Every Power 5 College Football Team's Most Intriguing Freshman

Recruiting classes don't always produce superstar freshmen, but there's never a shortage of intriguing prospects for college football teams.

In 2016, that attention-grabbing group includes several of the nation's top running backs and receivers. Defensive standouts and quarterbacks appear less often, but it's harder—not impossible—to emerge as a freshman at certain positions.

We've identified one signee to watch on each power-conference program's roster. Prospects covered are not necessarily the best recruits or even the players who will receive the most snaps next season.

Instead, these are talents we're most interested in tracking for a variety of reasons, including potential to make an immediate impact, versatility and uncertainty.

Alabama: B.J. Emmons

Derrick Henry shouldered a heavy burden for Alabama in 2015, and Kenyan Drake picked up the little slack there was. Both players are gone, though.

Bo Scarbrough should replace Henry, while Damien Harris figures to serve as the backup. However, if either player misses time because of injury, B.J. Emmons might be the next man up.

The nation's No. 2 running back, Emmons shredded defenses for 2,417 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. Considering the lack of depth, he should contribute as a true freshman.

Arizona: Chacho Ulloa

Khalil Tate's pursuit of the quarterback job is worth watching, but Arizona needs to fill out the back end of Marcel Yates' 4-2-5 defense.

Cornerback has plenty of competition, but the safety spots are opening. Although Tellas Jones returns at "Bandit," three top contributors graduated and Paul Magloire Jr. is moving to linebacker.

Chacho Ulloa, one of the nation's higher-rated 3-stars at 361st overall, is a ball-hawking safety who could boost a secondary that managed just 11 interceptions last season. Ulloa himself snagged six picks.

Arizona State: N'keal Harry

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N'keal Harry

Devin Lucien, D.J. Foster and Gary Chambers each exhausted their eligibility, but that trio accounted for more than 50 percent of the offense's production. Quarterback Mike Bercovici is gone, too.

Since Arizona State is entering a rebuilding year, the offense may as well test N'keal Harry early and often.

The 4-star receiver—who ranked No. 7 at his position—registered 48 catches for 802 yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. Harry could slide into the starting lineup alongside Tim White.

Arkansas: Devwah Whaley

The departures of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams have opened a big opportunity at Arkansas. Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker will compete for the starting role, but they'll need to hold off a 4-star.

Devwah Whaley, the No. 3 running back of the 2016 cycle, posted consecutive 1,300-yard seasons in high school.

Bret Bielema has relied on several freshman running backs—even as a highly productive third option—during his coaching days, so Whaley should have regular opportunities for the Razorbacks.

Auburn: Landon Rice

Although Nate Craig-Myers and Kyle Davis may be more impactful in Auburn's receiving corps, tight end Landon Rice could ascend to the top of a thin depth chart.

Jalen Harris is the only other scholarship player at the position, and he has zero career catches. Plus, after a season in which the Tigers didn't use the position much, the coaching staff plans to utilize it.

"We're using the tight end a whole lot more in practice now," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said, per James Crepea of AL.com. "We know we need to, we want to."

Rice will contribute, but will Auburn's offseason focus actually translate to the fall?

Baylor: Devin Duvernay

KD Cannon is Baylor's top receiver. Behind him, the unit is uncertain—and that's excellent news for Devin Duvernay.

Chris Platt, Ishmael Zamora and Lynx Hawthorne were each listed as starters on the post-spring depth chart, but they combined for 30 receptions last year.

So the opportunity for playing time is there for a freshman, and Baylor should attempt more than 400 passes. Duvernay—who tallied 62 catches, 1,142 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior in high school—could gather a fair share of those targets.

Boston College: Ethan Tucky

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Ethan Tucky

Kentucky graduate transfer Patrick Towles effectively eliminated the chance Anthony Brown could be the starting quarterback. Otherwise, he would've held this spot.

The Boston College defense ranked No. 1 nationally in 2015, but coordinator Don Brown departed for Michigan. A key to sustaining that elite unit is reliable tackling in the middle.

Although Ethan Tucky probably won't earn a starting job, the 6'3", 218-pounder is built to contribute immediately. The 3-star enrolled early.

