[Goose]

I think you are probably correct about running backs, in that all the "good" ones got some touches as a freshman. In all cases except Toby, I would argue they were not "primary" choices. Certainly CMAC was not, as a freshman. At receiver, I think it is less clear. For instance, Whalen played in exactly one game as a freshman, where he received exactly 0 passes. Chris Owusu started 5 games as a freshman. He recorded 5 receptions for 80 yards, and 0 touchdowns, but he also got injured. Francis Owusu caught exactly two passes for 1 touchdown and 56 yards, all against Cal. He was also the ONLY freshman to play in 2013. Baldwin, OTOH played in 12 games, where he received 11 passes for 0 TDs. Certainly these four freshman years were not "game breakers", and did not reflect the eventual value of the players. Now, that doesn't mean it can't happen, Probably, it won't. Expecting it is a bit much.

[Goose]

I think you are probably correct about running backs, in that all the "good" ones got some touches as a freshman. In all cases except Toby, I would argue they were not "primary" choices. Certainly CMAC was not, as a freshman. At receiver, I think it is less clear. For instance, Whalen played in exactly one game as a freshman, where he received exactly 0 passes. Chris Owusu started 5 games as a freshman. He recorded 5 receptions for 80 yards, and 0 touchdowns, but he also got injured. Francis Owusu caught exactly two passes for 1 touchdown and 56 yards, all against Cal. He was also the ONLY freshman to play in 2013. Baldwin, OTOH played in 12 games, where he received 11 passes for 0 TDs. Certainly these four freshman years were not "game breakers", and did not reflect the eventual value of the players. Now, that doesn't mean it can't happen, Probably, it won't. Expecting it is a bit much.