Impact Redshirt Freshmen: Big East

[E.T.]

Impact Redshirt Freshmen: Big East

By David Fox, Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer

The Big East doesn't have to be reminded of the impact redshirt freshmen can have on a season.

In his first year as a starter, South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe led the Bulls to nine wins and was second in the conference in total offense behind seasoned veteran Brian Brohm.

Behind Grothe, the Bulls went to their second consecutive bowl and won in the postseason for the first time.

A year earlier, another quarterback - West Virginia's Pat White - elevated his team as a redshirt freshman with a Big East title and Sugar Bowl victory.

In 2007, the impact redshirt freshmen might not be under center. Instead, they might be found in the trenches or on defense. Who will make the most of their year away from the field in the Big East?

Find out about five impact redshirt freshmen we'll be watching in the Big East next season:

Impact Redshirt Freshmen: Big East

1. Brandon Heath, S, Louisville

Heath, a four-star recruit out of Palm Beach Lakes (Fla.), was on track to see immediate playing time as a true freshman. However, a broken bone in his left foot before training camp derailed his season. A healthy Heath (6-1, 195) could see playing time in a secondary that lost three senior starters.  

2. Charlie Noonan, DT, Rutgers

Noonan fits the mold of many of Rutgers' key players from the 2006 season. He was lightly recruited and undersized, but has an excellent motor. The Scarlet Knights lose starter Ramel Meekins and backup Joe Giacobbe at defensive tackle, leaving a spot for Noonan. He should compete for regular playing time if he is fully recovered from a knee injury sustained before coming to Rutgers in 2006.  

3. Adam Rosner, OL, Syracuse

While the Syracuse offense sputtered behind a weak offensive line, the former four-star Rosner played on the scout team. In 2007, Rosner should reach the field after spending 2005 in prep school and redshirting last season. The Orange is counting on Rosner (6-6, 215) to be healthy and to contribute. Syracuse will also welcome help from three-star Tucker Baumbach and Jim McKenzie, who also redshirted last season.  

4. Jason Sherman, WR, South Florida

The Bulls will have five redshirt freshmen vying for a spot in the rotation in 2007, including a starting job vacated by leading receiver Ean Randolph. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Sherman has an intriguing mix of size and speed. He was clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash during the recruiting process. The coaching staff has also spoken highly of local product Carlton Mitchell.  

5. Greg Webster, LB, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh will miss tackling-machine H.B. Blades at middle linebacker next year, but the Panthers could have help on the way from Webster (6-1, 235). A three-star recruit in 2006, Webster should compete to replace Blades. During the season, coach Dave Wannstedt raved about Webster's hard-hitting on the scout team.  

Updated on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 10:30 am EST

On Defense, would be hard to find better than Robinson & Selvie in 2006.

[smiley=GoBulls.gif]

[RunningoftheBulls]

I have been looking forward to seeing Jason Sherman in action for some time now.  From what I have read about him he has excellent speed, runs a 4.4, and good hands; however, he brings size(6-4") and strength to the field, which translates to delivering big hits to unprepared defensive backs, Crack-back blocks, and he looks to open lanes by making key blocks all over the field.

This type of WR is exactly what we need.

[RunningoftheBulls]

Hey that Safety Heath was from Palm Beach Lakes(FL). That's were I went to school.  That can only mean he is great.

[E.T.]

... The coaching staff has also spoken highly of local product Carlton Mitchell.  

...

[smiley=GoBulls.gif]

I have heard more good things about Mitchell, suppose to has sick speed and is getting bigger/thicker ... think we have two guys that will show immediate impact in 2007.

:GoBulls

[bulls96go]

ford grothe and two fast sticky finger wr

who wants to write this story?

[E.T.]

Expecting the story to end in early 2008  8-)

Go BULLS !!!