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College football 2018 preview: 15 freshmen poised to make instant impact

By Cody Williams

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - MAY 26: Trevor Lawrence of Clemson University poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson's 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – APRIL 21: Penn State LB Micah Parsons (11) slips past OL Alex Gellerstedt (51) during the Spring Football Game on April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – APRIL 21: Penn State LB Micah Parsons (11) slips past OL Alex Gellerstedt (51) during the Spring Football Game on April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

11. Micah Parsons, MLB, Penn State

Somewhat quietly, the Penn State Nittany Lions and head coach James Franklin put together one of the better 2018 recruiting classes in the entire country. According to the 247 Sports Composite rankings, the Nittany Lions class, which featured a solid three 5-star recruits, was the sixth-best group in the entire nation. Headlining their class of star-studded freshman, though, was defensive end Micah Parsons — or at least he was a defensive end as a recruit.

The fifth-ranked prospect in the country, however, seemingly possessed malleability uncommon for many players. With athleticism and a strong football IQ already equipped at a high level, Parsons seemed like he could truly line up almost anywhere that Penn State would need him. As it turned out, they needed him at middle linebacker. And he’s already looking like he’s taking to the new position with ease.

Parsons played at the middle linebacker spot as the starter for the Blue squad during the Nittany Lions’ spring game. He didn’t just hold his own in that contest, but he was one of the stars. The freshman finished with eight tackles and a sack for the game, earning respect right away.

The spring game should really be the beginning for this Penn State defense and Parsons, however. This is a group that had some consistency issues last season and is now without a few of their leaders from last year, including Marcus Allen at safety. While Parsons doesn’t have the experience to lead in that way, he could certainly be a leader by example if he can come out and perform at a high level.