Cincinnati Bearcat Football: Five True Freshmen Who Could Make an Impact in 2011
Big name college football programs have the advantage of being able to redshirt most of their true freshmen because of the depth and talent already on the roster.
A team like the Cincinnati Bearcats does not have that opportunity for all of their players.
Last season numerous true freshman saw action, and with the talent of this year's recruiting class, that number will probably increase in 2011.
Here are five true freshmen who could make an immediate impact for Cincinnati in 2011.
5. Alex Chisum-Wide Receiver
Alex Chisum is one of five three-star receivers headed to Cincinnati, and he may be the most talented of the bunch.
Chisum was rated one of the top 100 receivers in the country last season and has excellent hands.
At 6'2" and 185 pounds, Chisum is a precise route runner.
He is not the fastest receiver around, but makes up for it with his body control and ability to catch anything thrown his way.
Chisum may see action in four and five receiver sets next season.
4. Shaquille Washington-Wide Receiver
Shaquille Washington only stands 5'8", but his big play ability and elusiveness make him an immediate contender for playing time on special teams.
Washington is rated one of the top 80 receivers in the country according to Rivals and as high as 60 in some publications.
He has the speed to return kick offs and will also see action as a slot receiver.
He can learn a lot from senior wideout and three-year starter D.J. Woods and possibly step into the starting role in 2012.
3. Nick Temple-Linebacker
Nick Temple has the ability to play either outside linebacker or strong safety at the college level.
He is only 5'10", but is a tackling machine. His 4.6 40-speed make him a candidate for the safety position.
As most people know from last season, Cincinnati is very thin on the defensive side of the ball.
Temple will see playing time right away and could possibly step into a starting role as the season progresses.
2. Malcolm Murray-Safety
Malcolm Murray is a little more seasoned than most other recruits. He is a junior college transfer who could step into a starting role early in the season.
Murray has excellent speed and runs a 4.45 40-yard dash.
Cincinnati has incumbent Drew Frey already at safety, but Murray could see playing time in passing situations with his combination of size and speed in the secondary.
1. Jameel Poteat-Running Back
Jameel Poteat is far and away the most highly-touted recruit joining the Bearcats next season.
Poteat is a four-star running back from the Pittsburgh area. He is one of the top 15-running backs in the country.
The Bearcats already have a stud running back in senior Isaiah Pead, but Poteat will be waiting in the wings and see a lot of snaps next season.
He is a complete running back with great hands. He has enough quickness to blow by people and enough power to run through defenders.
Poteat will make a big impact next season, but will be looked upon to carry the load in 2012 and beyond.