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Newcomers: Can Neal replace Floyd
MORE: Newcomers: Pac-12 | Big Ten
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We've spent the last week listing the true freshmen and junior-college transfers who could make the biggest impact in the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC.
But there are plenty of newcomers from outside those conferences who also could have big seasons.
Pittsburgh welcomes in a record-setting running back from the Pennsylvania high school ranks. Rutgers and Boise State both have promising pass rushers, one from a high school and one from a junior college.
And then there's the case of the receiver who almost signed with Notre Dame and the one who actually did join the Fighting Irish.
Particulars: 6-3/187; Fresno (Calif.) Washington Union
Recruiting rating: Four stars (No. 7 wide receiver and No. 49 overall prospect in 2012 recruiting class)
Particulars: 6-4/260; Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep
Recruiting rating: Five stars (No. 2 strong-side defensive end and No. 11 overall prospect in 2012 class)
DE Demarcus LawrenceClick Buzz : Hamilton is the highest-rated prospect to sign with Rutgers since the current version of Rivals.com started in 2002. He also is the first five-star recruit to join the Scarlet Knights since defensive tackle Nate Robinson enrolled at Rutgers as the nation's No. 15 overall recruit in 2003. Hamilton remained committed to Rutgers even after former Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano left for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hamilton collected 21 sacks in his senior season, including four in a state championship game victory. Rutgers is well stocked at defensive end, as seniors Ka'lial Glaud and Marvin Booker and juniors Michael Larrow and Marcus Thompson all made at least one start last season. But Hamilton's talent demands he will find his way onto the field this fall.Here to view this Link.
Particulars: 6-3/241; Butler (Kan.) Community College
Recruiting rating: Three stars (No. 38 junior college prospect in 2012 class)
Particulars: 5-10/175; Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
Recruiting rating: Four stars (No. 17 wide receiver and No. 107 overall prospect in 2012 class)
Particulars: 6-0/215; Aliquippa (Pa.) Hopewell
Recruiting rating: Four stars (No. 6 running back and No. 55 overall player in 2012 class).
Buzz: Pittsburgh's offensive backfield already includes senior Ray Graham, who rushed for more than 900 yards each of the last two years. But we still have a feeling the Panthers are going to find plenty of carries for Shell. For one thing, Graham is returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and may need some time to work his way back into peak form. New Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst also occasionally showed a willingness to have multiple backs split carries during his years as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator. Shell rushed for a Pennsylvania state record 9,078 yards and scored 110 touchdowns in his high school career. He also set a national high school record by rushing for at least 100 yards in 39 consecutive games.
Steve Megargee is the national college columnist for Rivals.com. He can be reached at smegargee@rivals.com, and you can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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