DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the the Week 11 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 2024 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. 24, 2025 in Gainesville, Fla.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
Telly Johnson Jr., RB, NIU (5-11, 205, Augusta, Ga.): 23 rushes, 141 yards, 2 TD
Johnson Jr. erupted in his second career game, powering Northern Illinois to a 42-28 win over Western Michigan. The true freshman, who had just six carries in his debut two weeks ago, led the Huskies in all-purpose yards. Johnson Jr.’s touchdowns started and ended Northern Illinois’ scoring as the Huskies snapped a two-game losing streak. Johnson Jr. can dominate again when Northern Illinois hosts Akron on Wednesday.
Wayshawn Parker, RB, Washington State (6-0, 199, Sacramento, Calif.): 11 rushes, 149 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 10 yards
Parker’s blazing speed helped Washington State comfortably beat Utah State 49-28 last Saturday. The true freshman powered into the end zone right before halftime and started the third quarter by burning the Aggie defense on a 75-yard score. Parker hopes to build off a breakout game, his first performance with over 100 yards and multiple touchdowns. Washington State can move to 9-1 with a win at New Mexico this weekend.
Josiah Trotter, LB, West Virginia (6-2, 238, Philadelphia, Pa.): 12 tackles, 1.5 TFL
Trotter’s run defense dominance helped West Virginia beat Cincinnati, 31-24. The Mountaineers’ defensive front allowed just 3.7 yards per carry and recovered a pair of fumbles in the win. Trotter leads his team and all freshmen across the country with 70 tackles this season. The redshirt freshman hopes to earn bowl eligibility when Baylor comes to Morgantown on Saturday.
Cam Vaughn, WR, Jax State (6-2, 190, Temple, Ga.): 7 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TD
Vaughn’s second touchdown Saturday night was pure clutch, as he hauled in a buzzer-beating, 49-yard Hail Mary to force overtime. Jacksonville State rode that momentum en route to a 44-37 win at Louisiana Tech to earn bowl eligibility. The redshirt freshman also showed explosiveness on a 31-yard touchdown reception as part of a 21-point second quarter for the Gamecocks. Jacksonville State can move to 6-0 in Conference USA with a home win over FIU on Saturday.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: DeBoer’s Crimson Tide rolled over LSU, deflating one of the top environments in the country with a decisive 42-13 win. Alabama simply dominated the line of scrimmage, outrushing the Tigers 311-104 and forcing three turnovers. Quarterback Jalen Milroe led the way with 185 yards rushing and four scores on 12 attempts to go with another 109 yards through the air. Alabama hopes to dominate Mercer this Saturday with Oklahoma and Auburn left to end its regular season.
Manny Diaz, Duke: Diaz’s Blue Devils snapped a two-game skid with a strong 29-19 win over NC State on Saturday. Duke’s defense surrendered just three third-down conversions on 15 attempts and allowed only 4.7 yards per play. Quarterback Maalik Murphy tossed for 245 yards and two touchdowns with an interception for Duke’s highest-scoring win since September 21. Diaz will have the week off to prepare for Virginia Tech on November 23.
DeShaun Foster, UCLA: Foster and the Bruins won their third straight after an 0-5 start to Big Ten play, beating Iowa 20-17. UCLA fell behind early 10-0 but battled back with 17 unanswered points in the second quarter. The Bruins outgained the Hawkeyes 414-265 on Saturday. Foster can still lead his team to a bowl in Year One, and a road win over Washington Friday night would go a long way in making that happen.
Jon Sumrall, Tulane: Sumrall’s Green Wave flooded Temple to the tune of a 52-6 win, keeping Tulane undefeated in the American. Freshman quarterback Darian Mensah completed 14 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns and an interception as Tulane outgained Temple 589-159. The Owls could only convert one third down in 13 attempts against Sumrall’s defense. The Green Wave aims to win its eighth consecutive win at Navy on 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.