Texas Football Recruiting 2012: Who Could Start and Who Will Get Lost in the Mix

ESPN

The recruiting cycle for 2012 is finally over, and the future looks bright at Texas, with the Longhorns finishing with the third-ranked class in the country, according to ESPN.

This class is stockpiled with talent like most other recruiting classes for the Longhorns, and a lot of these players will leave their mark at the 40 acres.

So, which of the 2012 recruits could contribute immediately and possibly claim a starting role on the team next season?

Connor Brewer, Quarterback

Case McCoy and David Ash were both given their chance at quarterback last season, and neither one of them particularly stood out as the starter.

Ash finished the season well by guiding the Longhorns to a Holiday Bowl victory, but he has a lot of work to do if he wants to keep the starting job.

Brewer brings a strong arm along with a lot of potential to Austin, and although the ideal situation is for him to red shirt his first year, he should get a chance to compete immediately for playing time.

Ash will most likely start at the beginning of the season, but if he struggles, don't be surprised if Brewer gets a chance to show what he has to offer.

It's usually not a good thing when you might give a quarterback right out of high school a chance to play so early on, but if neither Ash or McCoy is able to step it up quickly next season, that's probably exactly what Texas will do.

Johnathan Gray, Running Back

Houston Chronicle

In a backfield that already features Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, Johnathan Gray is still good enough to take control over the position.

It's not every day that you get the all-time high school leader in touchdowns and one of the best running backs in high school history come to campus.

Gray certainly won't be the only running back that gets carries since there is so much talent at the position, but he could become the primary ball-carrier as the season progresses.

The competition will definitely be heavy in training camp with all of these running backs present, but if Gray stays healthy and lives up to his potential, he could be getting most of the carries for the Longhorns next season.

Cayleb Jones, Wide Receiver

The Horn

With a great senior season, in which he racked up over 1,000 receiving yards, and a track record of making sensational catches (see picture above), Jones will be a tough player to contain in college.

It is no secret that the Longhorns have issues at the quarterback position, but the wide receivers haven't been all that intimidating either.

With their best receivers being the likes of Mike Davis, Marquise Goodwin and Jaxon Shipley, all of whom had injury problems at one point or another, Jones may displace one of them to take over a starting role.

The transition from wide receiver in high school to college is not as difficult as it is at most other positions, so don't be surprised if you see Jones getting a lot of balls thrown his way a few games into the season.

Malcolm Brown, Defensive Tackle

Burnt Orange Nation

Brown is the top-rated defensive tackle in the country in the 2012 class, and he should be able to compete immediately for playing time.

With the recent anouncement by Calvin Howell, who was projected to start at that spot next season, that he is transferring schools, Brown will be competing with Ashton Dorsey, Chris Waley, Desmond Jackson and fellow incoming Longhorn Brandon Moore for the starting spot.

As aggressive, physical and quick to the ball as Brown is, don't be surprised if he has a strong training camp and is lining up as the Longhorns defensive tackle at the start of next season.