Cal: Demetris Robertson

Demetris Robertson's choosing Cal bolstered an inexperienced receiving corps. Davis Webb's flipping from Colorado to the Golden Bears provided legitimate optimism the unit will produce.

What will the freshman and grad transfer accomplish together?

Even if the No. 1 receiver prospect doesn't excel immediately, Cal coach Sonny Dykes hopes to use Robertson in a variety of ways.

"We don't want to make him a jack of all trades and a master of none," Dykes said, per Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle. "But he is such a good athlete, he's certainly capable of doing a lot."

Clemson: Trayvon Mullen

Consequent to a mass exodus on the Clemson defense, true freshmen may fill out the 2016 squad.

Up front, there's 5-star Dexter Lawrence. At linebacker, Tre Lamar and Shaq Smith are physically ready to play. Then in the secondary, the Tigers could turn to Trayvon Mullen.

Mullen is versatile enough to play either corner or safety, and his speed might lead to kick- or punt-return opportunities. But Mullen needs to climb the depth chart. How quickly can he ascend?

Colorado: Pookie Maka

Colorado is working to improve defensively. Pookie Maka and Akil Jones might jump into the rotation immediately.

"Those are some guys that are going to have a chance to do some things," defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt said, per Neill Woelk of the school's official site. "They'll be important in the summer."

While Leavitt essentially confirmed the freshmen will indeed play football, situational rushing is one thing Maka could do immediately.

Plus, unless he redshirts, the Buffs might want to push Maka onto the field. Per Brian Howell of the Daily Camera, Maka plans to take his LDS mission during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Duke: Scott Bracey

Thomas Sirk's Achilles injury is the main storyline at Duke, but the offense needs receivers to complement Anthony Nash and TJ Rahming.

Especially following the dismissal of Johnell Barnes, Scott Bracey will have a chance to start immediately.

Though the 4-star athlete played quarterback during his last two high school seasons, Bracey is the highest-rated commit of David Cutcliffe's tenure, per 247Sports. Expectations are high.

Florida: Tyrie Cleveland

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Tyrie Cleveland

Florida's skill-position outlook is improved but only if Antonio Callaway (currently suspended indefinitely) is reinstated. Either way, the Gators will expect one particular freshman to produce.

Tyrie Cleveland headlines a haul that included two other 4-star receivers. He accumulated 94 catches, 2,023 yards and 27 touchdowns during his last two seasons in high school.

Cleveland could be the type of player around whom Florida builds its offense. While that's a high bar to set before even arriving on campus, he was the No. 2 prospect at the position.

Florida State: Levonta Taylor

Levonta Taylor will occupy a significant role for Florida State in 2016. The question is if he'll secure two spots.

A 5-star cornerback from Virginia, Taylor is certain to work on special teams. He averaged 33.8 yards on kick returns and 16.3 on punts last season, according to MaxPreps.

The Seminoles could also utilize him in the secondary as the "Star," depending on where the coaching staff wants Trey Marshall to play. Of course, Taylor could simply force his way into the position and push Marshall to safety.

Georgia: Mecole Hardman Jr.

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Mecole Hardman Jr.

Mecole Hardman Jr. is a lock to play for Georgia in 2016. But where?

After Robertson chose Cal, Hardman reached out to head coach Kirby Smart and offered to help the receiving corps. That won't be the only place Hardman contributes.

The nation's top-rated athlete can take snaps in the Wildcat, line up as a slot receiver, join the secondary's rotation and return kicks.

Were it not for a 5'10", 169-pound frame, Hardman would have even more possibilities.

Georgia Tech: Jordan Woods

Jordan Woods initially pretended to be interested in Georgia Tech as a recruit, he told Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The defensive end's talent is nowhere near fake.

That doesn't mean Woods is going to play, however. He might end up taking a redshirt because of the Yellow Jackets' depth up front.

As the highest-rated prospect in Georgia Tech's class, it seems crazy to think Woods will actually spend the entire year on the sideline. Can he force his way into the rotation?

Illinois: Zarrian Holcombe

Illinois' recent history of using tight ends isn't great. Zarrian Holcombe should help reverse the trend.

