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Several SEC football programs had large groups of early enrollees from the high school ranks for the current semester.
Here’s a look at 10 who could make an instant impact, given the head start they will have on their collegiate careers.
1. Jacob Eason, QB, Georgia (Lake Stevens, Wash., HS)
The nation’s No. 1 pro-style quarterback prospect has a great opportunity to win the starting job this spring and launch what figures to be a great career in Athens.
2. Marlon Davidson, DE, Auburn (Greenville, Ala., HS)
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound jumbo athlete is physically ready to compete for a spot on the defensive line (where quality depth is needed) for the Tigers.
3. Feleipe Franks, QB, Florida (Crawfordville, Fla., Wakulla HS)
The 6-foot-5 Franks, who the Gators flipped from LSU, is just like Eason in the sense that he can come in and compete right away for the starting job.
4. Kash Daniel, LB, Kentucky (Paintsville, Ky., HS)
The 6-foot-1, 227-pound Daniel, a U.S. Army All-American, has the athleticism and toughness to play a factor early in his Wildcats career. Don’t sleep on this kid.
5. Saivion Smith, CB, LSU (Bradenton, Fla., IMG Academy)
While the Tigers have plenty of talent in the secondary, Smith has the tools to step in and play a factor in the secondary right away, particularly given his head start with spring practice, etc.
6. Kyle Davis, WR, Auburn (Lawrenceville, Ga., Archer HS)
Davis is physically ready to step in and play in the SEC next season. The question will be the learning curve and adjustment to college football, It would be huge for the Tigers if he was able to get acclimated sooner rather than later.
7. Antwuan Jackson, DT, Auburn (Ellenwood, Ga., Cedar Grove HS)
There’s no doubt Jackson’s learning curve isn’t as steep as other defensive tackles in this class. He’s already quite polished, and getting spring practice likely gets him on the field in a hurry.
8. Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia (Bradenton, Fla., IMG Academy)
Nauta, 6-4, 237, has been physically ready to step in and play college football for a couple of years and it’s anticipated he will not only play, but challenge the existing UGA tight ends for a starting job.
9. Brandon McIlwain, QB, South Carolina (Newton, Pa., Council Rock North HS)
McIlwain turned down a potential high selection in the Major League Baseball Draft and will head into his first spring football practice on an even playing field scheme knowledge-wise with the other Gamecocks quarterbacks and could be Will Muschamp’s first starting quarterback in Columbia.
10. Freddie Swain, WR, Florida (Citra, Fla./North Marion)
The Gators continue to have a big need for explosive playmakers at wide receiver. They do have some, but need more and Swain, one of the top receiver prospects in the country, fits the bill.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
