True Freshmen Mountain 2020: September 16 Update

Myles Murphy – Clemson

Season Stats: 7 tackles 3 TFL 2 Sacks

Murphy had an excellent start to his college football career that neither he nor the Wake Forest offensive linemen will forget any time soon. Murphy was a disruptive force in the backfield, picking up two sacks and another tackle for loss on a running play. Sure, Wake Forest is not the toughest opponent, but they are a Power five team who won eight games last year. While most of the true freshmen on the mountain were playing group of five teams or even FCS opponents, Murphy was wreaking havoc in conference.

Jeff Sims – Georgia Tech

Season Stats: 24/35 277 yards 1 TD 2 Int / 13 carries 64 yards

Sims made his share of mistakes against Florida State and threw two interceptions in the game. However, the freshmen was poised under pressure in his first game and made plays as well. Sims was able to escape pressure and be an effective runner, but also was accurate from the pocket and made some good throws to help Georgia Tech secure a big win on the road. It was not a flawless performance by any stretch, but it was a promising one.

Marvin Mims – Oklahoma

Stats: 3 catches 80 yards 1 TD / 3 punt returns 68 yards

Oklahoma was not challenged this weekend but Mims was on the field early and often. He made a few big plays in the game including a 58 yard touchdown where he got open deep on a post pattern and out ran the defense for the score. He also did a good job as a punt returner and showed his open field talents in the return game averaging over 22 yards per punt return. Mims appears to be on his way to a big season in Norman.

Seth McGowan – Oklahoma

Stats: 9 car 61 yds 1 TD / 1 rec 37 yds 1 TD

The competition was not very good, but McGowan made an impact on the ground and in the passing game. On his touchdown catch McGowan did an excellent job of setting up his blocks and weaving through the defense after the catch to score. Even against a poor opponent, two scores and 94 scrimmage yards is a solid performance for a true freshmen in his first game.

Jaylan Knighton – Miami

Stats: 9 car 59 yds

Knighton got a good amount of playing time against UAB and averaged over 6 yards per carry for the game. He is a shifty running back who ran with more power than we expected him to at this stage in his career. He was not used as a receiver out of the backfield but does have the skill set to be a weapon in the passing game. Expect Knighton to continue to have a solid role in the Miami offense going forward.

Michael Mayer – Notre Dame

Stats: 3 rec 38 yds

Mayer helped Notre Dame beat Duke in the season opener this past weekend. He was a reliable target in the passing game, all three of his passes went for a first down and he showed good run after the catch ability. Mayer was also a capable run blocker making several key blocks to help the offense move the ball on the ground. He is off to a good start in South Bend.

Offense

Don Chaney (RB) – Miami: 8 carries 52 yards

Taylor Thompson (TE) – Charlotte: 2 catches 62 yards

Defense

Dayon Hayes (DE) – Pittsburgh: 2 Tak 2 TFL 2 Sack 1 FF

Kenneth Harris (CB) – Arkansas State: 1 tackle 2 pass breakups