15 College Football Freshmen We Can't Wait to See in 2015 Fall Camp

Fall camp is just around the corner, and the long-awaited return to practice facilities also means the start of a new journey for some of the game's brightest young talent.

While early enrollees are becoming more common for powerhouse programs, a large chunk of the top recruits don't get to hit the field with their new team until later in the year. And after those early summer drills, fall camp represents the first major practices for plenty of blue-chippers.

With that in mind, here are 15 freshmen who will have the spotlight on them when they hit the practice field for the first time this fall. Some of these stars will compete for starting jobs from the get-go, while others are looking to carve out their own unique roles.

Which freshman are you looking forward to hearing about the most during fall camp? Sound off in the comments below.

Alabama WR Calvin Ridley

Courtesy: 247Sports

While the quarterback situation at Alabama will continue to dominate attention during fall camp, the winner of that major position battle will have some new faces to throw to this season. The Crimson Tide are replacing their top three receivers from last season, including Heisman finalist Amari Cooper.

But Alabama potentially has another Cooper on its hands with the arrival of 5-star wideout Calvin Ridley. Like Cooper, Ridley hails from South Florida, and he also has a chance to become a big-time playmaker as a true freshman—much like Cooper did in 2012 for the SEC champion Tide.

According to Matt Zenitz of AL.com, Ridley already turned the heads of coaches and teammates during summer workouts. One of his first big plays was a diving, one-handed catch during a seven-on-seven session.

"Every time I talk to him, he talks about how he's getting the playbook, how he's learning the plays and how he's going to be able to contribute from Week One," Calvin Davis, Ridley's high school coach, told Zenitz. "He's getting it — the formations. He's a fast learner, so he feels he'll be ready to play."

Standing at 6'1" and now weighing at 188 pounds, according to Zenitz, Ridley has the frame and the game to contribute in a big way this fall. The nation's No. 1 receiver has a knack for attacking the ball, which makes him a dream target for a new starting quarterback.

Auburn DE Byron Cowart

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Byron Cowart arrived on the Plains this summer with tremendous hype. The former No. 3 overall recruit is expected to contribute right away for new Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and a defense that couldn't effectively rush the passer last season.

Because of what Cowart brings to the Tigers at a position of immediate need, Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee picked the Florida native to be the SEC's Freshman of the Year this season.

"He's the prototype in terms of freakish pass-rushing defensive ends," Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani told Sallee. "He already possesses NFL size, and he's very strong at the point of attack, so he's that rare player who fits into the SEC right away from a physical standpoint."

In Muschamp's defensive system, Cowart looks like a lock to play the traditional defensive end position while sophomore Carl Lawson makes his return from injury at the hybrid "Buck" role. Together, the two could turn a team that gave quarterbacks all day to throw the ball last season into one that feasts in backfields.

"I think [Cowart] could have a big impact," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said, per Sallee. "It’s going to be up to him. He’s going to have an opportunity. Carl Lawson made a big impact as a freshman, and I see a lot of similarities not only ability-wise, but also mindset-wise."

Clemson DT Christian Wilkins

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Clemson must rebuild the front of its devastating defense from last season, which ranked first nationally in average yards allowed per game. The Tigers are prepared, though, with players such as 5-star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins now on campus.

Wilkins brings great versatility and athleticism in a massive 6'5", 305-pound package. One of his best plays from the Under Armour All America Game was this scoop and score on a blocked PAT.

The Connecticut native could contribute in his new Southern home at both defensive end or defensive tackle this season, according to Clemson defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks.

"From what I’ve seen in high school, athletically, he can be one that can play out there [at end]," Brooks told Brandon Rink of the Independent Mail. "Watching him move around and the weight room—and again, we have to rely on (strength coaches) in the summer time and what they’re seeing—from what I’m seeing in change of direction, he’s athletic enough to help [defensive ends coach Marion] Hobby out there."

Where Wilkins lines up for his first official practices at Clemson will be a key storyline for the Tigers during fall camp. He has the ability to contribute early and often for a team that had excellent line play last season.

