Whenever a college football team sign a 5-star prospect, the hype train typically starts screeching down the tracks. The dreams of first-year superstardom are prevalent.
In reality, though, a majority of elite talents spend a season or two adjusting to the college game. The attention they received as high schoolers will dissipate, and, from a national perspective, some players even become relatively forgotten.
Because of personal development, NFL departures, transfers or other reasons, though, 2022 may finally be the season that the previous 5-star recruit becomes a key player.
This collection of players is intentionally narrow.