While it may appear difficult for this year's class of newcomers match the productivity of the 2011 neophytes in the Big East, the collective assemblage of talent possesses the ability to have as immediate of an impact.
Last season, Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater and Connecticut RB Lyle McCombs alone combined for more than 3,000 yards and 20 TDs. In 2012, Big East fans will be introduced to a quarterback who picked the brain of Tim Tebow while in high school, an electrifying running back who set state and national records at Tony Dorsett's former school and an imposing defensive lineman who ranked among the nation's best among high school seniors.
1. Chris Coyer, QB, Temple -
During Coyer's senior year in high school in 2008, he broadened his understanding of the spread-option offense after meeting with another left-handed quarterback with a proclivity for scrambling: Tim Tebow. Coyer joined a Temple offense led by former Owls' offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, Tebow's former QB coach at Florida. Though Coyer didn't completely mirror Tebow's tendencies according to Loeffler, the coach said Coyer embodied the New York Jets' quarterback's intelligence and toughness.
Coyer inherited the starting spot after relieving Chester Stewart in Temple's 35-31 loss to Ohio last November. The junior started the Owls' final four games and led his team to victories in all four. He finished the season with a Mid-American Conference best 177.38 efficiency rating. Coyer must lead an offense that loses Ravens RB Bernard Pierce, who finished with 27 TDs in 2011.
2. Rushel Shell, RB, Pitt -
The excitement for Shell's collegiate debut at Pitt is palpable. The 6-0, 215 pound running back amassed more than 9,000 rushing yards at Hopewell High School while setting a Pennsylvania state record for rushing yards in a career. Shell dazzled fans amidst a backdrop that contained a billboard of former Pitt and Hopewell legend Tony Dorsett.
Shell could feel pressure to follow in Dorsett's footsteps if he's thrust into the spotlight immediately. Pitt senior RB Ray Graham earned a spot on the Doak Campbell Award watch list, but is returning from a season-ending knee injury. Shell has durability after logging more than 1,100 carries in high school.
3. Darius Hamilton, DL, Rutgers -
Expect Darius Hamilton, the son of former Giants defensive lineman Keith Hamilton, to play right away. Hamilton (6-3, 240) already has physical attributes of a veteran FBS lineman despite just arriving on campus.
Scarlet Knights coach Kyle Flood compares Hamilton's physicality favorably with former Rutgers' defensive standouts Jamaal Westerman and Justin Francis, now with the Dolphins and Patriots respectively.
“He's much more advanced than a typical high school defensive lineman,” Flood said. “I'd say it's because of his ability to use his hands.”
4. Keith Brown/Nick Dawson, LBs, Louisville -
Brown (6-2, 230) surprised many when he spurned Miami (Fla.) and Florida State to join coach Charlie Strong's defense. The No. 7 overall middle linebacker in Scout.com's Class of 2012 rankings enrolled early at Louisville.
Dawson (6-3, 230) is regarded as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and could crack the lineup even sooner than Brown. The duo could help an already stout rushing defense that ranked third in the Big East in 2011 (100.5 yards per game).
5. Matt Brown, RB, Temple -
The one-two punch of Brown and Coyer may be enough to adequately replace Pierce. Brown has already displayed firepower after finishing last season with 703 kickoff return yards. The 5-5, 165 pound junior actually ended the season with close to 300 more all-purpose yards than Pierce.
Brown is not as bruising as Pierce, but is quick and has the ability to force missed tackles.