The Texas Longhorns have started fall camp and there's less than one month until they open their season against Maryland on September 2. Texas does return 17 starters from last year's team, so they will have plenty of experience and only a few holes to fill, but there are a few freshmen in contention to fill those roles.
Freshmen only make an impact if they are talented enough and if there is a need at their position, so talented players like freshman Sam Ehlinger didn't make this list since he's behind Shane Buechele. Of course, there are always a few players who come out of nowhere that succeed due to injury or other circumstances. With that in mind, here are three Texas freshmen who could make an impact this season:
RB Daniel Young
Toneil Carter was the freshman running back getting the most praise out of Austin earlier this offseason, but Young has been perhaps the most impressive player in fall camp to this point. The former Houston commit followed Herman to Texas and has been performing well. Once a high school linebacker, Young doesn't mind getting physical, but it's his dual-threat ability and overall feel for the game that has earned him some playing time.
Chris Warren III projects to be the starter for the Longhorns, but running backs coach Stan Drayton has maintained that there isn't a "bell cow" back currently on the roster, which suggests Texas will go more with the running-back-by-committee approach. Young will be in that rotation.
TE Reese Leitao
Leitao will serve a two-game suspension to start the season after pleading guilty to misdemeanor drug charges, but the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder will play a major role when he is able to return to the field. Tight end is one of the positions where there is a spot for the taking, and while senior Andrew Beck will be the leader of the group, Leitao is second in line. Fellow freshman Cade Brewer will contribute during the first two games, but Leitao is bigger, stronger, more athletic and more skilled.
CB Josh Thompson
Texas recruited Thompson with the promise that he would see a significant amount of playing time as a freshman, and they certainly need him to contribute. Both cornerback positions are up for grabs in a secondary that has been porous over the past few years, and the four-star recruit figures to step into one of the starting roles.
His versatility means he could also see some time at safety and at the nickel spot, and for a team that needs depth in the secondary, that versatility makes him a very valuable commodity.
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