Freshman Five: Week Six, 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 Six:

CB – Malcolm Hartzog – Nebraska

Nebraska used a second half comeback to squeak out a 14 – 13 win over Rutgers. True freshman cornerback, Malcolm Hartzog, began the game on the wrong side of a couple of long passing plays for Rutgers. After the tough start the young cornerback would settle in and prove that he has the fortitude to bounce back and keep making plays. He tightened up his coverage after those two plays and helped contain the Rutgers offense in the second half. Poetically it was Hartzog’s interception on Rutgers’ final drive of the game that would secure the win for the Huskers. He had 3 tackles and that critical interception in the win. Hartzog has emerged the last couple weeks and could be a main cog for the defense moving forward.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Gear

RB – Branson Robinson – Georgia

Georgia used a big second half to pull away from Auburn for a 42 – 10 win this week. Robinson received 12 carries in the game, almost as many as he had the entire season coming into the game, and did not disappoint. Robinson showed of the unique blend of fluid athleticism and freight train power that made him one of the top running back recruits in college football. He ran for 98 yards and a touchdown on those 12 carries, more than doubling his season rushing yards in the process. Robinson showed that he has the ability to star for Georgia in the future and will be a solid contributor the rest of the season.

Georgia Bulldogs Gear

QB – AJ Swann – Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt was not able to keep up with Ole Miss in their 28 – 52 loss, but AJ Swann had a strong performance for the Commodores. The true freshman played an undefeated SEC team and played an efficient and effective game. He kept Vanderbilt in the game and even had a halftime lead before the game got away from them in the third quarter. Swann completed 71 percent of his passes, going 27 of 38 for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. Swann may not have won the game but he showed he’s a guy that can compete at this level and could win big games as the team around him improves.

Vanderbilt Commodores Gear

WR – Evan Stewart – Texas A&M

Texas A&M came within two yards of pulling off the upset against Alabama, falling 24 – 20 when they were unable to score from the two yardline on the last play of the game. Evan Stewart had his best game of the season, leading the way for the Aggies offense. He was a consistent weapon in the passing game leading the team in yards from scrimmage and accounting for more receiving yards than any two of his teammates combined. Stewart was a problem for the Alabama secondary recording 8 catches for 106 yards on Saturday night. Texas A&M needs their offense to make more big plays, Stewart looked like a good candidate to step up moving forward.

Texas A&M Aggies Gear

CB – Jahlil Florence – Oregon

Oregon dominated Arizona en route to a 49 – 22 win Saturday night. Jahlil Florence saw his most extensive action of the season for the Ducks and played his best game of the season, as well. He was solid in coverage all game and tackled well on the few occasions he did allow a catch. Florence also recorded the first interception of his career in the third quarter, setting up an Oregon scoring drive in Arizona territory. Florence made four tackles and had that one interception on the stat sheet and also impressed with his coverage ability throughout the game.

Oregon Ducks Gear

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