Midseason True Freshman Grades for the Top 10 Recruits from the 2012 Class

The middle of the 2012 season is here, and we've seen some amazing plays, games and the emergence of several new stars of college football. I like this time of the season because it really gives us our first good sample and body of work to evaluate how last year's recruits are doing.

For now, I'm going to look at the top 10 prospects from last year's 2012 class and give them a quick midseason grade on how they're doing so far. Keep in mind that just because a recruit isn't lighting it up right now doesn't mean he still won't develop into a star player in the future.

Here we go. 

10. Shaq Thompson, S, Washington

Thompson has been great for the Dawgs this season. The 6'2", 225-pound defender has played everywhere for U-Dub's defense, including outside linebacker, safety and nickel back.

He's started all seven games as a true freshman, totaling 38 tackles and an interception. Thompson looks to be a potential superstar.

Grade: A

9. Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia

Marshall has been slightly out shined by another true freshman running back in Todd Gurley, but he's been fantastic in Athens thus far too. He's gotten his bulk up to over 200 pounds on his 5'11" frame, and Marshall has looked great.

He has rushed for 500 yards and five scores while adding six receptions for 37 yards. Marshall averages about 75 all-purpose yards a game and could be flirting with a potential 1,000-yard, 10-TD season.

Grade: A

8. Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State

Spence is a 6'3", 240-pound super explosive pass-rusher that will be a top-tier national DE by his junior season. He's learning the ropes this year and has appeared in seven games for Ohio State.

Spence has totaled nine total tackles and a sack thus far. Look for him to continue to contribute this year, then really emerging as a sophomore. 

Grade: B

7. D.J. Humphries, OL, Florida

Humphries will be a great LT at Gainesville if he's not already. He has played in seven games this season, including starting last week's 44-11 thrashing of South Carolina. Look for the 6'6" OL to be on some Freshmen All-American lists. 

Grade: A

6. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

The 6'0", 202-pound safety from Louisiana is doing just fine in Tuscaloosa. Collins is learning the complex Crimson Tide defensive scheme and has notched six tackles and blocked kick this season. Collins has contributed on special teams and is on the exact pace that I predicted for him at Alabama.

Grade: B

5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Just as we thought, Diggs has been a do-it-all offensive player for the Terps as a true freshman. He leads the team in receptions and receiving yards at 27 and 514, respectively, with three TDs.

Diggs also has added eight rushes for 51 yards and has impacted the return game on special teams. With 14 kickoff returns for 405 yards and a TD and 19 punt returns for 196 yards, Diggs is tops in those categories for Maryland too.

Grade: A

4. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Peat stands 6'7" these days and has bulked his frame up to close to 310 pounds. Per Stanford's depth chart this week, he is listed as a co-starter at LT for the Washington State game. Peat has the makings of an All Pac-12 LT.

Grade: A

3. Johnathan Gray, RB, Texas

Gray has been solid for Texas so far and has even played some wildcat QB. He's second on the team in rushing with 316 yards and has one TD on 63 carries. He's part of a three-headed monster with Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown.

He's had the type of true freshman season that I expected, and his sophomore year should be when he really breaks out.

Grade: A -

2. Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State

Edwards is part of a talented FSU defense, but has only gotten in four games this season, totaling just two tackles. The depth chart has been a bit of a climb, but Edwards has flashed some of the skills that made him the No. 2 overall prospect on my board last year.

Look for him to get more comfortable with his assignments and technique as the season goes on. Edwards' sophomore year should be more statistically productive.

Grade: C

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri

DGB got into some off the field trouble a few weeks ago, so hopefully, he can get back on track. On the field, he hasn't been as productive as I thought he would be and could be classified as a mild disappointment right now.

The 6'6", 220-pound WR has played in just five games and only has seven receptions for 128 yards and one TD. Hopefully, he can close out this season strong.

Grade: C-

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects and writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.