Ten who could play early
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Assuming he sticks with Georgia, Godwin is walking into an excellent situation in Athens. Wide receiver is a position of need for the Bulldogs and the prospect they call "Mr. Go Get It" should have a chance to do just that. Georgia will have a first-year starting quarterback. With Godwin's combination of speed and ball skills, the five-star should develop a quick bond with whoever his quarterback will be. Godwin is making the Georgia faithful sweat it out, but if he signs, he will be well worth the drama that occurred during his recruitment.
-- Woody Wommack, Southeast Region
3
WR
Newhall (Calif.) Hart
Stanford is thrilled about getting Irwin and there's a big reason why: He's talented enough to be a major contributor, if not the No. 1 option, from the first day he steps on campus. The new five-star has been outstanding in every event we've seen him in for years, and no one can cover the guy in one-on-one situations. He gives Stanford an ultra-reliable option at receiver who will come in, stay quiet, do his job and just make plays over and over again. Irwin is one of the most focused and grounded kids we've seen in a long time. He just goes out on the field and delivers.
-- Gorney
4
WR
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
Kirk is a prime candidate to make an early splash for a number of reasons. First and foremost is his skill set. Kirk accelerates as well as any receiver in the country and can be used in a number of different manners. A five-star prospect, Kirk can stretch the field on the outside, line up in the slot or even function as a threat on end-arounds and jet sweeps. The fact that he's an early enrollee at Texas A&M only helps his cause. His versatility makes him flexible and will bode well in his bid for early playing time. There aren't a lot of places where Kirk wouldn't play as a true freshman.
-- Rob Cassidy, Southeast Region
5
WR
Tampa Bay Tech
Cain made a significant impact in the Army All-American Bowl against high-level competition. Still, that isn't the lone reason he's a safe bet to make a quick splash at Clemson. The fact that he spent his high school career playing quarterback doesn't make him any less of a safe bet to see the field at his new position of wide receiver. He proved to be a five-star target during All-Star season and has the explosiveness and straight-line speed to play at the college level right now.
-- Cassidy
6
RB
Madison (Ala.) Madison Academy
With Cameron Artis-Payne leaving Auburn, there will be a search for a player or players to fill that hole. The opening could spell early carries for Johnson, who has been committed to the Tigers since May. A four-star prospect, Johnson had a strong showing at the Under Armour All-America Game despite playing out of position at safety. Johnson has incredible athleticism and will shine as a running back at Auburn.
-- Cassidy
7
DB
Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
Wherever Marshall ends up -- a lot of people think USC but others are starting to believe he could leave home and head to Florida State, Michigan or elsewhere -- he has the talent to step on the field early and be a shutdown cornerback. It's all there from a physical standpoint. And from a mental standpoint, there are few corners who study the game, understand the position and know how to simply shut down receivers better than Marshall. The five-star prospect has a quiet drive about him, too -- he doesn't talk a lot of trash but he goes out and simply locks down anybody who tests him.
-- Gorney
8
DE
Seffner (Fla.) Armwood
The No. 1 player in America is always expected to make a quick impact, and Cowart is no exception. The five-star defensive lineman is a rare blend of size and quickness. He has impressed against elite competition and has little left to prove at this juncture. He should see significant early playing times regardless of which school he chooses.
-- Cassidy
9
S
Hanes City, Fla.
Physically, James looks like a college-ready defensive back. The size and physicality are already in place. The five-star safety covers like a top-flight corner. And when you see that out of a prospect with a safety's body, you often get something special. Barring something unforeseen, James will see his share of reps as a true freshman at Florida State.
-- Cassidy
10
DT
Concord (Calif.) Clayton Valley Charter
Being an early contributor on the defensive line, especially in the SEC, is difficult, but if anybody can do it, it's McKenzie. He is massive. Simply put, the kid looks like a veteran SEC defensive lineman already. He's also quick and powerful for someone his size. But McKenzie is not just big and someone who takes up space. If he needs to use his speed to beat a guard inside, he can do it. If he needs to bull rush through someone, he can do it. The five-star didn't play one snap in his senior season, so getting game ready at Tennessee will be important, but he's an excellent prospect who can do it all.
-- Gorney, West Region
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Rob Cassidy
Midlands/Southwest Recruiting Analyst
Adam Gorney
West Recruiting Analyst
Woody Wommack
Southeast Recruiting Analyst