From Deshaun Watson to Dexter Lawrence, teams are winning with true freshmen these days. So, which incoming ACC freshmen will make major contributions for their team in 2017? We're picking our favorites this week.
Next up, Miami.
Recruit: Navaughn Donaldson, No. 7 offensive guard
Stars: Four
How he got to Miami: A Miami Central product, it's no surprise that Donaldson landed with the Hurricanes. The funny thing is, it was just two years ago he was so thrilled to get an offer from Georgia, he gave head coach Mark Richt a bear hug to celebrate. A lot can change in two years, however, and Richt is now at Miami, where Donaldson is just as eager to play for him.
Why he'll make an impact: The transition from high school to college is often hardest for offensive linemen, who need to bulk up for the demands of more physical competition. That shouldn't be a problem for Donaldson (even if defensive linemen aren't likely to be pushed around as easy as Richt was).
At 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, Donaldson is already huge. He's both strong and wide, but that size can also be a potential issue in terms of fundamentals. The upside for both Donaldson and Miami is that, as an early enrollee, he'll have ample time to work out the finer points during spring practice and turn all that heft into good weight during offseason conditioning.
Add an obvious need on the inside, where guard Danny Isidora has moved on, and Donaldson finds himself in a terrific position to make a quick impact on an offense that figures to be built around the power running game.
Miami had excellent success with last year's signing class, getting major contributions from a half dozen freshmen, and this year should be no different. Donaldson, safety Amari Carter and QB N'Kosi Perry all figure to push for starting spots.
