College Football Predictions: How the Top 10 Recruits Will Fare in 2012

Now that we know where all of the top college football recruits are headed, fans are left wondering how much impact the players will have in their freshman season.

It took a little longer than National Signing Day for some recruits to make their final choice. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs took ten more days to make his decision before committing to the University of Maryland.

While fans are already excited at the possibility of seeing the next generation play, the sad truth is that not all of these players will be able to make an immediate impact at the college level. 

Which top recruits will shine right away on their new teams?

Note: Rankings courtesy of Scout.com

10. Adolphus Washington, Defensive End

School: Ohio State

Ohio State brought in three highly-rated defensive linemen in this recruiting class in Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt and Noah Spence. 

That will cause there to be a struggle for playing time at the beginning.

The Buckeyes also still have John Simon as a solid pass-rusher, so Washington will have plenty of time to develop without the pressure of performing at a high level.

Washington is physically ready, but he might need some more time to develop behind the upperclassmen and Spence.

9. Ronald Darby, Cornerback

School: Florida State

The first thing anyone notices about Ronald Darby is his speed. The dual athlete will also be competing for the track team at Florida State.

Darby is still a little raw at cornerback, but he will definitely be able to make an immediate impact on special teams. He is an exceptional return man that can score from anywhere on the field.

With his quick feet and agility, there is little doubt that he will eventually be a solid defensive back. However, that might be a few years down the line.

8. Landon Collins, Safety

School: Alabama

Landon Collins is a very talented safety that has a great mix of size and speed to be able to succeed at the next level.

With defensive backs Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick both leaving for the NFL, Alabama has plenty of openings for a player of his ability.

Unfortunately for him, the Crimson Tide have been bringing in high-level players for the past few years that now are familiar with the system.

Collins will be elite by the end of his career, but he might have to wait his turn to have an impact for his team.

7. John Theus, Offensive Tackle

School: Georgia

With a solid group of players returning, Georgia is poised to become national contenders next season.

This high level of play might be too much for a freshman offensive lineman to step in and succeed. 

John Theus is solid in run-blocking and could contribute quickly as a mauling right tackle, but it might be a couple of years before he is able to take over at the important blindside.

6. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver

School: Maryland

No freshman will be more important to his team next season than Stefon Diggs.

Maryland fans are already hoping Diggs can change the culture of losing in a program that only won two games last season.

Next year, the offense will certainly revolve around the freshman receiver. Expect plenty of quick passes and reverses to ensure that Diggs gets his hands on the ball as much as possible.

Once the Terps resolve the situation at quarterback, Diggs will truly shine into one of the most electric players in the country. 

5. Noah Spence, Defensive End

School: Ohio State

The Buckeyes will have one of the most dominant defensive lines in a few years based on this season's recruiting class, but there will be a logjam next season.

Spence should get a lot of playing time in 2012, as Ohio State did not have any pass-rushers outside of John Simon. However, he might struggle in the early going.

The Pennsylvania native might have to put on some size in order to compete with offensive tackles at this level, but once he does he will be one of the most dangerous defenders in the nation.

4. Mario Edwards, Defensive End

School: Florida State

Like Ohio State, Florida State also filled up on defensive linemen during the offseason.

The team added defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and defensive end Chris Casher, but Mario Edwards is the best of the bunch.

He can line up either inside or outside on the defensive line, but he has the size and speed to make an immediate impact at defensive end.

The Seminoles are not desperate for help, but they might not have a choice because Edwards will be ready to play from day one.

3. Shaquille Thompson, Safety

School: Washington

Only four teams in the FBS gave up more passing yards than Washington last season.

Despite going 7-6, the Huskies defense was 108th in the nation and allowed 35.9 points per game.

Shaq Thompson will be able to use his athleticism to cover the best receivers in the nation, and just as important, can force plenty of turnovers with his great hands.

Washington has a solid team that is on its way up, but they need Thompson to be as good as advertised if they want to compete in the Pac-12 next season.

2. Arik Armstead, Lineman

School: Oregon

What makes Arik Armstead such an intriguing recruit is the fact that he can be a successful lineman on either offense or defense.

He will most likely be playing defensive tackle at the next level, and with his size it could be Armstead's best chance to reach the NFL.

The California native will have to put some bulk on his 6'8" frame, but considering he will also be playing basketball, he might not want to lose too much agility.

Oregon fans need to hope he does not get stretched too thin and will be able to contribute in both sports.

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver

School: Missouri

Dorial Green-Beckham is not only the best receiver in the 2012 class, but he could be one of the best receivers to come out in the past decade.

He has incredible speed and agility that allows him to be a scoring threat from anywhere on the field, but it is his size that sets Green-Beckham apart.

At 6'6", the receiver can go up and get balls that no one else on the field is able to get.

Green-Bechkam will also not be needed to carry the team. Quarterback James Franklin is one of the best young players in the nation, and he also has a solid receiving target in T.J. Moe.

The incoming freshman will simply make a growing offense even better, and in three years will be a dominant force for Missouri.