Listed at 6'5" and 215 pounds, the 3-star must add weight to prepare for increased physicality. But the Fighting Illini will be careful to keep Holcombe trim enough to present a mismatch as a hybrid.

Plus, would-be starter Tyler White is recovering from a torn ACL. No Illinois prospect has a more favorable outlook for a large impact than Holcombe.

Indiana: Kiante Enis

Indiana is quietly stocked at the skill positions. Simmie Cobbs Jr., Ricky Jones Jr. and Mitchell Paige headline the receiving corps, and 1,000-yard rusher Devine Redding are back.

But the Hoosiers can find touches for Kiante Enis.

From 2013 to 2015, the 3-star shredded high school opponents to the tune of 6,991 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns. Enis also scored four times on 10 receptions.

Whether as a returner, third-down back or something else, Indiana should find touches for the electric freshman.

Iowa: Amani Hooker

In a 24-member class, Iowa signed 24 3-stars. One of the best, however, was Amani Hooker.

The 6'1", 195-pounder threw for 1,047 yards and 14 touchdowns, edged the 400-yard mark as a runner and receiver with 16 combined touchdowns, picked off 11 passes, and returned five of the interceptions to paydirt, per the Star Tribune.

"You have our attention" probably isn't saying enough. The Hawkeyes are relatively settled in the secondary, but Hooker should make an impact, at least on special teams.

Iowa State: Deshaunte Jones

Iowa State plucked Deshaunte Jones—a 3-star athlete from Cincinnati—to fill a playmaker void.

Last season, he amassed 1,860 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, according to Adam Baum of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Jones also managed 785 passing yards and nine more scores, but he'll play wide receiver for Matt Campbell and Co.

Although the top of Iowa State's depth chart is settled with Allen Lazard and D'Vario Montgomery, Jones has the potential to garner scattered touches. What happens then is an exciting prospect.

Kansas: Maciah Long

Speed isn't an issue for Maciah Long, who played quarterback in high school. At Kansas, though, he's headed for defense.

The 6'2" prospect is the ideal Big 12 linebacker because he's quick enough to chase down the conference's speed. Plus, after adding some weight, Long has the necessary frame to avoid getting overpowered in the running game.

Long can immediately contribute on a defense that ranked last in the Football Bowl Subdivision last year.

Kansas State: Mike McCoy

Kansas State heavily recruits JUCO prospects, so freshmen often don't have a ton of buzz heading into Manhattan.

Consider Mike McCoy an exception.

"I'm supposed to be playing a mixture of running back and receiver and doing a little bit of Wildcat," McCoy said, per Rick Peterson of the Topeka Capital-Journal. "It will be a mix of everything, and they said I might throw the ball a little bit, too."

The expectations are in print. Now, we wait to see if the Wildcats follow through during McCoy's first season.

Kentucky: Kash Daniel

The transition from high school to college is not easy. It's a process. Kash Daniel learned the hard way.

"My job was to take one step and hit the guy in the chest," Daniel said, according to Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal. "He went right by me. I was like, 'Well, this is college football for sure.'"

Daniel enrolled early at Kentucky and joined what is a largely inexperienced unit. The 4-star is nearly a lock to contribute, and the Wildcats would welcome it from their class gem.

Louisville: P.J. Blue

Opportunities are scarce for freshman defenders at Louisville. Fortunately for P.J. Blue, he's versatile.

Listed at 6'2" and 210 pounds on 247Sports, the 3-star outside linebacker could be dropped into the secondary as a safety. Blue notched 67 total tackles in 2015, per MaxPreps.

Blue should provide usable depth next season, and a few resounding hits on special teams might draw extra attention for meaningful defensive snaps.

LSU: Saivion Smith

LSU returns 18 starters, so it'll take a special player to see the field. Saivion Smith is exactly that.

Injuries and absence led to Smith spending time as a first-string cornerback during his first session on campus. He capped the workouts with an interception in the spring game.

The secondary is deep, but true freshmen have regularly impacted the LSU defense. Smith's role may start small but steadily increase through the 2016 campaign.

