Sammy Watkins 2.0: 5 ACC freshmen to watch

Sammy Watkins had a spectacular season as a true freshman, which created high expectations for this year's crop of newcomers. Here are the freshmen expected to have the biggest impact.

By Shawn Krest

Jul 26, 2012 at 3:41 pm ET • 2 min read

Sammy Watkins wrecked the curve for everyone last season.

Freshmen were expected to find their footing in college, learning and developing while older players got the bulk of the playing time.

Instead, Watkins, a true freshman, caught a touchdown in his first game and added five more in his next three. Watkins finished his first year with 1,219 yards on 82 catches. He caught 12 touchdowns passes and scored another on a kickoff return.

While no one is expecting this year’s newcomers to match Watkins’ immediate impact, several members of the ACC’s freshman class will be counted on to contribute.

Here are 5 freshmen to watch this season:

Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland: Most recruiting services had Diggs as the second-best wide receiver recruit last year, and in the top 15 overall. His decision to stay in state and sign with the Terps helped turn around a brutal offseason for coach Randy Edsall and may be a first step in turning around the program. He should start from the outset and will also get to return kicks. His high school teammate, Wes Brown, will also get a chance to start at running back.
Michael Holmes, RB, Virginia Tech: The job of replacing David Wilson in the Hokies’ backfield falls to Holmes, a redshirt freshman. He won’t be as spectacular as Wilson, but Holmes does the little things coaches like. He’s described as consistent, solid in pass protection and works hard off the field. He was named the top offensive newcomer in Virginia Tech’s spring practice. He’ll be a tough stop for defenses keying on quarterback Logan Thomas.
Travis Blanks, CB, Clemson: A top-five defensive back recruit last year, Blanks was one of eight freshmen to enroll early at Clemson. He wowed coaches during spring practice with his work ethic and production. He won’t start the season as a starter, but he should be the choice for the nickelback role.
Jabari Hunt-Days, LB, Georgia Tech: The younger brother of sophomore backup quarterback Synjyn Days, Hunt-Days is expected to compete for playing time at inside linebacker after redshirting last season. He’s about 25 pounds heavier than his high school weight. Daniel Drummond is expected to serve a suspension at the beginning of the season, which means Hunt-Days might start his first college game.
Duke Johnson, RB, Miami: Senior Mike James played behind future NFL running backs Lamar Miller, Javarris James, Damien Berry and Graig Cooper in his first three years in Coral Gables. This year, he’ll have to fend off another NFL-caliber talent in the true freshman. Johnson remained a loyal commitment to Miami throughout the school’s NCAA trouble last season. His 4.48 speed makes him a good bet to earn playing time early, even if James is the starter.