College Football Recruiting 2011: Top Impact Freshman and Starters

Remember the impact Maurice Clarett had in his first year at Ohio State? How about Mike Williams at USC? Then there was Adrian Peterson's frosh year in Norman.

College football fans always want to know who is coming into their program, and with football being a "win now" game, freshmen are being asked more and more to make an impact immediately. With this 2011 incoming freshman class, there are a few players we think could become instant impact players in the inaugural years.

Come see who could be an instant star at a school near you.

Savon Huggins, RB: Rutgers

Running back is the easiest position to transition to, whether jumping from preps to college or college to pros.

Huggins is not only the Scarlet Knight's highest-rated incoming freshman, but he also plays running back. He could have a Ray Rice type of career in Piscataway in becoming the face of the program that Tom Savage was to due to be.

Look for him to get plenty of touches in North Jersey early as a true freshman, since he runs strong and has solid size at 6'0", 190 pounds.

La'El Collins, LT: LSU

Collins is a 6'5", 290-pound left tackle with great feet who has a chance to replace Joe Barksdale as the left side protector in the Bayou.

It's always tough to start in the trenches as a young player, as the strength of the defensive linemen especially in the SEC is amazing. Plus, starting as a left tackle is tough because of the importance of the position.

But there some observers who likened Collins to defeating the odds due to his talent and skill level he's shown as the top player in Louisiana.

Ray Drew, DE/OLB: UGA

Drew will make the transition from playing defensive end in high school to standing up as an outside linebacker/rush end in UGA 3-4 defense.

While this will be a transition that will take time for Drew as he must learn the nuances of coverage adjustments, motions and proper run fits. But I think in his true freshman season, the 6'5", 245-pounder can become a great sub package rusher for the Dawgs.

Look for Todd Grantham to bring him along slowly standing up, but in obvious passing situations let him put his hand down and get upfield.

Malcolm Brown, RB: Texas

As with Huggins, Brown plays a spot where he transition is seamless. What also helps his cause for playing time is that Texas will have two new offensive coordinators in Brian Harsin and Major Applewhite, which means things will be fresh for every one and no favorites.

Brown also has another trait going for him, a few: he's 6'0", 220-pound monster with a blend of run strength, speed, vision and instincts with the ball.

It will be hard to keep him off the field, as he battles Fozzy Whitaker among other incumbents for carries in Austin. 

Lamar Dawson, LB: USC

USC loses SAM linebacker Michael Morgan to graduation and I'm not sure if Devon Kenard is fast enough to continue in the cover-2 system at MIKE for USC. Chris Galippo has flashed his all-world ability coming out of high school, but has been inconsistent.

The linebacker position at USC is a sacred spot to have as the school has fielded many greats. Dawson has a chance to be a Chris Claiborne type and restore the tradition back at the spot at USC.

He's 6'2", 230 pounds already and USC is known to play true freshman. Look for him to be an early down linebacker early while he learns the coverages in Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron's defense.

Isaiah Crowell, RB: Georgia

Crowell is almost guaranteed to have an impact in Athens during the 2011 campaign. Even Mark Richt spoke on signing day about how he hopes Crowell can get the first carry vs. Boise State in the Dawgs' opening game.

Another running back on this list, Crowell has good size at 5'11", 210 pounds with game-breaking speed and quickness. He's never had to carry the load in high school so Georgia will ease him into being the man.

But with Washaun Ealey suspended and coming into this year in the Dawg House (pun intended), Crowell's impact becomes that much more important for UGA SEC title hopes.

Christian Westerman, OT/OG: Auburn

Auburn loses a ton of players that played crucial roles in their national championship run. A few of those players are along the offensive line.

Westerman is billed as the top incoming right tackle at 6'5", 290 pounds and could also play inside at guard. He's a nasty run blocker and who has great strength and explosion at the point. He won't back down nor be intimidated by the SEC defensive linemen and as Gus Malzahn retools his offensive front, Westerman could be poised by one of the retoolers.

Anthony Chickillo, DE: Miami

Chickillo fits on this list because I think he will add a spark to Miami's pass rush. He's a try-hard, effort player with a great motor and this should win over the new Hurricane coaching staff.

Sources tell me that effort was lacking all around the program under Randy Shannon, including in the coaching staff. Some players even quit on coaches. Chickillo, 6'3", 235 pounds, has a chance to come in, and in his true frosh year be a solid designated pass rusher as he gains weight and strength to anchor vs. the run.

Kiehl Frazier, QB: Auburn

Auburn lost program superstar Cam Newton to the NFL Draft, and enter the season with some looming questions and uncertainty at the signal caller spot.

Whenever there are questions, and a hot shot true freshman is coming, then the chances of the freshman playing and winning the spot only increase. Kiehl Frazier not only a talented incoming true freshman who can do similar things Newton did, but he also played in virtually the same offense in high school that Auburn employs.

Frazier is from the Springdale area, where offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is a legend and has influenced the area's offensive coaches. Frazier school ran the same offense almost down to a T, with similar verbiage and terminology.

Viliami Moala, DT: California

Moala could impact Cal's defense if he playing tomorrow. Why? Easy. He's 6'2", 330 pounds with great strength to simply just take up space and plug the middle.

But what will expedite Moala's trek to getting on the field is his snap quickness. He flies off the ball, has a top-notch motor and pushes the pocket constantly. Cal runs a hybrid 3-4, 4-3 defense that varies down to down, game to game.

He has a chance to be a starter early on Strawberry Hill.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Clowney will have an impact at any of the three final schools he's considering. He can play the 40 front strong side end spot at Clemson and in South Carolina's defense, but can also stand up as a JACK defender at Alabama.

No matter where he ends up, he's simply too good to not have any kind of impact. 6'6", 250 pounds he combines too much speed, athleticism, strength and a solid pass rush plan to not at worst be his team's designated rusher on passing downs as a true freshman.

Now we just need to know where that will be.

Dee Hart, RB: Alabama

As Trent Richardson takes over the every down load from Mark Ingram, look for Hart to fill Richardson's "Robin" role. 5'8", 190 pounds, Hart is a stack of dynamite and huge touchdown threat.

At the worst I think he can factor as a return man in Tuscaloosa while getting eased in with limited carries. Hart can also be a specialty package player with being used in the slot, on screens and on trick plays.

Something just tells me that Hart will see the field as a true freshman along with the notion that he already is at school, taking classes and will participate in spring ball.

Branden Williams, RB: Oklahoma

OU must replace DeMarco Murray this year and will likely do so by committee. With the pool of candidates being increased, Williams' chances will be, too.

At 6'1", 190 pounds, he's a back who can factor as a runner and receiver. He runs well with strength between the tackles and has speed to turn the corner. Some say he has better hands and natural receiving ability than Malcolm Brown does at this point.

Look for Williams to get some touches in Norman as a freshman.

Harvey Langi, RB: Utah

Originally, I had Langi down as a recruit who made a questionable decision, as Utah was slated to continue running a shotgun-spread option type offense.

Now the Utes have hired Norm Chow as a offensive coordinator and he runs more of a pro style system. Chow is no stranger to playing true freshman backs with size as we saw how he used LenDale White at USC.

Langi has similar size to White and if comes to camp and displays run strength, solid toughness and a no-nonsense running style, there is no doubt he will get some touches from Chow in his frosh campaign.