10 true freshmen to watch on college football's opening weekend

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Jacob Eason, Rashan Gary among those that could make in impact.

What do UCLA's Josh Rosen and Texas A&M's Myles Garrett have in common?

For one, they are both All-American candidates. They also made a big impact on their team as true freshmen. With the college football season beginning this weekend, here are 10 true freshmen who could make an impact in 2016.
Oluwole Betiku, USC, Defensive End
The Trojans have sent numerous defensive lineman on to the NFL, including young standouts like Jurrell Casey and Leonard Williams. Betiku could be the next Trojan to go high in the NFL draft. As a senior at Serra (Gardena, Calif.) last year, Betiku earned All-American honors after racking up 17 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. At 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, Betiku was the nation's No. 1 recruit at defensive end last year.

Jacob Eason, Georgia, Quarterback
Ranked as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the nation last year by 247 Sports, Eason has been thrust into the starting role for the Bulldogs. He led Lake Stevens (Wash.) to a 12-1 record last year, throwing for 3,585 yards and 43 touchdowns and was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year winner. He's expected to start when Georgia opens against North Carolina, however no starter has officially been named.

Rashan Gary, Michigan, Defensive End
Gary was the crown jewel in coach Jim Harbaugh's first recruiting class, picking  the Wolverines on signing day. Gary, a 6-foot-5, 293-pound defensive lineman from Paramus Catholic (Paramus, N.J.), was the No. 1 ranked recruit in the nation last year according to 247 Sports. Breaking into a starting lineup that ranked among the best defenses in the nation last year will not be easy for Gary, but he is reportedly pressing team captain Chris Wormley for playing time at defensive end.

Greg Little, Ole Miss, Tackle
The Rebels lost one of the top tackles in the nation when Laremy Tunsil declared for the draft following his junior season. Fortunately for Ole' Miss, it gained one of the nation's top tackles when Greg Little signed with the Rebels. Little was the No. 3 overall recruit in the nation last year, and the top offensive lineman, while helping lead Allen (Texas) to a pair of state championships. A shoulder injury has reportedly slowed Little initially and he has not currently cracked the starting lineup.

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson, Defensive Tackle
Clemson is one of the favorites to win the national championship due to the presence of Heisman Trophy candidate DeShaun Watson at quarterback, however the defense will also be a huge factor. The Tigers signed Lawrence, the nation's No. 2 recruit out of Wake Forest (N.C.) according to 247 Sports, who will help replace Shaq Lawson, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Lawrence is currently listed as a backup defensive tackle on the depth chart.

McTelvin Agim, Arkansas, Defensive Tackle
Agim is the first five-star recruit signed by the Razorbacks since 2009 and only the second since 2001. Arkansas has nine returning starters on defense, which could make it difficult for Agim to initially crack the starting lineup. As a senior at Hope (Ark.), Agim (6-3, 289) recorded 62 sacks in his high school career including 24 as a senior when he was named the state defensive player of the year by the Democrat-Gazette.

Shane Buechele, Texas, Quarterback
The son of former MLB third baseman Steve Buechele, Shane did not have a huge senior year, throwing for just over 2,000 yards at Lamar (Arlington, Texas). However, he has emerged as the potential starter for the Longhorns after an outstanding performance during the Orange and White spring game in April. According to coach Charlie Strong, Buechele will likely split time with senior Tyrone Swoopes in the opener against Notre Dame.

Ben Davis, Alabama, Linebacker
Alabama got one of the nation's top linebackers when Ben Davis decided to stay at home and play for the Crimson Tide. The 5-star standout from Gordo (Ala.) is a legacy at Alabama where his father Wayne set the school record for tackles in the 1980s. The No. 1 ranked linebacker in the nation last year, Davis will have a tough time cracking the starting lineup for the Crimson Tide, but he is expected to add depth to an already outstanding linebacking unit.

Levonta Taylor, Florida State, Cornerback
The Seminoles lost Jalen Ramsey to the NFL, but they should still have a strong defensive secondary this season thanks to the signing of Taylor. Ranked as the nation's No. 1 cornerback last year, the Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Va.) graduate is expected to immediately battle for a starting spot.

Theo Howard, UCLA, Wide Receiver
The Bruins have one of the nation's top young quarterbacks in Josh Rosen. With Howard in the starting lineup, the Bruins have one of the nation's top receiving threats from the Class of 2015, making him a prime target for Rosen. Ranked No. 13 at his position by 247 Sports, Howard caught 60 passes for 959 yards and nine touchdowns at Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.) last year.