Freshman Forecast: 3 RBs Who Could Start Early in 2025

Since 2010, fewer than a dozen freshman RBs have rushed for over 1,000 yards in year one. But when it happens, it’s league-shifting. These early producers often become dynasty cornerstones, delivering long-term value across devy, Campus to Canton (C2C), and even redraft leagues down the line.

Identifying the rare few requires analyzing more than just recruiting stars—it’s about scheme fit, competition, skill set, and early opportunity. Here are three 2025 freshmen with real chances to earn touches this fall.

1. Harlem Berry (LSU Tigers)

Recruiting Pedigree:

• Consensus 5-star, No. 1 RB in 2025 class

• 8,571 rushing yards, 142 TDs in high school

• Elite track speed (10.57s 100m)

Path to Playing Time:

• Logan Diggs is off to the NFL; Berry competes with Kaleb Jackson and Caden Durham

• LSU ran 42.1 times per game in 2024 (3rd most nationally)

Skill Set:

• Elite agility, deadly in space

• Needs to add size (currently 6’0”, 185 lbs)

Scheme Fit:

• Joe Sloan’s offense leans on RPOs and screens—Berry’s receiving skill (52 catches) shines here

Devy/C2C Strategy:

• Mid-to-late 1st round devy pick

• Buy low if he slips due to size; long-term RB1 upside

2. Akylin Dear (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Recruiting Pedigree:

• 4-star, No. 2 RB in the class

• 2,016 yards and 27 TDs as a junior

• 205 lbs, runs a 4.52 40-yard dash

Path to Playing Time:

• Competing with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes

• Kalen DeBoer prefers a bell cow (see: Dillon Johnson at Washington)

Skill Set:

• Power runner with excellent balance and burst

• Must improve pass protection

Scheme Fit:

• Gap-heavy system, built for volume backs

• Immediate rotational value, RB1 upside in 2026

Devy/C2C Strategy:

• Late 1st / Early 2nd round pick

• Pair with a safer vet RB to absorb short-term risk

3. Ousmane Kromah (Florida State Seminoles)

Recruiting Pedigree:

• 4-star, No. 4 RB in the class (247Sports)

• 1,782 rushing yards + 522 receiving yards as a junior

Path to Playing Time:

• Starter Kam Davis returns, but backup Rodney Hill transferred

• Kromah fills the third-down/pass-catching role

Skill Set:

• Excellent contact balance (42 missed tackles in senior season)

• 36” vertical; high-level receiving chops

Scheme Fit:

• Mike Norvell’s system favors backs who can catch and line up in the slot

Devy/C2C Strategy:

• Ideal 3rd-round sleeper for zero-RB builds

• Monitor for flash plays in garbage time; breakout candidate for 2026

Draft Tips for Targeting Freshman RBs

1. Tier Your Targets:

   • Berry = Elite upside

   • Dear = Balanced, NFL size

   • Kromah = Long-term upside play

2. Follow Camp Reports:

   • Track reps via beat writers and insider buzz

   • Prioritize players rising through depth charts

3. Exploit Market Gaps:

   • Buy low on Berry if weight concerns drop his ADP

   • Trade for Kromah midseason if buried behind a starter

Draft Tips for Targeting Freshman RBs

1. Tier Your Targets:

   • Berry = Elite upside

   • Dear = Balanced, NFL size

   • Kromah = Long-term upside play

2. Follow Camp Reports:

   • Track reps via beat writers and insider buzz

   • Prioritize players rising through depth charts

3. Exploit Market Gaps:

   • Buy low on Berry if weight concerns drop his ADP

   • Trade for Kromah midseason if buried behind a starter

The 2025 RB class has three rare freshman gems who can start early and change the trajectory of your dynasty team. Prioritize Berry in PPR formats, Dear for standard volume builds, and stash Kromah for a patient, high-upside investment.