Maryland: Tino Ellis

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Tino Ellis

Following a 29-interception year, Maryland has a major quarterback problem. At least the Terps don't have to worry about the receivers, since almost everyone who caught a pass last season returns.

Tino Ellis will only improve the corps. An in-state product, the 4-star was an Under Armour All-American.

But he managed just eight receptions as a senior yet sustained a high ranking. Between the college transition and Maryland QB issues, how quickly can Ellis produce?

Miami: Ahmmon Richards

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Ahmmon Richards

If Mark Walton receives discipline for his DUI, Travis Homer immediately becomes a name to watch. We already know the Hurricanes are thin at receiver, though.

Really, each of Ahmmon Richards, Dionte Mullins and Sam Bruce deserve to get highlighted. But Richards enrolled in the first summer session, so he has a notable jump on his fellow 4-stars to catch passes from potential first-round NFL draft pick Brad Kaaya.

As long as the coaching staff is comfortable with Richards' knowledge of the offense, he'll get snaps. Richards could break out as Miami's No. 2 target in 2016.

Michigan: Rashan Gary

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

The Wolverines have a few solid choices, but it's difficult to pass up the promising uncertainty of Rashan Gary. Michigan could use the country's No. 1 recruit at defensive end or tackle.

"He's got the size and the strength to do both," D-line coach Greg Mattison said, per Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. "It's wherever he plays the best and wherever we need him."

Gary arrives this summer, and the 6'5", 293-pounder will absolutely find a home up front. We're looking forward to finding out the location.

Michigan State: Donnie Corley

Al Goldis/Associated Press

Though Michigan State will present a formidable offense, the unit likely won't match recent editions. Consequently, the Spartans need a couple game-breaking plays.

Donnie Corley is a big-play machine. The 4-star had 59 receptions for 1,403 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, recording his second straight 1,000-yard season.

"He looks like a guy who can really play," head coach Mark Dantonio said, per Mike Griffith of MLive. "He reminds you of, I guess, a (Tony) Lippett-like guy, in terms of his height. But he'll have a tremendous career here, I feel."

Corley enrolled early and has a terrific chance to secure a starting role once the regular season arrives.

Minnesota: Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson stayed close to home for college, but his position is only temporarily settled.

Per Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press, head coach Tracy Claeys said Johnson will begin his Minnesota career as a receiver, "but he's one of those kids who could play a lot of places. I got to see him play live in a game, and I believe he could help us in a lot of places."

If the Gophers are comfortable with the current depth at receiver, the 3-star athlete will likely redshirt anyway. Instead, Johnson could move to the secondary, where he might play right away.

Mississippi State: Jamal Couch

The departure and dismissal of De'Runnya Wilson and Fred Brown, respectively, created a notable void on the Mississippi State offense.

Jamal Couch is an option to fill it. All 6'5" and 217 pounds of him.

Fred Ross is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver and top playmaker. The Bulldogs need reliable targets, and Couch has the opportunity to contribute—perhaps primarily as an important red-zone specialist.

Missouri: Trey Baldwin

Missouri isn't hurting in the linebacker department, and Trey Baldwin is simply an added bonus for 2016.

The 3-star arrived on campus in January to participate in spring practice. He bulked up to 240 pounds on a 6'2" frame.

While special teams should be the initial landing spot, Tod Palmer of the Kansas City Star called Baldwin "a human projectile missile from Houston" for a good reason. We'd love to see that on defense.

Nebraska: Marquel Dismuke

While Lamar Jackson garnered the most attention, Marquel Dismuke gave Nebraska an outstanding duo of additions to the secondary.

Dismuke, a 4-star safety from California, had 66 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions last season. Since Nate Gerry is slotted in at safety, Dismuke will compete to play nickelback for the Huskers in 2016, per Michael Bruntz of 247Sports.

Cornerback is arguably the toughest position to contribute at immediately, but Dismuke could make the jump.

North Carolina: Jonathan Smith

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Jonathan Smith

North Carolina's defense noticeably improved in 2015. Now, it must replace Shakeel Rashad and Jeff Schoettmer. Cayson Collins and Andre Smith are headed for the starting spots, yet the former expects Jonathan Smith to make an impact.

