Ad Disclosure
Several true freshmen made plays for their teams in Week 4. Here’s a look at some of the biggest contributions:
Alabama: Versatile defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick continued to be a major contributor for the Crimson Tide, leading the team with seven tackles, including one for a loss in the 34-0 win versus Louisiana Monroe. On offense, Calvin Ridley had four catches for 38 yards and his first career touchdown. Damien Harris got some work late in the game, carrying four times for 23 yards.
Arkansas: Running back Rawleigh Williams continued to see playing time in the Razorbacks’ overtime loss to Texas A&M, carrying eight times for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Auburn: Kerryon Johnson carried five times for 28 yards and had three catches out of the backfield for 32 yards. Jeremiah Dinson had three tackles and Jeff Holland had one tackle and a quarterback hurry as the Tigers lost for the second week in a row.
Florida: Defensive lineman CeCe Jefferson had three tackles and a quarterback hurry. On offense, the Gators played three freshmen on the offensive line in the come-from-behind victory against Tennessee with Martez Ivey, Tyler Jordan and Fred Johnson all playing together at times.
Georgia: Terry Godwin continued to get plenty of playing time at wide receiver, making a catch for seven yards in the blowout of Southern. Trenton Thompson got into the game late but led the team with five tackles and Jonathan Ledbetter added two tackles.
Kentucky: Defensive back Chris Westry continues to have an impressive debut season, getting five tackles and breaking up a pass. Tight end C.J. Conrad got his fourth start and had three catches, including his first career touchdown as the Wildcats took down Missouri.
LSU: Defensive end Arden Key had five tackles and a quarterback hurry while Kevin Tolliver had three tackles. Derrius Guice had four carries for 13 yards as the Tigers held on for a victory at Syracuse.
Mississippi State: Running back Malik Dear got playing time for the second straight week, making three catches for 21 yards.
Ole Miss: Javon Patterson got another start on the offensive line as the Rebels picked up another victory against Vanderbilt.
Missouri: Backup quarterback Drew Lock continues to get playing time along with starter Maty Mauk. In the loss at Kentucky, he completed 3 of 5 pass attempts for 47 yards. Defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. had three tackles, including one for a loss and Corey Fatony punted six times for an average of 40.7 yards and left two inside the 20-yard line.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks went with first-year quarterback Lorenzo Nunez for his first start, and the results were fantastic as he completed 12 of 22 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 123 yards as South Carolina took down Central Florida.
Tennessee: Jauan Jennings wasn’t in the starting lineup this week in the loss to Florida, but he was part of a big play for the Vols. The former high school quarterback is now a wide receiver and completed a 58-yard touchdown pass back to QB Joshua Dobbs. On defense, Darrin Kirkland Jr. had five tackles, including one for a loss, while Kyle Phillips had three tackles and a sack.
Texas A&M: The Aggies continue to get big production out of their freshman. Wide receiver Christian Kirk had another big game, catching eight passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a carry for five yards and four kickoff returns for 77 yards. Quarterback Kyler Murray continues to play behind Kyle Allen and had five carries for 27 yards. Defensive lineman Daylon Mack made three tackles.
Vanderbilt: Running back Josh Crawford made his debut, carrying six times for 20 yards and making two catches for 11 yards. Linebacker Jordan Griffin had two tackles.
Shane Mettlen is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Texas A&M, Missouri and Alabama.
