SEC Recruiting: Projecting All-SEC Football Stars from Class of 2017

It’s no secret; the pool of football talent in the Class of 2017 for SEC recruiting is very deep and loaded with top-end talent.

Many of the players in this class have the ability to step in and make an immediate impact on any team they decide to play for.

What about some of the guys committed to SEC schools? What players will make a name for themselves in the future? Why don’t we take a look at some five- and four-star prospects who will make waves at the next level.
Quarterbacks

Jake Fromm, 4-Star, 6-3, 200 lbs. Houston County (Warren Robbins, Ga.) GEORGIA: This kid has all the ability to step in and dominate the SEC East. He’s strong armed, smart and patient in the pocket. He puts a great touch on his deep ball. Did I forget to mention that Georgia also has a four-star wide receiver commit in the Class of ’17? Yeah, his name is Trey Blount, and when he pairs with Fromm, they will be one deadly duo. Both guys could easily land on an All-SEC list, first or second team.

Tua Tagovailoa, 4-Star, 6-1, 185 lbs. St. Louis High (Honolulu), ALABAMA: Tagovailoa and former Oregon Duck, and Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota, share two things in common. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks, and both went to St. Louis High in Honolulu. Alabama fans can only hope that Tagovailoa is a fraction of the player Mariota was at Oregon. But, don’t worry Crimson Tide faithful. You are getting an absolutely electrifying player, who can make big plays through the air and on the ground. Tagovailoa throws incredibly well on the run, and is not easy to bring down. With an already loaded roster, and even more loaded recruiting class, Tua will be surrounded with loads of talent to help him land on an all-conference list (he may even be an All-American … yup, I said it).

Running Backs

Najee Harris, 5-Star, 6-2, 222 lbs. Antioch (Antioch, Calif.) ALABAMA: It’s almost unfair how many potential stars Alabama has on the Class of ’17 commitment list. Harris is primed to be the next great running back at Alabama. He has it all: size, speed, vision and elusiveness (kind of sounds like Derrick Henry, right?). He can easily step in and lead the SEC in rushing yards, touchdowns, etc. He will have to compete with some other talented backs on the roster, but he’s a bonafide star. He can be all-conference, All-American and a possible all-time great.

Wide Receivers

Jhamon Ausbon, 4-star, 6-4, 214 lbs. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) LSU: LSU will have a true threat at receiver once Ausbon steps foot on campus. He’s got great size, instinct and a solid vertical. He’s a great deep threat, but also can move the chains. I can see him leading the SEC in receptions in the future, landing a spot on a first-team All-SEC list. He uses his long arms to separate from defenders and catch anything thrown to him. He is not easy to bring down.

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Offensive Line

Creed Humphrey, 3-star, 6-4, 290 lbs. Shawnee (Shawnee, Okla.) TEXAS A&M: Had to shout this guy out, because the Aggies got a total gem here. The Oklahoma native has the ability to really progress and grow at the next level. The 6-foot-4 center finishes every play by driving defenders into the ground. He’s got a high motor, and will thrive at A&M under o-line coach, Dave Christensen. He can easily become one of the premier centers in the SEC.

Calvin Ashley, 5-star, 6-8, 311 lbs. First Academy (Orlando) AUBURN: Say it slowly, “Six feet, eight inches, 311 pounds”. This kid, is actually a grown man. He has every single tool needed to be a star at Auburn. Any running back who is looking to run behind a freight train should head to Auburn, because Calvin Ashley will open up holes bigger than the Grand Canyon. He can easily be a first team All-American

Defensive Line

Tyler Shelvin, 5-star, 6-3, 300 lbs. Notre Dame High (Lafayette, La.) LSU: If Alabama fans think Najee Harris will run all over the SEC west, they’re mistaken. This is the one guy who could stop him. Shelvin is an absolute force to be reckoned with. He’s so large and strong, and has great agility for someone his size. He has the ability to be a potential award winner for Les Miles and the Tigers.

Zachary Carter, 4-star, 6-4, 237 lbs. Hillsborough (Tampa) FLORIDA: Carter is joining a program that could use his ability as a run stopper and pass rusher. During the Will Muschamp era, the Gators consistently landed big time defensive recruits. Carter can really make an impact in Gainesville if he continues to play fast at his size. His first step is deadly, and he’ll be a defensive household name in no time.

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Linebackers

Jaden Hunter, 4-star, 6-3, 211 lbs. Westlake (Atlanta) GEORGIA: Kirby Smart’s defenses at Alabama featured some iconic linebackers. Hunter will be Smart’s next great star at OLB. He has a great motor. He has great speed for an OLB, and will only look to improve and add size to his frame. He could be a big time player for the Bulldogs.

Defensive Backs

Maleik Gray, 4-star, 6-1, 196 lbs. La Vergne (La Vergne, Tenn.) TENNESSEE: With his size, speed and ability, Gray may be the best safety to play for the Vols since Eric Berry. He’s a ball-hawk, who can come out of nowhere to make a big hit or pick. He’s also a very good blitzer. He could be a big time player for Butch Jones.

Special Teams

Brandon Ruiz, 3-star, 5-10, 165 lbs. Williams Field (Gilbert, Ariz.) ALABAMA: Nick Saban and Alabama fans know all to well what it’s like to have an inconsistent kicker. They won’t have to worry about that with Ruiz. We’re talking about a kid who blasted a 76-yard practice field goal. He can find himself starting as early as his freshman year. He should be a future star with a leg that strong and accurate.

Next: Top 10 Fastest Football Players in the SEC

As the commitments keep pouring in, your favorite SEC team will surely land some talented players who can make a name for themselves in college football. Let’s not forget the nation’s number one recruit is still uncommitted, and has interest in some pretty popular SEC schools.

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