On3 2023 Preseason True Freshman All-American Team

On3 has assembled the comprehensive Preseason True Freshman All-American Team for 2023.

Led by Charles Power, On3’s the Director of Scouting and Rankings, the names you have to know for 2023 and beyond have been chosen. These young recruits brimming with potential will hope to start to realize their gifts as soon as this upcoming season.

Last season, many true freshman made names for themselves throughout college football, and now they’re receiving immense hype entering another season. Who will be this year’s version of Quinshon Judkins and Harold Perkins? Well, there’s a myriad of talented options.

While On3’s top recruit from the 2023 class, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, figures to sit behind Quinn Ewers and prepares for 2024, many star recruits are readying to make an impact in Year 1.

Here’s On3’s Preseason True Freshman All-American Team for the 2023 campaign. Check it out below.

QB Jaden Rashada, Arizona State Den Devils

“Jaden Rashada was one of the top arm talents in the 2023 cycle. He showed exceptional arm strength, the ability to push the ball down the field. … His velocity, spin rate and the things he can do with the football naturally as a thrower always stood out.

“… He’s received strong praise early on in his time at Arizona State. … I think he has the chance to change the narrative this fall. … I think Rashada clearly offers the biggest upside of their quarterbacks. … Looking forward to seeing how Jaden Rashada plays early on,” expounded Power.

RB Rueben Owens, Texas A&M Aggies

“There’s a handful of touted 2023 running backs who I think could make a claim for this lone running back spot. We went with Rueben Owens, because I think his versatility and ability to affect the game in the backfield at A&M, who’s going to have to replace Devon Achane. I think he’s in a good position to contribute, especially early in the season. 

 “Rueben Owens has a case as the most runner in the 2023 cycle. I think he has elite receiving skills as well. So he’s an every down back. I think you can put him out on a college football field right now on any down and he has a chance to make an impact. I think Owens has a chance to provide some big play ability in A&M’s offense,” decoded Power.

WR Zachariah Branch, USC Trojans

“Zachariah Branch, for my money, was the most electric skill player in the 2023 cycle, and one of the most electric skill players we’ve seen in several years, as a high school prospect. He’s in a loaded receiver room at USC, so I think his competition for targets is a little more intense than some of these other freshmen that were in contention for this True Freshman All-American team, but I think his level of talent is such that it’s going to be hard to keep him off the field.

“I think as the season progresses, we’ll see his role continue to expand. … Completely electric will the ball in his hands. He has elite top-end speed. … Most importantly, he harnesses that speed, and has the ability to change directions and can cut back across the field, can make defenders miss and also has very good ball-skills, I think, for a smaller receiver. … I think it’s only a matter of time before he’s making big plays in the Coliseum,” Power deciphered.

WR Eugene Wilson III, Florida Gators

“Eugene Wilson was a five-star outlier for On3. We ranked him much higher than any other media outlet, and I think based on the early returns since he’s arrived in Florida, I think he has a chance to live up to his five-star billing. He’s been a silky smooth, extremely coordinator, fluid receiver, who just has a lot of play-making ability.

“I think when you’re looking at the receiver position, we highly-value coordination, movement-skills, and Eugene Wilson has all of that in spades. … Just a phenomenal overall athlete. … Getting really strong reviews early on in his time at Florida. … They’re going to need some play-makers, obviously they’re losing Anthony Richardson. … So Eugene Wilson, he’s one that we’ve been high on for a long time, and I think he could be set to surprise some folks this year in Gainesville,” Power elucidated.

WR Ayden Williams, Ole Miss Rebels

“Ayden Williams is one of the most technically-refined receivers in the 2023 cycle. A guy who really impressed us, every time we saw him in-person. I saw him in-person on at least three occasions throughout the year, and he is a guy who’s just very developed. An outstanding route-runner with good size, can separate from corners with his change of direction. Also just a really competitive personality. 

“… We feel really good about Ayden Williams, after one, scouting him in person significantly, and kind of based on the opportunity he has at Ole Miss, and the reviews he’s received so far,” Power clarifed.

TE Ka’Morreun Pimpton, LSU Tigers

“For my money, had the largest catch-radius of any prospect in the 2023 cycle. A guy with exceptional arm length, and high-end coordination. Absolutely exploded as a senior, just had a monster senior year, which led to his recruitment ramping up and exploding too.”

“… He is making a highlight catch seemingly every day in camp. I think his ability as a mis-match, and particularly as a red-zone target, is substantial. I think he provides just a huge jump-ball threat for LSU. … I think we’ll see Pimpton make an impact as a receiver, which we’ll place a pretty high value on when assembling these teams. I would not be surprised to see him come down with, at the minimum, a handful of touchdowns, if not more than that,” Power threw light on.

