College Football 2011: Stanford's Top 5 Impact Freshmen for 2011

The Stanford Cardinal may have lost their head coach to the NFL, but they are bringing in an excellent recruiting class to help make up for his absence this upcoming college football season.

Included in the class are some new weapons for top NFL prospect Andrew Luck to work with on offense, as well as some solid defenders to add depth to what was the 10th-ranked scoring defense last season.

The Cardinal are expected to contend for the Pac-12 championship this season and have a national championship in their sights. 

If the five freshmen on the following pages can have a big impact this season, it will go a long way toward Stanford accomplishing its dream of hoisting the BCS national championship trophy.

1. Kelsey Young

Stepfan Taylor had a huge season for Stanford last year, rushing for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

However, Kelsey Young can still make an impact as a freshman. Young is a straight line runner in the mold of former Cardinal tailback Toby Gerhart, only he's not nearly as big. 

Young is not a breakaway talent who will rip off huge gains, but he will move the chains, pick up his blocks and finish off runs with power. 

After serving as Taylor's backup for a year, Young will be ready to step into a starting role in 2012. 

2. Brendon Austin

Brendon Austin is a big man, but he needs to add some bulk if he's going to be a long-term tackle and make it to the next level.

At just 265 pounds as a high school senior, he doesn't have the kind of size to be able to play tackle in the Pac-12 just yet.

However, if he can add some size before the season starts, he can be a real force protecting Andrew Luck and clearing the way for Stepfan Taylor.

He's also a pretty good athlete on his feet and gets to the second level well, which will really help in the running game.

3. Wayne Lyons

Wayne Lyons likes hitting people. Hard.

That's why he's going to be an excellent strong safety at the college level.

What he lacks in ideal size, he makes up for in hard hitting. He's great defending the run in the box, and although his coverage skills could use some improvement, he's respectable in that area as well. 

If he proves that he's able to cover receivers out of the slot in man coverage in addition to covering the deep half of the field in zone, he could see a bunch of playing time as a freshman.

4. James Vaughters

James Vaughters is a monster.

He's excellent at coming downhill in run support from his inside linebacker position and has flashed the ability to play outside backer as well.

It's that versatility that will enable Vaughters to see plenty of playing time in his freshman season.

He already has great size for his position at 6'2" and 230 pounds, and the sky is really the limit in terms of his athletic ability.

5. Ty Montgomery

Ty Montgomery should be a nice new toy for Andrew Luck to play with as he makes his way toward the NFL.

Montgomery is a complete receiver, able to work short possession routes and go deep for big plays. 

He has adequate size, great hands, good jumping ability and is a terrific route runner. Usually prospects come into college very raw and have to learn how to run precise routes, but Montgomery will not have that adjustment period.

Montgomery's lack of fear when going over the middle will make him one of Luck's favorite targets this year.