| 12 September 2009
After just witnessing an amazing Notre Dame/Michigan game that ended with true freshman, Tate Forcier, passing for the game winning touchdown with 11 seconds remaining to give Michigan the win over Notre Dame I realized where college football is headed. Not too long ago college basketball was no different where freshman usually never got in. They would have to wait a year or two to get there chance. Nowadays a freshman will be recruited and they will want to be guaranteed a starting position. College football is completely different, until now. Everyone always thinks that incoming freshman are not mature enough, not strong enough, not mentally prepared for the game. Most people think that they need to sit back and wait their turn before they get their chance. They don't understand the game and will get rattled in different settings. The game has changed though. Incoming recruits have been preparing for the collegiate level for a long time. Their coaches, parents, and/or trainers have groomed them for the playing level they are finally at. I saw an amazing performance out of Tate Forcier and he sure didn't look like a "normal" freshman. He's not a normal freshman. These freshman are veterans on their team before the season even begins. Many of them enroll into college the previous spring and can train and get ready for the season. They know the playbook, work with fellow players, and understand what they need to do to succeed. Matt Barkley, USC's starting QB is also a true freshman getting his shot tonight against Ohio State to prove what he's all about. I guess we'll find out soon. Either way, these players are more then ready to play and team's will continually expect more out of freshman and utilize them when they can.
