Three B1G players listed in PFF's top freshman list
What’s the most exciting thing about the B1G’s success in 2016?
It’s probably going to last quite awhile.
Not only is the conference surging as the top conference in college football, the number of young players making an impact is a sign that the future looks bright, as well. Pro Football Focus backed up that theory.
The popular website released its list of highest rated freshman at this point in the season, and the B1G accounted for three of those spots.
Ohio State’s Nick Bosa was the highest-ranked B1G freshman on the list, coming in at No. 4. Rival defensive lineman Rashan Gary from Michigan was on his heels, listed as No. 5. The only offensive player from the conference to receive any recognition was Maryland’s Lorenzo Harrison. He was pegged in the ninth slot.
Here’s what PFF had to say about Bosa and Gary:
Bosa played just 21 snaps and accumulated just one pressure in Ohio State’s blowout of Nebraska, but he was still able to hold serve in the fourth spot. His 81.2 pass-rush grade ranks fourth among Big Ten edge defenders.
Gary had his best outing since Michigan’s blowout over Rutgers, as he posted a run stop and had four total pressures. His impressive 83.2 run defense grade ranks him second among Big Ten edge players, with only Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt ranking above him.
The website also talked about Harrison’s performance this season:
Harrison had just nine carries against the Wolverines last Saturday, but managed 58 yards and gave one of the best defenses in the country fits with his speed to the edge. He is now averaging 7.0 yards per carry this season, and has forced 24 missed tackles.
The future is also bright for Minnesota based on the site’s rating system. Minnesota’s edge players Carter Coughlin and Tai’yon Devers received honorable mentions on the list.
