ESPN College Football

It's not all about the seniors in the Big Ten anymore.

The past four winners of the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year have been non-seniors, including sophomores in each of the past two seasons (Michigan QB Denard Robinson and Wisconsin RB John Clay). Two of the first three Big Ten players selected in April's NFL draft were defensive linemen with junior eligibility (Wisconsin's J.J. Watt and Illinois' Corey Liuget).

Wisconsin still touts as a developmental program but has produced the Big Ten Freshman of the Year the past two seasons (RB James White and LB Chris Borland). Other teams consistently produce non-senior stars.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three non-seniors to watch and three impact freshmen.

NON-SENIORS TO WATCH

1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan, junior, 6 feet. 193: You couldn't take your eyes off of Robinson in 2010, particularly in September, when he was college football's most exciting player. The dynamic Wolverines quarterback now must transition to a new system that likely doesn't fit his skill set quite as well as the spread offense did. Will "Shoelace" reinvent himself or stumble? Find out this fall.

2. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin, junior, 5-11, 210: Although he'll share carries with another underclassman to watch, 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year James White, Ball might have more Badgers fans buzzing. He was arguably the nation's hottest running back in the second half of last season, recording 777 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his final five games. Ball, who slimmed down during the offseason to increase his speed, could be Wisconsin's featured ball carrier.

3. Ricardo Allen, CB, Purdue, sophomore, 5-9, 176: Some of you might not have noticed Allen last season as Purdue struggled and wasn't relevant in November. Don't make the same mistake this fall, as Allen could be one of the nation's most dynamic defenders. He recorded three interceptions as a freshman, including two pick-sixes, and led the Big Ten with 129 interception return yards. Allen is fast, aggressive and not afraid of being physical with bigger receivers. Keep an eye on him in 2011.

IMPACT FRESHMEN

1. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State, 6-3, 210: Miller's potential impact became a lot more interesting after Terrelle Pryor left the program June 7. After enrolling early and going through spring ball, Miller now has a chance to compete for the full-time starting position. The talent and athleticism are there, and if Miller shows he can grasp the system and separate himself in camp, he could lead Ohio State's offense Sept. 3 against Akron.

2. Tony Lippett, CB/WR, Michigan State, 6-2, 189: After redshirting in 2010, Lippett had a breakout spring and had coordinators Dan Roushar (offense) and Pat Narduzzi (defense) fighting over his services. Lippett plays cornerback and wide receiver but will start his career on the defensive side. He should get on the field in nickel and/or dime packages and could be a factor on special teams.

3. Jamal Turner, WR, Nebraska, 6-1, 180: Nebraska needs more options at receiver and Turner should work his way into the mix. The early enrollee who soon moved from quarterback to receiver sparkled in the spring game, racking up 228 all-purpose yards. Turner could join Brandon Kinnie as one of Nebraska's top wideouts, and he'll definitely be a factor in the return game.

Notre Dame has an experienced team coming back in 2011, with 20 players who started at least seven games last season. But there are also plenty of opportunities for young players to make an impact, like Tommy Rees and Cierre Wood did last year.

Today, we'll take a look at a few underclassmen who could step up and become difference-makers this season. We'll define underclassmen as those who are in their first or second year of playing -- remember, Notre Dame doesn't officially do redshirts -- then talk about a few true freshmen who could make a splash. We'll limit these to three in each category and try to focus on those players who haven't seen a lot of action so far.

Sophomores who have played

1. Bennett Jackson, CB: Jackson was recruited as a receiver but did his best work in 2010 on special teams as both a returner and a tackler. He was moved to cornerback in the spring to help shore up a thin position. He'll see some playing time there, and if anything happens to Gary Gray or Robert Blanton, Jackson will instantly become vitally important.

2. Prince Shembo and Danny Spond, OLB: We're combining these two into one because both are expected to compete for the starting job at one of the outside linebacker positions. Both saw action last season as backups and showed promise at times. Shembo has excellent speed, while former high school quarterback Spond has adjusted well to defense.

