Stressing out a bit here, but hopeful. I'm a high school junior and football's been my thing since forever. I know freshman playing time varies, but does anyone have insight on which college football team generally fields the most freshmen?
Getting playing time as a freshman on a college football team can vary greatly depending on the program and current roster makeup. Generally, the more elite programs (Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, etc.) tend to redshirt many of their freshmen unless they're top recruits, simply because these teams typically have a lot of depth. However, some lower-tier Power 5 and Group of 5 teams may provide more opportunities for freshmen as they look to improve their rosters.
You might want to research schools that have a history of giving playing time to freshmen. Schools like the University of North Texas, Vanderbilt, Rutgers, and Florida International University have been reported to field a decent amount of freshmen in various seasons. Freshman playing time can also be more common at FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) schools compared to FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams because of the difference in depth and talent.
Ultimately, one of the best ways to identify college teams that consistently field freshmen is to follow recruiting and read team news. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask these questions directly when communicating with college coaches during the recruitment process. Understanding their philosophy on playing freshmen and their depth chart can provide valuable insights. Good luck with your college football journey!
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