Chaos and surprise, those are two words you commonly associate with National Signing Days in college football. However, the 2023 renditions overproduced in the theatrics department in a way we haven’t seen in recent memory. Now that the dust has settled and we have a grasp of what depth charts nationwide may look like, let’s take a look at some true freshman that have a chance to be major impact players at the power five level.

Alabama S Caleb Downs:

When you talk about the history of defensive backs at the University of Alabama, you think of some of the best names to ever play college football. You also think of an array of players that dominate on Sundays in the NFL. Five star DB Caleb Downs is being heralded as the next in line to continue that legacy. Downs measures in at 6’0 190 pounds & has exceptional athleticism. Hailing from one of the best programs in that state of Georgia, Mill Creek, Downs has been battled tested against some of the best players in the country. Downs is the younger brother of former UNC star and current Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs and son of former NFL running back Gary Downs. There’s no shortage of pedigree here. Downs was selected to The All-American Bowl & had a stellar week of practice. He was also named The All-American Bowl’s National Player of The Year for 2023. Furthermore, Nick Saban has broken somewhat of a precedent set by himself and gone out of his way to label Downs as one of the players that have a chance to become “the guy”. Downs was an early enrollee that saw near immediate reps with the first team defense and showed tremendous flashes in the spring game. Don’t be surprised if Downs starts game one in the fall.

Clemson DL Peter Woods:

Peter Woods is a five star 6’3 290 pound defensive tackle from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama. Woods is one of the more impressive interior defensive line prospects I’ve seen in recent memory. He has a rare combination of speed, athleticism, power, and football IQ. Woods helped anchor the Warrior football team to four consecutive 7A state titles. After being selected to the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic and the 2023 Under Armor All-American game, Woods went on to dominate both weeks and was easily the best player in attendance for both. As an early enrollee, Woods dominated Clemson’s spring practice while putting up seven tackles, 2 TFL’s, and a sack in the spring game. Typically, you’ll see younger guys come in and have immediate success rushing the passer, but struggle in the run game. Woods won’t have that issue. His lock, peek, and shed technique in the spring game was as impressive as you could imagine for a college prospect, let alone a true freshman early enrollee. Dabo will waste no time giving this young man plenty of snaps.

UCLA QB Dante Moore:

Five star QB prospects are easily the most sought after recruits in the country. Arguably there’s not a better QB in the 2023 class than Dante Moore. I’d even go as far to say he’s the most college ready in one of the highest rated QB classes in recent memory. Moore attended Martin Luther King High School in Detroit and left his mark on the state’s record books. In 2021 as a junior, Moore won Mr. Football in the state of Michigan. More also led MLK to two consecutive state titles. Throwing for over 9,800 yards & 135 touchdowns, Moore accumulated more in both categories than anyone in school history. Moore was selected to The All-American Bowl and named MVP in the prominent all star game. There’s no doubt the 6’3 210 pound freshman will have as good of a chance as any newcomer to start right away. Another early enrollee that shined this spring, Chip Kelly and the Bruin faithful have to be ecstatic about this one.

Colorado DB Cormani McClain:

One of the biggest shockers of signing day was watching Coach Prime and staff flip five star Lakeland, FL CB Cormani McClain from Miami to Colorado. While that story could take an entirely new article to flesh out, just know the only thing to rival it was Coach Prime flipping number one overall recruit (who is now also at Colorado) Travis Hunter to Jackson State in last years cycle. That said, McClain is as talented as any defender in the class. At 6’2 170 pounds, McClain has prototypical size for a corner in todays game. Totaling 21 interceptions in his high school tenure, McClain was as much of a ball hawk as you’d expect a Coach Prime DB to be. Coming from prominent program Lakeland, which he helped lead to a 2022 state title, he has pedigree and play experience against some of the best talent in the country. McClain earned 2023 Under Armor All-American honors. Coach Prime will be excited to get this talent on the field immediately.

Alabama RB Justice Haynes:

As mentioned above with Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes is being thrown into the deep woods of expectation due to the long lineage of Alabama players that preceded him. Regardless, the same reigns true in this instance that the expectation is well warranted. Haynes, a five star from Buford High School in Georgia, comes in at 5’11 200 pounds. Haynes rushed for over 7,500 yards and 95 total touchdowns during his career at Buford while helping lead the school to three consecutive state titles. Another 2023 The All-American Bowl selection, Haynes flashed as one of the better players during the week of practice and rushed for 87 yards on 10 carries. Early enrollees are a common theme here and Haynes falls right in line with most of the group. Coach Saban has sung his praises and applauded Haynes’ work ethic and that’s no easy feat. Haynes put a stamp on his productive spring with 14 touches, 64 total yards, and three touchdowns in the spring game. More importantly, he showed maturity beyond his years and put forth a surprisingly stout performance in blitz pick up (pass protection). While Haynes may not start immediately due to Jase McClellan’s presence, he’ll assuredly be an impact player and get early touches for the Tide.

2023 Honorable Mention:

Kadyn Proctor

Keon Keely

Brandon Innis

Carnell Tate

Jordan Hall

Duce Robinson

Zachariah Branch

Francis Mauigoa

Matayo Uiagalelei