Breaking down the SEC's impact freshmen

[crawfish]

Breaking down the SEC's impact freshmen - ESPN (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec)

After consulting with ESPN recruiting guru Tom Luginbill and several others around the conference, here's a look at the 15 freshmen (true and redshirt) most likely to have the biggest impact this season. Obviously, this could change depending on injuries, academics and upperclassmen making a move this August. It's also not necessarily a list of the 15 most talented freshmen or 15 highest rated freshmen. It's 15 guys who could have a profound impact based either on need or the fact that they're just that good. They're listed alphabetically:

Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas: After redshirting last season, Bequette was good enough during the spring that the Razorbacks were able to move Malcolm Sheppard inside to tackle. Bequette finished the spring as one of the Hogs' most improved players, according to Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino.

Aaron Boyd, WR, Kentucky: Boyd is the younger brother of former Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd. He had plenty of offers, but stayed home to play for the Wildcats. He fills a huge void at receiver, where just about everybody who made a play for the Wildcats last season is gone.

Enrique Davis, RB, Ole Miss: He signed with Auburn originally out of high school, but settled on Ole Miss after attending Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy last year. And why not? Davis is Houston Nutt's type of back -- big, bruising and blessed with breakaway speed. He'll get the ball early and often this season.

Aaron Douglas, TE, Tennessee: Shoulder surgery has slowed Douglas somewhat, but he's the kind of athletic tight end new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson is looking for in his West Coast offense. The Vols will use two tight ends a good bit this season if everybody's healthy.

Robert Elliott, RB, Miss. State: One of the country's top-rated running back prospects two years ago, Elliott showed flashes of brilliance last August in camp, but was held back by some fumbling problems. He's had the reshirt year to mature and will team with Anthony Dixon and Wade Bonner to give the Bulldogs a potent running game.

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: One of the top receiving prospects in the nation last year, Green could quickly become one of Matthew Stafford's favorite targets. The Bulldogs are looking for more playmakers at receiver, and Green is one of those guys who stretches the field with the best of them.

Jerrell Harris, LB, Alabama: It's no secret that Alabama needs linebackers. Harris could factor in on the strong side immediately. He has great speed and finds the football. The Crimson Tide had some pretty good success with another freshman linebacker last season ... Rolando McClain.

Will Hill, S, Florida: The 6-3, 200-pound Hill is a punishing hitter who figures to get a shot right away in the Gators' secondary. They won an intense recruiting battle with Florida State and Southern California to get him and won't waste any time putting him out there.

Omar Hunter, DT, Florida: The unofficial count of how many times Urban Meyer mentioned Omar Hunter's name this spring was somewhere around double digits. The Gators need defensive tackle help, and the 6-1, 300-pound Hunter has all the tools to be a great one.

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: He has the look of a five-year NFL veteran. The 6-4, 210-pound Jones was one of the crown jewels of Alabama's top-rated recruiting class. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson will be looking for a big, athletic target this season, and Jones certainly fits that bill.

Caleb King, RB, Georgia: Get ready for a one-two punch at tailback in Athens. Knowshon Moreno was the redshirt freshman everyone couldn't wait to see at Georgia last season (and with good reason). This season, it's King, who gives the Bulldogs another explosive running threat in their backfield.

Alonzo Lawrence, CB, Alabama: Nick Saban played a lot of nickel and dime packages last season and is always looking for more depth in the secondary. Lawrence made his name by shutting down fellow Alabama signee Julio Jones in the Alabama vs. Mississippi high school all-star game.

Jarrett Lee, QB, LSU: A highly rated prospect coming out of Texas, Lee redshirted last season. But with Ryan Perrilloux gone, Lee moves to the forefront of the Tigers' quarterback race along with junior Andrew Hatch. Another one to watch is 6-5, 220-pound true freshman Jordan Jefferson, especially if he can handle the mental jump to college football.

Charles Mitchell, S, Miss. State: The state of Mississippi's top prospect last year, Mitchell is enrolled in second-session summer school classes at Mississippi State. He'll start out at safety, but could play just about anywhere -- including offense. He's one of those rare prospects who was physically ready to play college football the day he signed.

Chris Rainey, RB, Florida: The star of the Gators' spring game, Rainey received a medical redshirt last year after injuring his shoulder. Not only is he super fast, but he has moves that are even scarier for a defender in the open field. Rainey has beefed up and is now pushing 180 pounds. He has a chance to be one of the SEC's most exciting players.


