College Football: Five Newcomers Who Can Make an Impact at Florida State

Expectations are high in Tallahassee for Florida State head football coach Jimbo Fisher.  With less than a month till kickoff in Doak Campbell Stadium, Fisher and the Seminole football program are avidly preparing for the upcoming season.

The Seminoles enter the season with a potent offense led by proven senior quarterback and team leader, Christian Ponder.

The defense, however, has a lot of unanswered questions heading into the fall. Everyone is wondering whether new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops can find a way to turn his unit around.

With a majority of the starters from last season returning this year, Fisher has a good idea of what he's going to get on the field from every player.

However, what about the new guys?  What can Fisher and Seminole fans expect from incoming freshmen and transfers?

Let's take a look.

5. Christian Jones

Incoming freshman linebacker Christian Jones, from Lake Howell High School in Central Florida, is best described as a freak of nature.

Standing 6'4" tall, the standout from Winter Park weighs in at a whopping 220 pounds.  

And that's mostly muscle.

Many have said Jones is already built like an NFL linebacker with his incredible size.  

And it's not just his physical features that wow spectators, it's also his pure talent and knowledge of the game.  This does not come as a surprise, however, as both Jones' brother and father played football for Bobby Bowden at Florida State.

With the defense being the biggest weakness of the team, it would be no surprise to see a few true freshmen making appearances every now and then, especially if the older players continue to struggle.

Another advantage that Jones as well as every other freshman has is that everyone is learning the new system.  

The entire defense is back at ground zero, not just the freshmen.

Jones has already been making noise in Tallahassee, as good things are being said about his performances in practices.  As expected, he is having no difficulty keeping up with the older and more experienced players.

Don't be surprised to see Jones to see the field early this season, and make a considerable impact while doing so.

4. Mike Harris

A junior college transfer from California, cornerback Mike Harris returns to his home state of Florida to line up for the Seminoles.

Having lost Patrick Robinson to the NFL draft, the Seminoles would love for Harris to step into the starting role and be an immediate playmaker.

However, the job is not going to be handed to Harris, as the Seminoles are now surprisingly deep at the cornerback position.  Harris will find himself battling Dionte Allen, Ochuko Jenije, Greg Reid, and Xavier Rhodes to earn one of two starting spots.

There's also a talented youngster who could push his way to time on the field, but we'll get to him later.

Should Harris win the battle and earn a starting position, his impact will be felt. Noted for his incredibly flexibility and raw talent, Harris has everything it takes to be a playmaking corner for the Seminoles.

3. Anthony McCloud

Another junior college transfer, defensive tackle Anthony "Amp" McCloud has finally made his way to Tallahassee after signing a letter of intent more than two years ago back in 2008.  But everything is on track now, and McCloud is ready to roll.

Last year, the Seminoles' presence on the defensive line was atrocious.  Help was needed, and desperately.  

It looks like they may have found some.

McCloud has always wanted to be a Seminole, and is now ready to prove that he is worthy to don the Garnet and Gold.  Eager to get started, the defensive tackle has made a lot of noise already with his great work ethic.

Fisher has raved about the great improvements McCloud has made and how much he can add to the defense.

With all of his on-field progress, barring any injuries, McCloud should be a shoo-in for a starting spot come September.

2. Lamarcus Joyner

Lamarcus Joyner, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, has always wanted to be a Seminole since watching his idol play for the first time.  That idol happens to be none other than "Primetime" himself, Deion Sanders.

Now Joyner has his shot, and he plans to make the best of it.  He has even stated he would love to bring back Sanders' No. 2, if Sanders would allow it.  Only one Seminole has worn that number since Sanders left Tallahassee.

Attitude and confidence is in no short supply when it comes to this talented, hard-nosed Miami native.  Joyner says his goal is to bring the glory days back to Florida State.

Every Seminole fan out there can only hope young Lamarcus achieves his goal.

Winning the USA Today High School Defensive Player of the Year for 2009, Joyner is sure to eventually make an impact on the defensive side of the ball for the Seminoles.

However, it's going to be on special teams where Joyner will make his mark this coming season.  Joyner is an explosive return specialist much like sophomore Greg Reid, unfortunately for opposing teams.

Joyner and Reid could combine to create the most deadly return team in college football.  Pick your poison—Reid, Joyner, or the 40-yard line.  What will it be?

1. Debrale Smiley

High school and community college teammate of Anthony McCloud, running back Debrale Smiley also finally finds himself in the city of Tallahassee ready to get to work.  He had the same issue as McCloud, signing a letter of intent back in 2008, but failing to get on campus until now.

Smiley plans to make up for those lost years.

While the Seminole offense was extremely potent in most aspects, they did lack one piece last season.  And that was a big back who could punch the ball in short yardage and goal line situations.  

This is where Smiley comes in. 

Smiley is rather large for a running back, standing six feet tall and weighing in at 235 pounds.  But make no mistake, the kid can run.  

In fact, he broke away for the longest run in Florida State's spring game.

Smiley will be a dynamic back who can have a serious impact on this year's Florida State team.  Now the Seminole offense has someone they can depend on when it comes to 3rd-and-1 as well goal line situations, something they haven't had in a while.