SEC Football: Five Impact Freshmen for 2023 season

We have come a long way in College and SEC Football. Ten years ago you would not expect any freshman to start, but times have changed.

With many top recruits coming to SEC football, it is safe to say that some freshmen will come in and make an impact right away. Let’s take a look at five potential impact players for 2023.

5 impact freshmen for 2023 SEC football season

1.) Kadyn Proctor 

Proctor is a top 5 recruit and the number one player at the offensive tackle position. He is also the number one player in his home state of Iowa. Alabama has had issues on the offensive line the past two seasons and Proctor’s 6’7 354 pound frame should certainly help with that. Proctor is projected to be in the mix for the starting left tackle position for the Tide come September 2 when they square off against MTSU to start the season. Proctor also comes in at number 11 on the 247Sports Freak List.

2.) Caleb Downs

Downs is a top 10 recruit and the number one player at the safety position. He is also the number one player in his home state of Georgia. Committed to the University of Alabama, Downs is an extremely talented and high-IQ player whose father (Gary Downs) played in the NFL and currently coaches for East Tennessee State University. Downs is the current projected starter at the free safety position and has received a lot of praise from head coach Nick Saban in interviews.

3.) Nyckoles Harbor

Harbor is the number 15 overall recruit and the number one player in DC and at the athlete position (most likely to play wide receiver). Harbor is also number one on the 247Sports Freak List. Harbor has a 6’5 225 pound frame with a 10.28 100 meter dash, for reference Kyle Pitts is 6’6 247 pounds with a 4.44 40 yard dash. Harbor looks to transition to wide receiver for South Carolina this upcoming season.

4.) Justice Haynes 

Haynes is the number 34 overall recruit and the number three player in Georgia and the number three running back. Haynes’ father Verron played his college ball at the University of Georgia and was selected in the 5th round to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Haynes is among a few incoming freshmen from Georgia that chose the Tide over the home state back-to-back national champions.  Haynes may be slotted a little lower on the depth chart but will see playing time due to his high potential.

5.) Arion Carter

Carter is the number 183 overall recruit and the number fifteen player at the linebacker position and number three player in Tennessee. The Vols mustered out a recruiting win against Alabama for Carter and he looks to add some talented depth to the Vol defense. Tennessee lost a lot of talent this past season with Jeremy Banks and Juwan Mitchell moving on. Carter shined in the orange and white game and should get significant playing time as the Vols rotate at linebacker often.