I've taken over a very poor program at MSU.  My question is the value of starting my freshmen.  They will play solid minutes as primary back-ups but do they develop faster if they are starters?? 

They will develop faster as starters and reach their full potential and their work ethic will improve.

If you don't mind a season with very few wins and can withstand the prestige drop it may bring then it is worth it if you have a team not going anywhere anyway.

As phillyboy said they will improve quickly and max out faster giving you more time with them at their best. Even by the end of the season you will notice your team playing much better.