More of 2009's Top Impact Freshmen: Who Are the Next CFB Superstars?

Yesterday, I introduced my list of six freshmen who I expect to have major impact in their first year of eligibility (the link: http://tiny.cc/topfreshmen).

Anyways, as I promised to those who read the previous list, here is the continuation of the top impact freshmen list, again in no particular order.

Trent Richardson - RB, Alabama

A top-10 prospect, Richardson brings added toughness in the power running game to the Crimson Tide.

He is expected to spell Sophomore RB Mark Ingram in hopes of keeping him fresh and adding to the Alabama running game that took the country by storm in 2008.

Richardson has a powerful frame at 225 pounds with more room to grow, which will no doubt make Alabama fans happy this season.

The loss of Glen Coffee might hurt in Tuscaloosa, but if Richardson has immediate impact, Tide fans will have nothing to worry about. 

Jaamal Berry - RB, Ohio State

The South Florida sensation will be heading north about 1000 miles to play for Jim Tressel in Columbus, and he brings his incredible speed with him. Though Ohio State will have two RBs in Dan Herron and Brandon Saine fighting for the starting job, Berry should be able to see the field at least sparsely at first.

The university did confirm that Berry is still eligible despite his drug issues, but it will be up to how he performs on the field in order for him to get out of Tressel's doghouse.

He has the talent to do it; he just needs to show the work ethic to impress the Buckeye Nation.

Dre Kirkpatrick - CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick brings size and speed to the corner position and may transition to safety if needed while at Alabama.

Obviously, the most intriguing feature he brings is length and speed, which will allow him to fight to deflect passes away as a CB. He will be called upon at times to replace the starters at DB for the Tide, if not play in nickel sets at times in 2009.

He did have some academic problems to deal with, but Bama fans hope he is past that and can be a stud this season.

Alex Okafor - DE, Texas

Okafor comes to Austin boasting an outstanding physical pedigree including a reported 4.6 40-yard dash. He also has that ability to rip through the offensive line to get to the ball carrier with his speed and strength.

Having graduated DEs Henry Melton and Brian Orakpo, Mack Brown might find it hard to keep this physical beast off the field. Okafor may see immediate time in blitz packages playing with Sergio Kindle.

He will need to put on some more muscle, but his physical tools might give Okafor ample opportunity to showcase his talent on Will Muschamp's aggressive Longhorn defense.

Jelani Jenkins - LB, Florida

Ranked the top OLB by most websites, Jenkins does two things that Urban Meyer absolutely loves. He hits like a Mack truck and has the speed to fly down the field.

Jenkins will come in facing an uphill battle to find playing time on a defense that is returning all 11 starters and has a logjam at the LB position. His talent will warrant him some playing time on defense though, and he is most likely to join special teams and Meyer's vaunted punt block team in 2009.

He has been known to hit incredibly hard, and could very soon become a fan favorite in Gainesville by the time he becomes a starter as soon as 2010.

Vontaze Burfict - LB, Arizona State

One of the most outstanding physical specimens in the state of California, Burfict shocked many by spurning USC to head to Pac-10 rival Arizona State.

At 245 pounds as a freshman, Burfict has shown tremendous physical tools including great speed and like Jenkins, is considered one of the hardest hitters in the country.

A talent like his should have no problem finding time in Dennis Erickson's defense in Tempe. Even if he doesn't start, expect him to see significant time spelling starter Travis Goethel.

Burfict is a dominating physical presence that will bring his raw power to ASU, and he should have no problem becoming an immediate force any time he steps onto the field. 

Honorable Mentions:

Tate Forcier/Denard Robinson - QBs, Michigan

Nico Johnson - LB, Alabama

Gary Brown - DT, Florida

Marlon Brown - WR, Georgia

Obviously, there are so many Freshmen to mention here that it would take multiple lists. But there is little doubt in the fan bases of these schools that the hype of these young kids will be justified as soon as this season.