National Signing Day 2012: 6 Biggest Instant-Impact Freshmen Signings

Every year, a few freshmen break out in their first year on campus and make a major impact for their team. Whether it was Sammy Watkins or Braxton Miller last year, it's always interesting to see what highly touted recruits pan out immediately at the next level. Many freshmen need a season or two in order to grasp their team's system or bulk up in the weight room, but a select few make their presence very well known on the field in their first year.

Here are some signings from today's national signing day that will immediately make an impact on their respected teams.

Gunner Kiel: Notre Dame

Gunner Kiel was one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits in the nation this year. At 6'4", 200 lbs, Kiel has the ideal size for a prototypical pocket passer and a very accurate arm on top of that. Scout.com lists him as a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 pocket passer in the nation.

He's a smart decision-maker who could easily grasp Notre Dame's system to some degree. Right now, there is no solidified starter at the quarterback position in South Bend and fans will grumble for Kiel if things don't go well.

Kiel has the ability to make a great impact for the Fighting Irish in his first year and due to the uncertainties surrounding the QB position at Notre Dame, he will get his chance.

Shaquille Thompson: Washington

If you watched Washington play Baylor in their bowl game this past season, you know their defense is a major issue. Shaquille Thompson is the type of athlete that can make an impact right away at the next level and at Washington, he will certainly get his opportunity.

Thompson is a versatile secondary player who has the ability to play all four secondary spots but will most likely line up at free safety in college. The product out of Sacramento, California, is rated as a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 safety in the nation, according to Scout.com.

Thompson has amazing athletic ability and speed and will look to improve Washington's dismal defense.

Noah Spence: Ohio State

As Ohio State looks to rebound from an unusual 6-6 season, new signing Noah Spence has a great chance to make an impact on the field next year. While the depth at defensive line isn't too thin in Columbus, Spence is too dynamic and talented to not see the field in his freshman year.

The product out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is rated as a 5-star recruit by Scout.com and the No. 2 defensive end in the nation. He has a knack for getting after the quarterback and already introduced himself to some of the best quarterback prospects in the country in this year's Under Armour All-America Game.

Shaq Roland: South Carolina

It's no secret that Steve Spurrier loves to air it out on offense and there are few wide receiver recruits in this class that are better than Shaq Roland. To be an immediate impact as a freshman, you obviously must first have the opportunity to see the field, and with stud wide receiver Alshon Jeffery going pro, the Gamecocks are in desperate need of playmaking wide out.

Roland could perfectly fill that role. Roland has blazing speed and is one of the best downfield threats in this year's class. Scout.com slates Roland as a 5-star recruit and the fourth-best receiver in the nation. Look for Roland to snag a few downfield bombs and if he can improve his route running, become a dominant freshman receiver next year.

Johnathan Gray: Texas

Texas isn't used to having seasons like they did last year and you can rest assures they are ready to get back on track. One incoming freshman that could make a major impact for the Longhorns is top recruit Johnathan Gray out of Aledo, Texas.

The Longhorns struggled to score this past season and Gray flat out has a nose for the end zone. He's as fast as they come and after he makes his first cut, he's gone. Texas also lacks an elite quarterback so they need all the help they can get from the ground game.

Gray is rated as a 5-star recruit and the second-best running back in the nation, according to Scout.com. Right now, Gray has the explosiveness and speed to be effective at Texas and they could use all the help they can get on the offensive side of the ball.

Dorial Green-Beckham: Missouri

Dorial Green-Beckham was the most sought-after recruit in the nation this year. Missouri is not an elite program that lacks a ton of playmakers. When you combine these two factors, you get an immediate impact from a freshman like Green-Beckham.

Right off the bat, Green-Beckham will be the No. 1 option in the Tigers offense and he will deliver. The Missouri native was the No. 1 recruit overall according to Scout.com, and there was no debate in this ranking.

Why's that?

Case and point, Green-Beckham is 6'6", 220 lbs, runs an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash and is an elite athlete who was basically unstoppable in high school.

At Missouri, the No. 1 recruit of the 2012 class will have every opportunity to make an impact in his first year on campus, and if I were you, I wouldn't bet against him.