College Football: 2008 Impact True Freshmen

Each passing year in college football seems to include more and more impact true freshmen among the season's major storylines.  The following is a watch list for college football fans across the nation so that they may become familiar with the best of the best in the talent-laden recruiting class of 2008.

While there are certainly many blue-chippers left off this list, the players chosen are those predicted to make the biggest IMPACT on their respective teams.  Thus, existing collegiate depth charts played a significant role in choosing the prospects listed below.

OFFENSE:

QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford

This name may come as a surprise to the casual college football fan, who predominantly remembers Ohio State pledge Terrelle Pryor from the 2008 recruiting class as the next big thing at the signal calling position.

It is the Texas product Luck, however, who steps into the best situation for early playing time and opportunities for success.  Luck is physically ready to play and has as accurate an arm as any quarterback in his class.  Head coach and former Pro Bowl QB Jim Harbaugh should develop Luck into a an excellent player early in his career.

Keep in mind, however, that success is a relative term.  This is particularly important to remember when analyzing true freshman quarterbacks.  Luck will undoubtedly see his share of struggles, but he should make the biggest splash as a frosh QB in any BCS conference.

Honorable mention: Mike Glennon, NC State

RB: Darrell Scott, Colorado

Given that the Buffs' leading returning rusher tallied less than 400 yards in 2007's up-and-down campaign, the starting role seems to be there for the taking for the ultra-talented Darrell Scott.

Scott, who played his senior season for powerhouse St. Bonaventure in California, possesses the rare combination of size and speed that is sure to give Big 12 defenses fits over the next three to four years.

Keep an eye on Scott at the start of the season, as running backs traditionally make more significant and immediate impacts than their classmates at other positions.

Honorable mention: DeSean Hales, Texas

WR: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Coming off a 3-9 season with the 117th ranked scoring offense in Division I-A, it is safe to say that Notre Dame is in desperate need of true playmakers.  Help is on the way from five-star Minnesota prospect Michael Floyd.

True freshmen Duval Kamara and Golden Tate showed flashes of excellence at the wide receiver position during last year's abysmal run, but the unit still lacks a consistent big-play threat.  Floyd's performance at the 2008 Army All-American game has given Irish fans hope that he will be able to fill this role for sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen early and often.

Honorable mention: Julio Jones, Alabama

TE: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

Now before people jump on me for including two Irish players on this list, keep in mind that that this team had arguably its worst campaign in its storied history but still managed to bring in a consensus top five recruiting class.  Thus, opportunities should abound for young blue-chippers to see the field early and often this season in South Bend.

Standout John Carlson has graduated, and Rivals.com's top-ranked tight end prospect Rudolph has all the physical tools to step right in and become a reliable target for Clausen.  If nothing else, look for Rudolph to become an immediate red zone threat with his size and knack for coming down with the jump ball.

Honorable mention: Blake Ayles, USC

OT: Mike Adams, Ohio State

The tackle position and offensive line in general is often a very difficult unit for true freshmen to have a significant impact on.  Recent high school graduates typically need one to two years of a college weight room and coaching before they are ready to step in and showcase their talents across the line.  Thus, projecting frosh impact players here is somewhat of a guessing game or crapshoot.

With Alex Boone firmly entrenched at left tackle for the reigning Big 10 champ Buckeyes, Adams will have to fight to win the bookend spot on the right side of the line.  Adams has ideal size and is as naturally gifted as they come, but he will have to rebound from a shoulder injury that limited him during spring practice.

Honorable mention: Matt Kalil, USC

OG: Josh Jenkins, West Virginia

The Mountaineer coaching staff pulled off somewhat of a recruiting surprise when they were able to fight off traditional college football powerhouses to earn this in-state offensive guard prospect's signature on National Signing Day.

Jenkins was a blue-chip recruit that immediately became the most talented and sought-after offensive lineman on the WVU squad when he arrived in Morgantown this summer.  He has the honor of blocking for arguably the most dangerous backfield in college football next season.

Honorable mention: A.J. Harmon, Georgia

DEFENSE:

DE: DaQuan Bowers, Clemson

Bowers put his talents on display for the nation to see at last year's ESPN Under Armour All-American Game.  The South Carolina native has the speed and quickness to be an absolute terror off the edge while also possessing the strength necessary to hold his own against the run.

Clemson fans have every right to believe that Bowers will immediately take control of the strongside end role and give ACC offensive coordinators fits for years to come.  He should be next in a long line of heralded Tiger defensive linemen, which includes recent top NFL draft picks Gaines Adams and Phillip Merling.

Honorable mention: Ethan Johnson, Notre Dame

DT: Marcus Forston, Miami

Marcus Forston was one of eight prospects from Dade County powerhouse Miami Northwestern High School to pledge to the nearby Hurricanes for the class of 2008.  Forston's sheer strength and quickness off the ball should make him an immediate impact player on a team in sore need of difference makers after a dismal 5-7 mark during Randy Shannon's first year as head coach.

Scouts and coaches alike raved about Forston's play against the nation's best during the Army All-American week in San Antonio this past January.

Honorable mention: Omar Hunter, Florida

LB: Nigel Bradham, FSU

Mickey Andrews has a new weapon to unleash next year in Tallahassee.  In an impressive talent-rich 2008 recruiting haul for legendary coach Bobby Bowden, Bradham stands out as the headliner.

Bradham possesses the physical ability, mentality, and instincts necessary to dominate at the linebacker position.  Look for Bradham to be a tackle machine for the 'Noles this fall.

Honorable mention: Jerrell Harris, Alabama

CB: Patrick Johnson, LSU

Last year, Vols newcomer Eric Berry proved that true freshmen can make a monumental impact in the defensive backfield, even in a league as competitive and talent-loaded as the SEC.

While the defending champion Tigers may not be in desperate need for bodies at the cornerback position, Pompano Beach, Florida product Patrick Johnson simply has more sheer talent and raw athleticism than anyone else on the roster.  A versatile athlete, Johnson could also potentially get some serious looks at safety during his first year in Baton Rouge.

Honorable mention: Boubacar Cissoko, Michigan

S: Will Hill, Florida

Nicknamed "Will the Thrill," Hill was a human highlight reel during his four years at St. Peter's Prep in New Jersey.  Hill is extremely versatile and may get some looks on the offensive side of the ball in certain situations for the Gators this fall.

However, it is at safety where Hill should become a household name in short order and the first Florida All-American at the position since former first round pick Reggie Nelson.

Look for Hill to add immediate and drastic improvement to a young but talented UF defensive backfield that saw its share of struggles during the 2007 campaign.

Honorable mention: Rahim Moore, UCLA