Early Projections for 2016 Preseason Freshman All-American Team

Making an immediate impact is hard enough. Performing at an All-American level as a freshman shows the elite level of talent a college football player possesses.

Whether due to injury, suspension or a weakness on the roster, hundreds of players will have an opportunity to stand out in 2016.

However, a select bunch of talents will simply rise to the top of a program's depth chart—and that ascent is anything but simple.

Projections for the upcoming season's freshman All-American team include players who redshirted in 2015.

Quarterback

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Jacob Eason, Georgia

Composite Ranking: 5 | QB Rank: 2

South Carolina's Brandon McIlwain appears destined to start, but a fellow SEC freshman is headed for huge numbers.

Jacob Eason enrolled early at Georgia and immediately looked like the best option. The 5-star prospect completed 19 passes for 244 yards and one touchdown in the team's spring game.

Although head coach Kirby Smart didn't name Eason the No. 1, slow-playing the decision isn't foolish. Hype doesn't matter if Eason doesn't put in the work, and anointing him as the guy even before fall camp is a disservice to Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey.

Running Backs

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Weber, Ohio State (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 78 | RB Rank: 10

Though Ezekiel Elliott left a massive void, Mike Weber will attempt to fill it after a torn meniscus pushed him toward a redshirt season.

During the 4-star's last three years of high school, he racked up 5,627 yards and 74 touchdowns. Weber made a quick impression at Ohio State, but the injury stopped him from serving as Elliott's backup.

The Buckeyes must retool the offensive line in 2016. However, Weber won't have a shortage of opportunities, and that's the primary factor for putting up freshman All-American numbers.

Devwah Whaley, Arkansas

Composite Ranking: 96 | RB Rank: 5

Jonathan Williams missed the 2015 season, yet he and Alex Collins departed for the NFL. Arkansas needs to replace a pair of 1,000-yard rushers, and it should look to Devwah Whaley.

Despite not enrolling early, Whaley didn't lose much ground on either Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker in the spring. Williams did not face contact while recovering from a neck injury, and Walker—who is more of a short-yardage back anyway—broke his foot.

Whaley can step into a featured role on the run-focused offense and excel right away.

Wide Receivers and Tight End

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Demetris Robertson, Cal

Composite Ranking: 14 | WR Rank: 1

Demetris Robertson patiently waited to pick his college destination, and it might pay off in a big way.

Assuming the top-rated receiver doesn't waver—and that's not a certainty because Robertson didn't sign a national letter of intent—he'll bolster a Cal receiving corps that lost its top six receivers.

Plus, Texas Tech graduate transfer quarterback Davis Webb chose Cal over Colorado, so the Golden Bears will continue whipping the ball around the field with success. Robertson should be a top target.

Collin Johnson, Texas

Composite Ranking: 204 | WR Rank: 41

Texas isn't known for producing standout receivers, but Collin Johnson could be an exception now that Sterlin Gilbert is the offensive coordinator.

A disciple of Syracuse's Dino Babers—who learned from Art Briles at Baylor—Gilbert has brought an up-tempo attack to Austin. Not only is Johnson already penciled in as a starter, ESPN's Max Olson said the 6'6", 212-pound wideout "looks like a future freak."

Isaac Nauta, Georgia

Composite Ranking: 12 | TE Rank: 1

Isaac Nauta should be a leading contributor on Eason's road to a freshman All-American bid.

The No. 1 tight end in the 2016 class, Nauta enters a perfect situation. Under coordinator Jim Chaney, Pittsburgh's tight ends caught nine touchdowns last season. He featured the position while at Arkansas and Tennessee, too.

Whether or not Nauta overtakes Jeb Blazevich as the starter will determine the level of success, but Nauta has 40-catch, eight-touchdown upside as a freshman.

Offensive Linemen

Credit: 247Sports

Greg Little

Greg Little, Ole Miss

Composite Ranking: 3 | OT Rank: 1

Ole Miss needs to cobble together an offensive line with scattered bits of experience and upside, but Greg Little could be the foundation of the unit.

All five starters departed, including Laremy Tunsil and Fahn Cooper. As long as Little is capable of handling the transition from high school to college, though, he should slide into the lineup before the end of September—if not for the season opener.

