College Football 2011: Braxton Miller and 11 Freshmen Ready to Make an Impact
It is very unlikely for a true freshman to come out of high school into the college football atmosphere and make an immediate impact.
2011's high school football though class has the talent, speed and athleticism to excel at the next level.
After signing all of these hyped high school stars, it is now time for them to prove themselves at the college level.
These 11 freshmen will make an immediate impact for their respective teams in 2011.
11. Anthony Johnson, DE (LSU)
1 of 11
With 79 career sacks, Anthony Johnson was Louisiana’s Mr. Football and two-time Defensive Player of the Year in Class 4A in Louisiana. He is 296 pounds of muscle and is poised to make an impact in the defensive rotation for LSU.
Johnson is also the No. 1 defensive tackle in this 2011 recruiting class. With a 5.1 40-yard dash, he has the quickness and speed to get off the ball that is required at the next level.
10. James Vaughters, ILB (Stanford)
2 of 11
Athleticism, size and strength; James Vaughters is a one-man wrecking crew at the middle linebacker position.
At 6’3’’ and 230 pounds, he can chase down swings out of the backfield and drop into a zone coverage for the slot receiver.
With Shayne Skov at outside linebacker, Stanford’s linebacking corps will be very strong. Vaughters is also very smart, and at Stanford, he has the perfect chance to excel as a freshman in the 2011 season.
9. Demetrious Nicholson, CB (Virginia Tech)
3 of 11
Demetrious Nicholson has a very good chance at coming into summer camp and becoming a starter as a true freshman. With Ras-I Dowling going to the NFL, Nicholson is the perfect player to fill his role.
In his junior year of high school, Nicholson recorded 28 tackles, 12 pass break-ups and nine interceptions. He is very good at man coverage with his ability to keep on the hip of any receiver in the nation.
He needs to work on his press coverage and upper body strength, but his ability to cover the deep pass will make him a very valuable corner for the Hokies this year.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
8. Reese Dismukes, C (Auburn)
4 of 11
Reese Dismukes will start at center for the Auburn Tigers next season. He has perfect size for a college center as a true freshman, and after earning a 3.7 GPA, Auburn is confident he can run the offensive line.
He has started at center since his sophomore year, proving he has the experience to play at the next level.
Dismukes can bench 300 pounds, squat 530 pounds and has a 26-inch vertical leap. He is the perfect fit for the Auburn Tigers at center next season.
7. C.J. Johnson, LB (Ole Miss)
5 of 11
Ole Miss landed a big-time middle linebacker who has a very good chance at starting next season.
At 235 pounds, C.J. Johnson can shed blockers who attempt to stop him from penetrating the backfield.
As a senior he recorded 149 tackles, was selected to play in the Army All-American game and was voted first-team All-State in Mississippi.
Johnson will lead the Rebels linebackers in tackles this season.
6. Charone Peake, WR (Clemson)
6 of 11
In my opinion, Charone Peake is the best wide receiver in the 2011 football class. He is 6'3" with big-play ability and has the best shot at starting next season for the Tigers as a true freshman.
Peake is almost impossible to cover in man coverage, especially when there is no safety help over the top. In his high school offense, he ran a lot of Wildcat and taser back.
Peake will out-duel Sammy Watkins this summer for the starting job at wide receiver.
5. Braxton Miller, QB (Ohio State)
7 of 11
Terrelle Pryor gave Braxton Miller the chance of a lifetime. After committing to Ohio State with the idea he would be redshirting his freshman year, Pryor got suspended for the first five games and Miller is now primed to start the opening game.
He is a versatile quarterback as a dual-threat, scoring 17 touchdowns through the air and another 17 on the ground during his senior season. He runs a 4.47 40-yard dash and will remind many Buckeyes of their suspended quarterback.
Miller may only get five games to play this year, but if he wins those five games, he will solidfy his starting job for the 2012 season.
4. Colt Lyerla, TE (Oregon)
8 of 11
This Oregon recruit is the most versatile player in this season's draft class.
Colt Lyerla has the talent and speed to play at multiple positions. After being recruited as a outside linebacker, he played tight end in Oregon's spring game. He could also play the slot receiver, taser back position. If Lyerla doesn’t get enough time on offense, as a 6'5", 225-pound athlete, the outside linebacker position is perfect for him.
With so many options available for Lyerla to play, his chances of making a huge impact this season are very probable.
3. Ray Drew, DE (Georgia)
9 of 11
Ray Drew is a star in the making at defensive end.
At 6'5", he has the size to rush the passer at the next level. He also has a very quick burst of speed off the ball and is extremely strong in his lower body.
Drew was offered more than 50 scholarship, but one of his major factors in choosing Georgia was the chance to start as a true freshman.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ray Drew as a SEC honorable mention as a defensive end next season.
2. Karlos Williams, S (Florida State)
10 of 11
Florida State will love Karlos Williams starting in their fast-paced defense. He is a hard-hitting, tough-nosed strong safety who isn’t afraid to knock somebody out.
Williams has amazing instincts and could be the best defensive player in this year’s class. At 6'1" and 205 pounds, he has perfect size for a college safety. Williams also has a very long stride that can cover immense amounts of ground with each step, making him a deadly ball-hawk in the defensive secondary.
1. Malcolm Brown, RB (Texas)
11 of 11
Malcolm Brown rushed for 2,170 yards, 33 touchdowns and was voted first-team All-State in Texas.
If that doesn’t prove he is the favorite to start as a freshman, he also brings power that hasn’t been seen in Austin since Cedric Benson played for the Longhorns.
Although he is 220 pounds, Brown can outrun defensive backs and is considered elusive as well.
Brown will start as a freshman, and he will rush for more than 1,000 yards for Texas next season.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
