PFF announces its 2021 College Football All-True Freshman Team

Freshmen often have a difficult time adjusting to playing college football, but some top-notch rookies made a near-seamless transition to the next level this season.

On Wednesday, PFF released their All-True Freshman Team. It is only a first team, so very few rookies made the list.

The SEC and Big Ten led the way with six selections each, and Texas A&M and Ohio State were the only schools with three freshmen on the list. The Big 12 had four players, the Pac-12 had three, and the ACC had just two selections. Four Group of Five players made the list, and one Notre Dame rookie was selected.

The most notable freshmen are found within some of the nation’s best position groups, including quarterback at Oklahoma, defensive line at Ohio State and offensive line at Notre Dame.

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers received the best PFF grade on the offensive side of the ball. He was the No. 4 tight end in the nation overall, an impressive feat given his inexperience. Bowers totaled 47 catches for 791 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He leads Georgia receivers and tight ends by a wide margin in all three of those categories. The California native was critical to leading Georgia to a 12-1 season and a College Football Playoff berth, especially given the numerous injuries the Bulldogs had among pass catchers.

On the defensive side of the ball, North Texas interior defensive lineman Roderick Brown was the highest-rated player by PFF. Brown only saw action in six games for the Mean Green this year, but he was extremely productive in his limited time on the field. He totaled 18 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in his inaugural season. Oklahoma State‘s Collin Oliver was the top-rated Power Five rookie on defense.

2021 All-True Freshman Team

Offense:

Quarterback: Caleb Williams (Oklahoma)

Running back: TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) & Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)

Wide receiver: Xavier Worthy (Texas), Mario Williams (Oklahoma) & Jack Bech (LSU)

Tight end: Brock Bowers (Georgia)

Left tackle: Joe Alt (Notre Dame)

Left guard: Cade Zimmerly (Bowling Green)

Center: Bryce Foster (Texas A&M)

Right Guard: Connor Colby (Iowa)

Right tackle: Reuben Father II (Texas A&M)

Defense:

Defensive line: Roderick Brown (North Texas) & Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)

Edge: Collin Oliver (Oklahoma State) & Josaiah Stewart (Coastal Carolina)

Linebacker: Jason Henderson (Old Dominion) & Eric Gentry (Arizona State)

Cornerback: Tyreek Chappell (Texas A&M) & Justin Walley (Minnesota)

Safety: Andrew Mukuba (Clemson) & Calen Bullock (USC)

Flex: Duce Chestnut (Syracuse)

Special Teams:

Kicker: Cam Little (Arkansas)

Punter: Nick Haberer (Washington State)

Return specialist: Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)