College Football Recruiting 2012: Star Recruits That'll Warm the Bench in 2012

Not everyone gets to come in and do what Sammy Watkins, Jadeveon Clowney, Marcus Roberson and Isaiah Crowell have done this year. 

That's just how it is. While many recruits who don't have an immediate impact as a freshmen often go on to have riveting careers, riding the bench as a young'un happens.

Here are some top-level prospects who figure to be what my dad calls "Sideline Sams" in the 2012 season at their committed schools.

6. Conor Brewer, QB

Brewer is a 6'3", 190-pound QB from Arizona who is said to have the "it" factor. However, he likely won't be seen in 2012.

Upon initial thought, it's always tough for a QB to have an impact as a true freshman. But tack on the fact that Texas deploys two QBs in Case McCoy and David Ash, and you see why Brewer will be on track to sit back and watch next year.

5. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, TE

The 6'5", 250-pounder is headed to USC. There is some debate and speculation about which position he could play, though.

Some say Cope-Fitzpatrick will stick it out as a TE, while others look at him as a future solid DE for USC. If he stays at TE, I really think he'll be a no-go next year.

The Trojans already have two promising young TEs in Randall Telfer and Xavier Grimble.

4. Mario Pender, RB

Pender is stud RB prospect headed to Florida State.

I've always said that it's fairly easy for a top-tier RB prospect to notch a few carries as true freshman, but I don't see it for happening Pender.

Devon Freeman and James Wilder, Jr. are both in Tallahassee and will be the first two names called in relief for next year. Pender will be behind them in all likelihood, so unless he factors on special teams, a redshirt year may be in store for him.

3. Jessamen Dunker, OT

Dunker making this list has less to do with Florida's depth chart and more to do with his development. He's a 6'6", 315-pound specimen of an athlete, but he's raw.

Dunker needs seasoning, footwork refinement and technique revisions, and needs to get better at recognizing stunts, blitzes, twists, set-ups, moves and tricks.

He's just not ready yet. But when he does get up to speed, Dunker has the ceiling to be an All-SEC OT.

2. Jameis Winston, QB

Winston is also a top-notch baseball prospect and could be a first-round pick in next year's MLB Draft. So he might not ever make it to Florida State, somewhat like Joe Mauer.

But if he does, I think he will ride the bench in 2012.

E.J. Manuel will return and will be among the best QBs in the country. Then, behind him will be super-sub Clint Trickett. This two-headed depth chart monster will be too much to overcome for a true freshman QB.

1. Zeke Pike, QB

I don't see a scenario next year in which Pike will see the field, There are just too many QBs at Auburn for him to supplant for playing time, let alone the starting job.

In fact, Pike's commitment to Auburn just shows you how good of a recruiter Gene Chizik is. At 6'6" and 225 pounds, Pike can spin it with the best of them.

But he has to come in and learn a system that Barrett Trotter, Clint Mosely and Kiehl Frazier will all know better than him in 2012.