Rookies, Jacke Bequette, Arkansas Razorbacks, Aaron Boyd, Kentucky Wildcats, Enrique Davis, Mississippi Rebels, Aaron Douglas, Tennessee Volunteers, Robert Elliott, Mississippi State Bulldogs, A.J. Green, Georgia Bulldogs, Jerrell Harris, Alabama Crimson Tide, Will Hill, Florida Gators, Omar Hunter, Julio Jones, Caleb King, Alonzo Lawrence, Jarrett Lee, LSU Tigers, Charles Mitchell, Chris Rainey

[Noah.Dreams]

I had lunch with Julio and Jerrell on Wednesday at Ferguson Center after freshman orientation. They are built like veteran NBA forwards .... agile, mobile and hostile.

[Tider27]

I had lunch with Julio and Jerrell on Wednesday at Ferguson Center after freshman orientation. They are built like veteran NBA forwards .... agile, mobile and hostile.

So what do you mean by hostile? They try to take your cornbread? :laugh:


**Language**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2J3GxFYFdg

[BAMAPERRY]

Burton Scott may very well be the best Freshman in the nation this year. And Mark Barron is an unbelievable athlete.

[DAWGS1]

i don't know why they list omar hunter at 6'1. he's barely 5'10 if not 5'9.

[festus]

Who are most of these bobo's. Most of that list didn't sign with bammer.

[CRUSTY]

I hate the fact we didnt get Enrique Davis but I'm interested to see how good he is. Chris Rainey will be fun to watch also.

[gatorunvrsty]

i don't know why they list omar hunter at 6'1. he's barely 5'10 if not 5'9.

It must be a pretty wide ranging conspiracy, then, because ESPN and Rivals both list him at 6'1". Scout has him listed as 6'2". He'd be a little closer to 6'3" if he was wearing red, though, right? ;)

[DAWGS1]

i have it from people who went to buford and say he doesn't clear the 6' barrier. sorry if your pinning your run stopping hopes on a 5'9 dt. don't see too many of those playing in the nfl:D

[thunderbird1100]

i have it from people who went to buford and say he doesn't clear the 6' barrier. sorry if your pinning your run stopping hopes on a 5'9 dt. don't see too many of those playing in the nfl:D

This is stupid. Obviously your "information" came from guys with R & B glasses on. The recruiting sites wouldn't lie about a top recruits height by 4 to 5 inches. If the kids don't go to a combine to get measured they're typically AT MOST off by 2 inches.

He's at least 5'11-6'0 if not taller like stated by the recruiting sites.

At any rate, what does it matter if he's 5'11 or 6'2? Not like height is a priority for DTs.

[D^3]

This is stupid. Obviously your "information" came from guys with R & B glasses on. The recruiting sites wouldn't lie about a top recruits height by 4 to 5 inches. If the kids don't go to a combine to get measured they're typically AT MOST off by 2 inches.

He's at least 5'11-6'0 if not taller like stated by the recruiting sites.

At any rate, what does it matter if he's 5'11 or 6'2? Not like height is a priority for DTs.


The recruiting sites don't send out scouts to measure every player in the country, dipwad. They go by what the guys records say. And we all know those aren't always accurate. Unless you've seen the guy in person, STFU. DAWGS1 and I are both from the Buford area and know people that have gone to Buford or do go to Buford, and know Omar Hunter from watching him play, or know him in person. This is ridiculous... here you are calling him stupid for his first hand accounts based on something you read on the internet.

[GeauxTo]

I believe Jarret Lee will be the starting QB at LSU, but true freshman Jordan Jefferson could develop and move ahead of Andrew Hatch as the number two. He's in school this summer and working out hard every day.

[DAWGS1]

i'm not looking through red and black glasses. its based on first hand experience and talking to people who are in the know. sorry if facts bother you guys. here's a little cheer to help mend your fragile little minds.:D
h0ck5VAcp8Q

[thunderbird1100]

The recruiting sites don't send out scouts to measure every player in the country, dipwad. They go by what the guys records say. And we all know those aren't always accurate. Unless you've seen the guy in person, STFU. DAWGS1 and I are both from the Buford area and know people that have gone to Buford or do go to Buford, and know Omar Hunter from watching him play, or know him in person. This is ridiculous... here you are calling him stupid for his first hand accounts based on something you read on the internet.

