Top 5 Instant Impact CFB True Freshmen For 2023
The title should speak for itself here. We’re looking for the top 5 instant impact CFB true freshmen for the 2023 season. Guys that will come in right away and turn the tide in your favor. Recruiting matters and these five should provide a spark right away. Let’s get to the list.
5: CJ Baxter (Texas)
Texas is loaded at wide receiver. Now Bijan Robinson is off to the NFL after being over-drafted by the Falcons. Roschon Johnson is even gone too but he stunk anyway. The Texas RB room isn’t completely baron but true freshman CJ Baxter has an immediate path to playing time. Texas is currently listed as the Big 12 favorite. Those Bijan shoes won’t be a small shoe to fill. Baxter is the top running back in the class and will be tasked with doing just that. We will see what Baxter is made of early.
4: Cormani McClain (Colorado)
Colorado won one football game last year. ONE…
Cormani McClain is going to play because he has to. Travis Hunter is on one side. This cat on the other. McClain was originally a Miami commit but Deion swayed him. Colorado might have the most fascinating cornerback room in the country. The Pac 12 is also semi loaded this upcoming year so it’s going to be fun to watch McClain battle.
3: Zachariah Branch (USC)
USC has some wide receiver talent but Jordan Addison did leave for the NFL. Mario Williams and Dorian Singer will be the starters but five star Zachariah Branch will likely make his impact felt at some point. The quarterback play here is also awesome. The casuals know about Caleb Williams by now. If USC takes another step forward, don’t be shocked if you see major flashes from Branch in year one.
2: Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
Yes, this is the guy who took a pay cut to go to Alabama. Yes, this is a real story.
Given the chaos surrounding the Iowa program (AKA Brian Ferentz having Matt Patricia disease), I probably wouldn’t want to play for Iowa either.
This dude is a house. 6-foot-7, 330, and ranked as the 5th best player in the freshman class. He’s going to be on the field right away. My guess is he’s the right tackle Week 1 and may even take over the left side by that time. Would be shocked if this guy doesn’t at least play in year one.
1: Caleb Downs (Alabama)
The Minkah Fitzpatrick comps are already being thrown out there. Downs is dominating Spring practice and will take the field as a day one starter at free safety. You can just see it. This dude will be a lightning rod. This Bama secondary beyond Downs is loaded this year too. More than anyone else, day one I see Downs making that Malaki Starks impact right away.
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