Diaper Dandies-- College Football Edition

Sure, they don't have as much impact as Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, and Michael Beasley. But still, college football freshmen have become more and more important to the success of their teams in recent years. 2008 saw major impacts from true freshmen like AJ Green (Georgia), Julio Jones (Alabama), Michael Floyd (Notre Dame), and the Florida defensive back combination of Will Hill and Janoris Jenkins. Typically, impact freshmen come in the form of running backs and wide receivers. 2009 could be different, however.


Matt Barkley (Southern Cal)

With Mark Sanchez gone, USC looked to their other ten 5 star QB recruits to replace him. Aaron Corp looked to be the heir apparent, but Barkley has impressed people to the point where those within the USC program believe he could start from Day One in Los Angeles. I have a feeling that Corp will get the starting job at least until after the Ohio State game. But, look for Barkley to play significant minutes in 2009 for the Trojans.


Tate Forcier (Michigan)

Tate may not be the second or even fifth ranked quarterback coming out of high school, but he's certainly one of the most polished. And, considering the turmoil surrounding the Michigan football program and, in particular, the QB position, Forcier will be expected to come in and start right away. Luckily for Forcier, he does not have very large shoes to fill, as Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan did nothing but suck last year. Still, Forcier may be the most scrutinized true freshman in college football next year. With his accuracy and football IQ, I expect Tate to exceed expectations.


Bryce Brown (Tennessee)

With Arian Foster leaving, Tennessee is razor thin at the running back position. Luckily, they landed what some recruiting sites (including Rivals.com) believe is the best incoming freshman in the country. At 6 foot 215, Brown has plenty of size to go with his blazing speed. When you find a running back with Brown's size/power and speed combination, you hold onto him. Brown should see the majority of carries for Lane Kiffin this year. I would expect some productive numbers along with a few runs that make their way onto ESPN's Top 10 plays. Fellow true freshman David Oku should also give Tennessee a decent back-up option to Brown.


Rueben Randle (LSU)

With speedsters Trindon Holliday and Chris Mitchell and a maturing quarterback in Jordan Jefferson, LSU needs that impact, outside wide receiver that can take over games. At 6'3 Rueben Randle can be that guy. While his size is excellent, Randle is also pretty fast and has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Randle was made in the same mold as the aforementioned Green, Floyd, and Jones. There is nothing to suggest that Randle's impact won't be similar to these guys. LSU was looking for an outside WR... and they found one.


D.J. Fluker (Alabama)

Generally, offensive linemen are not found among the impact freshmen in college football. Well, D.J. Fluker is not your typical true freshman offensive lineman. Most offensive linemen don't end their high school careers at 6'7, 350. Combine Fluker's amazing size with the departure of offensive tackle and anchor Andre Smith, Fluker has the chance to be an impact player right away. Look for a lot of pancake blocks on the left end of the Alabama offensive linemen from Fluker.


Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)

When Te'o committed to Notre Dame, relief came to South Bend like a truck load of Rolaids. For the first time in Charlie Weis's tenure at Notre Dame, he landed a big-time, impact defensive recruit. Offensive talent has been plentiful. The defense has been putrid. Te'o gives defensive coordinator Corwin Brown and defensive genius Jon Tenuta a linebacker who has the ability to both rush the passer and drop back in coverage at an elite level. The commitment of Te'o to Notre Dame surprised everyone. So will the sight of a talented defensive player on the football field in South Bend in the fall.


Jacobbi McDaniel (Florida State)

Jacobbi McDaniel looks to join a long list of talented Florida State defensive linemen that includes names such as Warren Sapp, Corey Simon, Darnell Dockett, and recently drafted Everette Brown. McDaniel isn't huge and only stands six foot tall. So, while he may not be ready to be an every-down defensive tackle, expect McDaniel to see the field a lot. McDaniel plays extremely fast from the DT position, an asset that could prove very valuable. Opposing ACC quarterbacks will see a lot of Jacobbi McDaniel this year... while on their backs.


Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama)

If you follow football closely enough, you will notice that there is a sort of height threshold when it comes to cornerbacks. Rarely do you see cornerbacks much taller than 6 foot. At 6'2 with extreme quickness, Kirkpatrick has many believing that he can be one of those rare tall cornerbacks. If so, his height can provide a huge benefit when it comes to defending jump balls. And, if the cornerback thing doesn't work out, Kirkpatrick could prove to be a stud safety. With his athleticism and versatility, Alabama will find a spot somewhere for him in the defensive backfield.



Others to Watch:

Will Campbell, DT, Michigan
Ray Ray Armstrong, S, Miami (FL)
Craig Loston, S, LSU
Greg Reid, DB, Florida State