Guess what dipshit. I have gone to Buford games too. Saw Justin Roper play when he was there. I live in the Atlanta area. I've heard from several unbiased folks about Omar Hunter who SAW him too and NONE of them mentioned him being short.

And no shit they don't go out and measure everyone. Hence why I SAID "if they don't show up at a COMBINE they are normally only off 2 inches AT MOST". Did you fail to comprehend that part? If they don't show up at a combine or camp they go by what the recruit tells them, their coach tells them, and also a little by film. Once again though, this is STUPID to assume a top recruit in the country lied about his height by FOUR to FIVE inches and the recruiting sites just threw it up there. He isn't 5'9 or 5'10. HE's at worst 5'11, most likely 6'0-6'1 (rivals and scout say 6'1-6'2). His and yours "buddies" simply lied having red and black shades on.

[D^3]

Guess what dipshit. I have gone to Buford games too. Saw Justin Roper play when he was there. I live in the Atlanta area. I've heard from several unbiased folks about Omar Hunter who SAW him too and NONE of them mentioned him being short.

And no shit they don't go out and measure everyone. Hence why I SAID "if they don't show up at a COMBINE they are normally only off 2 inches AT MOST". Did you fail to comprehend that part? If they don't show up at a combine or camp they go by what the recruit tells them, their coach tells them, and also a little by film. Once again though, this is STUPID to assume a top recruit in the country lied about his height by FOUR to FIVE inches and the recruiting sites just threw it up there. He isn't 5'9 or 5'10. HE's at worst 5'11, most likely 6'0-6'1 (rivals and scout say 6'1-6'2). His and yours "buddies" simply lied having red and black shades on.

Nobody said he was short, but he is UNDER 6 feet. That's what 5'11" is. Thats not having red and black shades on, thats knowing the difference between internet stats and reality.

[shanksta13]

I think AJ Green and Jerrell Harris will be the biggest impact players on that list.

[the Prodigy]

J. Adams and D.Curtis will both be HUGE for the hogs next season. If for no other reason than the necessity Arkansas has for talent at skill positions. Curtis will come in and be an impact at RB if he gets on the field. The guy has a natural talent to find space. Adams was a former USCw commit. Petrino got him to switch to Arkansas and will strengthen an untested WR core....

[Noah.Dreams]

WATCH OUT EVERYBODY... THERE'S A DOG FIGHT!

Given my vast experience refereeing dog fights, sometimes the best solution is to just shoot them both.

Originally Posted by thunderbird1100 http://www.sectalk.com/boards/../images/vuel/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=463004#post463004)
Guess what dipshit. I have gone to Buford games too. Saw Justin Roper play when he was there. I live in the Atlanta area. I've heard from several unbiased folks about Omar Hunter who SAW him too and NONE of them mentioned him being short.

And no shit they don't go out and measure everyone. Hence why I SAID "if they don't show up at a COMBINE they are normally only off 2 inches AT MOST". Did you fail to comprehend that part? If they don't show up at a combine or camp they go by what the recruit tells them, their coach tells them, and also a little by film. Once again though, this is STUPID to assume a top recruit in the country lied about his height by FOUR to FIVE inches and the recruiting sites just threw it up there. He isn't 5'9 or 5'10. HE's at worst 5'11, most likely 6'0-6'1 (rivals and scout say 6'1-6'2). His and yours "buddies" simply lied having red and black shades on.

Originally Posted by D^3 http://www.sectalk.com/boards/../images/vuel/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=462938#post462938)
The recruiting sites don't send out scouts to measure every player in the country, dipwad. They go by what the guys records say. And we all know those aren't always accurate. Unless you've seen the guy in person, STFU. DAWGS1 and I are both from the Buford area and know people that have gone to Buford or do go to Buford, and know Omar Hunter from watching him play, or know him in person. This is ridiculous... here you are calling him stupid for his first hand accounts based on something you read on the internet.

[gatorunvrsty]

Nobody said he was short, but he is UNDER 6 feet. That's what 5'11" is. Thats not having red and black shades on, thats knowing the difference between internet stats and reality.

