Reserved excitement

Several months ago I wrote an article about possible impact players among the incoming freshmen. I have also noticed recently a flurry of posts on different message boards about some incoming freshmen and their potential to make an impact. While I am excited about several players and their potential to make an impact, I am equally reserved about the thought they will make a huge impact like Collie of '04 or Jacobson of '06.

Let's look at history:

Of the 25 players recruited in the 2006 class, the following actually played in a game:

Four Star:
Matangi Tonga: Saw reps along the line and even had an interception on the year.

Three Star:
McKay Jacobson: Freshman sensation, saw quite a bit of time on the field and was quite successful.
Ryan Freeman: Saw reps on the offensive line due to injuries.
Tico Pringle: Limited reps, no longer at BYU.
Andre Saulsberry: Played in 6 games, 1 tackle.

Two star:
Mike Hauge: Clean-up RB, used very infrequently but had one really nice 82-yard run on the season.
Ian Dulan: Surprise contributor along the line until he got injured.
Romney Fuga: Played at NT through out season.

As you can see here, quite a few freshman (or JC transfers) contributed to the 2006 squad. Besides Jacobson, however, it would be very hard to argue that any made a huge impact (Dulan was on the right road but got injured.)

Jacobson's edge, besides athletic ability, was the fact that he arrived in Winter and played in Spring and all through summer. Ryan Kessman graduated early in order to do so but was denied by the NCAA Clearinghouse (he arrived in June instead.) Austin Jorgensen did arrive in Winter but got injured and will be out for the season.

At this point their is good enough depth at most positions that we shouldn't see many freshman contribute in substantial ways. However, fall camp starts in a couple days and injuries can throw the projected depth chart out the window. The only positions I see freshman making an immediate impact is at NT (which already has little depth) and H-back (DiLuigi or Kessman.) The rest will likely have to wait their turns to step foot on the field.

My 3 Cents: In order to see any of these players on the field, they need to be in top shape and quickly grasp the play book. I think most freshman that do play will fill a role similar to that of Hague, Fuga and Pringle last year: Back-up when the starters (and backups) need a rest, but not as a main cog in the machine.