Instant impact: Four who could play early
Three major games during the all-star season featured plenty of premier prospects and intriguing one-on-one battles pitting the best against the best. With that in mind, here is a look at four players that showed they could make an immediate impact as true freshmen next season.
WR Theo Howard, Westlake Village (Calif.) Westlake
Recruitment overview: The four-star receiver committed to Oregon last spring but back off that pledge once he realized he wanted to stay close to home for college. UCLA won out after drawing an official visit during the season, and he has already started attending classes there.
Impact potential: With four of the Bruins' top five pass-catchers from last season gone, there should be plenty of opportunity for Howard, who had a strong showing at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, to make a splash as a freshman in the fall. UCLA has one of the most promising quarterback prospects in the nation in former five-star Josh Rosen, the reigning Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year, and Howard could be a versatile weapon early given that he'll be on campus for spring practice. Head coach Jim Mora's team will also feature a new offensive coordinator following the departure of Noel Mazzone to Texas A&M, so Howard should have a clean slate to work with.
LB Carter Coughlin, Eden Prarie, Minn.
Recruitment overview: Coughlin was not a highly recruited prospect. His biggest offers were from Michigan State, Ohio State, and Oregon but his offer sheet was less than 10 schools long. Coughlin committed to Minnesota in March of 2015 and has remained solid since.
Impact potential: The Big Ten is known for its size and strength. Coughlin has that and the speed to be a force to be reckoned with. His abilities to quickly read and react were obvious at the Army All-American Bowl and in practice leading up to the game. He had the strength to fend off linemen and the speed to chase down ball carriers. During practice, Coughlin made his presence felt in coverage and against the run, causing multiple turnovers and making tackles near the line of scrimmage.
WR Tyrie Cleveland, Houston (Texas) Westfield
Recruitment overview: Cleveland’s offer sheet is impressive, loaded with major schools like Alabama, Oklahoma, LSU, and many others. He committed to the Cougars in early December but has official visits to TCU, Arkansas, and Florida schedule for this month.
Impact potential: While it doesn’t sound like Cleveland’s commitment to Houston is 100 percent solid, he will be a difference-maker wherever he ends up. He showed off reliable hands during the week of practice leading up to the Under Armour All-America Game and has a great catch radius. Cleveland was able to get good separation from defensive backs and is deceptively fast while in his route. He has a great frame and can be effective on short, intermediate and deep routes.
ATH A.J. Taylor, Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst
Recruitment overview: The Rivals250 prospect committed to Wisconsin in August over several other Big Ten offers.
Impact potential: Based on what Taylor showed at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, the Badgers are getting an all-purpose back that can do several things. The four-star was productive carrying the ball out of the backfield, but also proved to be effective catching the ball and matched up well against linebackers in open space. Taylor also saw some reps at slot receiver and had a nice showing there, too. He might not be incredibly explosive, but he's well-rounded enough to have a role next season.