The reality is that scouting sites don't have to go out and measure anyone; nor do they have to put their faith in what a kid's record says. Virtually all of these kids go to combines (just like t-bird said), including ones put on and sponsored by ESPN and Scout, where every conceivable measurement is taken for accuracy, so that when they have to report on these guys, they're not wrong. I hardly think any of y'all's buddies who watched him play, and are still pissed off that he chose UF over UGA, took a tape to the games and measured him. Even if they did have the cajones to do such a stupid thing, they'd never give an accurate representation to give the appearance that UF stole a great one out of UGA's back yard. I guess the fact that all 3 recruiting sites ranked him as the #2 DT in the nation last year are wrong about that, too; but, a couple of stoners from Buford know talent when they see it.:whistle:

Makes you wonder why UGA was even recruiting this short, talentless oaf.

[AuburnPawnTiger]

when did this message board start allowing wholesale name calling. When I first joined this board I liked it because most of the posters were mature enough not to call each other names like little school girls do, this is getting outrageous

[JerryBeeds]

Here's a little more on this:

Gamecocks' Whitlock another freshman to watch

July 11, 2008 2:33 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

I was prepared for the onslaught of responses (some nice, some not so nice) to my list Thursday of the 15 freshmen most likely to have the biggest impacts this season in the SEC.

Going into the project, I knew there would be some oversights, and South Carolina's Charles Whitlock was an obvious one. There's a reason everybody in the SEC wanted the Chester, S.C., native.

And to be honest, there will be a handful of freshmen that come out of nowhere to surprise even their coaches this season. There will also be a few that we're all expecting big things from that never get close to the field during a game.

Anyway, here's a few more that warrant mention as likely impact freshmen this season, and remember it can be true freshmen or redshirt freshmen. They're listed alphabetically:

Akeem Auguste, CB, South Carolina: The Gamecocks are deep and experienced in the secondary, but senior cornerback Carlos Thomas had better not get too comfortable. Auguste, a prep school player from Fork Union, looked more than capable in the spring.

Brandon Barden, TE, Vanderbilt: Originally signed with Virginia Tech, but transferred after a semester there. A quarterback in high school, Barden was impressive as a scout team tight end a year ago.

Mark Barron, LB/S, Alabama: Rated by some as a defensive back in high school, Barron may grow into a linebacker at Alabama and brings the kind of speed Nick Saban is looking for in that unit. He also rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a senior running back in high school.

Quindarius Carr, WR, Auburn: After redshirting last season, Carr raised his stock with a productive spring. He's bigger, more in tune with what's expected of him and more consistent. The Tigers are counting on him to be a part of their rotation this season.

Jeffrey Demps, RB, Florida: There's fast, and then there's Jeffrey Demps fast. He ran a 10.01 in the 100 meters last month at the U.S. Olympic Trials, the fastest time ever for an American teenager. Urban Meyer is drawing up plays as we speak to get Demps the ball.

Jamie Graham, WR, Vanderbilt: A redshirt freshman, Graham was a defensive stopper on the Commodores' basketball team last season. He'll move from defensive back to receiver in football and should be one of the most explosive athletes on the team.

Tavarres King, WR, Georgia: Most of the hype has centered around A.J. Green, but King went through spring practice and didn't take long to make an impression on the Georgia coaches with his ability to get open and make plays.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida: The Gators were painfully young in the secondary last season, but Jenkins is physical and can cover. What's more, Florida will take any help it can get in the secondary this season.

Tyler Love, OT, Alabama: The Crimson Tide will be looking for some help along the right side of their offensive line, and Love has what it takes as a true freshman to step in there and contribute this season.

Ahmad Paige, WR, Tennessee: The Vols don't really have a deep threat at receiver right now, and the wiry Paige might end up being that guy. He redshirted last season for the Vols and needed the extra year in the weight room.

Tristan Strong, LB, Vanderbilt: With Marcus Buggs now trying to make an NFL team, there could be a spot at outside linebacker for a freshman. The 220-pound Strong is a leading candidate.

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama: Anybody who can play linebacker is going to have a chance this season with the Crimson Tide, and Upshaw was one of the most heralded outside linebacker prospects in the country last year.

Charles Whitlock, WR/CB, South Carolina: He went through the spring at receiver after graduating high school early. He can also return kicks and has shown great closing speed at cornerback, which may wind up being his future home.