Michael Jordan, Ohio State

Composite Ranking: 127 | OT Rank: 13

Three spots opened on Ohio State's line, so Michael Jordan has a great chance to earn a No. 1 spot.

"For a freshman who should still be in high school, who graduated early to be here at this level of football, doing the things he's doing? I'm surprised and impressed at that," offensive line coach Greg Studrawa said, per Doug Lesmires of Cleveland.com.

Jordan is a leading candidate to start at left guard.

Zach Shackelford, Texas

Composite Ranking: 1,055 | OG Rank: 52

It appears 2016 might be the year of the freshman for Texas. Along with Johnson at receiver, Shane Buechele could start at quarterback and receive snaps from Zach Shackelford.

Shackelford enrolled early and climbed to the top of the depth chart. According to Jeff Howe of 247Sports, Shackelford spent all 15 spring practices as the starting center.

Jonah Williams, Alabama

Composite Ranking: 17 | OT Rank: 2

Even before Cam Robinson's arrest, Jonah Williams earned acclaim as a potential starter on the Alabama offensive line. Now, the question becomes whether or not he'll start on the left or right side.

Williams soared past Charles Baldwin, who was eventually dismissed from the team. Korren Kirvin is the main obstacle to Williams starting if Robinson both remains on the team and avoids suspension, which is not for us to forecast.

Drew Richmond, Tennessee (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 54 | OT Rank: 3

Tennessee has a vacancy at left tackle, but 6'5", 301-pound Drew Richmond is there to fill it. After taking a redshirt in 2015, spring practice showed the potential his 4-star billing suggested.

"If there were to be a missed assignment, he realizes that something wasn't quite right, and the game is starting to slow down for him where he's playing at a higher level," offensive line coach Don Mahoney said," per Ryan Callahan of 247Sports.

"He's making calls and he's playing faster, and he's really starting to make the progress we've been hoping for."

Defensive Linemen

Credit: 247Sports

Rashan Gary

Rashan Gary, Michigan

Composite Ranking: 1 | DT Rank: 1

After earning a place as the nation's top prospect, Rashan Gary doesn't need any help garnering hype. But with a talent like him, not even Michigan knows whether he'll play end or tackle.

"He has the size and strength to do both," defensive line coach Greg Mattison said, per Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News. "It's wherever he plays the best, and wherever we need him."

While Gary is a lock to join the rotation initially, he'll likely secure a significant role as the season progresses.

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

Composite Ranking: 2 | DT Rank: 2

Clemson's defense is reloading, but excellent recruiting classes are easing the process. Along with redshirt freshman and potential breakout player Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence could be a key factor.

Lawrence, an early enrollee, notched a sack in both a scrimmage and the spring game. Since Austin Bryant will command the most attention up front, Lawrence won't carry the burden of adapting to elevated competition and leading the line.

That means the true freshman can focus on wreaking havoc.

Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Composite Ranking: 8 | DE Rank: 1

Sam Hubbard is definitely a starter, and Tyquan Lewis' presence may shift Nick Bosa inside. He'll produce anywhere.

The 5-star arrived early and participated in spring practice, asserting himself as a top backup on the outside while planting a thought he could challenge Tracy Sprinkle for reps, too.

Bosa might not officially earn a No. 1 role, but the Buckeyes won't be able to keep him off the field.

Ed Oliver, Houston

Composite Ranking: 6 | DT Rank: 3

Like Gary, Ed Oliver isn't locked in at defensive tackle despite being pegged there as a recruit. The 6'2", 277-pounder can play both end and tackle for Houston.

Although the transition to college football can be difficult, Oliver is a top-rated prospect heading to a non-power conference school. He should dominate most American Athletic Conference competition right away, which is a massive yet likely a realistic expectation.

Linebackers

Credit: 247Sports

Leo Lewis (44)

Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 86 | ILB Rank: 2

Oklahoma is facing an intriguing situation at outside linebacker following the departures of Eric Striker and Devante Bond.

Ricky DeBerry and Obo Okoronkwo are a couple unproven talents, and reinforcements—read: other competitors—are on the way this summer. Okoronkwo might not be ready to occupy an every-down role, so his spot could be a timeshare.

