College Football Recruiting: 5 Potential Freshmen Standouts for 2012

As guys like former Oklahoma Sooner Adrian Peterson have shown in the past and the Clemson Tigers' Sammy Watkins showed this year, a phenomenal freshman athlete can make a difference for their team right away.

As always, there are a number of premier recruits raring to enter the world of college football next season. Some of them will have to wait their turn to get on the field, but others will be playing right away, with a small few playing at an elite level in their freshman season.

Here are the five recruits that are most likely to have breakout seasons in their first year in college football.

Johnathan Gray, Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns have grabbed perhaps the best running back in the nation in Johnathan Gray. The Aledo, Texas native rushed for 3,891 yards and 65 touchdowns in his senior season.

With Fozzy Whittaker graduating, there will be room for the freshman right from the get-go. Mack Brown has shown in the past that he doesn't mind using a rotation at running back, so Gray may get a chance to get on the field very early. And if he does, he may be able to nab the starting spot if he's as good as advertised.

T.J. Yeldon, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide have snagged an excellent running back commitment as well in T.J. Yeldon. The Daphne, Alabama native was MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic this year.

At 6'2'' and 205 pounds, Yeldon has plenty of size to go along with his speed. With Trent Richardson departing for the NFL, the Crimson Tide will need some help at the tailback position, and they might get it right away from Yeldon.

Gunner Kiel, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

With the struggles that both Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix had in the Champs Sports Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish may have quite a quarterback battle coming in the spring.

A third competitor for the position may be coming in freshman Gunner Kiel. The Columbus, Indiana native is already built like an NFL quarterback at 6'4'' and 220 pounds.

Kiel threw for 2,523 yards and 28 touchdowns in his senior season. He has a live arm and may be Brian Kelly's best option under center next season.

Randy Johnson, Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes have struggled to get back into BCS National Championship contention in recent seasons, but Al Golden might have them back on the right track with this year's recruiting class.

The biggest prize so far is running back Randy Johnson. He rushed for 2,087 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading his team to the Florida state championship this season.

With Lamar Miller departing early for the 2012 NFL draft, there is room for Johnson in his first season. Johnson can look to carry on the rich tradition at running back for the 'Canes which has included Frank Gore, Willis McGahee and Clinton Portis in recent seasons.

Trey Williams, Texas A&M Aggies

With Cyrus Gray graduating this season, the Texas A&M Aggies have an open spot at tailback, and a freshman may be competing for that position in 2012.

That freshman is Trey Williams, who rushed for 3,890 yards and an astounding 48 touchdowns in his senior season.

With Ryan Tannehill also graduating, the Aggies may be leaning more on their rushing game, which means they might need Williams right away.