Ten impact recruits in the Big 12

Freshmen are breaking into starting or significant roles for their college programs are becoming more common across the country. In order to do it in the Big 12, though, you’re talking about a special breed of player. Here are 10 potential impact recruits to watch in the Big 12 for in 2003.

Tony Hills, Jr. of Alief (Texas) Elsik will find a way onto the field this fall for the Texas Longhorns. He comes to Austin as the nation’s top rated tight end and the only non-senior on the 2002 roster was David Thomas. Hills was the No. 1 rated player in the Midlands region.

Jasper, Texas, offensive tackle Jorrie Adams is staying in the state and joining Dennis Franchione’s Texas A&M squad. At 6-foot-7, 275-pounds, Adams will form one end of the Aggie line and help to protect signal caller Reggie McNeal.

Tyler (Texas) Lee outside linebacker Justin Warren heads to College Station and takes his outstanding speed (4.51 40-yard dash) and his No. 1 national ranking among outside linebackers with him. A player who could be a force on the Wrecking Crew defense, Warren should help out immediately this fall.

Colorado grabs the state’s top player, offensive lineman Brian Daniels and hopes to plug him into the mix along the front line in 2003. A player like Daniels at 6-foot-4, 280-pounds should be able to jump right in along the line and help the Buffaloes as they try and win a third straight Big 12 North Division title.

Oklahoma State grabbed Xavier Lawson-Kennedy away from Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Now they hope to plug him in right along the defensive line at one of the tackle spots. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder was wanted by man schools for a reason and he’ll show that reason on the field this season.

Bob Stoops has continually turned out great defenses and great defenders.

Alief (Texas) Hasting’s Alonzo Dotson will be another one of those players. Dotson should be able to work his way into the mix at end for the Sooner defense in 2003 and show why Norman, Okla. was excited when he pledged his talents to Stoops’ troops.

A lot of times, being able to make an impact is because the opportunity was there to step into. Eureka, Mo., defensive back Darnell Terrell committed early to Gary Pinkel’s Missouri squad and the Tigers will quickly get the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder on the field to help the secondary that struggled at times in 2002.

Carl Pendleton took a sign from God and committed to Oklahoma in January. Now Bob Stoops will have to find a way to get this standout on the field in 2003. At 6-foot-6, 270-pounds, Pendleton has the size and strength to help out right away along the defensive line. Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops has not been afraid to play true freshmen in past years and that trend should continue this year.

Lincoln, Neb., has been home to linebacker Bo Ruud for his high school career. Now he’ll continue his football career at Nebraska in the same town. Ruud was wanted early by Frank Solich’s staff and the talented 6-foot-3, 220-pounder should be able to help the Blackshirt defense rebound from a 7-7 season.

Tyler (Texas) John Tyler defensive end Tim Crowder did not miss out on the fact that Texas’ standout defensive end Cory Redding would be leaving Austin after the 2002 season was over. Crowder has the opportunity to get on the field right away with Redding leaving and as we stated earlier, opportunity is one of the pieces to being able to make an impact.