It's not always easy to sift through the spring-practice lip service, which describes everyone as a star, to try to determine who will help their teams come fall.

In some cases, guys are getting opportunities because of injuries. In others, they are getting a lot of reps because of depth concerns or because prized youngsters haven't made it in.

Even though some programs are just getting into the swing of spring, most teams are deep into drills or, in some cases, even finished. So, who's standing out?

From young superstars blossoming at the right time to upperclassmen or even walk-ons who are proving you need to learn their names, several have shown promise. There's even a pair of rival quarterbacks making noise.

Spring stars don't always turn into must-see-TV talent when the lights come on, but they often give us glimpses at the star (or the depth) of the future.

While it's impossible to track every team and every player around the nation, a few guys are drawing considerable buzz.

Kyon Barrs, USC Defensive Tackle

Nobody in Los Angeles is worried about USC's offense with Lincoln Riley calling the plays and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams under center.

The defense is a different story.

That side of the ball collapsed down the stretch a season ago, turning a once-promising campaign that could have ended in the College Football Playoff into a disappointment that overshadowed the program's one-year turnaround under Riley.

The rebuild of Alex Grinch's defense, which finished No. 106 nationally, has begun in earnest. The Trojans went about it by hammering the portal for talent such as Oklahoma State middle linebacker Mason Cobb and underclassman Anthony Lucas from Texas A&M.

But Kyon Barrs might make a huge impact right away. The former Arizona defensive tackle has been disruptive this spring, leading to glowing reviews from everyone around the program.

"He's a special talent," said center Justin Dedich, who faces Barrs in practice, according to The Athletic's Antonio Morales. "He's made me better already in these six, seven practices. Just how strong he is, his inside hands, his everything, feet. He's an elite player."

The 6'2", 290-pound lineman flew under the radar in Tucson, but his past two seasons, he accumulated 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He is a veteran who could fortify the line and give USC a huge presence in stopping the run game. His ability to shine right away is paramount to the team's success.

Luther Burden III, Missouri Wide Receiver

Even if you're a staunch follower of college football, you may not know Barrs' name, but you're certainly familiar with Luther Burden III if you follow recruiting.

He was a 5-star wide receiver in the 2022 class, and when he elected to stay home and play for coach Eli Drinkwitz's Missouri Tigers, it was major news.

Though he had positive flashes a season ago as a true freshman, Burden wasn't utilized the way he needed to be until later in the campaign and probably dealt with growing pains, too. But he seems to be catching on nicely now.

Even with transfer Theo Wease in the fold in Columbia, Burden will be the biggest weapon for new quarterback Jake Garcia (or whoever beats him out).

Incoming Mizzou offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has moved Burden to the slot, where he's thriving, even if the 5'11", 208-pound target doesn't look like a traditional player in that spot because he's so tall.

"He made some tough catches over the middle," Moore told Columbia Daily Tribune's Chris Kwiecinski. "He's a bigger slot and sometimes people play smaller slots, but I would argue when you have a bigger slot, he has more catch radius and the quarterback could see him."

It would be surprising to exactly nobody if Burden wasn't one of the top playmakers in the SEC this year, but after a season when he piled up only 375 receiving yards and six touchdowns, news of Burden adapting to a new spot is a big deal, given the excitement surrounding him a year ago.