ESPN experts weigh in on potential breakout freshmen in 2021

True freshmen are always exciting to watch, but this year’s crop of newcomers will be especially thrilling to see take the field after many of their senior seasons were impacted by COVID-19. 

ESPN experts shared which freshmen are poised to have monster first seasons: 

David Hale – RB Will Shipley, Clemson

Despite being led by first-round NFL Draft pick Travis Etienne, the Clemson run game and offensive line struggled in big games last season. This year, the running back room has what is predicted to be a much better offense line, and they have one of the nation’s top freshman running backs in Shipley. Clemson will use some combination of Shipley, Kobe Pace and Lyn-J Dixon in the backfield, but expect the extremely explosive Shipley to make national noise early in his career.

Chris Low – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry has already signed the perfect NIL deal to generate excitement around himself, but now he will need to back up the hype on the football field in Tuscaloosa. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back was the top recruit in the state of Alabama and is widely considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the class of 2021. He joins Phil Steele’s top defensive back unit in the SEC with household names like Jordan Battle and Josh Jobe. The Alabama secondary allowed 239.2 passing yards per game last season. It was the first time the unit has allowed more than 200 yards per game since 2015. McKinstry is a dynamic weapon that can help get the Tide back to their defensive dominance. 

Alex Scarborough – WR Agiye Hall, Alabama

With DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle gone to the NFL after last season, Alabama will need new talent to fill the void. In addition to receiver John Metchie, Hall has the ability to step into that role. The 6-foot-3 former consensus Top-100 receiver had a big spring game with four receptions and 72 yards including this impressive one-foot-down grab. 

The body control from Agiye Hall 😳 @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/eEceTITBG5

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) April 17, 2021

Bill Connelly – DE Korey Foreman, USC

USC is finally keeping some of the top talent in their backyard at home; Foreman played high school football at Centennial High School outside of Los Angeles. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher was ranked the nation’s No. 1 recruit by multiple recruiting outlets and was at one time a Clemson commit. USC returns the majority of their front seven, so the freshman will have a plethora of talent to learn from as he starts his college career. USC will need a strong defensive line this year as they face six offenses that averaged over 30 points last season. 

Ryan McGee – DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Ohio State defensive end is one of those pipeline-to-the-NFL positions in college football. Sawyer will join Haskell Garrett and Zach Harrison on one of the nation’s best defensive lines. With defensive end Tyler Friday done for the season due to a torn ligament in his knee, Sawyer’s services will be needed sooner rather than later. Both Sawyer and freshman J.T. Tuimoloau are future NFL draft selections with the ability to challenge any offensive line-quarterback combination in the country.