By Bill Carey (SI.com) -

While the race to replace Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton has garnered most of the headlines at Auburn, the success of the Tigers’ new starting quarterback will largely depend on how the defending national champions fill another area of need.

Auburn must replace four offensive line starters, and at the center of that position battle — literally and figuratively — is freshman Reese Dismukes, who graduated from Spanish Fort (Ala.) High a semester early to participate in spring practice with the Tigers. Dismukes, one of the nation’s top center prospects, shared time on the first team this spring with walk-on Blake Burgess, and the two are competing for the spot vacated by Ryan Pugh.

At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Dismukes already has the size for the position. By arriving to campus a few days after Auburn beat Oregon 22-19 for the BCS title, he improved his chances of getting on the field immediately.

Dismukes isn’t the only early enrollee likely to make an impact this fall. According to a USA Today report, 134 BCS-conference players started classes a semester early this year. Most will settle into backup roles, and some will still redshirt, but a few will shine early and earn important responsibilities for major programs. In addition to Dismukes, here are the best bets to turn spring success into fall opportunities.

Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

If things break right for the Buckeyes, Miller will start the first five games of 2011 and then not see the field again until 2012. But the freshman’s play could have a big impact on the national championship chase.

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