DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the fifth installment of the Football Writers Association of America's weekly Freshman Focus for the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year Award, Freshman Player of the Year and the 2023 FWAA Freshman All-America Team.
The Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award, presented by Chris Doering Mortgage, goes to the best first-year coach (at his school) in FBS football at the conclusion of the season.
The recipient of the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach, the FWAA Freshman of the Year and the Steve Spurrier Legends Coach will be honored at a special reception on Feb. 26 in Gainesville, Fla.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
Tyler Brown, WR, Clemson (5-11, 180, Greenville, S.C.): 9 receptions, 153 yards; 1 rush, 23 yards
Brown more than doubled his career-high receiving yards in Clemson’s 31-14 win at Syracuse. The true freshman sped past the Orange secondary on several long catches to keep the Tiger offense humming. Brown also became the team’s season leader in yards (316) and receptions (21) in the win. Clemson’s newest electric pass-catcher will look to feast on a shaky Wake Forest secondary this weekend.
Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina (6-1, 204, Eatonton, Ga.): team-leading 15 tackles, 1 INT
Kilgore’s career-high 15 tackles led South Carolina in a 41-20 loss to Tennessee. The true freshman also boxed out and wrestled a Volunteer tight end for his first career interception. Kilgore’s 42 total tackles lead the Gamecock defense at the end of September. South Carolina will try for a stronger defensive performance this Saturday when Florida visits Columbia.
Makhi Hughes, RB, Tulane (5-11, 195, Birmingham, Ala.): 22 rushes, 123 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 7 yards
Hughes likely established himself as Tulane’s top running back after the first 100-plus yard game of his career. The redshirt freshman’s touchdowns helped Tulane regain control in a 35-23 win over UAB. Hughes’ 368 yards and 72 carries are both team-highs thus far. Hughes and the Green Wave will take the weekend off before visiting conference foe Memphis next Friday.
Jaylen Raynor, QB, Arkansas State (6-0, 204, Kernersville, N.C.): 20/25, 383 yards, 6 TD; 10 rushes, 35 yards
Raynor proved to be no one-hit wonder, following his four-touchdown game from last week with six more in a 52-28 win over UMass. The electric dual-threat dominated from the pocket, slinging long touchdown passes of 33, 39 and 55 yards. Arkansas State has scored 62 more points in its two games with Raynor under center than its three previous games combined. The Red Wolves will aim to extend their winning streak to four games this Saturday against Troy.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Jeff Brohm, Louisville: Brohm led his alma mater to its first 5-0 start in a decade, edging out NC State, 13-10. The Cardinals scored 13 unanswered points in the second half for the come-from-behind win. The defense allowed just 12 total yards in the fourth quarter and Brock Travelstead kicked a go-ahead 53-yard field goal with five minutes remaining. Louisville aims to stay atop the ACC when it plays host to No. 10 Notre Dame on Saturday.
Ryan Walters, Purdue: Walters secured his first Big Ten win by thumping Illinois, 44-19. The Boilermakers pulled away with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter. Purdue’s defense was particularly stout on third down as the Fighting Illini converted just two first downs in 13 attempts. Walters and the Boilermakers will look for their first road conference win at Iowa this weekend.
G.J Kinne, Texas State: Kinne’s explosive offense erupted again in a 50-36 win against Southern Miss. The Bobcat offense struck early and often to the tune of 42 first-half points. Texas State’s 491 yards per game are the Sun Belt’s best at the end of September. Kinne and the Bobcats aim to keep roaring at Louisiana this weekend.
Kevin Wilson, Tulsa: Wilson’s Golden Hurricane opened American Athletic Conference action with a 48-26 win over Temple. Tulsa took control early, commanding a 21-3 halftime lead. Freshman quarterback Cardell Williams led the offense with 334 total yards and four total touchdowns. Tulsa will look to start 2-0 in the conference with a win over Florida Atlantic this Saturday.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.