"Jon Smith is a guy that I really think will be able to help us immediately going into fall," Collins said, per Brett Thompson of Scout. "He's a guy that I think we'll see a lot out of."

During his last two seasons in high school, Smith—who enrolled early—racked up 276 total tackles.

North Carolina State: Thaddeus Moss

Thaddeus Moss will never be called a burner. However, with his combination of size, hands and power, North Carolina State fans won't have much of a reason to complain.

Bloodlines don't hurt, either. The 6'3", 240-pound tight end is the son of former NFL superstar Randy.

Moss registered 54 catches, 831 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2015, and the Wolfpack can use him to complement standout Jaylen Samuels.

Northwestern: Ben Skowronek

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Ben Skowronek

Clayton Thorson and Justin Jackson are a respectable combination in the Northwestern backfield. That "passing" thing might be a problem, though.

Perhaps Ben Skowronek can boost the Wildcats' quiet receiving corps. Austin Carr led 2015 wideouts with 302 yards, and only three others topped 100 yards for the season.

Northwestern, which lists 14 receivers on the roster even before Skowronek's arrival, doesn't have a shortage of options. But other than Carr, who will actually produce on game day?

Notre Dame: Devin Studstill

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Devin Studstill

Kevin Stepherson is unexpectedly pushing for playing time at receiver, but Devin Studstill offered a jolt to the secondary.

The Fighting Irish hope to find a reliable safety opposite Drue Tranquill. Max Redfield hasn't been that.

Studstill regularly repped with the first-string defense after enrolling early. It's not necessarily indicative of the starting lineup for the season opener, but the 4-star is a lock to contribute—and maybe even leap Redfield on the depth chart later on.

Ohio State: Austin Mack

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

After just two days of spring practice, Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod noted head coach Urban Meyer said "Austin Mack is going to play next year."

Just how much?

The 4-star receiver piled up 167 receptions, 2,672 yards and 24 touchdowns during his last three seasons in high school. Mack might not be a starter, but Ohio State's inexperienced receiving corps provides a massive immediate opportunity.

And early returns suggest Mack—who was the first freshman to lose the black stripe—is taking full advantage.

Oklahoma: Caleb Kelly

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Caleb Kelly

Oklahoma's outside linebackers are a promising collection of "Wait, can they play every down yet?"

Caleb Kelly should snatch a home on special teams, but he's among the Sooners' best choices to log regular, significant snaps. Ricky DeBerry, Obo Okoronkwo and Curtis Bolton are the others.

The 5-star prospect will arrive this summer and start to push for that sizable role—maybe even starting position—as a true freshman in front of a passing-down rusher.

Oklahoma State: Tyrell Alexander

Tyrell Alexander had his choice of high-scoring offenses, listing offers from Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU and Texas Tech, among others.

While the 3-star joins a crowded bunch at wide receiver, head coach Mike Gundy is no stranger to giving true freshmen a chance. And in Oklahoma State's wide-open offense, one snap is all it takes for someone to make a lasting impact.

Alexander—a 6'3", 190-pounder—is worth monitoring in 2016, because it might be impossible to project his breakout game.

Ole Miss: Greg Little

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Greg Little

Chad Kelly needs a new blindside protector, and the pressure seems to be on 5-star Greg Little to replace Laremy Tunsil.

"Pressure is just a word," Little said, per David Johnson of 247Sports. "God has blessed me with great talent. I just want to be the best Greg Little I can be. I want to come in there and get a starting job, but I really just want to be the best me I can be."

There's little doubt the nation's top-rated offensive tackle will play in 2016. Tunsil wasn't the day-one starter, though, so Little could get his Ole Miss career off to a faster start.

Oregon: Dillon Mitchell

Dillon Mitchell wasted little time making an impression after enrolling early. He led all Ducks receivers with seven catches during the spring game, tallying 104 yards and scoring twice.

"He's really good," head coach Mark Helfrich succinctly said after the scrimmage, per Tyson Alger of the Oregonian.

Darren Carrington, Dwayne Stanford and Charles Nelson are Oregon's proven options, but Mitchell might be No. 4 overall on the depth chart heading into the regular season.