3. Kona Schwenke, DE: The Hawaiian became a surprise contributor late in the season after Ian Williams' injury. He has put on a lot of weight since coming to campus and is now up to 6-foot-4, 285 pounds. He'll push for playing time in what is becoming a very deep position for the Irish.

Sophomores who haven't played

1. Lucas Nix, NG: Nix was a highly rated recruit who came to campus extremely overweight. He has shed more than 40 pounds and was listed at 326 to start fall practice. He still might not be in good enough shape to play every down, but if he can give about 20 quality snaps in the middle of that defensive line, he can provide a valuable run-stuffing presence.

2. Andrew Hendrix, QB: The offensive MVP of the spring game, Hendrix is in a four-way competition for the starting quarterback job. Or, more accurately, he's in a competition with true freshman Everett Golson to be the change-of-pace, running-threat quarterback in special packages. Either he or Golson will likely have an impact on the season at some point.

3. Christian Lombard and Tate Nichols, OT: Lombard and Nichols are big, talented tackle prospects Notre Dame had the luxury of grooming without playing last season. With Zack Martin and Taylor Dever returning as the starting tackles, Lombard and Nichols will begin the season as backups but will factor into the rotation. They're just an injury or a lackluster performance away from being very important.

True freshmen

1. Aaron Lynch, DE: The breakout star of the spring game, Lynch wowed everybody with his speed and instincts as a pass-rusher. He'll likely start out as more of a situational player, but if he continues to grow and play like he did in the spring, he'll force his way into more and more snaps.

2. DaVaris Daniels, WR: The Irish are looking for more playmakers at wide receiver to complement Michael Floyd and Theo Riddick, and the coaching staff is high on Daniels' potential. The 6-foot-1 freshman has the pedigree, as his father played 15 years in the NFL at defensive end. He'll have to learn quickly, though, as he did not arrive until the summer.

3. Ishaq Williams, OLB: Like Lynch, Williams went through spring practice to get an early acclimation to college. The highly rated recruit has more experienced players in front of him at outside linebacker, but he's a physical force at 6-5, 255 pounds. At the very least, he can be used on third downs as a pass-rush specialist.

Which first- or second-year player can make a big impact this year? Let us take a look in the crystal ball ...

Impact freshmen

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: There has been plenty of hype surrounding Bridgewater, who came to Louisville after decommitting from the University of Miami. In fact, Bruce Feldman listed Bridgewater as a top 10 impact true freshman. The big question now is how much he will play and whether he will assume the starting quarterback job. Will Stein went into camp as the starter, but the Cardinals are preparing for Bridgewater to get into games. He is mature beyond his years and has the poise of a leader already. No doubt Louisville fans are hoping he can step up and have a big impact right away.

Savon Huggins, RB, Rutgers: Perhaps the best recruit in school history, Huggins already is in the mix to win the starting running back job for the Scarlet Knights. Feldman also listed him as a top 10 impact freshman. Indeed, Rutgers has been looking for the next Ray Rice since Rice left school. Last season, leading rusher Jordan Thomas finished with 452 yards -- the lowest total for a lead rusher since Markis Facyson had 398 in 2002. Yes, this running game is in need of help.

Andrew Buie, RB, West Virginia: This was a tough choice because of the boatload of freshman talent the Mountaineers have at running back. Vernard Roberts was in for spring and had an edge over Buie and Dustin Garrison going into fall practice. But from accounts out of Morgantown, Buie had a terrific summer and should definitely be a player to watch. Running back cannot be ignored in the Dana Holgorsen offense.

Impact underclassmen

Ryne Giddins, So., DE, USF: Giddins had a terrific spring and has the potential for a double-digit sack season as a terrific speed-rush specialist. He played in 12 games last season, recording 19 tackles with six for loss. But now that he is a starter, the opportunity is there for him to make a bigger name for himself.

