Texas Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

If anyone wants to put the focus on a young safety that could become a star immediately in his college career, look no further that the top recruit in the nation at his position in Caden Sterns. It’s tough to choose between Sterns and fellow five-star safety recruit B.J. Foster for the top player to make an impact in this regard. But, Sterns would ultimately be the safest choice here.

The safety position should be on lockdown for the two starting spots for Week 1, between Locke III and rising junior Brandon Jones. Beyond that, rising sophomore Chris Brown is itching at the chance for some playing time too since he’s got the skill to eventually be a key contributor with this defense. However, none of these guys have a ceiling quite a high as Sterns.

When it’s all said and done, Sterns should be looking at an early first round pick in either the 2021 or 2022 NFL Draft. His performance in the last US Army All-American Bowl was huge to show what he could do even against some of the best competition from this recruiting cycle.

Not only is Sterns the top overall safety in the nation, he’s also the top prospect out of Texas and a top 20 prospect between all positions. It’s great to see the Horns keeping top notch talent in-state now, and bolstering the defensive backfield with someone like Sterns now in the mix.