INSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The Soph Parade
by Ivan Maisel
Posted: Wed December 3, 1997
 By now most of the country is already familiar with Tennessee's
Jamal Lewis, the freshman who, with 1,237 yards on 201 carries,
has given the Volunteers a running attack to go with the Manning
air show. Here are five lesser-known 1997 freshmen you'll be
hearing a lot about in '98.
1. Ty Gregorak, LB, Colorado. The Buffaloes' defense had a
disappointing season, but Gregorak is a foundation to build on.
A smart, aggressive linebacker, Gregorak (37 tackles in 1997)
has NFL written all over him.
2. Reggie Wayne, WR, Miami. After a recent void, the Hurricanes'
tradition of outstanding wideouts resumes. With 48
receptions—breaking Michael Irvin's Miami freshman record—for
640 yards and two touchdowns, Wayne is the Hurricanes' best
reason for hope.
3. Ortege Jenkins, QB, Arizona. The Wildcats began the year with
one outstanding young quarterback in sophomore Keith Smith, but
when he injured his right shoulder on Sept. 27, they found
another in Jenkins, who had been recruited as a quarterback but
was playing wide receiver. He threw three of his 19 touchdown
passes in last Friday's 28-16 upset of Arizona State.
4. LaMont Jordan, RB, Maryland. Coach Ron Vanderlinden played a
lot of freshmen as the Terrapins' 2-9 season unfolded. He found
a keeper in Jordan, who emerged as the featured back at
midseason and finished with 689 yards and three touchdowns.
5. Anthony Thomas, RB, Michigan. If Wisconsin's Ron Dayne and
Penn State's Curtis Enis wait another year before going to the
NFL, they'll get stiff competition for the Big Ten rushing title
from this guy. With Wolverines senior tailback Chris Howard
departing, the 220-pound Thomas (130 carries, 529 yards, five
touchdowns) will inherit the featured role in the Michigan
backfield.
Issue date: December 8, 1997
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