Each SEC East Teams Most Important Recruiting Target
The art of recruiting is that some players are more coveted than others. Each team needs to fill needs, so who are the most coveted recruits by each SEC East program?
Every year teams lose players to the draft, graduation or a variety of other reasons. Coaches also know they may lose players earlier than expected. In college football, the best and most plentiful way of filling those holes is through recruiting. In certain years, some teams will value certain positions on the recruiting trail more than others. What targets are most coveted by what teams in the SEC East?
Florida Gators
Top Target: Alex Leatherwood – 5 Star – OL
If you would have asked me a week ago who the Gators top priority was I would have most likely said a DB, or a couple of DBs. Within the last week, though, the Gators have jumped higher on multiple DBs lists and even gained a commitment from Marco Wilson. So with now Elijah Blades and Marco Wilson on board, the need is lessened. They also have emerged as the front-runners for both Shawn Davis and Brad Stewart, two CBs who could commit before the season starts. That would then give them four committed DBs. So the need is not as heavy as OL.
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The Gator offensive line has been atrocious over the last two seasons. Even after adding
last season, the line wasn’t much better. So far it has seemingly improved in camp, but they still need some more talent. The in-state tackle Alex Leatherwood is a monster. Alex is currently committed to Alabama but the Gators are doing all they can to pry him from Saban and Co.
Georgia Bulldogs
Top Target: Cam Akers – 5 Star – RB
Georgia is known for having an insane repertoire of RBs — and Akers could continue that. The 5-Star RB is an elite talent and could be the Chubb predecessor. Nick Chubb is most likely heading to the NFL this upcoming season barring another major injury, so they need a replacement. Sony Michel will also do the same and even if he stays, he isn’t a feature back.
Akers would be able to step into Athens and have immediate play time. Georgia isn’t as far from his home in Mississippi compared to Ohio State either — which means a lot to some recruits. The 247 Sports Crystal Ball currently has Ohio State as the front runners, but that could always change. I think the Bulldogs need to make a big push for Akers to replace Chubb.
Kentucky Wildcats
Top Target: Jedrick Wills – 4 Star – OL
For Kentucky, this will be all about if they can keep their talent at home. Wills is the #1 player in Kentucky but his top choice according to 247 Sports is Alabama, although Kentucky isn’t far behind.. The Wildcats need to make sure they bring him to Lexington.
If the Wildcats can acquire his talents, not only will they be getting an elite 4-Star prospect — would be sending a message around the state. If other Kentucky recruits see that the best player in the state is staying home, they might acquire a similar feeling and do so themselves as well.
Missouri Wildcats
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Top Target: Jeff Thomas – 4 Star – WR
Alabama has been named the favorite for Missouri Tiger target Jeff Thomas, but there is still hope. The Illinois WR is still being pushed by the Tigers, who really need a target to pair with Sophomore QB Drew Lock. Missouri had the biggest fall from grace in recent memory last season and they are hoping Lock can help them regain momentum.
The best way to help a QB is to get him some protection and targets. They got Lock protection in the Class Of 2016 with Darvis Holmes, now need to get him a target. Thomas is the best WR on their board and it would be massive if they could pull him from Alabama.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Top Target: OrTre Smith – 4 Star – WR
The Gamecocks are under a similar concept as the Tigers above — just minus a fall from grace. The Gamecocks have struggled to win now for a couples seasons now. The Spurrier era is gone but they still have some solid talent. Brandon Mcllwain is looking like a hell of a QB and could have a great freshman season. If they can bring in a target for him, things could turn up and they could go back to being an SEC East contender.
OrTre Smith is a 4-Star WR from Mt. Pleasant, SC and is the #1 ranked player in the state according to 247 Sports. Smith’s top two choices according to the Crystal Ball are Clemson and South Carolina. With the Tigers picking up a commitment from Tee Higgins and others already at wideout, I think the Gamecocks could emerge as front-runners for Smith. If SC can land his talents, that could be the first step in turning the offense around.
Tennessee Volunteers
Top Target: Trey Smith – 4 Star – OL
Tennessee will be losing A LOT of people on the offensive line after this season. Dylan Wiesman is a Senior, Donatavius Blair, Jashon Robertson and Coleman Thomas are all draft eligible as well. Now I doubt all of those guys depart to the NFL, but 2 or 3 very well could. In the SEC — especially in the SEC East with so many good defensive lines — the offensive line has become a growing need. Trey Smith should be able to come in and see immediate play time in Knoxville.
Alabama is currently reported as Smith’s second option, but barring a catastrophe Smith is a Vol.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Top Target: Micah Awodiran – 3 Star – ILB
Now I’m going to be completely honest: I don’t know much about this kid. What I do know is he has great size for a 3-Star and really solid tape. The Vandy defense has been one of their strong suits as of late and I’m sure they would love to add on to it with Micah. Awodiran stands at 6-1, 217 pounds and moves around well for an ILB. Micah’s top schools according to 247 Sports Crystal Ball are Duke, Illinois, and Vandy. I think if he has a strong Senior campaign, the SEC East school could make a solid push for him.
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I hope none of these schools get their top target besides Florida. Kidding. In all seriousness, though, I think these athletes would be a great help to even the most prestigious of programs. Obviously, some players are ranked higher than others, but that doesn’t take away how coveted they are to some schools.