Oregon State: Trevon Bradford

Although Oregon State has experience at receiver, Trevon Bradford boosts the slot position.

The 3-star posted 2,156 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2014 and 2015 combined. Bradford enrolled early and caught the winning score in the spring game, capping a noteworthy debut.

As long as he sticks behind Victor Bolden, Bradford will handle several carries on jet and fly sweeps. Special teams also linger as an option, so Bradford should get plenty of touches in 2016.

Penn State: Shane Simmons

Miles Sanders was the gem of Penn State's haul, and the distribution of carries between he and Saquon Barkley is important.

But Shane Simmons is a more intriguing player.

The Nittany Lions must retool the defensive line following three key losses. Simmons is an explosive edge-rusher with serious potential. Even if he's merely a passing-down specialist, that's a valuable role in today's college football.

Will Penn State unleash Simmons in a limited role? Or will the coaches try to wait until he's a finished product? The latter seems like a waste.

Pittsburgh: Damar Hamlin

Four-year starter Lafayette Pitts is now chasing an NFL dream, and Damar Hamlin might be the replacement.

Perhaps best known for a monstrous hit that went viral (as seen on the accompanying video), the 4-star cornerback is certain to play. Pittsburgh has Avonte Maddox at one corner and a big question mark at the other.

Hamlin's pursuit of becoming the starter will be a primary storyline after he arrives in the summer and during fall camp.

Purdue: Jack Wegher

Jack Wegher played running back in high school, but the 3-star is a slot receiver for Purdue. He managed 15 catches for 229 yards and two scores at powerhouse IMG Academy last season.

The early enrollee also worked as a punt returner, and Nathan Baird of the Lafayette Journal & Courier notes head coach Darrell Hazell "liked what he saw" from Wegher.

Redshirting is a possibility, but Wegher took important steps toward carving out a role in 2016.

Rutgers: Rashawn Battle

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Though Rutgers brought in few linebackers, Rashawn Battle could be the best of the bunch—even if his position isn't settled.

"I'm not sure yet," Battle said of his role, per Todderick Hunt of NJ.com. "But I know I'm gonna be playing linebacker. They said they can see me doing many things at the linebacker position. So I can be dropping back, I can be pass rushing, there are a lot of things I can do. So they are gonna see."

He'll be playing catch-up, too. Solomon Manning and Jonathan Pollock enrolled early; JUCO transfer Elorm Lumor arrived in January.

Still, Battle could soar into the Scarlet Knights' rotation after making an impact on special teams.

South Carolina: Brandon McIlwain

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Brandon McIlwain

A two-sport athlete at South Carolina, Brandon McIlwain only needed spring practice to become the favorite at quarterback.

It helped that two others—Perry Orth and Lorenzo Nunez—were nursing injuries, but McIlwain doesn't have to apologize for his two-touchdown performance in the spring game.

"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," head coach Will Muschamp said to Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee. "He took advantage of the opportunity, and he took advantage of the reps and did an outstanding job."

While McIlwain hasn't secured the job, he provides the most excitement of all the contenders.

Stanford: Kaden Smith

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Kaden Smith

Stanford coach David Shaw had plenty of praise for this freshman. "Our hopes for Kaden Smith in the future are really, really high," Shaw said, per Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle.

But that was merely the beginning.

Shaw said the 4-star tight end has the combination of Zach Ertz's route-running ability and Coby Fleener's speed. Both Stanford products are now fixtures on NFL rosters.

Last season, Smith caught 57 passes for 917 yards and nine scores. But is the NFL-like freshman ready to climb the depth chart?

Syracuse: Moe Neal

Moe Neal was the top-rated prospect in Dino Babers' initial recruiting class at Syracuse, and he's a versatile weapon.

The 3-star athlete is listed as a running back but should jump out to the slot on occasion. In high school, Neal accumulated 4,635 rushing yards and 68 scores as well as 164 catches, 2,244 yards and 34 more scores, per MaxPreps.

Syracuse's uptempo offense should allow Neal to contribute early and often in his college career.

