The Texas Longhorns have used 17 true freshmen through the first six games of the 2015 season.

Jefferson has been good since making his debut against Notre Dame. He'll enter the K-State game off of his best showing thus far against Oklahoma.

What's more than the number of freshmen played is that Charlie Strong and the Longhorn coaches have several the talented rookies from the 2015 signing class playing key roles, many of whom have become top performers at their respective positions.

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Texas has an open date on the schedule this week, and as the team prepares for the final six games of the season there are other true freshmen who will make their impact felt the rest of the way.

With those notions in mid, we're taking a look at the Longhorn newcomers in both categories. Horns247 senior writer Jeff Howe and managing editor Chris Hummer give their choices for the top Texas freshmen so far, and who could be on the rise in the near future.

Chris Hummer's three most impactful true freshmen

1. Malik Jefferson, LB: There’s really not much doubt as to who should be at the top of this list. Jefferson is second on the team in total tackles (37), leads the team in sacks (2), tackles for loss (5.5), quarterback hits (5) and defensive touchdowns (1) through six games. The scary part for opposing defenses is he hasn’t even been close to perfect; he’s only going to get better.

2. Connor Williams, OT: Texas’ offensive line has had its issues, but one name you hardly ever hear mentioned is Connor Williams. That pretty much tells you all you need to know. While he hasn’t been outstanding, Williams has more than held his own at left tackle as a true freshman. He’s been very impressive so far.

3. Patrick Vahe, OG: Vahe is a mauler in the run game. He’s already the best run blocker on the team – when Kent Perkins is hurt – and he can pull people out of the way with ease. Vahe needs a little work pass blocking, but for an every-game starter as a true freshman, Vahe has been great.

Hill has quickly emerged as the Longhorns' top cornerback in a short amount of time.

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Jeff Howe's three most impactful true freshmen

1. Connor Williams, OT: Going off the NFL line of thinking, a good left tackle is second only to a good quarterback in terms of importance to the offense. The fact that Williams has been so steady and isn't noticeable during the flow of the game is extremely impressive. You don't want linemen to be noticed. If you're noticing them it's either really good or bad, but Williams has been more of the former than the latter.

2. Holton Hill, CB: It's taken Hill only until the midway point of his debut season to emerge as the best cornerback on the roster. Oklahoma barely tested him last weekend, he had a pick-six and a tremendous pass breakup against Oklahoma State and battled admirably against Josh Doctson in the loss to TCU. He was a tremendous player in high school and he's made a silky-smooth transition to the college level.

3. Malik Jefferson, LB: It's no slight to put him at No. 3 on this list because he's been good. His two-sack, six-tackle performance against Oklahoma encapsulated where he is as a player right now. He's Texas' most impactful presence in the front seven defensively, but he's only starting to barely scratch the surface of his immense talent level.

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Hummer's three true freshmen who could see their roles increase

1. Davante Davis, CB: It’s already somewhat happened, but it’s not hard to envision Davis overtaking Antwuan Davis as a starting corner as Hill has with John Bonney on the outside. Like Hill, Davante is long and extremely athletic. Davante has played less than Hill so far, but he’s been effective for stretches and has flashed better Antwuan.

Burt has produced at a high level already, but there's more he can bring to the offense.

2. Kris Boyd, CB: Boyd only just missed the above list, but he’s in good shape to earn a bigger role because of the issues Texas’ older corners have had. Boyd is fiery player, who sometimes plays a bit out of control, but he brings the type of energy and passion every team needs. Boyd is also an ace on special teams.

3. DeShon Elliott, S: Elliott missed Texas’ first five games with a toe injury, but he made a pretty big impact in his return to the field. Playing on special teams, Elliott totaled two tackles and a forced fumble that really helped swing the game against Oklahoma. Elliott simply flew around the field, and it won’t be long before he starts seeing reps behind Jason Hall.

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Howe's three true freshmen who could see their roles increase

1. Anthony Wheeler, LB: It's unknown when Breckyn Hager will return from his high ankle sprain. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get Wheeler more reps with Hager and Edwin Freeman out, but also because he's earned them. When pressed into duty against Oklahoma State and Oklahoma he played fast and physical, and he's likely the long-term answer at middle linebacker.

2. John Burt, WR: With a 20.6-yard per catch average he's proven he can make big plays. What the Longhorns have a chance to do is take Burt and start to develop him into the complete, game-changing receiver needed to help Jerrod Heard in his development. Burt's got the physical tools to be that guy.

3. Charles Omenihu, DE: The Oklahoma game was the one time this season where the Texas ends generated consistent pressure on the quarterback. Omenihu has flashed good natural pass rush ability when he's been on the field and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the staff turn him loose more often down the back stretch of the season.