C.J. Freeman
Freshman
Running back
5’11" / 196 lbs.
Greensboro, NC
Recruitment
ESPN lists the North Carolina native as a four-star prospect and the 31st best running back in the nation. Other than South Carolina, most of his recruitment attention came from Louisville and Wisconsin, but he also received offers from Virginia Tech, Washington St., Wake Forest and West Virginia.
College Career
Freeman is an early enrollee true freshman who graduated in December and arrived on campus in time for spring drills.
2016 Outlook
There’s a split decision out there regarding C.J. Freeman the recruit. Some scouts viewed him as just another average back whose 4.4 40 yard dash doesn’t wow anyone with breakaway speed and that he possesses more potential than quick plug-in and fix ability.
Others, like myself, saw the 7+ yard per carry average and 2,000+ yard senior season, and were ecstatic to have him arrive on campus early to gain the added spring experience.
The fact is Freeman’s best season as a running back is the one he just had for Northern Gulliford High and he’s arriving at South Carolina riding a steady wave of confidence and momentum as he enters his true freshman campaign.
The starting running back slot is David Williams’ to lose. But, after an underwhelming sophomore season after bursting onto the scene his freshman year, Williams has yet to ink his name in as the man in the back field.
I wouldn’t expect Freeman to steal the majority of carries from Williams in 2016, but I do see him as a viable option that’ll surprise some opponents his first year on campus, much in the same way Williams did in 2014.