TCU: Isaiah Graham

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Isaiah Graham

TCU will not seamlessly replace Josh Doctson. Instead, the Horned Frogs need a committee of receivers to produce, and freshmen will be important factors.

Isaiah Graham caught the attention of head coach Gary Patterson, who said the 4-star was "probably the guy that stands out" among the early enrollees, per Abigail Massey of 247Sports.

According to ESPN's Max Olson, Graham was already the backup "X" receiver on TCU's post-spring depth chart.

Tennessee: Tyler Byrd

Tyler Byrd could've soared to a starting cornerback spot as a freshman. Theoretically, he won't even play defense.

According to Wes Rucker of 247Sports, Tennessee coaches wanted more speed and depth on offense, so the 4-star will head to Knoxville as a receiver. Byrd had 17 catches for 451 yards and eight touchdowns during his final year in high school.

Things change. Maybe he switches back eventually. But Byrd's development as a wideout is an interesting storyline to follow because he could've been a standout defender.

Texas: Shane Buechele

Eric Gay/Associated Press

Shane Buechele is closing on the starting quarterback job. Fair or not, that status comes with the burden of performing well enough to please a vocal fanbase and possibly save his coach's job.

No pressure, right?

The 4-star connected on 22-of-41 attempts for 299 yards and two touchdowns during first half of the spring game, sending the hype train screaming down the tracks.

Buechele needs to officially win the competition. Should that happen, his progress—read: box scores and not necessarily actual development—will be monitored and be used as evidence of whether or not Texas should keep Charlie Strong.

Fair? Nope. Will it happen? Yup.

Texas A&M: Justin Madubuike

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Justin Madubuike

Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall are a terrific pair of defensive ends, and Texas A&M added 4-star Justin Madubuike to the fold.

He's a future starter, but what will Madubuike's role be next year? The Aggies will face a delicate balance between relying on their two standouts and not overworking them.

Additionally, Texas A&M might want all three on the field in certain situations and push Madubuike inside. Defensive coordinator John Chavis has options, and we're looking forward to seeing his decisions.

Texas Tech: T.J. Vasher

Patrick Mahomes II is perhaps the most entertaining quarterback to watch. His gun-slinging mentality combined with above-average mobility is outstanding Saturday afternoon television.

But he needs weapons following Jakeem Grant's departure. T.J. Vasher draws immediate attention as a potential replacement. The 6'5" target accrued 122 receptions, 2,064 yards and 21 touchdowns during his final two high school seasons.

Vasher will have the opportunity to emerge from a crowded group of decent receivers. Considering most of them are 6'2" and under, he'll definitely stick out above the rest.

UCLA: Theo Howard

Going from Noel Mazzone to Kennedy Polamalu means UCLA's offense is shifting from a spread look to a more traditional attack.

While the change cuts down opportunities for receivers, there's always room for playmakers. Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Daily News noted 4-star early enrolleee Theo Howard regularly made highlight-reel plays in spring practice.

But will this be another case of offseason hype unmet in the fall?

Howard certainly isn't a "bust" either way. Nevertheless, he received an awful lot of attention to not contribute in 2016.

USC: Oluwole Betiku

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Although USC lacks depth on the defensive line, 6'3", 250-pound Oluwole Betiku will provide a boost.

Despite playing just two years of football in high school, he earned a 5-star rating and the No. 1 spot among weak-side defensive ends.

Betiku enrolled early, which unquestionably assisted the transition to elevated competition. He's physically prepared, but now Betiku's technical and mental skills will be refined.

Expect clear progression from the freshman while depth issues push Betiku onto the field.

Utah: Tyler Huntley

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Tyler Huntley

Tyler Huntley is one of three players battling for the chance to replace Travis Wilson. The freshman is off to a solid start.

During the spring game, he completed 17-of-26 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown. Huntley showed he's capable of hanging around with Troy Williams and Brandon Cox.

The next step is being more reliable, which is where veterans typically pull away from freshmen during fall camp.

Maybe Huntley is an exception.

Vanderbilt: Donaven Tennyson

Joejuan Williams was the prize of Vanderbilt's 2016 recruiting haul, but an undersized playmaker was a key addition because offense was the team's biggest issue last season.

