Freshman Five: Week Four, 2022

True freshmen are looking for the opportunity to shine early in their career. Here’s a look at five who took advantage of their chances in week four:

DE – Gabe Jacas – Illinois

Illinois dominated Chatanooga 31 – 0 on Thursday night. It was an impressive performance for a defense that has been very good to start the 2022 season. Gabe Jacas was one of the stars for that unit on Thursday night. The athletic edge player was disruptive and made plenty of stops for the Fighting Illini. He finished the game with 8 tackles, 1 sack and a quarterback hurry. Jacas has quickly established himself as a key contributor for the Illinois defense and a future star in the Big Ten.

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DE – Dani Dennis-Sutton – Penn State

Penn State‘s true freshmen have been making noise throughout the 2022 season and Dani Dennis-Sutton has certainly done his part. The defensive end has proven he can rush the passer at the collegiate level and was at it again in a 33 – 14 win over Central Michigan. Dennis-Sutton was again menacing from his end position showing the ability to beat blockers with athleticism and good hands to get to the quarterback. He recorded 2 sacks and a pass breakup in the game, adding to what has been an impressive start to his career.

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RB – Jaydn Ott – California

Jadyn Ott had an incredible day leading Cal to a 49 – 31 win over Arizona. It didn’t take long for Ott to get started, breaking free for a 73 yard touchdown on the second snap of the game, but the young running back was far from done. With a four point lead in the third quarter, Ott struck again. He ran up the middle and appeared to be stopped in a mass of humanity, but kept powering forward and broke through for an 18 yard touchdown. In the fourth quarter it was Ott that put the game out of reach with a 72 yard touchdown where he found a nice cut-back and then showed off his speed on the way to the end-zone. He finished the game with 19 carries for 274 yards and those three touchdowns plus 2 catches for 10 yards. It was a huge day for the true freshman, and hopefully a sign of big things to come.

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WR – Barion Brown – Kentucky

Kentucky pulled away in the second half for a closer than expected 31 – 23 win over Northern Illinois. Barion Brown did his part contributing a few big plays to help the Wildcats get the win. Brown opened the scoring for Kentucky on a tunnel screen he took for a 15 yard touchdown. He would show his big play ability again on the first drive of the second half. Brown caught an in route downfield and raced through the secondary for a 70 yard touchdown. All told, Brown had 4 catches for 102 yards and those two touchdowns in the win. He is part of a dynamic duo of freshman receivers that has been shining for Kentucky this season.

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LB – Harold Perkins – LSU

Harold Perkins has quickly begun to establish himself as a leader on the LSU defense. He has shown an advanced understanding of the defense and has the ability to cover ground sideline to sideline. Perkins was on top of his game again in Saturday’s 38 – 0 win over New Mexico. Perkins led the team with 7 tackles with several of them coming after minimal yardage or no gain. He has the look of a multi-year starter that will be an impact player over the course of his career for the Tigers.

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