Who are the most sought after uncommitted recruits by SEC football teams for the class of 2017? From linebackers to running backs, we look at the recruits that are amongst the most coveted to play SEC football in 2017 and beyond.
Dylan Moses – LB – IMG Academy(FL)
Moses is a now #2, former #1, recruit and is a prized commodity right now in the world of SEC football. Before transferring to IMG this offseason, Moses attended University Lab next to LSU’s campus in Louisiana. With that being the case, the Tigers were very much Dylan’s favorite entering this season. With the move, though, things would soon change. He was previously committed to LSU, but backed off his pledge and opened up his process once again earlier this spring. His front runner is still LSU according to 247Sports, but other SEC football teams like Alabama and Auburn appear to be somewhat in the mix.
JaCoby Stevens – ATH – Oakland(TN)
More from SEC Recruiting
- Ole Miss Basketball: 3-star PG Amaree Abram commits to Rebels
- SEC Recruiting: Auburn, South Carolina included in Top 6 for 5-star PF GG Jackson
- SEC Recruiting: 5 SEC teams included in Top 7 for 4-star S Joenel Aguero
- Alabama Football: 5-star CB Jahlil Hurley commits to Crimson Tide
- Arkansas Football: 4-star EDGE Quincy Rhodes Jr commits to Razorbacks
Similar to last year’s Mecole Hardman, Stevens is coveted because he can play all over. Like Hardman as well, Georgia is Stevens’s front runner. Tennessee and LSU aren’t far behind on his list, which is loaded with SEC football. On top of those two SEC schools, the Crimson Tide and Gators are also expected to make a push at him before February. I expect Stevens to play corner at the next level and, if he can confirm this, I expect Florida to emerge as serious suitors for the 5-star.
Andrew Thomas – OT – Pace Academy(GA)
According to the 247Sports‘ Crystal Ball, Thomas is 100% likely to end up in Athens come next season. Even with that being the case, Thomas is still drawing heavy interest from schools like Alabama, Auburn, and Arkansas. Thomas’s game isn’t exactly refined just yet, but his size for just entering his senior year is incredible. Andrew is 6-5, 310 ILBs and will likely end up around 6-6 or 6-7, 330ish pounds by next season. The main thing you cannot teach is the size. If he can get under the right OL coaching staff, he could turn into a bonafide stud.
Cam Akers – RB – Clinton(MS)
Akers is the #2 ranked running back on 247Sports behind Alabama’s Najee Harris, and rightly so. Akers runs a 4.44 40 and stands tall at 6 feet, so he is a great combination of speed and size. Cam is from Mississippi so, of course, he is garnering major interest from Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs don’t appear to be a factor — at least not the SEC West Bulldogs. Georgia appears to be very much in the mix as well. The Bulldogs will likely make a push for Akers with the pitch that he can be Nick Chubb’s predecessor. As the recruiting season goes on, I expect even more teams to try and lure Akers — possibly even Tennessee to replace Jalen Hurd.
All of these young men are blessed with size and athletic ability. Each is a great player in their own right. These guys have worked their tails off to get to this point and receive these offers. I’m sure they will all make the most of it, no matter what school(s) they choose.
must read: Will The Missouri Tigers Continue To Struggle?
Some other names to keep in mind that weren’t mentioned because they are already “committed” are Alex Leatherwood (currently a Bama pledge), but is being pursued by the Gators HEAVILY. Another name to look out like that is also Calvin Ashley, another offensive tackle that will likely switch from Auburn to the Gators or Florida State come February.