O'Neal Wilder, WR, Miss. State: A world-class track athlete, Wilder brings some of that speed the Bulldogs are desperately seeking on the offensive side of the ball. He was also able to go through spring practice after graduating high school early, so the coaches know what he can do.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec

[BAMAPERRY]

I would love to see Barron at RB, but Nick will put him on the D.

[Bulldog Bry]

when did this message board start allowing wholesale name calling. When I first joined this board I liked it because most of the posters were mature enough not to call each other names like little school girls do, this is getting outrageous

Well said, APT. Everybody take a step back.

[ColonelKurtz]

For UGA, two incoming WR's King & Green may be the sparks which make the Dawgs impossible to stop. Defenses had no answer for the Dawgs the last half of the season and add a vertical passing game with Stafford's ability to go deep and you've got your SEC Championship team.

[shanksta13]

Will Hill, S, Florida: The 6-3, 200-pound Hill is a punishing hitter who figures to get a shot right away in the Gators' secondary. They won an intense recruiting battle with Florida State and Southern California to get him and won't waste any time putting him out there.

This one just got alot bigger. Starting safety is down for the year and Hill will likely come in and compete for the starting spot right away. I would love to see Major Wright moved to strong safety and let Hill handle the free safety role.

[BigBamaFan]

Will Hill, S, Florida: The 6-3, 200-pound Hill is a punishing hitter who figures to get a shot right away in the Gators' secondary. They won an intense recruiting battle with Florida State and Southern California to get him and won't waste any time putting him out there.

This one just got alot bigger. Starting safety is down for the year and Hill will likely come in and compete for the starting spot right away. I would love to see Major Wright moved to strong safety and let Hill handle the free safety role.

I watched alot of Will Hill vs. Burton Scott in the UnderArmour Prep game.Was pretty interesting stuff.

[D^3]

The reality is that scouting sites don't have to go out and measure anyone; nor do they have to put their faith in what a kid's record says. Virtually all of these kids go to combines (just like t-bird said), including ones put on and sponsored by ESPN and Scout, where every conceivable measurement is taken for accuracy, so that when they have to report on these guys, they're not wrong. I hardly think any of y'all's buddies who watched him play, and are still pissed off that he chose UF over UGA, took a tape to the games and measured him. Even if they did have the cajones to do such a stupid thing, they'd never give an accurate representation to give the appearance that UF stole a great one out of UGA's back yard. I guess the fact that all 3 recruiting sites ranked him as the #2 DT in the nation last year are wrong about that, too; but, a couple of stoners from Buford know talent when they see it.:whistle:

Makes you wonder why UGA was even recruiting this short, talentless oaf.


I could care less how tall he is... I hope he turns out to be an all-american and goes to the NFL, even if he plays at Florida. I like it when our local high school guys do well.

I'm not in this argument over the height, I'm in it because I'm taking offense to the insulting of one of my fellow Dawgs because of information he has from first hand accounts.

[BAMAPERRY]

For UGA, two incoming WR's King & Green may be the sparks which make the Dawgs impossible to stop. Defenses had no answer for the Dawgs the last half of the season and add a vertical passing game with Stafford's ability to go deep and you've got your SEC Championship team.

They're not nearly as good as Julio Jones and Burton Scott.

BTW, I don't know where all these great expectations for UGA this year are coming from:

Oct. 6, 2007 at Tennessee (CBS) L 35-14
Oct. 13, 2007 at Vanderbilt (ESPN2) W 20-17
Oct. 27, 2007 Florida (CBS) W 42-30
Nov. 3, 2007 Troy W 44-34
Nov. 10, 2007 Auburn (CBS) W 45-20
Nov. 17, 2007 Kentucky (LF Sports) W 24-13
Nov. 24, 2007 at Georgia Tech W 31-17
Jan. 1, 2008 Hawaii W 41-10

You get blownout at UT, need a late FG to beat Vandy, Troy gives you a tough game, UF was down, GT sucked and Hawaii sucked even worse. I doubt Hawaii could have beaten any SEC team. UF will take the East, hands down. :brick:

[Bulldog Bry]

BTW, I don't know where all these great expectations for UGA this year are coming from:

Oct. 6, 2007 at Tennessee (CBS) L 35-14
Oct. 13, 2007 at Vanderbilt (ESPN2) W 20-17
Oct. 27, 2007 Florida (CBS) W 42-30
Nov. 3, 2007 Troy W 44-34
Nov. 10, 2007 Auburn (CBS) W 45-20
Nov. 17, 2007 Kentucky (LF Sports) W 24-13
Nov. 24, 2007 at Georgia Tech W 31-17
Jan. 1, 2008 Hawaii W 41-10

You get blownout at UT, need a late FG to beat Vandy, Troy gives you a tough game, UF was down, GT sucked and Hawaii sucked even worse. I doubt Hawaii could have beaten any SEC team. UF will take the East, hands down. :brick:

Using the same logic, Bama will go 6-6 again this year?