Florida OT Martez Ivey

Courtesy: 247Sports

Florida needs help along its offensive line in a big way. New head coach Jim McElwain said during SEC media days that the Gators' offensive rebuild will hinge on the development of its front five.

The Gators will be able to build around Martez Ivey, the former No. 2 overall player in the class of 2015. The Florida native was a completely dominating force on the offensive line during his high school days and picked up offers from nearly every SEC and ACC school.

And McElwain is already liking what he's seeing from Ivey during summer workouts.

"He's a guy who's driven to be great," McElwain said on the ESPN's The Championship Drive podcast (h/t Thomas Goldkamp of 247Sports). "He comes from a kind of run-oriented (team). It's different. He's never really pass-set before, so this is all new. But yet, he's been a sponge. He wants to be really good."

There's a chance Ivey might not start for Florida, but he should be a major factor in some way for 2015. He'll definitely battle to grab a starting job during fall camp in Gainesville.

Georgia DT Trent Thompson

Courtesy: 247Sports

Elsewhere in the SEC, all eyes will be on former No. 1 overall recruit Trent Thompson, a defensive tackle who headlined another fantastic class for Georgia.

Thompson arrived at Georgia in June and began working toward early playing time for Bulldogs' second-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Of course, because of his high recruiting ranking, making a quick impact is a given for Thompson.

"They’re telling me I’m going to play early," Thompson told Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "They’re telling me to be ready because they’re going to be on me when I get there. They’re going to be hands-on, showing the tough love."

With elite players such as Jordan Jenkins lining up on the outside, Georgia needs new starters to step up on the interior of its defensive line. Explosive and agile for his size and strength—he weighs in at 313 pounds—he looks like a future mainstay in the SEC and the college level.

"There’s always a learning curve, and hopefully [Georgia's freshmen] learn during camp what it feels like and what it takes to play those kinds of blocks," head coach Mark Richt said, per Jake Rowe of 247Sports. "But from a talent base we feel like we signed a really good bunch, and [Thompson's] leading the pack."

LSU ATH Donte Jackson

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Donte Jackson wasn't the highest-rated player in LSU's star-studded class of 2015, but he has the potential to be one of the best thanks to one attribute—speed.

Jackson ran a lightning-fast 100-meter dash in 10.30 seconds earlier this year. Now he brings that elite track star to the football field, where a source told 247Sports said he has been impressing everyone around him.

"He's the best one on offense so far," the source told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. "Just his ball skills and how fast he moves. He's already been unreal."

Bartow notes that the plan is for Jackson to play defensive back, but the way he has worked on offense in summer drills has made him a candidate to get the ball on offense and special teams this year.

LSU could always use another playmaker, especially on offense, and Jackson is wasting no time in showing he can be that guy for the Bayou Bengals as a true freshman. Fall camp is the next step for what could be an Adoree' Jackson-like season in Louisiana for this athlete.

Miami RB Mark Walton

Courtesy: 247Sports

Mark Walton, a 4-star running back from Miami powerhouse Booker T. Washington, had an unorthodox journey to the Hurricanes. Walton was a do-it-all back in high school, where he ran for 1,470 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior.

He was initially in the class of 2016 but later reclassified to graduate in 2015. Even with his great stats and highlight tape, Walton's reclassification didn't earn him much hype coming into Miami, but he's made a name for himself already. 

"Mark Walton has made his presence known this summer," Miami head coach Al Golden told reporters at ACC media days. "He’s going to get a lot of opportunities this summer. He’s a competitor. He’s also shown a lot of leadership ability."

Miami could use some big plays out of Walton this season. The Hurricanes favor a three-man running back rotation, and while return Joseph Yearby and Gus Edwards return, they must replace the 1,691 yards and 10 touchdowns from star running back Duke Johnson.

If Walton can continue his head-turning work from the summer into Miami's fall camp, he could be a difference-maker this year. Expect to hear his name this fall for the Hurricanes.