Marquis Spruill, So., LB, Syracuse: Spruill emerged as a true freshman last season but now moves to the middle with the departure of Derrell Smith, who led the team in tackles last season. Spruill has a chance to really emerge as the leader of the defense even as a true sophomore and will be a key piece in helping the Orange match the level they played at defensively last season.

Devin Street, So., WR, Pitt: You have to love having a deep threat in the Todd Graham offense, and Street delivers in that area. Last season, he had 25 catches for 318 yards and two touchdowns. But now that Jon Baldwin is gone, the opportunity is there to emerge as the top receiver for Tino Sunseri, and possibly get 1,000 yards.

Who are the top young players in the SEC, the impact underclassmen in 2011?

The first guy that comes to mind is South Carolina sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore, who rushed for 1,197 yards last season and was the unanimous choice for National Freshman of the Year.

But he's hardly the only talented underclassman in this league poised for a big season.

Here's a look at the three true freshmen and the three sophomores we think will have the biggest impacts this fall.

TRUE FRESHMEN

DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: He was the No. 1 prospect in the country last year and already has the look physically of a third-year veteran in the SEC. The 6-foot-6, 254-pound Clowney has everything it takes to be a force rushing the passer, and coach Steve Spurrier said fans won't have to wait long to see him. One of the best things Clowney has going for him is that he doesn't have to come in and be Superman. The Gamecocks are deep and talented around him on the defensive line, which means teams won't be able to gang up on Clowney.

RB Isaiah Crowell, Georgia: The Bulldogs lost their top two rushers from a year ago and need a dynamic presence in the backfield. Enter Crowell, who was the running back everybody in the country wanted. The pressure is immense for him to produce right away, but he's already shown a lot of the same speed, acceleration and cutting ability in practice that made him one of the country's most sought-after players last year.

DT Anthony Johnson, LSU: Talk about teams loaded with young talent. LSU is overflowing with first- and second-year players who will make big impacts, and by November, the rest of the league will be very familiar with the 6-3, 310-pound Johnson. His nickname is "Freak," and LSU coach Les Miles is using words like "unbelievable" to describe him. His teammates have been equally impressed with his quickness and his hands and how he's always around the football.

SOPHOMORES

QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee: Among freshman FBS quarterbacks last season, Bray ranked third in quarterback rating (142.73) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (18) and sixth in passing yards per game (205.4). He was a big reason the Vols were able to regroup from a 2-6 start and get to a bowl game. The 6-6, 202-pound Bray has a big-time arm, one of the best in the SEC, and can fit the ball into the tightest of quarters. If he learns to read defenses better, he could have a 3,000-yard, 30-touchdown season in 2011.

RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina: Some of the early Heisman Trophy lists have Lattimore at or near the top. He's a workhorse who carried the ball 249 times as a freshman and has bulked up to 230 pounds to be able to absorb even more pounding this season. He's also an effective receiver out of the backfield, catching 29 passes for 412 yards and two touchdowns. The best thing Lattimore does is break tackles. He finds creases and turns 2-yard runs into 6- and 7-yard runs. He also has outstanding speed and a nose for the end zone. If you're looking for a complete running back, Lattimore is your man.

RB Spencer Ware, LSU: What can't Ware do? He was a quarterback in high school and threw a touchdown pass in the Auburn game last season. He also plays on LSU's baseball team. Here's betting he makes his mark this season as one of the most exciting running backs in the league. We saw a glimpse in the Cotton Bowl last season, when he rushed for 102 yards on 10 carries in the win over Texas A&M. The 5-11, 223-pound Ware is also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield, and when he gets into the open field, the fun begins.

Every season true freshman make an impact and underclassmen become stars. Who might those guys be in the Pac-12 in 2011?

(Note: With "underclassmen to watch," we mostly stayed away from guys who made a significant impact in 2010, such as Arizona State defensive end Junior Onyeali, Colorado receiver Paul Richardson or California receiver Keenan Allen).