[BigBamaFan]

I think for Bama a guy named Alfred McCullough (DE) is one to really watch he is a RS and could be a beast next year at 6-4 and 320lb's and keeping 4.8-4.9 40.Also Alex Watkins (LB) one of our top recruits from the 07 class a 4 star guy that is 6-5 with 4.6 speed that is in a good position as a Jack LB.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I had lunch with Julio and Jerrell on Wednesday at Ferguson Center after freshman orientation. They are built like veteran NBA forwards .... agile, mobile and hostile.

What NBA team does Agile Mobile and Hostile play for. I've search the entire web and came up empty.

[BigBamaFan]

What NBA team does Agile Mobile and Hostile play for. I've search the entire web and came up empty.

I dont know but I do know Julio is the truth...............................

[DAWGS1]

please bamaperry, you're smokin crack.(hit up jimmy johns:D) Julio just runs over kids, he's nowhere near the type of receiver aj green is. Julio might be the most physically ready player right now, but the upside with aj green is way higher because he does things Julio can only dream of.

[BigBamaFan]

please bamaperry, you're smokin crack.(hit up jimmy johns:D) Julio just runs over kids, he's nowhere near the type of receiver aj green is. Julio might be the most physically ready player right now, but the upside with aj green is way higher because he does things Julio can only dream of.

You haven't seen enuff of Julio
Julio is bigger,faster,stronger legs stronger upper body,leaps much higher than AJ,quicker feet and better hands.

[DAWGS1]

i've seen his highlights, thanks. obviously you haven't seen aj green's:D

[BigBamaFan]

I have..................

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Well I have my take of the impact players in the west division. And they are some stud players IMO.

Alabama

Immediate: Julio Jones
No secret here. Everyone knows his story. What a target for John Billy Bob Parker. 6-4" and 215 out of HS and will be easy to spot when needing to find a receiver.

Sleeper: Don'ta Hightower
This kid is already a man. At 6-3" and 248 lbs. Nick $aban can't keep this youngn out of the rotation for very long.

Auburn

Immediate: Raven Gray
Although his not considered a freshman, as a Jr. College transfer, this guy is the one that stands out for me. He was a highly rated recruit out of HS, and bet he'll be an instant success as he has the speed to move to LB when Auburn goes to the 3-4.

Sleeper: Christian Thompson
He will fit in the Auburn scheme with speed and being an aggressive player. He has great ability to make tackles in the open field which first caught my eye. Could be a real player.

Ole Miss

Immediate: Enrique Davis
Gez. what's not to like about this kids credentials. No. 1 prep school player, Rivals.com. And many have compared him to Ronnie Browns, for his quickness and size. At 5-11' and 22it's not a bad person to be compared to. A huge bonus for Houston Nutts first year at Oxford.

Sleeper: Patrick Trahan
Sounds like a linebacker doesn't it? If this Patrick is anything like the last Patrick on campus, then things should go great for the Rebels defense in 08. Although anouth JUCO trtansfer, a former Auburn freshman, this kid can bring it with speed and aggressiveness at 6-2", and 230 lbs.


Mississippi State

Immediate: Charles Mitchell
Only thing that will keep this kid off the field is grades. Mitchell is an explosive athlete that brings the wood when he arrives to the ball. Just the normal to a MSU defense. Croom will be please with this top 10 safety by Rivils.com


Sleeper: Templeton Hardy
Though listed as a defensive lineman, coach has different plans for the cat. Hardy is an impressive specimen for just coming out of high school standing 6' 5" and weighting 297 lbs. He will be a factor where ever he's needed.

LSU

Immediate: Patrick Johnson
What more can be said about this Florida high schooler? He may be the best cornerback ever to come out of HS for the tigers. Rivals #1 rated cornerback in the nation has a good resume entering the SEC.