Michigan State RB Larry "L.J." Scott

Courtesy: 247Sports

Michigan State has quarterback Connor Cook and a veteran offensive line coming back for a potential playoff run this season, but the Spartans lack a proven weapon at running back.

That's where Larry "L.J." Scott, a 4-star running back from Ohio, steps in for the Spartans. The top-rated player from Michigan State's 2015 class, Scott arrives in East Lansing with tremendous potential for an early impact.

"Scott is a powerful, big runner who moves the ball down the field in chunks," Mike Wilson of 247Sports wrote. "Despite being a bigger back, he is a quick cut player who runs with balance and breaks tackles. If his pass blocking is at a good level in fall camp, the carries will be up for grabs and he will take some."

Michigan State needs multiple running backs help replace Jeremy Langford, Nick Hill and Delton Williams, who combined for nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns last season.

Scott has the most talent of any running back currently on campus at Michigan State. Fall camp will be his time to shine.

Notre Dame TE Aliz'e Jones

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Notre Dame loves to use tight ends, and it snagged the nation's No. 1 at the position last year after his long commitment to UCLA.

Aliz'e Jones was a star at Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman for the last three seasons. According to Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue, Jones averaged an insane 22.7 yards per catch during his senior year.

"Jones isn't your average intermediate tight end weapon," Donohue wrote. "The 6'4-1/2", 218-pound playmaker is more of a wide receiver at this stage of his career, capable of evolving into a hybrid weapon with further physical development and improvements as a blocker."

Jones has the chance to come in and play right away. Notre Dame has plenty of receiving weapons for sophomore Malik Zaire coming back in Will Fuller, Corey Robinson and Chris Brown, but it doesn't have someone quite like Jones.

It will be interesting to see if Jones can overtake Durham Smythe for the starting tight end role. Even if he doesn't, he should be able to carve out some role for the season with what he does in fall camp for the Fighting Irish.

Oregon ATH Kirk Merritt

Courtesy: 247Sports

When it comes to athleticism, few in the class of 2015 could reach the level of Kirk Merritt, a 4-star all-purpose back from Louisiana. Merritt was the 2014 SPARQ national champion thanks to his performance at The Opening in Oregon, which is his new home.

Oregon has plenty of proven offensive talent at running back and wide receiver, but his gifts make him a prime candidate to get some sort of playing time for the Ducks as a true freshman.

After all, his arrival factored into Oregon's decision to try the athletic Charles Nelson to cornerback during spring, according to the team's website.

Merritt looks like a perfect fit for the "Taser" role currently held by senior Byron Marshall. The Taser can be involved in both the passing and running games for the Ducks, and that plays right into Merritt's strengths.

The blistering speed and breakaway ability of Merritt could mean fans will be hearing his name this fall at the end of long touchdown plays. Fall camp will be his first true opportunity to break into a talented and deep rotation of skill players in Eugene.

Stanford WR Trent Irwin

Courtesy: 247Sports

Kevin Hogan is back for his senior season at quarterback for Stanford, and he has several returning playmakers who could help him bounce back from a 8-5 season in 2014.

However, Hogan could benefit from a new player into the Cardinal's ranks—wide receiver Trent Irwin, a former 4-star recruit who already has the look of a top Stanford target.

"At 6’2” and 193 pounds, Irwin will combine with senior wide receiver Devon Cajuste (6’4”, 229 pounds) to form a physically imposing tandem that should help kick-start Stanford's anemic offense in 2015 and return the Cardinal back to conference championship contention," Bleacher Report's Nick Selbe wrote.

Irwin's biggest attribute is his route running, which makes him a perfect fit in Stanford's pro-style offense. He also has excellent hands and ball skills that could make him a go-to player in the Pac-12 for years to come.

This fall will provide a big opportunity for a young player like Irwin to contribute on a veteran offense. Irwin represents the high ceiling the Cardinal have if they can bounce back from the offensive issues of last season.

Tennessee DT Kahlil McKenzie

Courtesy: 247Sports

Five-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie is bold, brash and just bursting with potential. After arriving in Knoxville this summer, he is ready to take the Volunteers program by storm.

