With the national signing day in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take a closer look at the next wave of stars that are most likely to have the biggest impact for their programs next season. A year ago, true freshmen like UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, Florida State safety Derwin James and Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk dominated the spotlight on the college stage. Who will rise to the top from this year’s college football class? Here is a look at the five recruits with the best chance to start and shine in 2016.
Jacob Eason, Georgia Bulldogs
Quarterback
The Washington-native stuck with his commitment to Georgia even after Mark Richt left as head coach, and now he should have the opportunity to start from the outset as a true freshman next season. Eason was given plenty of offers from big programs, but ultimately he decided to stick with the Bulldogs and battle for the starting quarterback job. Kirby Smart will undoubtedly give him every opportunity to earn the No. 1 job as the second-rated pro quarterback prospect from this year’s recruiting class. Eason is smart, athletic, has a big arm and is very accurate and if he can handle the mental side of the college football game he could thrive as a breakout star in the SEC next season.
Greg Little, Ole Miss Rebels
Tackle
The nation’s No. 3 overall recruit is the biggest standout in an absolutely loaded class for Ole Miss and he will have every opportunity to start from the outset as a true freshman. The 6’5’’, 305-pound anchor is looking to follow in the footsteps of Laremy Tunsil and go from high school to starting left tackle in college. He is physically dominant enough to do it. The mental side could take a little bit longer, but he is talented enough to start right away. The Rebels’ need for two new tackles should accelerate the process of Little becoming an immediate college football starter.
Mique Juarez, UCLA Bruins
Linebacker
The Bruins lost top NFL linebacker prospect Myles Jack, but they appear to have found another absolute stud at the position in Juarez, who has the skill and versatility to step in and make an immediate impact. At nearly 6’2’’ and 231 pounds, Juarez is a physical specimen that thrives against the run, but also has the athleticism and awareness to either rush the passer or drop back in coverage. UCLA has produced some outstanding linebackers over the years and it appears as though Juarez is next in line as a defender that should have an immediate impact as a true freshman.
Devwah Whaley, Arkansas Razorbacks
Running Back
Arkansas lost running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams from a year ago, so they have a need at the position. Thats’ where Whaley has the potential to start from the outset and have a major impact. Head coach Brett Bielema has raved about Whaley’s talent and at 6’0’’ and 209 pounds he certainly has the physical frame to step in right away and handle a heavy workload. This is a team that loves to pound the ball and gain yards behind a road-grading offensive line. Whaley figures to be step in right away and become an instant star in the SEC next season.
N’Keal Henry, Arizona State Sun Devils
Wide Receiver
The Sun Devils’ search for another elite talent at wide receiver landed them an absolute gem in Henry. He has the potential to be a great. The 6’4’’ Arizona State signee has the ability to dominate from the outset with his size, speed and elite hands. He also seems to have the motivation after saying he intends to “break every school record” after signing with the Sun Devils. He should be put in good position to succeed as the Sun Devils have ranked highly in offensive categories in the Todd Graham era. Henry has the potential to be a college football matchup nightmare for cornerbacks in the Pac-12 and he should make an immediate impact for Arizona State in 2016.
