Fields: Three Pac-12 Football Freshmen to Watch in 2021

Glancing ahead at USC's Korey Foreman and Cal's J. Michael Sturdivant & Jermaine Terry

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Posted on June 11, 2021


  By LaMarr Fields, SuperWest Sports

College Football is just months away, and it should be an exciting season in the Pac-12, with a new commissioner in George Kliavkoff, some big games on the schedule early, and a renewed sense of optimism.

Many talented freshmen will make their debuts this year, but there are three in particular that I am excited to see play: USC’s Korey Foreman, and Cal’s J. Michael Sturdivant and Jermaine Terry.

Korey Foreman, USC Defensive End

Foreman comes in as the nation’s No.1 rated recruit, per the 247Sports composite, after being named to the PrepStar Dream Team as a senior defensive end at Centennial High in Corona, Calif., in 2020.

At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, he is an explosive load coming off the edge, being exceptionally fast and athletic for his size.

Foreman is the type of player who could command a double-team, and that puts a strain on offensive lines, as he is a three-down defensive lineman.

If everything goes according to plan, Foreman could be the next elite defensive lineman at USC. Foreman and Drake Jackson could make an outstanding tandem for the Trojans.

J. Michael Sturdivant, Cal Wide Receiver

Sturdivant will bring tremendous speed to the Cal offense.

Ranked the 24th-best receiver by 247Sports composite out of high school, he also ran the 100-meter and 200-meter races, making it to the Texas State finals in both, while also competing in the triple jump.

However, the 6-3 receiver is thin for his height at 185 pounds, and will need to get stronger.

Sturdivant can track the deep ball well, but is a bit raw in running routes. That said, he is explosive with the ball in his hands.

I think Sturdivant will thrive in Bill Musgrave’s offense, which includes many deep-ball concepts.

Jermaine Terry, Cal Tight End

Jermaine Terry | Kennedy-Richmond football

A four-star high school prospect, Terry came to Cal ranked the 6th-best tight end by 247Sports Composite.

He quickly impressed Cal’s coaching staff in spring practice with his ability to pick up the offense. He also showed off his pass-catching skill set and his ability to block.

Once on the field in live action, Terry will be a hard match-up for defenses to contend with; he’s too big for most cornerbacks and safeties, and too good a route runner to be covered by linebackers.

With the addition of Terry—another player well-matched to Musgrave’s system—Cal could be on to something.

—More from LaMarr Fields—