Similar to how Leander McNelly and his 5’5 frame were easy to overlook, it’s easy to overlook freshman defensive backs who are courageously playing week in and week out for their team. Perhaps they haven’t been identified as leaders just yet, but their day will come.

With only one game to go in the season, which of the final four will win the inaugural Fresh-McNelly Award?

Fresh-McNelly Award Finalists: Stats from Week 13

• Ty Redmond/ Tennessee

-1 PD vs Florida (31-11) Win

3 tackles, an Interception, and 95 Snaps is what Redmond recorded against Heisman candidate Gunner Stockton and Georgia. 95 snaps led the entire team in that game. Hard not to appreciate a freshman leading in that category.

Let’s see what Ty can do this weekend against Vanderbilt. Only up.

• Messiah Delhomme/ Michigan

-3 Tackles, 1 TFL vs Michigan (20-45) Loss

12 Tackles against unbeaten Indiana in a game where he played nearly every defensive snap. Courage and effort were both on display in that tough loss.

Will Messiah do enough this weekend to help save his team from defeat against incoming Michigan St? Only up.

• Aaron Flowers/ Oregon

-4 Tackles vs USC (42-27) Win

8 Tackles against unbeaten Indiana. Similar to Delhomme, he played nearly every defensive snap.

Another massive game awaits as he will do his best to slow the high-flying Washington offense. Only up.

• Demetres Samuel, Jr/ Syracuse

-No Stat recorded against Notre Dame. (7-70) L

Demetres has been as consistent as the tide all season filling needs for the Orange.

He’ll have a big chance to impress this weekend against KP Price and Boston College. Only up.

—

There you go. The Final Four McNellies. It’s been a fun wrinkle to follow throughout the season. Good luck to these players as they close the season.

Which one of these four will win?

Which one of these four will win a McNelly in the future?

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.