College Fantasy Football: Week 11 Freshman Standouts

Devy Fantasy Football: Top Week 11 Freshman Performances 

Any big-time performance by a true freshman in college football is always exciting. Aside from the fact that you're watching a teenager not far removed from prom excel in a sport where 5th and 6th-year college seniors are the norm, there's the tantalizing promise of what said freshman can develop into and bring to his program years down the line. 

It's always worth keeping an eye on big freshman performances for college and devy fantasy football leagues alike. Check out our fantasy football devy rankings page for more on players to target in these league formats. With that, let's get into some of the top performances of Week 11 by freshmen across the country.

College Football Week 11 Freshman Quarterback Standout Performances

QB Malik Washington, Maryland vs. Rutgers

Washington got plenty of praise at the start of the season when Maryland jumped out to a 4-0 start and he was playing like one of the better true freshman in the country. That's remained the case even as the Terps have entered a tailspin, but in a bounce-back win over Rutgers, Washington reminded the college football world just how dangerous he can be. On the game's second play from scrimmage, he took a read option 73 yards to the house, setting the tone for the kind of day he'd have. While his passing numbers were sub-optimal with 98 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 53.6 percent completion, he ran for a career-high 164 yards and the aforementioned score. He certainly still needs to take strides as a passer, but this was the first time in his collegiate career he's thrown for less than 200 yards — it looks more like an outlier. 

TJ Lateef, Nebraska vs. UCLA

UCLA isn't exactly the toughest test a young quarterback can face, but still, Dylan Raiola's replacement for the time being looked more than capable against the Bruins. After he looked extremely limited in the Huskers' loss to USC after Raiola was injured, Lateef played very well in a bounce-back win for Nebraska. He tossed for 205 yards and three touchdowns on 13-of-15 passing, adding 31 yards on the ground as well. The fact that he had fewer incompletions than touchdown passes says something; he was cool, calm, collected and in complete control under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who drew up a very favorable game-plan. These next few games will serve as an audition for Lateef, and should be perform well, he could earn a starting gig at a new program next fall. 

QB Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State vs. Georgia

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Mississippi State, like many a program before them, fell victim to a gnarly Georgia squad that ultimately beat them 41-21. Still, the Bulldogs from Starkville have a fun coversation on their hands centered on the breakout of true freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor. With starter Blake Shapen knocked out of the game, Taylor got extended snaps for the second straight week. And while he didn't do much as a passer, completing 6-of-10 throws for 87 yards, his legs were dynamic, producing 53 yards and all three of Mississipi State's touchdowns. Watching him play, he clearly has a second gear exclusive to the most mobile and elusive quarterbacks in the nation. He'll get a shot to start sooner rather than later. 

College Football Week 11 Freshman Running Back Standout Performances

RB Nate Sheppard, Duke vs. UConn

Duke lost a rather shocking game to the upstart Connecticut Huskies, but Nate Sheppard continued to play like one of, if not the best true freshman running back in the nation. You'll notice this flipping on any Blue Devils' game, but Sheppard seems to run at different speed than everyone else on the field, making cuts with slow-mo-like precision but simultaneously out-running everyone on defense. With 16 carries for 100 yards and two scores, Sheppard tallied 100 yards rushing for the second time in his career. He's one of the brighter young talents in the sport. 

RB King Miller, USC vs. Northwestern

Miller made this article last week, but we simply can't ignore what the former walk-on is doing in Southern California. As the Trojans cruised to a 38-17 win over Northwestern, Miller once again topped 100 yards rushing, racking up 127 yards on the ground and another touchdown. He's seized control of the USC backfield in Waymond Jordan's absence, and has earned his place as a staple of the rotation even if and when Jordan returns. Miller is no longer just a great story; he's a great running back as well. 

RB Diore Hubbard, West Virginia vs. Colorado

Hubbard had 64 rushing yards against the Buffaloes after an 108-yard showing the week prior, but he did his damage as a receiver against Colorado. The tailback reeled in all six of his targets for 94 yards, looking like an extremely potent pass-catcher out of the backfield. On his biggest catch, he was sent in motion and then got open downfield on a wheel route, running under the pass like a wide receiver and nearly taking it to the house. In the latter half of the season, the Mountaineers have begun to realize this kid needs the ball in his hands constantly. 

College Football Week 11 Freshman Wide Receiver Standout Performances

WR Winston Watkins, Ole Miss vs. The Citadel

The true freshman Watkins had his coming-out party two weeks ago against Oklahoma, when he reeled in four catches for 111 yards, looking like a big-time deep threat who is also dangerous with the ball in his hands. And though it was against a comically overmatched opponent, Watkins was at it again against The Citadel in Week 11 with five grabs for 80 yards and a score. The receiver has had some big weeks, and he's had some quiet ones, but even so, he's made it clear he's already a legitimate receiver in the SEC.  

WR Donovan Olugbode, Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Missouri fell at the hands of Texas A&M, 38-17, as the Aggies' dream season continued. Still, true freshman receiver Donovan Olugbode continued to be a big problem for opposing secondaries. He only had three catches, but he made the most of them, including a 30-plus yard downfield bomb he reeled in with a defender all over him, snatching it away from over the defensive back's shoulder at the last minute. Olugbode has 22 targets over the last four weeks; he's firmly inserted himself into the thick of Missouri's passing attack. 

WR Wondame Davis, UTEP vs. Jacksonville State

Davis stuffed the stat-sheet with five grabs for 166 yards and a score against the Gamecocks. His touchdown was a 75-yard thing of beauty, where he got separation out of a bunch formation and out-raced the entire Jacksonville State secondary to the end zone. It was easily a career day for the redshirt freshman, who is beginning to emerge as a dangerous receiver in Conference USA when he's on his game. Davis could attract the attention of bigger programs via the transfer portal this winter.