College football true freshman All-America team entering Week 12

Every year in college football, more true freshmen contribute on the field in a big way. This season, even with many star players opting out because of concerns regarding COVID-19, is no exception.

There are numerous first-year players who moved from talented prospects less than a year ago to starters or even impact players at the Power 5 level. Based off ESPN 300 rankings, we are not surprised to see several of those names on this list, but conversely, there are also under-recruited and under-evaluated players who deserved a spot.

The sample size for college football's midseason 2020 true freshman All-America team was considerably smaller this year for obvious reasons. That said, we still did our best to feature deserving players from the Big Ten and Pac-12, two Power 5 conferences that have played fewer games.

Offense

QB D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson Tigers

Washington State quarterback Jayden de Laura made a push here with his start to the 2020 season, but ultimately Clemson's highly touted QB secures this spot. Yes, Clemson did suffer a loss while he was starting, but the big, strong-armed former No. 1-ranked pocket passer performed well while Trevor Lawrence was sidelined. As a starter, he threw for nearly 800 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, ran for two more and showed the offense will be in good hands once Lawrence moves on.

RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn Tigers

The No. 2-ranked running back in the 2020 class, we anticipated Bigsby would be a quick contributor once arriving at Auburn. He has, and he already has the look of a likely future first-rounder in the NFL. With a name like "Tank," it should come as no surprise that his yards after contact are outstanding. Since Week 5, he has rushed for 288 yards, 196 after contact. He's also talented as a receiver (11 catches, 84 yards). Despite being a freshman, it's possible this former Under Armour All-American is among the nation's best running backs regardless of class.

WR Jordan Addison, Pittsburgh Panthers

A four-star signee, Addison has quickly established himself as a key target in the Panthers' passing attack with a team-high 52 catches, averaging almost 12 yards per catch. It is not surprising he has been able to make an impact as he possesses the tools to be a matchup problem. He's a gifted route runner for a young player and knows how to separate and get open. Addison has been as advertised and has produced despite not having QB Kenny Pickett for three games.

WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma Sooners

Think Ryan Broyles 2.0, only faster, as the former ESPN 300 top-25 wideout is a jet who can stretch the field. He's averaging almost 18 yards per catch and can make an explosive play happen at any given time. Teamed with Spencer Rattler, the former Under Armour All-American is demonstrating he's going to cause some serious problems for opposing defenses in the Big 12.

WR Rakim Jarrett, Maryland Terrapins

The No. 2-ranked wide receiver in the 2020 class, Jarrett is showing why it was so key for the Terrapins to keep the local prospect close to home. While his opportunities thus far have been limited, in just a few games he is already demonstrating that the upstart Terrapins have a star in the making in Jarrett. He had a monster performance against Penn State, hauling in five catches for 144 yards and two scores.

TE Arik Gilbert, LSU Tigers

Very few tight ends have been ranked a five-star in the ESPN 300, but Gilbert was one of them. He has the size of a defensive end and moves like a wide receiver. Between his production in high school and his rare blend of size and skill, he clearly demonstrated the tools to be an impact player at the college level. Despite LSU's on-field struggles and quarterback issues, Gilbert has still produced at a high level, ranking second on the team in catches (22), receiving yards (259) and touchdowns (two).

OL Zach Frazier, West Virginia Mountaineers

A top in-state prospect, the Mountaineers have quickly benefited from keeping Frazier at home. The three-star has made six starts at two positions, including the past five at guard, and was named Big 12 offensive lineman of the week in their win against Kansas State.

OL Willie Lampkin, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Identifying and landing underrated talent like this has helped Coastal Carolina to an undefeated campaign thus far. Out of Lakeland High School, one of the most successful programs in Florida, Lampkin, also a former all-state wrestler, has started from day one.

OL Walker Parks, Clemson Tigers

Parks hasn't been a starter, but the physically skilled and versatile ESPN 300 lineman has played and graded out very well, providing huge help and depth to Clemson's offensive front.

OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern's top-rated prospect in its 2020 class, Skoronski is off to a strong start this season and has already earned a valuable role. A big man with good flexibility and feet, the ESPN 300 in-state lineman has started at left tackle for the undefeated Wildcats.

OL Jake Renfro, Cincinnati Bearcats

As Cincinnati makes a case for the College Football Playoff, the Bearcats are utilizing the true freshman Renfro at center. A former three-star prospect with minimal Power 5 attention out of high school, he has been a productive starter for the Bearcats in their past four games.

Defense

DL Myles Murphy, Clemson Tigers

In watching an ounce of Clemson football, this one is obvious. The former five-star has arguably been the most disruptive freshman defensive lineman since Ed Oliver arrived at Houston. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end has recorded 3.5 sacks, 26 total tackles and two forced fumbles so far this season.

DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson Tigers

As impactful as Murphy has been, fellow five-star signee Bresee isn't far behind him in production. An explosive, high-motor defender, he trails only Murphy in sacks among Clemson's defenders.

DL Akheem Mesidor, West Virginia Mountaineers

Mesidor, the top-rated prospect in the Mountaineers' class, has tallied four sacks as a defensive tackle and has been a disruptive presence. He also plays with a gifted and experienced unit alongside the Stills brothers -- Darius and Dante -- and still finds ways to crack the lineup.

DL Tyler Batty, BYU Cougars

A former three-star with limited offers, Batty is flashing the skill set of a young J.J. Watt. He has four sacks and three QB hits, and he has been a disruptive force for a defense that is already loaded up front. He's going to be a household name before long.

LB BJ Ojulari, LSU Tigers

Ojulari has been a bright spot as a disruptive force and designated pass-rusher on LSU's otherwise dismal defense. He has developed into one of the most effective pass rushers in the SEC. The former ESPN 300 prospect already has four sacks and doesn't play in the front all the time.

LB Will Anderson Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide

It didn't take long for Anderson to start creating a buzz once arriving in Tuscaloosa, and while he may not have a sack yet, his presence has been felt. He has 16 quarterback pressures and nine QB hits, which is nearly every bit as important as sacks. The former No. 6-rated defensive end in the ESPN 300 has been a problem for opposing offenses on passing downs.

LB Tyler Grubbs, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

This New Orleans native is a tackling machine, and the former three-star with Power 5 offers is a big reason the Bulldogs are competitive on defense. He has already logged 75 tackles this season and is showing he was clearly under-recruited.

DB Eli Ricks, LSU Tigers

Yes, Ricks has outperformed Derek Stingley Jr. to this point. LSU is a defensive mess, but Ricks has produced in run support as well as in coverage. The former No. 4-rated cornerback in the ESPN 300, Ricks has three interceptions, tied for fourth nationally.

DB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M Aggies

One of many future stars on this young Aggie team, Jones, the former No. 3-ranked cornerback, has started six games, notching 19 tackles and three passes defended. He possesses top-tier cover skills and has played with great maturity and confidence.

DB Ayden Hector, Washington State Cougars

It's early in the Pac-12, but Hector, a walk-on who initially signed with Stanford and was a national recruit, has had a great start to the season. Just last week, he had two fumble recoveries and an interception against Oregon. The former four-star has a chance to be the best secondary defender the Cougars have seen in years.

DB Malachi Moore, Alabama Crimson Tide

This ESPN 300 in-state signee has shown he's a playmaker in the mold of Minkah Fitzpatrick. He can play cornerback or nickel and always seems to be around the football. Don't be surprised if he becomes the focus of the Alabama secondary for opposing offenses.