Donaven Tennyson, a 5'10", 170-pound wideout, collected 76 receptions for 1,759 yards and 25 touchdowns during his last two years in high school.

Can he—or either of Jackson Winrow and Kalija Lipscomb—crack a Commodores depth chart ripe with opportunity?

Virginia: Jordan Mack

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Jordan Mack

Norm Wood of the Daily Press writes Jordan Mack has drawn physical comparisons to Quin Blanding.

You have our attention.

Blanding totaled 123 tackles as a freshman and amassed 115 last season. In all likelihood, he'll depart for the NFL after the 2016 campaign, and Mack figures to be the leading replacement candidate.

The 3-star could take a redshirt, but the Wahoos would probably prefer to get Mack meaningful action right away.

Virginia Tech: Khalil Ladler

Credit: 247Sports

Khalil Ladler

Virginia Tech needs to replace Kendall Fuller, but Khalil Ladler's first must recover from an ACL tear that cost the 3-star his senior season.

Per Norm Wood of the Daily Press, defensive coordinator Bud Foster said he's looking forward to seeing Ladler at full strength.

"He's going through walk-throughs and those type of things, but it's still different than doing it full speed, where you're tying in your mind and your feet together. He's a guy I'm hoping that can figure in. We'll see. He'll have to catch up a lot this summer. We'll have some opportunities to do that."

Though Ladler has the talent to contribute in 2016, projecting whether he'll be fully recovered and comfortable is foolish. He'll have to show it.

Wake Forest: Cade Carney

Wake Forest was, um, offensively challenged in 2015. The top three running backs combined for 810 yards and two scores.

Dear Demon Deacons, please give Cade Carney the ball. Throw it to him, if necessary.

Carney is a physical runner with considerable upside. Enrolling early helped put him on the path to claiming the starting job, which is the best-case scenario for Wake Forest.

Washington: Sean McGrew

Myles Gaskin won't cede many carries, but he needs a backup. Plus, Washington has a relatively thin group of receivers.

One player—Sean McGrew, a shifty all-purpose back—could assist in answering both points.

McGrew recorded three consecutive 1,800-yard rushing seasons from 2013-15 and tallied 76 scores. He also caught 46 passes for 745 yards and nine touchdowns.

But the big question mark is whether McGrew will redshirt. The Huskies might want to wait for the 5'8", 175-pounder to bulk up before taking on a major role. What will they decide?

Washington State: Isaiah Johnson

Credit: 247Sports

Isaiah Johnson

Since Washington State tabbed a few JUCO prospects in hopes of bolstering the defense, it limited the playable freshmen headed to Pullman. But there's still Isaiah Johnson.

The 3-star wideout from South Florida enrolled early, which is an important step toward snaps because the Cougars boast a deep receiving corps led by Gabe Marks.

Johnson screams "big-play threat," though. His 912 yards on 44 receptions translate to a 20.7-yard average, and he scored 12 touchdowns. Wazzu can find a spot for him.

West Virginia: Kennedy McCoy

Following the departure of Wendell Smallwood, Rushel Shell will be West Virginia's featured back. The second-string role is entirely up for grabs.

Summer arrival Justin Crawford is an option, and Kennedy McKoy started his push for the responsibility after enrolling early. Then again, McKoy isn't limited to one spot.

"He understands slot positions already, he understands what to do in the backfield already," running backs coach Ju'Juan Seider said, per Connor Schlegel of 247Sports. "It's amazing having a kid that smart. Usually you don't get them at running back, it's rare ... He's going to be a great player."

McKoy offers another versatile piece on an explosive offense.

Wisconsin: AJ Taylor

What better way to break in a new quarterback than surround him with pass-catching weapons? Well, that's easier said than done at Wisconsin. A.J. Taylor is a good start, though.

"When you talk about the qualities that we talk a lot about—smart, tough, dependable—he has all of that," wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore said, per Mike Lucas of the school's site. "And he can play multiple spots. I say that because I'm not willing to share. I want to keep him (at wide receiver)."

Taylor is shiftier than the average Badgers wideout, so the 4-star can bring a relatively unique skill set to an offense that could always use a playmaker on the outside.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.