Before last season, names like Marcus Lattimore, Michael Dyer, and Cam Newton were hardly being thrown around outside of the Southeast. By January, these guys had earned the country’s respect. The SEC’s recruiting efforts in the past five years have only been surpassed by their rabid following, and this year is no different. Here are ten SEC newcomers that, barring injury, you may be getting acquainted with by the end of the year.
10. Anthony Johnson – LSU:
It’s not often that freshman defensive linemen make an impact in college football, but if anyone can it’s the New Orleans native they call The Freak. In addition to being quick off the snap, Johnson possesses the non-stop motor that defensive coaches cherish in the trenches, and the versatility to rush the passer from the outside as well.
9. Ray Drew – Georgia:
This Thomasville, GA native currently serves as the pastor of his hometown Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, but this fall he’ll only be baptizing quarterbacks between the hedges. At 6’5, 250 pounds, Drew will play Will linebacker at UGA. He’s freakishly strong and explosive for his size, any questions about his talent were answered at this year’s Army All-American game, where he racked up 2.5 sacks going against the top talent in the country.
8. Maurice Couch – Tennessee:
A Garden City (KS) Community College transfer, Couch will wreak havoc early on the line in Knoxville. Standing at 6’2, 295, Couch will likely gain a starting spot in the fall. An explosive lineman with experience playing in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, Couch’s arsenal is a mixture of power and versatility, Vols defensive line coach Lance Thompson has to be excited about Couch’s potential.
7. Mike Blakely – Florida:
Blakely doesn’t have the speed or quickness of Urban Meyer-era Florida backs, but in the new pro-style offense, he has a chance to make a great contribution to the Gators’ backfield this year, especially if redshirt freshman Mack Brown hasn’t recovered fully from injury. Blakely has a low center of gravity, and combined with his excellent agility makes him a threat in a Charlie Weis offense.
6. Zach Mettenberger – LSU:
Mettenberger transferred to LSU after being dismissed from the University of Georgia amidst legal trouble. A prototypical quarterback (6’5 245) who seems to have a rocket launcher attached to his shoulder, Mettenberger was listed behind senior Jordan Jefferson on the depth chart after transferring from Butler County Community College in Kansas. Though Jefferson has the most experience, I believe Mettenberger has a good chance of seizing the starting job by the end of the year, given his physical tools. LSU consistently has a stable of great receivers, and Les Miles knows he has an ace in the hole should Jordan Jefferson struggle before the Bayou Bengals’ conference schedule begins.
5. Demetrius Hart – Alabama:
The U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year, Hart switched commitments from Michigan to Alabama following the coaching change in Ann Arbor. An extremely agile, shifty runner, Hart could be the secret weapon in the Tide backfield, a great complement to Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. He has the potential to be a weapon in the return game from the time he steps foot on campus.
4. Jesse Williams – Alabama:
After losing Marcel Dareus to the NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide will be looking for playmakers on the defensive line. Brisbane, Australia native Jesse Williams fits the bill. This 6’3, 310 pound nose tackle initially spent his free time playing basketball and rugby until the age of 15. Since then, he’s been hooked. Once he gets on campus after transferring from Arizona Western Community College, Williams will anchor the Crimson Tide line as they look to rebound from a 10-3 season. With experienced linebackers and an extremely talented secondary behind him, look for the Tide’s D to put together a few shutouts this season.
3. Jonathan Jenkins – UGA:
This mammoth nose tackle is originally from Meriden, Connecticut, but spent two years at Gulf Coast Community College in Mississippi. This junior college served as a pit stop for Terrence Cody before he became a mountain of a man at Alabama. Gulf Coast’s coach Steve Campbell says the 6’4, 350 pound Jenkins “moves better than Cody” and has better mobility. If that doesn’t convince you—get this, Jenkins played fullback in high school, and by his own account, he runs a 4.9 40-yard dash. Expect Jenkins to team up with Kwame Geathers to plug up the middle of Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense in Athens.
Link to 40-yard dash quote: http://twitter.com/#!/Bigjohn481/status/56079231884599296
2. Isaiah Crowell – Georgia:
A shy kid from Columbus, Georgia, Crowell is the crown jewel of Mark Richt’s Dream Team recruiting class. All eyes in the Peach State will be on Crowell once he arrives on campus in June. At a solid 5’11 205, he’s been called a stronger C.J. Spiller; his highlight film is a must-watch. Crowell possesses all the tools necessary to become an every-down back in the SEC after spending time in a legitimate strength and conditioning program. He can catch the ball out of the backfield; he has excellent vision, balance, agility and breakaway speed. Crowell has a great chance to overthrow Caleb King and Washaun Ealey for the starting spot at tailback for the Dawgs this year.
1. Jadeveon Clowney – South Carolina:
The man, the myth, the legend—Clowney’s reputation precedes him; there’s a Twitter page dedicated to his everyday exploits, such as breaking vices while attempting to crack his knuckles, killing birds by throwing them off cliffs, ripping tags off mattresses, etc. Standing at 6’6, 247, Clowney runs a 4.5 forty yard dash and his first step off the line of scrimmage is insane. He’s such a presence on the football field that the arrow used to indicate which player to watch in his highlight film is virtually unnecessary. Clowney will make plays early and often in Columbia, Expect him to play a large role in their campaign for the SEC title.
