We've been talking about the 2015 recruiting class since they signed in February. We've been patiently waiting for them to finally take the field. The wait is over, at least for some of those former recruits, as they suited up and played Week 1.
Here's a look at some of the top true freshman performances from the opening weekend.
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: This guy might have single-handedly won the game for Texas A&M. He was electric when he got the ball in his hands. First, he returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. Then, with the Aggies up only seven in the final minutes, he caught a short pass, weaved through the defense and went 66 yards for his second touchdown. He finished with six receptions for 106 yards. This is a team that is loaded at receiver, but Kirk proved he's too good to keep off the field.
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri: There had been a lot of talk around the freshman quarterback during fall camp, but it was still a surprise to see him check into the game during the first half. But Lock looked comfortable. He went 4 of 5 for 51 yards on his first drive, which resulted in a field goal, and he later threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Tyler Hunt. Maty Mauk is still Missouri's quarterback, but it will be interesting to see how much the coaching staff uses Lock throughout the season.
Jordan Scarlett, RB, Florida: When Adam Lane transferred last month, the Gators were left with a pair of true freshmen -- Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite -- to back up Kelvin Taylor at running back. Both players got a chance to make their debut Saturday against New Mexico State. Scarlett rushed for 34 yards and a touchdown on eight carries while Cronkrite added 24 yards and a score on five carries. Expect Florida to use both backs during the season, even once conference play begins.
Kyler Murray, QB, Texas A&M: In what might have been the most-anticipated debut of any freshman, Murray got some action in the Aggies' 38-17 win against Arizona State on Saturday. The ESPN 300 quarterback came in for the last drive of the first half and breathed some life into the Texas A&M offense. He played more in the second half and finished 4 of 9 for 49 yards and an interception. But what was most impressive was his speed. Murray rushed for 69 yards on six carries and had multiple runs of over 20 yards.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama: It's rare to see a true freshman defensive back play his first year under Nick Saban, but Fitzpatrick earned the start at nickelback and played a considerable amount Saturday against Wisconsin. The highlight came when the New Jersey native sacked Badgers quarterback Joel Stave for a loss of nine yards. He finished with four tackles, the lone sack and a pass break-up.
Javon Patterson, OL, Ole Miss: Patterson is a guy that coach Hugh Freeze has been raving about since the spring, and he was rewarded with a start in Saturday's 76-3 win over UT-Martin. There are no official stats for offensive linemen, but all you have to do is go back and watch the Rebels' first touchdown. Jaylen Walton gets through the first level untouched thanks to Patterson, who put his man on the ground, and the rest of the line. Walton did the rest as he went 76 yards to the end zone.