Oklahoma Football: 5 Freshmen Who Will Make an Impact in 2012

There is a long list of freshmen who have had a huge impact on the field under Bob Stoops.

The 2012 incoming recruits hope to add their names to that list. What high school standout doesn't dream of coming in to a powerhouse Division I school and making an immediate difference?

There are a number of freshman candidates who could go on to have very successful careers at Oklahoma.

Let's take a look at those with the most potential to make an impact this year.

WR Trey Metoyer

What hasn't already been said about the stud incoming wide receiver?

Trey Metoyer stepped on campus for the spring semester and immediately had an enormous amount of pressure put on his shoulders. He is the first 5-star wide receiver of the Stoops era, and came to Norman with high expectations.

After the completion of the spring football game, Metoyer has seemingly already locked down a starting job at wide receiver.

No one has had a bigger spring than Metoyer, and fans are already salivating at the thought of the 6'2", 198-pound phenom streaking down the sidelines.

Metoyer is the real deal and should provide an instant boost at wide receiver. He could potentially take over the role of No. 1 WR before the season ends.

TE Taylor McNamara

At 6'5" and 235 pounds, incoming freshman tight end Taylor McNamara has all the physical tools needed to be a standout player for the Sooners.

Coming out of Westview High School in San Diego, McNamara was pegged as a top-10 tight end prospect by the majority of the major recruiting rankings.

With no returning tight end on the roster, McNamara has the perfect chance to step up and be a major contributing factor to the Sooners' offensive line.

While he will have to battle junior college transfer Brannon Green for the starting position, McNamara is likely the more explosive player with more potential as a receiving target. He is probably the best pass-catching tight end that the Sooners have seen since Jermaine Gresham left for the NFL.

Enrolling early and pulling down three terrific catches in the spring game definitely put McNamara on the map and in prime position to contribute immediately.

DT Marquis Anderson

Marquis Anderson is a redshirt freshman who, at 6'3" and 277 pounds, is able to rotate between the defensive tackle and end positions.

While the entire core of the defensive line is stacked with seniors, Anderson is primed to contribute wherever necessary when the time comes.

According to ESPN, head coach Bob Stoops stated that he "is doing well" when asked how Anderson was coming along back in spring practice.

Anderson actually appeared on the depth chart at the Insight Bowl last year after Torrea Peterson was sent home, but fortunately the Sooners did not have to burn his redshirt during the bowl game.

With a full season of practice under his belt, Anderson is ready to make an impact in 2012 when his number is called.

LB Frank Shannon

Frank Shannon is a 6'1", 216-pound linebacker out of Dallas Skyline High School that redshirted during the 2011 season.

According to ESPN, head coach Bob Stoops has already stated that he was impressed with Shannon's performance during spring ball, noting that he is "going to play."

The linebacker position is notably thin after the transfer of Kellen Jones to Clemson.

Shannon will likely have a number of opportunities to step in for a good chunk of plays and prove his worth during the 2012 season.

DT Jordan Phillips

Jordan Phillips may be the most freakishly gifted athlete on the entire team.

At 6'6" and 329 pounds, Phillips can move like a man half his size.

It's already been well documented that Phillips can do a standing backflip with his pads on. He can also dunk a basketball with both hands.

A player his size should not be able to move the way Jordan Phillips moves.

If he sets his mind to it, Phillips has the potential to be one of the best defensive tackles to ever come through the door at Oklahoma—and that is a very elite group.

"Jordan Phillips is doing an excellent job," stated Bob Stoops (via ESPN) when asked about spring practices.

Look for Phillips to become a staple on the defensive line for years to come.