2013 College Football Picks: Top 5 Impact Freshmen – Derrick Green Top RB

2013 College Football Picks – Top 5 Impact Freshmen: Recruiting in college football has become a full-time job for all involved, and whether it is the coaching staffs scouting, meeting and trying to attract the top prospects or the media trying to rank them and predict where they are going to school, incoming freshmen are no stranger to getting attention. Heck, National Signing Day has become a holiday of sorts for college football fans. That being said, not all highly-touted freshmen make an immediate impact on their teams. Some just aren’t ready for the bigger stage, and others simply aren’t in situations that are conducive to immediate success. However, a select group of first-year players have the right blend of circumstances and talent to become difference makers for their teams as soon as this season. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the five incoming freshmen that should make the biggest impact on their teams for the 2013 college football season.

1.      Derrick Green, Running Back, Michigan Wolverines

With Denard Robinson no longer under center, Michigan figures to run even more traditional running plays, and Green will likely be the workhorse from Day 1. The Wolverines have been looking for a back to give their offense an identity for a while, and there is a reason coach Brady Hoke celebrated when he received a commitment from this guy. He has the ideal blend of power and speed to handle being a top back in the Big Ten, and his ability to run between the tackles with authority gives him a chance to become a major star in the Wolverines’ system sooner rather than later.

2.      MarQuez North, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee heads into the 2013 season without its three top receivers from a year ago so North should waste little time getting on the field. From there his 6’4” frame should help the second-rated receiver in this year’s class make plenty of plays, especially in the red zone. With quarterback Justin Worley will be entering his first year as starter and no proven playmakers returning, North’s size alone will make him an attractive target. Don’t be surprised if he leads all freshmen receivers in touchdowns this year.

3.      Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Mississippi Rebels

Considering he possesses a scary combination of size, speed and strength and stands 6’5” and weighs 270 pounds, it is easy to understand why Nkemdiche was the top-rated player in this year’s class at any position. However, it is his advanced understanding of pass rushing techniques that will allow him to make a big impact for the Rebels’ defense immediately. Granted, he will likely have to adjust to life in the SEC, but Nkemdiche has all the tools to lead Mississippi in sacks as a freshman.

4.      Su’a  Cravens, Safety, USC Trojans

Despite a minor knee injury, Cravens is on track to start for the Trojans this year. In fact, he has been playing with the starting defensive unit since he showed up on campus. He was the 12th overall prospect at any position in this year’s class, and while he has the coverage skills to become an excellent defender in the secondary, don’t be surprised if USC uses him in multiple rolls. Cravens continues to add size to his frame, and he could parlay his combination of size, speed and agility into a role as an outside linebacker. Regardless of where he lines up, look for him to make a lot of plays for the USC defense this season.

5.      Thomas Tyner, Running Back, Oregon Ducks

While he is actually bigger than most of Oregon’s recent running backs, Tyner’s blazing speed fits the profile of a player that will excel in the Ducks’ system. In fact, he would probably pile up monster statistics if given a featured role. As it stands, he will split carries with fellow speedsters De’Anthony and Byron Marshall, but that shouldn’t stop him from ripping off his share of big runs and other explosive plays. After all, it’s not like the high-powered Oregon read-option system can’t support multiple playmakers.

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