College Football Recruiting 2012: The Top 5 Instant Impact Classes

Sure, I figure it might be a bit early to get into this type of discussion, but I'm going to take a stab at it anyway. Recruiting usually is an impact felt two to three years down the road upon a class signing.

However, there are times when a couple recruits per class help out as true freshmen that give a program an instant return on their investments. Today, we're going to look at five classes that have the potential to make an instant impact.

5. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have several players lined up that I think could chip in some as true freshmen and several others that will impact after a redshirt year and so forth.

I think Dominque Wheeler and Reggie Davis can run some routes and catch a couple balls in their first year. Christian Okafor and his 6'6", 300-pound frame can at least add some depth to the offensive front.

Then, Mike Starts can help out on the DL, as a swing DT, in his first year. Hala Vaitai I expect will help after a redshirt year to add some girth on the OL.

4. Miami

This class, really as a whole, has a good chance to be an admired bunch. They're going to Coral Gables while knowing they are going to be laced with heavy and severe sanctions, likely for the duration of their stay at The U.

Al Golden is still trying to get "his guys" in Miami, and this class is the first full class he can move forward with. They'll help change the culture of selfishness and laziness within the program.

DE Jelani Hamilton should form a good duo with Anthony Chickillo, Keith Brown can help out at LB and Duke Johnson's speed and quickness will be counted on as a true freshman next year.

3. Texas

The Longhorns have the nation's top class and have many prospects that can impact. It starts with 5-star RB commit Johnathan Gray. Malcolm Brown is getting carries now as a true frosh, but Gray will come in and help him next year.

Cayleb Jones can catch a couple passes, Hassan Ridgeway could serve as a sub rusher and Tim Cole and Peter Jinkens and can play special teams.

Malcom Brown, the DT recruit, could see time on various fronts that the Longhorns employ, as his skill set suits the 3-technique spot perfectly.

2. Notre Dame

Yeah, I have the Irish on this list. I think there's some players in this class that can play a role on next year's squad. 

Their defensive front will be aided once again, as Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day could see some snaps next season.

Deontay Greenberry told me last week that he has been asked to watch everything Michael Floyd does, as he will be used that way next year. Then Ronald Darby and Tee Shepard could see time on nickel and dime packages.

1. Michigan

This class will impact early thanks to the defensive recruits the Wolverines have coming to town next season. We all know that Big Blue's defense has not done well over the past few seasons.

The LBs alone are a daunting group, as Joe Bolden, James Ross, Kaleb Ringer and Royce Jenkins-Stone will battle to see the field in various roles. CB Terry Richardson could win a nickel or dime back spot.

Then you have to figure that either Tom Strobel, Mario Ojemudia or Chris Wormley will see a few snaps as a DPR, Jarrod Wilson could play some special teams and Kyle Kalis will add immediate depth to the OL.