Underclassmen to watch

Jonathan McKnight, CB, So, Arizona: McKnight, younger brother of former USC running back Joe McKnight, might already be the best cover guy in an already good secondary.

Davon Coleman, DE, So, Arizona State: The junior college transfer -- a late signing for the 2011 recruiting class -- might already be the Sun Devils' No. 3 defensive end, and ASU needs him to step up after returning starter James Brooks quit the team.

David Wilkerson, OLB, RFr., California: While fellow outside linebacker Cecil Whiteside might be more heralded, Wilkerson was listed as a starter on on the post-spring depth chart.

Parker Orms, CB, So., Colorado: Orms was the starting nickel back in 2010 before he blew out his knee on the third play of the season-opener against Colorado State. He's now No. 1 at cornerback -- the Buffs more worrisome position -- despite sitting out spring practices.

Scott Crichton, DE, RFr., Oregon State: The Beavers have major questions at defensive end -- a traditionally strong position for their defense. While he didn't come from nowhere, it was a bit of a surprise to see Crichton atop the depth chart after spring practices.

Dietrich Riley, So, SS, UCLA: By the end of the season Riley and Tony Dye might be widely viewed as the best safety combo in the conference. Heck, they might already be.

Dres Anderson, RFr, WR, Utah: Anderson already looks like the Utes' No. 2 option after junior DeVonte Christopher.

Josh Shirley, RFr., LB, Washington: Shirley was such a force as a pass-rusher this past spring, they created a position for him: "Rush" linebacker.

Rickey Galvin, RFr, RB, Washington State: Galvin broke his arm at Oklahoma State on the first play of his college career, which ended his debut season. He's speedy and shifty and the Cougars really need him to provide a running threat to help out quarterback Jeff Tuel.

Impact freshmen

Hank Hobson, LB, Arizona: The Wildcats have major depth issues at linebacker. Hobson looks like the most ready-made guy in the incoming class. He might not start, but he's a good bet to be the No. 4 guy behind the starting three.

Stefan McClure, CB, California: While many Cal fans are more eager to see 325-pound nose tackle Viliami Moala, the Bears have depth issues at cornerback, and McClure is almost certain to be in the mix.

Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon: While Oregon needs help at receiver, and at least one one of the incoming guys is almost certain to climb into a prime spot in the rotation, we don't know who that will be. We feel pretty good projecting Lyerla as the Ducks' No. 2 tight end behind David Paulson.

James Vaughters, ILB, Stanford: The word most often used to describe Vaughters? "Beast." Stanford is solid at linebacker, but this guy is going to play, and and might well end up suggesting a second-coming of Vontaze Burfict by season's end.

George Farmer, WR, USC: There might be somebody who doesn't believe Farmer is a budding star but I have yet to speak with him. Even USC super-soph Robert Woods talks about Farmer's freakish skills.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington: Seferian-Jenkins showed this past spring that he's ready for prime time. He's likely to be the Huskies' starting tight end. A runner-up for the Huskies, by the way, is receiver Kasen Williams, but he will join a deep, veteran crew of receivers.

There are plenty of rising stars to watch in the ACC this year, but based on past performances, some have a better chance of actually making an impact this fall than others. You know who the veterans are. Here’s a look at some of the ACC’s top underclassmen and true freshmen to watch this year:

Underclassmen to watch

1. Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State: Joyner was a reserve cornerback as a true freshman last year, but coach Jimbo Fisher has been raving about Joyner’s move to safety, which was his natural position in high school. Some thought Joyner was a bit undersized to play safety, but he excelled at it this spring and emerged as the starter heading into the fall.

2. D.J. Green, LB, NC State: The true sophomore moved from safety to strongside linebacker during spring practices and earned the starting job heading into summer camp. Last year he was one of the Wolfpack’s top playmakers on special teams, but also played in eight games as a safety. Against Boston College, Green scored a touchdown when he fell on a blocked punt.