"I think Tennessee swagger is coming back," McKenzie told Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard in February. "The guys who are there now, the work they are putting in, the will to win. It's no longer the Tennessee attitude 'If we win.' Now it's like, 'We're going to win.'"

McKenzie is now a part of that swagger. The 339-pound true freshman has the rare chance of becoming a true freshman starter at defensive tackle in the SEC. Some experts have already penciled him into the Volunteers' depth chart for the fall.

But first he'll have to overcome a few obstacles, from a roster filled with hungry, young talent to the fact he hasn't played in a competitive football game since his junior year of high school. He was ruled ineligible for his senior year, so he's had nothing but individual practice since committing to the Volunteers last July, per Shepard.

Tennessee fans will be anxious to see how McKenzie looks in head-to-head competition after his time away from the game. If he can return to the level that made him a blue-chip recruit, the Volunteers will have another star to add to their potential-filled defense.

Texas A&M QB Kyler Murray

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When 5-star dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray announced he would skip the MLB draft and focus on college football, a Texas gunslinger showdown was created in College Station.

Murray brings an extra dual-threat capability to Kevin Sumlin's high-powered offense. The true freshman also brings a ton of success, as he went 42-0 as a starting quarterback with three straight titles in Texas' highest classification of high school football, according to Sam Khan Jr. of ESPN.com.

The newcomer will push returning starter Kyle Allen for playing time, and the real shootout begins during fall camp. Both players have 5-star pedigrees, and it sounds like there can only be one winner.

"I've always been a big believer in playing one guy," Texas A&M offensive coordinator Jake Spavital told Khan Jr. "I've got to get my hands on Kyler and Jake, just to see what they're capable of doing. You recruit them, you believe they're going to be very good players."

The SEC West has several major quarterback battles in fall camp, but this one might be the most intriguing. Does A&M go with the quarterback who finished the 2014 season or give the reins to a talented teenager like Murray?

UCLA QB Josh Rosen

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Josh Rosen has already practiced with his new teammates at UCLA, as the 5-star quarterback enrolled early in order to get a head start on the battle to replace Brett Hundley. We'll make a special exception for him on this list because of what he has the chance to do.

He is widely expected to win the starting job at UCLA and become the only true freshman quarterback to start for a Power 5 program this year—provided that Murray doesn't unseat Allen at Texas A&M.

"It's only a matter of time until Josh Rosen gets his shot," Bill Connelly of SB Nation wrote. "Rosen is the bluest of blue-chippers, a 6'4 prototype who threw for nearly 8,500 yards and 90 touchdowns at Bellflower's St. John Bosco. Rosen was in for spring and fared well."

Rosen's place as starter looks like a foregone conclusion at this point, and fall camp will be the time for him to nail down the job. He'll also gain more experience as the new leader of an offense that returns a starter at every other position.

The 5-star signal-caller's fall camp will be one to watch for sure. UCLA has the potential to go a long way in the Pac-12, and a lot of it rests on the shoulders of its young quarterback.

USC CB Iman Marshall

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Former 5-star defensive back Iman Marshall is stepping into a situation where he could play early and often as USC.

The Trojans ranked an abysmal No. 118 in pass defense last season, so they could use his talents in the rotation.

"Marshall could challenge [Kevon] Seymour for playing time, but it is unlikely he will take over as the starter," Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times wrote. "He also could challenge sophomore Jonathan Lockett to relieve [Adoree'] Jackson, who plays on offense, defense and special teams."

Marshall was one of the most gifted athletes in the nation coming out of high school as he sported the No. 4 overall rating on 247Sports' Composite Rankings. He has the speed and agility to cover the high-caliber receivers who are all over the Pac-12.

USC needs better play against the pass this season in order to become a complete national title contender in Steve Sarkisian's second year. Fall camp will be Marshall's first big shot to prove that he belongs on the depth chart from the opening kickoff of 2015.

Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Justin Ferguson is an on-call college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.