The University of Toledo put the finishing touches on its 2020 recruiting class on Wednesday by signing a talented running back duo.
After signing 18 players during the early signing period, the Rockets coaching staff made running back a priority to wrap up the class and instead of choosing between Lamy Constant from Brooklyn and Cauren Lynch from Dallas, Toledo added them both.
The 20-man 2020 class was ranked as the top class in the Mid-American Conference by 247Sports' composite rankings for the fourth straight season.
Toledo has experience in most of its position groups leading into the 2020 season, and it is never easy for a true freshman to crack the starting lineup. But each year there are a few true freshmen who are ready to contribute on the field immediately. The Rockets saw that this season when an injury to starting cornerback Justin Clark led to a starting role for true freshman Chris McDonald. Thrust into the spotlight as a young player, McDonald more than held his own.
It is never easy to predict which true freshmen will get playing time, even with a talented class like Toledo is bringing in. That being said, here are three players who could carve out a role on the field during their freshman season.
1. Lamy Constant, running back
Constant, who originally committed to West Virginia, was a huge addition to the 2020 class for Toledo. He starred at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn and is the highest-ranked player in this class. According to 247Sports, he is the fourth-highest rated all-time recruit for Toledo.
Toledo is in good hands at the running back position with the dynamic duo of junior Bryant Koback and senior Shakif Seymour. Ronnie Jones, the third-string running back last season, graduated. Redshirt freshman Micah Kelly could be in the mix for that role and so could Constant.
If there were any injuries to Koback or Seymour, Constant could be counted on immediately in a big role. Like all young players, Constant will have to prove himself in fall camp, but he could push his way into being the third-string back as a true freshman.
2. Clay Caudill, tight end
Caudill already has good size at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds. He is a three-star recruit out of Mansfield Senior High School. He led Mansfield Senior to the Division III state title game this season. Caudill had some Power 5 interest, so he was a nice addition by Toledo.
Toledo loses a high-level performer at the tight end position in Reggie Gilliam. Gilliam was used a lot as a lead blocker and didn't put up big receiving numbers. He set the tone of physicality for Toledo in the run game. Drew Rosi served more as the pass-catching tight end, and he returns.
Rosi, a senior, presumably will be the starter and junior Jamal Turner also could see an increased role, but Caudill seems to have an opportunity to show what he can do as a young player. He's someone who could progress as he gets more repetitions in practice. He is one of the six freshmen to enroll early at Toledo and will have spring practices to help in his development.
3. Sawiaha Ellis, linebacker
Ellis is a three-star recruit out of Fairfield High School where he played quarterback during the 2019 season. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 1,228 yards and nine passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 501 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He is a versatile prospect that Toledo appears ready to switch to linebacker.
Linebacker is a position where there could be an opportunity for playing time for Ellis. Jordan Fisher has graduated, and there are a lot of young players at the position.
Ellis has proven that he is a very versatile athlete. He has a chance to show that on the field as a true freshman.
First Published February 6, 2020, 8:18 p.m.