3. Tre Boston, S, North Carolina: He was forced to play as a true freshman last year, and this spring moved from corner to free safety. He played in 10 games last year and started four, but his season was derailed when he sprained his ankle against Miami and missed the next three games. Still, he finished the season with 32 tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception. Three starters must be replaced in the secondary this fall, so there’s plenty of opportunity for Boston to make a name for himself.

Impact freshmen to watch

1. Mike Bellamy, RB, Clemson: This true freshman is one who could definitely have an immediate impact, especially with the early departure of Jamie Harper to the NFL. Bellamy was ranked the No. 72 player in the nation by ESPN Recruiting, and the No. 6 running back in his recruiting class. He had 7,329 rushing yards and 110 touchdowns in his high school career. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry in high school.

2. Thomas Finnie, CB, Miami: The Miami Central grad enrolled in January and was good enough this past spring to be listed as a starter on coach Al Golden’s first two depth charts. He had 45 tackles and one interception as a high school senior. He originally committed to South Carolina, but switched to Miami after meeting Golden and the staff. He entered the summer No. 2 on the depth chart behind senior JoJo Nicolas.

3. Karlos Williams, S, Florida State: There’s no telling how much playing time he might actually see as a true freshman, but the Seminoles’ top recruit from the 2011 class is certainly talented enough to make an immediate contribution. He's a proven run-stopper who can hit like a linebacker and cover like a DB. At 6-foot-2, he can cover a lot of ground.

Time to take a look at a few of the under-the-radar young talents across the Big 12.

Three underclassmen to watch:

Jackson Jeffcoat, Soph., DE, Texas: Jeffcoat might be the most exciting sophomore in the entire league. A solid Longhorns defensive line last year already had true freshman Jeffcoat emerge as perhaps the team's best pass-rusher, never more impressive than in an early-season win over Texas Tech. A high ankle sprain, however, derailed any hopes of an All-Big 12 season. This year, that could change in a Big 12 without any truly elite talents on the defensive line.

Corey Nelson, Soph., LB, Oklahoma: Nelson was referred to as the most impressive player in Oklahoma's spring after a quiet freshman year. Now, the Sooners are bending over backwards to try and get Nelson's talent on the field in the midst of a loaded group of linebackers. An earlier experiment featured Nelson at the nickel back spot, and co-Defensive Big 12 Freshman of the Year Tony Jefferson moving from his home at nickel back to free safety alongside sophomore Aaron Colvin, a converted corner, at strong safety. Now, however, with Travis Lewis likely out to begin the season, Nelson will move back to weakside linebacker where he had backed up Lewis, and Jefferson will be back at nickel back.

Ahmad Dixon, Soph., S, Baylor: Dixon was a hometown blue-chip recruit for the Bears, and looks to become one of its biggest playmakers in his first year under new coordinator Phil Bennett. Bennett loves to emphasize speed, and Dixon will take over at nickel back, playing closer to the line of scrimmage in a role that coach Art Briles says is perfect for his skill set.

Three freshmen to watch:

Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas: Brown is probably the biggest name to enter the Big 12 this season, and he'll be worth watching. A physical, bruising, 220-pound runner, Brown may be called upon to help an anemic Texas running game looking for a punch under new coordinator Bryan Harsin.

Donnie Baggs, LB, Texas A&M: Baggs was a relatively unheralded recruit coming out of high school, but made an immediate impact for the Aggies defense after enrolling early and taking part in spring practice. He should be in the conversation for starter at one of the Aggies' inside linebacker spots where Michael Hodges left a void. Baggs may be called upon heavily in fall camp after one of the other contenders at inside linebacker, Kyle Mangan, was arrested last weekend.

Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas: The Longhorns put a second player in this group in Diggs, a freshman who made big noise in spring camp after enrolling early. The depth chart in Austin is still in flux and won't be anything close to concrete until game week approaches, but it'd be shocking if Diggs didn't contribute right away. The secondary lost three NFL corners from last year's team, and there aren't many more experienced players ahead of Diggs that could keep his natural sensibilities for the position off the field.