked by his explosive speed and agility, rushing for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance in the TaxSlayer Bowl against Georgia, where he ran for 182 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his potential as a future star. Barkley's freshman year laid the foundation for a remarkable college career and his eventual selection as the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ranked fourth is Amari Cooper from Alabama in 2012. Cooper's freshman season was highlighted by his exceptional receiving skills, as he caught 59 passes for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance against Auburn, where he caught six passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns, was instrumental in Alabama's SEC Championship win. Cooper's freshman year established him as one of the top receivers in college football and paved the way for his successful NFL career.

At number five, we have Ezekiel Elliott from Ohio State in 2013. Elliott's freshman season was marked by his powerful running style and ability to break tackles, rushing for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance in the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State, where he ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns, was crucial in Ohio State's victory. Elliott's freshman year set the stage for a dominant college career and his eventual selection as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Ranked sixth is Derrick Henry from Alabama in 2013. Henry's freshman season was highlighted by his physical running style and ability to wear down defenses, rushing for 611 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma, where he ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his potential as a future star. Henry's freshman year laid the foundation for a remarkable college career and his eventual Heisman Trophy win in 2015.

At number seven, we find Leonard Fournette from LSU in 2014. Fournette's freshman season was marked by his exceptional power and speed, rushing for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance against Notre Dame, where he ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns, was instrumental in LSU's victory. Fournette's freshman year established him as one of the top running backs in college football and paved the way for his successful NFL career.

Ranked eighth is Christian McCaffrey from Stanford in 2014. McCaffrey's freshman season was highlighted by his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, rushing for 705 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 17 passes for 251 yards. His performance in the Foster Farms Bowl against Maryland, where he ran for 260 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his potential as a future star. McCaffrey's freshman year laid the foundation for a remarkable college career and his eventual selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

At number nine, we have Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin in 2011. Gordon's freshman season was marked by his exceptional speed and ability to break long runs, rushing for 621 yards and six touchdowns. His performance against Nebraska, where he ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns, was crucial in Wisconsin's victory. Gordon's freshman year established him as one of the top running backs in college football and paved the way for his successful NFL career.

Ranked tenth is Todd Gurley from Georgia in 2012. Gurley's freshman season was highlighted by his powerful running style and ability to break tackles, rushing for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. His performance against Florida, where he ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns, was instrumental in Georgia's victory. Gurley's freshman year established him as one of the top running backs in college football and paved the way for his successful NFL career.

The article continues to list and describe the performances of other notable true freshmen, including players like J.K. Dobbins from Ohio State in 2017, who rushed for 1,403 yards and seven touchdowns, and Trevor Lawrence from Clemson in 2018, who threw for 3,280 yards and 30 touchdowns. Each player's freshman season is detailed, highlighting their contributions to their teams and their potential for future success.

The list also includes players like Najee Harris from Alabama in 2017, who rushed for 1,037 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Travis Etienne from Clemson in 2017, who rushed for 766 yards and 13 touchdowns. These players' freshman seasons were marked by their ability to make an immediate impact and set the stage for successful college careers.

In addition to running backs and quarterbacks, the list features standout performances from other positions, such as wide receivers and defensive players. For example, Ja'Marr Chase from LSU in 2018 caught 23 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a future star. Similarly, Micah Parsons from Penn State in 2018 recorded 82 tackles and four sacks, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in college football.

The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of these true freshmen's contributions to their teams and the sport as a whole. It highlights how these young athletes have not only made an immediate impact but also set the stage for successful college and professional careers. The list serves as a testament to the talent and potential of these players, showcasing their ability to perform at a high level from the very beginning of their college football journeys.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the top 25 true freshmen in college football since 2000, detailing their performances, achievements, and future prospects. It offers valuable insights into the impact of these young athletes on the sport and their potential for continued success at the collegiate and professional levels.

Read the Full On3 Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/news/cbs-sports-ranks-top-25-college-football-true-freshmen-since-2000/ ]