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College football 2018 preview: 15 freshmen poised to make instant impact

By Cody Williams

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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15. James Cook, RB, Georgia

Not long ago, it appeared as two freshmen running backs from the Georgia Bulldogs was going to appear on this list. Both James Cook and fellow newcomer to Athens Zamir White join the program with immense expectations and both seemingly had a chance to carve out a role within the offense. However, White was struck by an unfortunate bit of fate as he tore his ACL in practices earlier in August, taking him out for the season.

While White obviously won’t be making an impact for the Bulldogs in the 2018 season, Cook most certainly will now. Cook was recruited to come to Georgia as the 41st overall ranked player in the country, coming out of Northwestern High School in Miami, FL. The 5-foot-11.5, 181-pound all-purpose back proved throughout his time in the high school ranks that he has the speed, tools and athleticism to affect games in every phase.

More importantly, when talking about this type of thing, the opportunity will be there for Cook to get on the field. The Bulldogs are dealing with the loss of their two-headed monster at running back, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. As such, they need to find players who can shoulder the load the duo took on. D’Andre Swift is clearly going to be the lead back, but Cook has the talent and ability to take over the second spot in that committee as a freshman.

Obviously, he’ll have to prove himself with other talented backs, such as Elijah Holyfield, in the Bulldogs backfield. Having said that, everything is in place for Cook to do some serious damage in his first year under Kirby Smart.