FARGO - Fans watching the final two quarters of North Dakota State's win over North Alabama last Saturday saw a handful of true freshmen make their college debut for the Bison. In all, eight true freshmen have seen the field this year through two games.
It's the result of a new NCAA rule that allows players who haven't redshirted to play up to four games without losing a season of eligibility. For the Bison, it's a new rule that has changed the way they practice.
No longer are most true freshmen a part of the "scout team" and nothing else. A scout team's job is to replicate an NDSU opponent's offense and defense. Those players now could be part of the game plan for that week including this Saturday when the Bison host the University of Delaware at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
There's still a scout team but there are also practice periods consisting of "inexperienced NDSU" vs. the starters.
"Because we might find some guys who can help us this week or maybe help us in three weeks from now," said head coach Chris Klieman. "Until somebody finishes those four games, he has the potential to be able to help us and play in those four games."
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Last week, quarterback Trey Lance, receiver Kenneth Channelle, defensive end Tony Pierce Jr., cornerback Destin Talbert and linebacker Mark Stumpf were the true freshmen that played. In the opener against Cal Poly, receiver Phoenix Sproles, safety James Kaczor and linebacker Jasir Cox played.
Sproles has been a part of the regular rotation both games and appears on a path to play all season.
"We thought we would have the opportunity to play a few players last week," Klieman said. "It took us a long time to get to that opportunity but we were able to get there."
The Bison led North Alabama, in its first year of a transition to Division I, 17-0 at halftime. It was 24-0 heading into the fourth quarter before the Bison broke it open for a 38-7 win.
The preseason theory was the new rule would keep true freshmen more engaged in practice and that has been true, Klieman said.
"We want to see how well these guys are doing," he said. "How much have they progressed? So they're not just seeing cards thinking they're just a scout team guy. We have to keep stressing that on a weekly basis that you're an injury away from playing. Now, which guys are coming along fast enough? Every week is going to be a little different."
Lance was the most notable of the true frosh with a 44-yard touchdown run. He also ran base plays, like an easy out pattern completion to Channelle. This week, redshirt freshman Holden Hotchkiss remains the No. 2 quarterback with Lance back on that maybe or maybe-not playing bubble.
Moreover, the schedule gets tougher beginning with Delaware of the Colonial Athletic Association. The Bison open Missouri Valley Football Conference play after that against South Dakota State and Northern Iowa.
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"We still plan on redshirting the lion's share of our guys," Klieman said.
UP NEXT
What: Delaware at North Dakota State
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome
TV: KVLY.
Radio: 1660-AM, 107.9-FM.
