2010 College Football Preview: Impact Freshman

Five-star recruits are like NFL draft picks. They can become huge stars and huge disappointments. They are both scrutinized for every decision they make and for they can and cannot do. Some of these mega recruits flame out in spectacular style and end up playing football in Division II.  Some actually live up to their hype and lead their team to a national championship (See: Tim Tebow).

One thing is for sure, more and more Freshman are asked to play right away. Back in the 60's, Freshman actually played on a Junior Varsity team before they were allowed to play as a Sophomore. After Freshman were allowed to play on the Varsity, Redshirting a player become normal. A coach would stock pile talent by Redshirting incoming Freshman allowing them to play five years in college. While Redshirting a Freshman is still common, more and more Freshman are asked to play right away in college. Mark Barkley played right away last year at quarterback for USC as a Freshman. This year's Freshman class is no different. Here's a list of Freshman who could have an impact on their team this season.

Dillon Baxter, RB, USC: Baxter is suspended for the first game of the season, but he is still expected to play a lot for USC. Lane Kiffin admitted that Baxter is probably "the most talented player on USC." Baxter is more of a Reggie Bush type of player. He's elusive on the run and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Of course Joe McKnight was suppose to be a Reggie Bush type of player and he was a massive disappointment.

Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: Steve Spurrier finally has a running back he's been looking for. Someone who can take the pressure off his quarterback. Lattimore was the number 1 ranked running back coming out of high school and tenth ranked prospect overall. While he isn't ready for 20 carries a game, he should make an immediate impact for South Carolina.

William Gholston, DE, Michigan State: Gholston mainly worked out at linebacker for the Spartans during the spring, but recently moved to defensive end. At 6-7, 260 pounds Gholston is perfect for defensive end. He's strong enough to rush the quarterback while athletic enough to cover the flats. He also has the perfect coach in Mark Dantonio to use him properly on defense.

Jake Heaps, QB, BYU: Heaps will start the season splitting snaps with Junior Riley Nelson, but will soon enough start games by himself for BYU. Heaps was the number one rated pro-style quarterback and he enrolled early at BYU for he could start right away.



Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn: Dyer might be the perfect fit for Gus Malzahn's offense. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and run between the tackles. Dyer will have to learn blocking schemes before he'll see a lot of playing time.

Keenan Allen, WR, Cal: The Golden Bears have been looking for a receiver to replace Desean Jackson for two seasons. They might have finally found that guy in Allen. Allen, the number one ranked receiver in the nation, has already moved up the Cal depth chart and could be a starter by mid-season. Allen could also play in the secondary if Cal needs help.

Luke Joeckel, OL, Texas A&M: If the Aggies would like to overtake both Texas and Oklahoma in the Big XII South, they'll need to protect quarterback Jerrod Johnson. Joeckel will be tasked to protect Johnson's blind side right from the beginning. He'll have to learn the position quickly to help Johnson stay upright.

Pete Thomas, QB, Colorado State: Unlike Heaps, Thomas will start right away and will not split snaps with another quarterback. His coach Steve Fairchild will simplify the offense and take pressure off of Thomas to give him time to adjust to the speed of the game.

Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma: With Ryan Broyles returning, Stills won't be the go-to receiver right from the start at Oklahoma. Broyles will also take attention away from the secondary, so Stills should have the ball thrown his way a lot in games.