Fifteen first-year players to keep an eye on this year

Trojans freshman Joe McKnight has been drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush. AP

Mike Farrell, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com

College football season is upon us ... finally.

With the new season comes a group of new names that will change the landscape of college football. I'm talking about true freshmen of course, and this year there is no shortage of talent.

We'll give you 15 freshmen -- five each in three separate categories -- to keep an eye on this season.

Which newcomers will be the most exciting? Which ones will play like veterans? Which ones will be protecting a quarterback's blind side? Gulp.

Find out now.

Most Exciting

Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Ted Ginn, Percy Harvin and others showed just how exciting a true freshman can be these days. This year, a few guys will make you say, "Wow."

RB Noel Devine, West Virginia: Looking for a combination of Bush and Harvin in a 5-foot-8, 170-pound package? That essentially describes Devine. No one coming out of high school has the same football speed as the blur from North Fort Meyers, Fla. Even with Steve Slaton in the running for the Heisman Trophy, Devine will get touches on offense and special teams.

RB Joe McKnight, USC: OK, I have to stop mentioning Bush. I promise I'll cut it out after I talk about McKnight. Because he spurned LSU for USC -- and because he'll play the Bush role for the Trojans -- the comparison is natural. McKnight has been banged up a bit in practice, but he'll get touches. When healthy, he will be one of the most exciting players in the country this year.

CB Eric Berry, Tennessee: The cornerback position is always exciting when you throw a true freshman out there, especially in the SEC. Berry is a dynamic talent who played quarterback and safety in high school. He is learning the corner position on the fly. He might not start right away, but he will be a starter before the year is done. If he does start Saturday, it will be interesting to see if he matches up with Cal All-America DeSean Jackson. Regardless, Berry will make more than his share of big plays this season. Phillip Fulmer just has to hope he doesn't give up too many.

QB Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech: Frank Beamer hopes that Taylor only sees the field in mop up duty during blowouts. However, that might not be realistic. Sean Glennon isn't a mobile quarterback, and ACC defenses will be coming after him early and often this year. Even if Glennon remains upright, what if he struggles? Taylor is a talent akin to Bryan Randall, although Taylor is a better passer. The Hokies have a shot at the national title this season, so Taylor will play.

WR Deonte Thompson, Florida: Are there enough footballs to go around in Gainesville with Tim Tebow, Harvin, and the other talented players on the Gators roster? Yes. Thompson is a player who is a threat to score each time he touches the ball. Thompson is a great fit for Urban Meyer's offense because he's dangerous after the catch and he's almost as exciting as Harvin in the open field.

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