DeBerry, on the other hand, seems ready to contribute in a role only limited by the pace of Big 12 offenses.

Leo Lewis, Mississippi State (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 63 | ILB Rank: 1

Leo Lewis never saw the field in 2015 because he redshirted in 2015. Mississippi State might have trouble keeping him off next season.

"One of the surprises of the spring regardless of classification was the early rise of Lewis on the depth chart," Paul Jones of 247Sports wrote of Lewis. "He worked at outside linebacker in the 4-3 and at inside linebacker in the 3-4. And got first-team reps with both positions."

Anthony McKee, Pittsburgh (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 370 | OLB Rank: 31

Completing the trio of redshirt linebackers is Anthony McKee, a 3-star who is poised to snatch the pivotal "Star" spot in Pat Narduzzi's defense.

A shoulder injury limited McKee during the spring, however, so he'll need to take full advantage of summer workouts before holding off Elijah Zeise in fall camp.

Defensive Backs

Credit: 247Sports

Levonta Taylor

Trayvon Mullen, Clemson

Composite Ranking: 60 | CB Rank: 6

Another piece of Clemson's reload, Trayvon Mullen has a chance to start immediately without taking on the primary spot. Cordrea Tankersley will guide the Tigers secondary.

Mullen will arrive during the summer, then work to overtake both Marcus Edmond and Mark Fields opposite Tankersley.

Levonta Taylor, Florida State

Composite Ranking: 7 | CB Rank: 1

Jalen Ramsey did everything for the Seminoles, and Levonta Taylor could end his college days as a better player.

That's a scary thought.

In addition to probably handling punt-return duties, the 5-star absolutely will factor into the Florida State defense. Taylor has the talent and opportunity to secure a major role at "Star."

Deionte Thompson, Alabama (Redshirt)

Composite Ranking: 44 | S Rank: 2

Filed under the "Must Be Nice" category, the Crimson Tide signed Deionte Thompson—the nation's No. 2 safety in 2015—who enrolled early. He grabbed two interceptions during the first spring scrimmage. Yet Alabama decided Thompson should play wide receiver.

Fast-forward a few months, and the coaching staff reversed that choice. He's back at safety for 2016, and pending the aftermath of Laurence "Hootie" Jones' arrest, Thompson may start.

Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh

Composite Ranking: 149 | CB Rank: 14

Last season, the Panthers showcased ACC Rookie of the Year Jordan Whitehead in the secondary. This year, Damar Hamlin may land on the national radar.

Narduzzi and Co. kept the local product in town, and it was a much-needed recruiting win for Pitt. Hamlin is the top option to replace four-year starter Lafayette Pitts and complement Avonte Maddox.

Specialists

Al Goldis/Associated Press

JJ Molson, UCLA

Composite Ranking: 826 | K Rank: 2

Eddy Pineiro has offered Florida hope that its specialists won't stink again, but he's a junior-college transfer. UCLA's JJ Molson is the freshman to beat.

Molson is the favorite to replace Ka'imi Fairbairn, who left the program as the Pac-12's all-time leading scorer. Molson needs to officially edge Andrew Strauch in order to claim the starting role.

Quinn Nordin, Michigan

Composite Ranking: 695 | K Rank: 1

Although Kenny Allen will block Quinn Nordin from taking over at kicker in Ann Arbor, punter Blake O'Neill exhausted his eligibility.

The Wolverines probably won't be punting often, but Nordin can bring a legitimately valuable weapon: hang-time. Laugh if you want, but Alabama's J.K. Scott has showed why that's important.

Donnie Corley, Michigan State

Composite Ranking: 107 | WR Rank: 15

Donnie Corley is the type of prospect who needs touches. It doesn't matter how, just get the 4-star the ball.

"He makes plays," head coach Mark Dantonio said, per Chris Solari of the Lansing State Journal. "He makes plays with his feet. He comes to compete. He leads a lot of drills. He's an exceptional athlete. He can really run, he's got size and great hand-eye coordination, and he's a quick learner."

Corley will most often contribute as a receiver, but the Spartans need to give him other touches as a runner and returner.