When looking for impact freshmen in the Pac-10 this year, concentrate on the wide receivers - and start with USC. The Trojans have a very, very talented group arriving this year, but it all starts with their fabulous receiving duo of Steve Smith and Whitney Lewis. Smith is fast, agile, fluid and a difference maker that will play right away. Lewis is a freak of nature. He has blazing speed, agility, balance and great body control. Lewis is another real game-breaker. Both are phenomenal athletes and will definitely hit the field this year.

Another freshman receiver will make his presence known at Stanford. Mark Bradford will be thrown in the receiving ranks immediately for the Cardinal. Bradford has excellent separation speed, good hands and tremendous body control.

Wide receiver Craig Chambers is a terrific catch for Washington, and even though the Huskies are set at WR with Reggie Williams and Charles Frederick, he should earn some playing time. Chambers is tall, smooth, fast and has good hands.

Around the Pac-10
Arizona
Free safety Marcus Hollingsworth from San Diego has a shot at contributing right away for the Wildcats. He's a hard-hitting player with good range. Arriving from the JUCO ranks, offensive lineman Phil Clark also has a chance to see some immediate playing time. He's a massive tackle with long arms and quick feet. Running back Brett Bolden could be the surprise player from Arizona's 2003 recruiting class. Also keep an eye on RB/WR Marcus Thomas, who I considered one of the best athletes in the West last year.

Arizona State
Defensive back Chijoke Onyenegecha from City College should start right away for the Sun Devils. Onyenegecha, one of the nation's most coveted DBs last year, hits like a hammer, runs a 4.5 and is ready for big-time play right now. Defensive lineman Kyle Caldwell is physical and strong enough to make a defensive impact as a freshman. Not only does he have the strength to knock folks over, but he also has the quickness to track down backs.

California
With Kyle Boller moving on to the NFL, strong-armed JUCO quarterback Aaron Rogers could play right away for the Golden Bears. TE Garrett Cross, a teammate of Rogers' at Butte CC, will also play immediate dividends. Cross is an outstanding blocker with good hands. Linebacker Francis Blay-Miezah is a good run-stopper, shoots the gaps well and is very athletic. Keep an eye on freshman Matt Malele, who could see some situational time this year at defensive tackle.

Oregon
Lance Broadus is a quick, tenacious and athletic player who will make a run at a linebacker position for the Ducks. Cornerback Rodney Woods from Fresno City College should also make the field quickly. Woods was one of the best JUCO return men last year and can cover one-on-one.

Oregon State
Look for noseguard Chris Coker to be a surprise for the Beavers. He's not that big, but he's aggressive and a brick wall against the run.

Stanford
In addition to Bradford, fullback Emeka Nnoli is ready and should see a lot of action. Nnoli is athletic, strong and quick. David Marrero should also contribute immediately. He is an outstanding return man and his speed should allow him to also take some snaps at tailback.

UCLA
Maurice Drew is an underrated back and should compete for some playing time for the Bruins. Defensive lineman Bruce Davis will compete for situational time as a pass rusher. Also keep an eye on RB Derrick Williams, a power back with pretty good speed.

USC
The potential impact freshmen list for the Trojans doesn't end with their talented receiving corps of Lewis and Smith. RBs Reggie Bush, Lindale White and Chauncey Washington all have the ability to play as freshmen. Bush is explosive with great vision -- an all-the-way type of back. White is more of a power back, but has good speed. Washington is a combination back possessing speed and power.

Washington
Derrick Bradley was the fastest high school player in Washington last year. That speed will get him on the field in some capacity for the Huskies. He has the potential to help immediately on special teams. Bradley, who played both RB and DB in high school, will start off on defense for the Huskies. Corey Williams is a tall, fast receiver with good hands who, along with Williams, will get a long look. Chambers and Williams won't start for the Huskies, but they should see some time.

Washington State
Free safety Jason Hill has the range, hitting ability and speed to earn some playing time for the Cougars. Defensive back Christian Bass also has an early shot at getting on the field.

Early look at 2004
1. USC - Last year the Trojans had one of the most dominating recruiting classes in year -- and don't expect a drop-off in 2004. USC is contending for most of the top players on the West Coast.
2. UCLA - The Bruins are making a big recruiting comeback in 2004 and are challenging the Trojans for top players.
3. Arizona State - The Sun Devils are doing well in Arizona and throughout the West.
4. Stanford - The Cardinal is recruiting very well nationally. The school's academic reputation opens a lot of doors.
5. Washington - The Huskies' coaching change hurt. Washington was trailing only USC in interest before the change.
6. Arizona - The Wildcats are doing well in the West and Houston.
7. Oregon - The Ducks' name pops up everywhere in California and the Pacific Northwest.
8. California - The Golden Bears are coming on strong and making inroads into L.A.
9. Oregon State - The Beavers are heavy into California.
10. Washington State - Ditto for the Cougars, but neither is having much early success.