Sleeper: Chase Clement
Don't know how this guy will response to the weight room. As a defensive end playing at 6-5", 241 is a little light in America's toughest league. His speed, athleticism, and smarts will be a plus for him if the weight room agrees with him. After all, the LSU sideline needs all the smarts they can get.

And now my poor little piggies.

Arkansas

Immediate: De'Anthony Curtis
With the departure of the dynamic duo McFadden and Jones, Curtis looks to add a spark for Petrino. Curtis is an explosive back that also brings power to his runs. He will be a great weapon for Petrino to use in his balanced attack. Rated teh #6 runningback by rivals, this 5-11", 209 game breaker hope to take over where Dmac had left off.

Sleepers: Tyler Wilson-QB/Dennis Johnson-RB
If Casey Dick struggles early look for Petrino to make a change without having to think about it. Although Tyler Wilson is a true freshman and isn't even on the depth chart as of yet. This guy has the It factor. Can't put my finger on it, but he is a winner and a competitor. He could be one of those special guys that couls lead as a rookie.
Keep an eye on Dennis Johnson. This Runningback out of Texarkana HS is a powerful runner that reminds hog fans of a quicker De'Arrius Howard who played at Arkansas from 2002-2005. Any defender standing around waiting to make the tackle on the cannonball may end up in someones watch pocket. this kid looks to run over people. And the amazing thing is his size at 5'-6", 185 he hits like a truck.

[BigBamaFan]

Alabama has alot of youth that will be making impacts for us in 2008 Most Bama fans agree on 5 that will make major impacts.

1.Darrius Hanks (WR) Redshirted in 07 the coach's really like this kid he expected to start as the slot WR.
2.Julio Jones (WR) We all know the story here.
3.Jerrell Harris (LB) if Knight can't go Harris has the best chance to start among all inc freshman.
4.Mark Barron (S) expected to back-up Justin Woodall and should get alot of reps.
5.Alonzo Lawrence (CB) Arenas hold the LCB position but Zo is expected to push for time he is expected to play alot of dime and nickle.

Offensive freshman that have chance to get a real chance for alot of reps.

QB-
None
WR-(3)
Marquis Maze (redshirt) fastest guy on the team will play slot.
Brandon Gibson (Redshirt)Former 07 Rivals top 100 and Prep AA.
Burton Scott (Inc) Potential in unlimited was proably the best DB in country last year.
TE-(1)
Chris Underwood (Redshirt) a hybrid type about 6-5 and 235 lb's but fast enuff to beat LB's.
RB-(2)
Demetrius Goode (Redshirt) was actually slated to get alot of reps in 07 but an ACL ended his season.
Mark Ingram (Inc) Might be a stretch due to the depth at RB's but he could see some reps.
OL-(2)
William Vlachos (Redshirt)expected to backup Caldwell at Center and should get some work so he can make a smooth change in 09.
Tyler Love (Inc) maybe but I doubt it.

Defensive players

DL-(7)
Alfred McCullough (Redshirt) DE IMO he beats out Greenwood before the season ends to start.
Nick Gentry (redshirt) DE another guy that has a chance to push for starting time.
Terrance Cody (JC) NT could be the biggest DLineman the SEC has ever had.will compete for the backup to Zo Washington.
Kerry Murphy (Inc) NT if he gets quailfied will give Bama 5 legit NT's.
Marcel Darreus (Inc) DL can play end or tackle at 6-4 280 and 4.8 speed.
Damion Square (Inc) An athletic freak DE at 270 played OLB for one of the top programs in Texas.
Micheal Williams (Inc) Overlooked maybe but was listed as one of the top edge rushers in America as a prep.
LB-(5)
Don'ta Hightower (Inc) One of the top prep LB's in America
Alex Watkins (Redshirt) One of the top recruits from our 07 class.
Courtney Upshaw (Inc) The nations #12 OLB prospect.
Jennings Hester (Redshirt) Blue collar type guy.
Glenn Harbin (Inc) looks like the type of guy Saban likes at the Jack position.
DB-(1)
Robby Green (Inc) a suprise on campus so far but then again he has trained long and hard this past off-season.Looks ready to go


There is still a host of players that I didnt mention but these are the guys that to me seem to have the best shot right now.