Pac-10 Football Preview '07: Impact Freshmen

While looking at the Pac-10 impact freshmen category, it would have been simple enough to take the top 5 or so USC recruits and simply list them below. But, obviously that's the easy way out. While USC has the two best frosh to hit the field for '07, there actually are other programs with young talent that will be on display this fall. Without further delay, check out FanHouse's view of the top impact freshmen of the upcoming season:

1. Joe McKnight, RB, USC

A lightning-fast recruit plucked from Louisiana, and much to the angst of the LSU faithful, McKnight is everything you'd want out of a young star at tailback. Excellent speed, outstanding moves, great vision to avoid would-be tacklers and even some power to go along with everything else, McKnight is the complete package. Some have compared him to a young Reggie Bush, but that might be a little premature. The college football world will be watching when he takes the stage in the season opener vs. Idaho. The fastest new recruit to come into the Pac-10, McKnight is the top impact frosh in the conference for 2007.

2. Everson Griffen, DE, USC

McKnight got all the headlines when he signed with USC, but hot on his heels for the spotlight is Everson Griffen. The stud defensive end from Arizona has been called by recruiting experts as the top defensive recruit that Pete Carroll has ever landed at USC. His athleticism and quickness are amazing for a guy who stands a legit 6-3, 265. He's actually a converted running back from high school, so that should give you an idea of how light he is on his feet. Griffen should see plenty of action early in the year as a pure rush-end. While there is very good returning talent ahead of him in Kyle Moore and Chris Barrett competing for Brian Cushing's vacated defensive end spot, there is little doubt that Griffen is the top defensive impact frosh in the Pac-10 for 2007.

3. Darian Hagan, CB, Cal

The "other" Hagan now gets his chance. The first Darian Hagan, pictured, was the ultra-talented speedy option QB out of Colorado in the late 80's - early 90's. This Darian Hagan is his son, and the impact redshirt frosh is set to start at corner for the Berkeley Bears. The opportunity is wide open, as top Cal corner Daymeion Hughes has moved on down the road, and now it's Hagan's time to shine. A highly touted recruit by Jeff Tedford in 2005, and with good size (6-1, 180) and 4.4 speed in the 40, he should make a major impact on the Cal secondary.

4. Omar Bolden, CB, ASU

A rare recruiting defection from the USC camp, Bolden was Dennis Erickson's first major recruiting coup after landing the Sun Devil job. Bolden has a strong build for a corner at 6-0, 180, but his major assets are his wheels, where he's run a blazing 4.4 40-time. Some reports from last year even said he has come in under 4.4, which is almost unheard of, especially for a high schooler. Senior Justin Tyron is slated to start at one corner, but the other spot is wide open. Bolden has impressed the ASU coaches thus far, although there is a little matter of his eligibility. Right now the NCAA Clearing House is holding up declaring him 100% eligible for the upcoming season, however the ASU program is letting him practice and they are confident things will work out. Should Bolden get on the field, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start the opener vs. San Jose State.

Other notable Pac-10 freshmen:

Chima Nwachukwa, CB, Washington State - 5-11, 195 lb. true frosh from Allen, TX making great first impression at WSU. Will probably start at corner in week one vs. Wisconsin.

Ronald Johnson, WR, USC - Talented player on both sides of the ball, he will play WR at USC. Could be in the mix to help fill the void of the departed Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith.

Brian Price, DT, UCLA - Top UCLA recruit from last year is an active, athletic force inside. He's currently dealing with the NCAA Clearing House to get his eligibility, but once things are settled there, he should be a backup at defensive tackle.

Terrance Pritchett, LB, Oregon - Rated as one of the best players in California and in the top 15 linebackers in the country in the 2007 recruiting class, the 6-2, 208 lb Pritchett should get playing time as a true frosh.