The transition from Friday night lights to college football Saturdays can be a bit overwhelming for most incoming freshmen. But for USA Football's Gold Medal-winning Junior National Team, the jump wasn't as tough as one might think.
Eleven players from the 2009 championship team were named to opening day depth charts for their respective colleges as true freshmen. Some even made an immediate impact for their teams during the first three weeks of the NCAA football season. Each was highly praised for their preparation and composure, and the players were quick to point to their experiences on Team USA as a factor for their early successes.
"Practicing with different athletes from all over the country and coming together to learn a variety of plays helped me pick up a lot coming in [to Virginia Tech]," said Hokie running back David Wilson, who rushed for 165 yards on 12 carries and a TD during a 52-10 win against Marshall. "The coaching staff said that learning all of the plays was a big problem for backs coming in, but I did it and I think that's a big reason why I'm not redshirting."
Wilson's first touchdown was special, but the feeling he got when he first ran out onto the field during Virginia Tech's home-opener in Lane Stadium will always be with him.
"It was everything I expected it to be," he said. "Before we came out, 'Enter Sandman' was playing and everyone was jumping up and down. When I finally came through the tunnel and saw the light at the end, I got a chill down my spine. It was everything I wanted it to be."
Like Wilson, Erik Lora (WR-Eastern Illinois) had no trouble finding the end zone during Team USA's championship run. That fact remained the same when he caught his first career touchdown pass in a 23-14 victory over Southeast Missouri State. On the day, Lora finished with 3 catches for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon Sharpe, a defensive end for Syracuse, sure didn't waste any time making his presence known either. During the season opener at home against Minnesota, Sharpe exploded off the edge during a crucial fourth quarter drive and sacked Minnesota QB Adam Weber. The sack caused a fumble, which was recovered by Syracuse, and stifled a Minnesota drive deep in Syracuse territory.
"I just try to put myself in the position to help others," Sharpe told The Post-Standard's Donnie Webb.
USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck has been following the progress of these young men and credits the Junior National Team coaches for preparing them for what was to come on Saturdays.
"We're proud of all our players and wish the best to those on the field this season as true college freshmen," he said. "The fact that nearly one-quarter of our roster is already contributing to college programs - some of which are nationally ranked - is a testament to the important head-start that those players received from head coach Chuck Kyle and his staff in Canton.
"This also speaks volumes for the strength of our national team program."
Players from the 2009 USA Football Junior National Team on college football opening day depth charts that are true freshmen:
*Oday Aboushi, T, Virginia
*Robert Bell, LB/LS, Toledo
*Pat Hinkel, S, Miami (Ohio)
*Erik Lora, WR, Eastern Illinois
*Jack Mewhort, C, Ohio State
*Chris Norman, LB, Michigan State
*Brandon Sharpe, DE, Syracuse
*Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
*Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse
*David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
*Brian Winters, T, Kent State
