Each SEC West Team’s Most Important “True” Freshman

Its a whole new season in the SEC with tons of faces in new places, but what incoming freshmen can make the biggest impact for their teams? We took down the SEC East already, so next up? The SEC West.

It’s no secret the SEC West is much stronger than the East, and that can even be told by the recruiting classes. Every SEC West team has at least 1 4-star, and a majority of them have at least one 5-star recruit. So choosing the “most important” one out of all for each SEC West team is a little bit harder than it was for the SEC East. Nonetheless, the latter has been done. So let’s get into them.

Alabama – Ben Davis -ILB – 5-Star

First up is are the reigning SEC West, SEC and National Champions — the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide lost a lot of talent this year to the draft, but to the surprise of no one have filled every hole with a top recruit. Davis was the 10th ranked player overall and the #1 ILB according to 247Sports. If you watch his tape you will understand why in full. Davis has spectacular size for an inside linebacker — standing at 6-3 weighing 240 pounds. That’s a day one body, even in the SEC West. It’s hard to say he will instantly replace Reggie Ragland, a 2nd round pick. But if any school can bring in the talent to do so it’s Alabama. For all we know, Ben Davis will be a top 5 pick in 3 years.

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Ole Miss – Benito Jones – DT – 5-Star

Ole Miss had an absolute spectacular class this year, though I’m very sure its going to be investigated. The NCAA won’t be happy about…I digress. I could have gone with OT Greg Little with this selection, but I think Ole Miss is again building a stellar defense. And a stellar defense is what they need. With that said, building one of those defenses starts in the trenches. Benito Jones from Waynesboro, MS will be a perfect Nkemdiche replacement. Like many of the 5-Stars, Jones has great size at 6-2 285 and has really good quickness and length within that frame. Jones absolutely explodes off the ball and will likely help counteract the elite running games of the SEC West in the very near future.

Arkansas – Devwah Waley – RB – 4-Star

When Arkansas is at its best, they always seem to have a dominant feature back. They have had Felix Jones, Darren McFadden and Alex Henry over the past few years. If they want to continue their somewhat successful seasons, they better keep up that formula. Losing Alex Collins in the draft will hurt their running game this year. Devwah Waley will have an instant opportunity to get some touches. Whaley isn’t a downhill runner and more so compares to a Felix Jones with his quickness and versatility. He has very good speed at around a 4.4 40, but is more quick than fast. He is agile and when he gets out in space he is tough to tackle. Whale will also provide the Razorback offense with a new dimension, as he will be able to line up outside the backfield. We’ll see if Bielema can take advantage of his new weapon in the tough SEC West.

LSU – Drake Davis – WR – 4-Star

This was hard because LSU really didn’t fill any holes this with recruiting class. I decided to go with Davis because adding another speed threat down the field always makes the job for a QB easier. Davis can help take some people out the box and improve the running game just by being on the field. Davis has track star speed and jump ball height standing at 6-4. His weight is a little bit on the lighter end at 215, but that is expected for his speed and frame. I doubt he has an elite year statistically. But that’s not where his numbers will show up. I think if he performs well, the LSU running lanes can open up and Fournette will explode even more than he has.

Texas A&M – Justin Madubuike – DE – 4-Star

Not a player very high on many recruiting boards, but I really like this kid. Pairing him up with a first round talent in Myles Garrett will only make him better, as he already possesses the body of an NFL prospect. Madubuike is 6-3, 250 pounds and quick off the ball matched with brute strength. He should be able to learn a lot from Garrett if given playtime this season. If he is, he and Myles could be a special tandem in the SEC West.

Mississipi State – Jeffrey Simmons – DE – 5-Star

Now, I know Simmons has pending charges and allegations. But that makes him all the more important. If he can play this season, Mississippi State’s defense can finally mold into something spectacular. Their D will be led over the next few years by him and Leo Lewis. Simmons has NFL talent. But if he can’t stay on the field, what good is he? I think he will be an interesting case to follow through the offseason. For his future’s sake, hopefully, this kid can play. He has NFL size at 6-4, 280 and NFL talent, but we have seen this type of story way too many times.

Auburn – Derrick Brown – DT – 5-Star

Honestly, Auburn’s defense has been lack lustered these last few years — even with Muschamp as the DC this past season. Bringing in Brown can change that as this kid seems to be really special. The Tigers were somehow able to lure Brown from Georgia and Tennessee on signing day. He helped their class out tremendously. Derrick stands at 6’4’’ and weighs 317 pounds and, like we see so common with top recruits, has great size. Brown is your typical stuffer. He isn’t gonna get 8-10 sacks and 30 pressures, because that’s not who he is or his skill set portrays. He plays a lot like a hybrid NT who will provide tremendous help in run defense and in the trenches this season for the Tigers.

must read: Could The Kentucky Wildcats Contend In The East Next Year?

All these players have elite talent, but the question that remains: will it translate to the next level? We shall see as the offseason and the season progresses, but I expect to see many of these guys on SEC highlight reels for their teams for seasons to come. For some SEC West fans, those highlights will be starting as soon as this year.

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