Running Backs
Ousmane Kromah- Florida State
Kromah has a very conquerable situation at FSU this season. In theory, there are some former fairly solid recruits to contend with, but those who have not yet achieved anything significant at the college level. Kromah enters as a versatile and talented true freshman, who I have as the number one running back talent in this year’s class. He has the skillset and high school production to back up his promise as a three-down back. FSU had a down year in 2024, but I expect a bounce-back for their running game.
Gideon Davidson- Clemson
Davidson clearly seems like the most talented running back at Clemson. I understand the excitement about Adam Randall transitioning from wide receiver to running back, but that is not his natural position. Randall has also struggled with his health at times before this positional switch. Typically, the number one running back at Clemson is productive, and Davidson was a very impressive high school back. Between his impressive high school production and already impressing as an early-enrollee freshman, Davidson could be in store for a breakout in his first season.
Bo Jackson and Anthony Rogers- Ohio State
Bo Jackson will understandably get the recognition as the more traditional three-down back and prospect. Anthony (Turbo) Rogers does go under the radar, but as a borderline top-five ranked back in the class amongst some recruiting services, Rogers still has some fans. If healthy, Jackson could factor in as early as his first season in an unsettled Ohio State backfield and be a really interesting contributor. Just don’t sleep at Rogers, as in this age of football, coaches like to feature fast and explosive backs.
Jace Clarizio- Michigan State
If you want to find fans of Jace Clarizio, there is no shortage of content at the Campus2Canton website or podcast feeds! He’s a site favorite. He has reportedly bulked up heading into the fall, and comes into a situation where there is an opportunity for a back to take over. I wish I had seen more eye-popping traits or production in high school, but he still profiles as a very solid all-around back. I’m interested in the landing spot for immediate 2025 production.
Wide Receivers
Dakorien Moore- Oregon
Moore may be one of the most obvious choices to make an instant impact in his freshman season. He is the top wide receiver recruit in this incoming class. Unfortunately for the team, Evan Stewart is expected to miss the 2025 season after sustaining an injury. Stewart was the main proven competition for targets this season, so Moore should be able to step up and will be asked to make an immediate impact. His speed, tracking, yard-after-the-catch ability, route running, acceleration, and hands are all attractive aspects of his game. Watch out for him to become the next Ryan Williams-like star.
Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III- Florida
Another duo of early enrollees, Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown, are talented players who should be able to make an instant impact at Florida. In fantasy drafts, specific to a dynasty (Devy, C2C, CFF dynasty) format, I notice both of these players going early. The current wide receiver group at Florida is relatively unproven, needing a new player to step up to help facilitate a DJ Lagway breakout. I personally believe that Dallas Wilson would be the guy to bet on. Between his dominant showing in the spring and his size and athleticism combination, I do believe that Wilson’s upside could be the highest.
Vernell Brown is a fun playmaker, but may not have a clear, unique role in this offense on day one. Brown seems to lack some of the current nuances and development to be a well-rounded receiver yet. However, we cannot write off such a talented recruit and athlete at this stage.
Caleb Cunningham and Winston Watkins Jr- Ole Miss
Caleb Cunningham receives the main recognition between the two top Ole Miss wide receiver recruits. Winston Watkins Jr. was a very talented recruit, however. Caleb Cunningham is a physically talented but somewhat raw player. I do like Ole Miss wide receivers and the development typically seen in that position, but there is a world where Winston Watkins Jr. is more easily able to make an instant impact in 2025. After all, Watkins seems like the more sure route runner and slightly more polished player. Both players are intriguing options for 2025, although the expectation may not be that they will be the primary options in the Ole Miss offense.
Joshua Moore and Malachi Toney- Miami
Both Moore and Toney were early enrollees, making an instant impact at Miami. Miami has a significant amount of exiting production and needs one of these freshmen to step up. Both of these players can play separate roles in an offense, but I prefer Joshua Moore as the more well-rounded and likely dominant player. While I favor Joshua Moore and the upside of his profile, Toney may be an instantly viable slot weapon for Miami. The slot role is a position that has proven to be lucrative for Miami in the past.
Travis Smith- Tennessee
Travis Smith made an impact when first setting foot on campus as an early enrollee, and he has the size and opportunity as well to make an instant impact for an unproven Tennessee receiving group. Travis Smith could be the lead option for the offense in no time, as a physically dominant outside player and go-to weapon for Tennessee as a freshman.
Elijah Thomas- Oklahoma
In a relatively unproven Oklahoma wide receiver group, Elijah Thomas was an early enrollee who received valuable repetitions within this Oklahoma offense. He was a truly dominant producer in high school, and a dynamic weapon. This offense needs a wide receiver to step up, and Thomas has the versatility and upside to play a significant role in his freshman season and ultimately become a great wide receiver. I initially thought that Thomas would be a better fit for the freshman stash article, but he may become a real contributor at some point in 2025.
Stay tuned for a 2025 freshman stash article, for more names to file away!
-Aaron Wilcox
