Impact Freshmen For The 2016 SEC Football Season
As we get ready for another SEC football season, another slew of top recruits are ready to make their debuts for their respective SEC football programs. In this article, we take a look at some of the most talented Redshirted and True Freshmen looking to make their debuts this fall.
Blake Barnett – QB – Alabama – Redshirt Freshman
Barnett is on this list to the surprise of no one. Coming out of Santiago, California, Barnett was a unanimous 5-star QB for the class of 2015 and the second overall ranked Pro-Style QB according to 247Sports. Barnett received the redshirt last season because of the fact that Saban thought QB’s Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman would get the job done, and he was correct as Alabama would go on to win the national championship. The loss of a couple of studs on defense like Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson and more mean the offense will have to put up some more points on the board, which will likely be more difficult without 2,000-yard rusher and Heisman Trophy winning running back Derrick Henry. Barnett will have some solid weapons on offense in Sophomore stud wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Bo Scarbrough, but it still won’t be easy vs the top tier SEC football defenses.
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Antonneous Clayton – DL – Florida – “True” Freshman
Losing Johnathan Bullard and Alex McCalister to the NFL draft this past offseason is going to make Florida’s defensive line just a little thinner. With talents like CeCe Jefferson and incoming 5-star Antonneous Clayton, though, they shouldn’t miss a beat. Coach Rumph and Coach Collins did a great job in luring the star defensive end from Dooly County in Georgia and keeping him away from SEC football rival Auburn. Clayton has great size for a freshman — standing at 6’3 220 pounds at his last update. To speculate, he is now most likely up to a around 225. He also has displayed great footwork and hand speed and has a knack for the QB. He showed himself as one of the best, if not the best, defensive lineman behind Houston’s Ed Oliver at the Underarmour All-American game this past winter and Florida hopes he can continue that in Gainesville.
Greg Little – OL – Ole Miss – “True” Freshman
Losing Laremy Tunsil, someone who many thoughts was the best left tackle in the draft this past spring, will be a massive loss for the Rebels. The Rebels have recruited well enough to contend in SEC football though, and Gregory Little is no slouch. Little was the #2 ranked player in the country behind Michigan’s Rashan Gary and the #1 ranked tackle/offensive lineman this past recruiting cycle. As far as talent goes, Ole Miss won’t miss much as Little has shown promising skills and ability that could see him land a first round grade in years to come like his predecessor Laremy Tunsil. Little is from Texas powerhouse Allen High School and he has great talent. Gregory stands at 6’6 305 pounds and, like Clayton, most likely has gained a couple since his last measuring.
Leo Lewis – Mississippi State – Redshirt Freshman
The Bulldogs didn’t really lose an insane amount of linebacking talent to the draft or to graduation, but they didn’t necessarily have the strongest corps to begin with, either. That can’t last long in SEC football. Leo Lewis can change that. Lewis was the #1 rated inside linebacker in the class of 2015 and the 63rd ranked prospect overall according to 247sports.com. Lewis is was an instate commit. So on top of him learning the playbook and system of the Bulldogs after sitting for a year, I’m sure he already acquired some knowledge before even stepping on campus. Leo has phenomenal size for an inside linebacker — standing at 6’3, 225. He also has incredible play recognition and quick feet. On top of that, Lewis hits hard. Real hard. All fans of SEC football love that. The linebacker will receive ample playtime this season and is expected to have a standout year — which could put him amongst some of the best LB’s in the SEC football this season.
must read: Georgia Football: Who is the Bulldog's Best in 2016?
Like always, SEC football is filled with elite NFL and College Football talent and nothing is different this year. These freshmen, along with many others, are expected to make some serious noise this season and I’m sure the fans of these teams the programs themselves can’t wait.