Each passing year in college football seems to include more and more impact true freshmen among the season's major storylines. The following is a watch list for college football fans across the nation so that they may become familiar with the best of the best in the talent-laden recruiting class of 2008.
While there are certainly many blue-chippers left off this list, the players chosen are those predicted to make the biggest IMPACT on their respective teams. Thus, existing collegiate depth charts played a significant role in choosing the prospects listed below.
OFFENSE:
QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford
This name may come as a surprise to the casual college football fan, who predominantly remembers Ohio State pledge Terrelle Pryor from the 2008 recruiting class as the next big thing at the signal calling position.
It is the Texas product Luck, however, who steps into the best situation for early playing time and opportunities for success. Luck is physically ready to play and has as accurate an arm as any quarterback in his class. Head coach and former Pro Bowl QB Jim Harbaugh should develop Luck into a an excellent player early in his career.
Keep in mind, however, that success is a relative term. This is particularly important to remember when analyzing true freshman quarterbacks. Luck will undoubtedly see his share of struggles, but he should make the biggest splash as a frosh QB in any BCS conference.
Honorable mention: Mike Glennon, NC State
RB: Darrell Scott, Colorado
Given that the Buffs' leading returning rusher tallied less than 400 yards in 2007's up-and-down campaign, the starting role seems to be there for the taking for the ultra-talented Darrell Scott.
Scott, who played his senior season for powerhouse St. Bonaventure in California, possesses the rare combination of size and speed that is sure to give Big 12 defenses fits over the next three to four years.
Keep an eye on Scott at the start of the season, as running backs traditionally make more significant and immediate impacts than their classmates at other positions.
Honorable mention: DeSean Hales, Texas
WR: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
Coming off a 3-9 season with the 117th ranked scoring offense in Division I-A, it is safe to say that Notre Dame is in desperate need of true playmakers. Help is on the way from five-star Minnesota prospect Michael Floyd.
True freshmen Duval Kamara and Golden Tate showed flashes of excellence at the wide receiver position during last year's abysmal run, but the unit still lacks a consistent big-play threat. Floyd's performance at the 2008 Army All-American game has given Irish fans hope that he will be able to fill this role for sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen early and often.
Honorable mention: Julio Jones, Alabama
TE: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
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