OL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies

“A big senior riser for On3, and reached the cusp of five-star status, finishing a No. 35 in the On3 Top 300. He is extremely physically developed. Very strong. One of the strongest offensive linemen in the 2023 cycle. And a guy who can play multiple positions along the offensive line. … He can play guard, he can play tackle. I think he has a ton of versatility.

“… He is one that has a ton of buzz, along the offensive line. It’s not everyday you see an offensive lineman start as a true freshman, and I think Bisontis has the ability to crack the lineup. … I think he has the potential to be a significant SEC starter, All-SEC, All-American type,” Power explicated.

OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami Hurricanes

“Absolutely huge recruit for Miami in Mario Cristobal’s 2023 class. The headliner of the class. A guy who the second he committed to Miami, was penciled in as a Day 1 starter. I expect nothing less, when they roll the ball out in Week 1.

“Extremely battle-tested, polished, strong. Among offensive lineman in the 2023 cycle, I think he’s the most ready to play. … It seems like he’s been running with the first team since he enrolled at Miami in the spring. … Mario Cristobal likes to play a physical brand of football. Builds his teams from the inside out, and I think one of his biggest tasks at Miami is rebuilding, and building the fronts, and I think Mauigoa is a foundational piece,” Power delineated.

OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide

“A big recruit for Alabama, as they are looking to replace some experience along the offensive line. I think he’s a guy who could play early. I’m not sure if he’ll get the starting nod, but I think he’s one who you think we’ll see will at least play significant snaps as a freshman, as Alabama works to get their best five on the field.

“Hulking presence on the offensive line. Huge body and build. A guy who comes in with college ready size, and is just a really powerful blocker. Excels in the run game, and I think there’s a thought that Alabama is going to look to run the ball more this year. Proctor is the type of the offensive lineman that you’re going to want on the field,” spelt out Power.

OL Spencer Fano, Utah Utes

“Utah signed one of the best offensive line classes in 2023, and Spencer Fano was one of the blue chip, in-state, really big gets for the Utes. I think that there’s a good shot that we’ll see several offensive lineman from this class be multiyear starters for Kyle Whittingham, but Fano is the best equipped to get on the field early.

“… Looked really good in spring ball, and I think has a lot of positional versatility. Can play all five spots on the offensive line for Utah, and he’s received some strong receivers since arriving on campus,” Power reported.

OL Zalance Heard, LSU Tigers

“Brian Kelly has completely rebuilt LSU’s offensive line since taking over as head coach of the Tigers, and I think they enter the season with one of the better fronts in the SEC, with a lot of returning experience. With that said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zalance Heard get on the field as a freshman as he continues to work in.

“He’s one of the most physically gifted offensive lineman in the 2023 cycle. A guy who is still relatively new to the position, but took to it really quickly. Was a five star for On3. … I think his performance has continued to really validate our belief in his ability. … While I think Heard is still kind of working in and getting his feet wet, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get on the field as a freshman, and potentially push for a starting role at right tackle,” Power untangled.

EDGE Damon Wilson, Georgia Bulldogs

“Damon Wilson is one of the best pass rushers in the 2023 cycle. Guy who has a unique combination of flexibility and strength. One of the most athletic pass rushers. Exceptional bend, plays the run well, and one who I think will help Georgia as the attempt to replace a guy like Nolan Smith.

“I think he brings some juice off the end for the Bulldogs. … Given his development, both physically and technically, I think he has the potential to make an impact as a freshman. On a team and a roster where it’s not a given you’re going to see a bunch of blue-chip freshman and underclassmen play, given how deep Georgia is,” Power described.

EDGE Cameron Lenhardt, Nebraska Cornhuskers

“Nebraska is in search of impact players in Matt Rhule’s first year at the helm in Lincoln, and Cameron Lenhardt has received a lot of very positive reviews since arriving on campus. Increasingly so through camp, as well. 

“I think Lenhardt’s level of polish and development, coming from IMG Academy, certainly bodes well, with him to be an instant impact freshman. I think upping the talent level is really of key importance for Matt Rhule, as they look to make an impact in the Big Ten West, and as he continues to methodically build out his roster,” Power said.

DL Peter Woods, Clemson Tigers

“We’ve had Peter Woods tabbed as a high-floor, early impact type of prospect, really dating back to his sophomore season at Thompson High School in Alabama. Woods is just extremely technically developed, a guy who is high energy, high motor. Impressed us in every setting. 

“… It’s not surprising at all to hear positive returns from his time early on at Clemson. … I think he has the ability to potentially play as a big defensive end as well, in certain looks and fronts for Clemson. … Would not be surprised to see him make some noise in Clemson’s defense front. … I think we’ll see Peter Woods making plays for the Tigers sooner rather than later, and likely very early this fall,” Power predicted.

DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn Tigers

“Faulk is one of the most physically impressive defensive lineman that I saw in the 2023 cycle. A guy who really grew into his body over the last year or so of high school. Added a bunch of size, and filled out his frame.

“There’s not many players on Auburn’s roster, especially the defensive line, that look like him. … I think it’s very encouraging, given what we’re hearing about how he’s looked so far at Auburn. … I think he has the potential to be a key cog in Hugh Freeze’s first couple years,” illustrated Power.

LB Anthony Hill, Texas Longhorns

“Aggressive, physical, downhill linebacker with versatility to also be a situational pass rusher. I think that skill set, his level of development, coming from a top HS program … has him set up to really make an impact early on as a freshman for Texas.

“Early returns seem to indicate that the Texas staff is moving Anthony Hill around. Getting him looks as a blitzer, pass rusher, in addition to playing a traditional linebacker role. … It’s not hard to see him making an impact early on, on what’s a big year for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns,” Power decoded.

LB Arion Carter, Tennessee Volunteers

“Probably the fastest rising prospect early on last fall. … Saw his recruitment completely blow up. … Huge in-state get for Tennessee. Very active, physical, fast linebacker who is receiving a lot of positive buzz.

“… The returns are pretty impressive so far on Carter. I think with Tennessee, they’re looking at continuing to improve their defense, and Carter is primed to make an impact as a freshman,” stated Power.

LB Pup Howard, South Carolina Gamecocks

“One of the most productive linebackers in the 2023 cycle. A guy who is a big bodied, physical linebacker who is a tackle machine. I think he probably had among the most career tackles. of any of the top linebackers in the cycle.

“… I think he has the potential to play significant snaps early for South Carolina. He missed some time in camp with an injury, but I think once he gets back up to speed, he’ll be an early contributor for the Gamecocks,” resolved Power.

S Caleb Downs, Alabama Crimson Tide

“Caleb Downs is an easy choice as a True Freshman All-American. I think he had a strong case as the top high school football player in the country. … He’s one who I think we’ve expected to be a rare true freshamn starter at defensive back for Nick Saban. Not often you see that throughout Saban’s tenure at Alabama. … Bringing us back to the days to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

“… Nothing but raves reviews for Caleb Downs since he’s been on campus. He’s highly instinctual, a true playmaker, a guy who can cover like a corner at safety. Just has exceptional awareness and football IQ, which is key at that position. … Really excited to see how he plays this fall. … He has a really strong chance of not only starting, but being one of the best players on Alabama’s defense,” expounded Power.

S Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma Sooners

“Electric playmaker at safety, and was a huge get for Brent Venables in his first full class in Norman. Peyton Bowen, just everytime I watched him throughout his high school career, he made just really, really high level plays. He’s an exceptional athlete, with outstanding speed, but pairs that speed with instincts and ball skills. … Also doubled as one of the best return men in the class as well.

“… I think entering Year 2 of the Brent Venables era at Oklahoma, I think Venables is really looking to improve their defense this fall as he progresses throughout his tenure, and a large part of that is continuing to improve the talent on that side of the ball. … Bowen, what he showed as a high school prospect and the returns since he’s been on campus, I think he has a shot at being an impact player early on for the Sooners,” elucidated Power.

CB Cormani McClain, Colorado Buffaloes

“I think he’s expected to be an instant contributor at Colorado, given his talent level and the need at the position in Deion Sanders’ first year in Boulder. They’re counting on McClain to really be an instant starter, impact player, as Deion Sanders retools that roster and makes an impact during his time at Colorado.

“Cormani McClain is one of the most touted players in the cycle. A guy who comes in with a big reputation. … At his best when he’s willing to jam and get in the face of receivers at the line-of-scrimmage. … I’m not sure it’ll always be a smooth ride for Cormani McClain during his first year at Colorado, but he’s certainly going to see the field, and I think could benefit from the baptism by fire, as he faces off against some top receivers in the PAC-12,” predicted Power.

CB Ja’Keem Jackson, Florida Gators

“Although Florida has some established corners returning for this fall … I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ja’Keem Jackson get on the field and impress early on in his career at a Gator. Jackson’s received some strong reviews since enrolling. He’s one who we were very high on at On3 throughout the process. We really like the upside.

“He’s relatively inexperienced at corner, but took to the position quickly. … Kind of checks the boxes of what you look for, physically and athletically at the position. … Draws from his experience as a receiver, with high level ball skills as well. He’s received a lot of positive buzz since enrolling at Florida. … He has the talent to earn his way on the field, and I think once he’s on the field, he will impress,” delineated Power.

As you can see, there’s a wonderful influx of talent coming into the sport of college football, as the 2023 class figures to be an exhilarating addition to the sport. We’ll see how it all shakes out throughout the season, but it’s evident there’s a bright future for each and every freshman adorning On3’s 2023 Preseason True Freshman All-American Team.