While the February signing deadline for college football recruits is no longer the frenzy we’ve been accustomed to since the advent of the December signing period, it still gives us a more complete look at the future of college football.
It also offers the chance to pick out any possible impact true freshmen for 2019. That’s never an easy task, but here’s a look at five potential impact true freshmen for next season.
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Keeping Hill in the fold was huge for the Wolverines, after the five-star defensive back from Oklahoma told Alabama he was leaving Michigan to play in Tuscaloosa. In the end, Hill felt more comfortable in the Maize and Blue, and by most accounts, he could step in right away for the Wolverines.
He brings the complete package from an athletic standpoint to a Michigan defense that was among the best in the country in 2018 before struggling against Ohio State and Florida to close out the season. ESPN considered Michigan’s 2019 recruiting class to be the best in the Big Ten.
Bo Nix, QB, Auburn
Following in his father Patrick’s footsteps at Auburn, Nix seemed destined to be a Tiger. That time has come and he could have an impact as a freshman in 2019.
At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Nix has the look a college football success story and the Tigers hope that will be case, perhaps sooner rather than later. The dual-threat signal-caller should be in the mix to compete with junior Malik Willis for the starting job next season, and has the potential to be among the impact true freshmen.
George Pickens, WR, Georgia
While Auburn has reason to be excited about Nix, it’s apparently livid that Pickens backed out of his commitment to be a Tiger and chose Georgia, instead. The five-star receiver from prep power Hoover High in Alabama has the ability to be an impact true freshman even amid the Bulldogs’ stellar receiving recruits.
Pickens. though, could find himself immediately under the microscope, considering the way he made his college decision. Georgia plays at Auburn on Nov. 16
Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Depending on whose rankings one favors, Georgia edged Alabama for the top 2019 recruiting class in the country. Regardless where the Bulldogs stood in the end, they nabbed perhaps the top recruit in the nation.
The IMG product Smith is a true specimen, and could be the best player on the Bulldogs defense when he steps on the field in 2019. His speed off the edge might already be giving opposing offensive tackles nightmares.
Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
The grandson of the late New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley, Derek Jr. is considered by some to be the No. 1 recruit in the country. That means nothing once he steps on the field, but those on the Bayou expect Stingley to be one of the impact true freshmen.
With Greedy Williams headed to the NFL, Baton Rouge’s Stingley has the ability to fit right in this coming season. He’s already worked out with his future teammates and seems eager to hit the ground running on the 2019 season.
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