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Pac-12 breakdown: The league's top newcomers in 2016

Melquise Stovall (Rivals.com)

Every program in the Pac-12 will have newcomers on the field this fall. Some first-year players will be featured prominently while others will be relegated to roles as a reserve or on special teams.

We look at all 12 teams across the conference and identify the newcomer we expect to make the biggest impact in this week's Pac-12 breakdown.

RELATED: Impact newcomers in the ACC | Big Ten | SEC

ARIZONA WILDCATS

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Hayes always had a knack for making plays and being around the football in high school and that’s what made him one of the better defensive backs in California during the last recruiting cycle. He has proven to carry that over to college as well and is already making an impression with the Wildcats. That’s why he could see significant playing time at safety this season. Even if he’s not the most physically imposing player, he’s still a playmaker who has a great understanding of how plays are developing.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

The top-ranked receiver in the 2016 class, Harry has the size and ability to immediately contribute to an Arizona State offense that needs some playmakers on the outside. Harry is listed 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds but he runs so well that he’s also a deep threat plus a guy who can box out and beat smaller cornerbacks in the Pac-12. Harry is ready to go, he’s a huge target and it’s expected he could contribute immediately in Tempe.

CAL GOLDEN BEARS

Demetris Robertson is the obvious answer here since the five-star could do special things immediately in Berkeley. Instead, we’re going with a second receiver in former four-star all-purpose back Melquise Stovall, who had 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. After losing so many talented receivers, spots are ripe for the taking and Stovall is doing everything possible to earn early time in the slot.

COLORADO BUFFALOES

Julmisse has been a pleasant surprise during fall camp for the Buffaloes and looks to be one of the few true freshmen to play during the 2016 season. He will likely be used in the slot position and has continued to display outstanding hands, great speed and has even been taking reps on the defensive side of the football in the secondary. He turned heads during a mid-August scrimmage when he caught an 80-yard touchdown from quarterback Jordan Gehrke.

OREGON DUCKS

The Ducks should be just fine at wide receiver with a lot of veterans and talented players but Mitchell has made his mark in Eugene early and could see significant time. The four-star receiver from Memphis (Tenn.) White Station enrolled early and made a huge impact in the spring game with 104 receiving yards and touchdowns of 32 and 31 yards. There is only one football to go around and Oregon has some serious talent at running back and receiver, but Mitchell should see significant time on the field.

OREGON STATE BEAVERS

The Beavers are strong at receiver and have some experienced, stable pieces along the offensive line. Running back will be something of a question mark entering the season and Pierce could see some time because of it. The former three-star from Auburndale, Fla., could be used in the backfield and in the return game. He’s been good in fall camp and has that make-you-miss ability that could get him on the field early.

STANFORD CARDINAL

Stanford won’t be using many freshmen this season and that could be a sign of an excellent team with great depth across the board, but Herbig could see the field in some packages. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound prospect has done well so far and could earn some early playing time. Also watch out for former five-star linebacker Curtis Robinson, who should work his way onto the scene first by excelling on special teams.

UCLA BRUINS

Wide receiver spots are up for grabs – get it? – and former four-star Theo Howard has been impressive in camp. The Howard-Josh Rosen connection could be something special for at least the next two seasons. But we’re going with Tagaloa here because he can provide great depth behind Eddie Vanderdoes and somebody has to step in for the loss of defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Tagaloa has had a great fall, he’s 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds with a great motor and he takes to coaching really well.

USC TROJANS

The good news for USC is that the Trojans signed another talented recruiting class and won’t have to utilize many freshmen because they have experience at a lot of positions. Still, Pittman should see the field a good deal at wide receiver and with his size at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds he’s a big target on the outside who can make plays. Five-star corner Jack Jones could be one of the next great ones at USC but Adoree’ Jackson and Iman Marshall have those spots locked up for now.

UTAH UTES

Utah stocked up all over the field and has some impressive young talent on the defensive line with Maxs Tupai and Leki Fotu – defense is never really an issue with the Utes – but Simpkins could be a surprising young star in Utah’s offense. The wide receiver position is up for grabs with the Utes and with a new quarterback coming in they’re going to need a lot of help. Simpkins has been impressive so far and with his Florida speed – he’s from Carol City (Fla.) Hallandale – he could provide an early spark.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES

There could be some freshmen playing significant minutes on defense for the Huskies with defensive backs Byron Murphy and Taylor Rapp and linebacker Brandon Wellington possibly working into the rotation even though Washington’s defense is loaded. Those are guys to watch but so is McGrew, who can do so much in the Huskies’ offense. The 5-foot-7, 170-pound spark plug could be used out of the backfield as a running back or to catch passes on swing routes. He can be lethal in the slot as well. With his speed and playmaking ability it will be tough to keep McGrew on the sidelines.

WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS

Washington State throws the ball all the time and the Cougars are loaded at receiver – no surprise there – but Johnson-Mack has a real chance to make an impact this season. He has been impressive so far and the former high three-star out of Florida could have an impact for the Cougars in their pass-happy offense. There are plenty of other receivers who will get the ball, established players in that offense, but Johnson-Mack could be a rising star.

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