The inaugural College Football Playoff participants all had freshmen step in to become immediate contributors. Some players like Alabama's Cameron Robinson, Florida State's Dalvin Cook and Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan became starters and big-time playmakers.
Here are 10 Class of 2015 commits who could impact next year's race to the playoff:
RB Jovon Robinson and ATH Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
Despite being termed a spread team, Auburn is actually a two-back, run-first team. The addition of Robinson with Roc Thomas, who showed flashes this past season, gives QB Jeremy Johnson options to rely on. Auburn has been at its best on offense when it has a one-two punch in the backfield and now the QB runs won't be as prominent without Nick Marshall so the backs will see more duty. Robinson, a load-back type, might be most ready to carry the rock but don't count out a contribution from the big and athletic Johnson who will remind Auburn fans of Cadillac Williams. A solid rushing game and a revived defense under Will Muschamp could have Auburn in the playoff mix.
CB DeShawn Raymond, TCU
There is plenty of playoff optimism in Fort Worth, but the Horned Frogs do have holes to fill on defense. TCU does not appear to have a plug-and-play type in this class at linebacker, a position of need. The Horned Frogs did, however, fill a big void at cornerback where they will lose senior Kevin White to graduation, a vital cog to their active 4-2-5 defense. Look for four-star commit DeShawn Raymond to fill some of that void on the perimeter. The Louisiana native has the size, instincts and aggressiveness to set the edge as well as a burst to close for big plays in the pass game.
DT Jashon Cornell, Ohio State
The Buckeyes have plenty of offensive firepower returning for a run at consecutive titles, but the defense has some holes, particularly up. With DT Michael Bennett and DE Steve Miller departing, Cornell, a former top overall ESPN Jr. 300 player, has very good physical tools and could be the guy to step in and add much-needed depth as a swingman along the defensive line. He will gain valuable experience as an early enrollee.
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
A healthy Deshaun Watson and a revamped defensive line could have the Tigers in playoff contention. Wilkins, among a few others in Clemson's class, will have big shoes to fill as the Tigers lose virtually their entire two-deep at the defensive tackle spots. Wilkins is more than capable of making an impact, and with the Tigers having an explosive offense, it will be the defensive newcomers that will be relied upon to avoid a defensive dropoff. Wilkins is a 300-pounder with an explosive first-step to create havoc.
RB L.J. Scott, Michigan State
With the loss of Jeremy Langford in the backfield, a window opens up for Scott to be another Le'Veon Bell-type feature back. This powerful downhill runner perfectly fits the mold of what Michigan State's identity is all about. With a veteran QB who can take pressure off the run game on early downs, there should be plenty of room for Scott to add balance. If Scott can fill some of Langford's production, the Spartans should be able to challenge the Buckeyes.
WR De'Quan Hampton, USC
The Trojans will be better in Steve Sarkisian's second season if they can finish more games and fill some key production on offense. The Trojans lose talented receiver Nelson Agholor to the NFL draft and gaining Hampton, a junior college product, will add maturity and experience to the likes of WR JuJu Smith and also allow Adoree' Jackson to become more of a prominent fixture on defense. Hampton is big and physical with great ball skills and should give QB Cody Kessler an instant weapon on the outside and in the red zone.
QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame
Everett Golson came back from a one-year suspension but his play was inconsistent last year. Kelly played both Golson and sophomore Malik Zaire in the Music City Bowl and with the uncertainty behind center in 2015, Wimbush could be placed into action. Wimbush is big, athletic and competitive, with physical similarities to FSU quarterback Jameis Winston. Wimbush would need a similar freshman season as the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner to propel the Irish into the playoffs.
QB Brady White, Arizona State
The Sun Devils went 10-3 in 2014 and have 18 starters back for 2015, and while Michael Bercovici returns under center, White could find himself in a Kyle Allen type situation where he provides quality depth. There are a lot of weapons in Tempe and adding a QB who can compete right away gives ASU a real chance.
DT Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee
This could be a breakout year for Butch Jones and the Vols, but the key to success starts on the line of scrimmage. Tennessee certainly addressed the issue in this 2015 recruiting class. McKenzie is the ideal fit as a one-technique penetrator or two-gap space-eater. He should be an early down run-stopper who can hold the point and also collapse the pocket on passing downs. He adds much-needed size in the middle of the Vols' defense and is a force at the point of attack.