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Stopping the run is a staple SEC defensive philosophy.
To accomplish that goal is easier said than done. Quality defensive tackles are a necessity. The 2016 recruiting class was littered with good ones, but here are five who could make an immediate impact at their schools as true freshmen.
Derrick Brown, Auburn
The No. 9 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports composite ranking, Brown has the best chance to make an immediate impact.
The 6-foot-4, 317-pounder was the No. 1 player in the state of Georgia. Brown was named the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year, which goes to the nation’s top prep lineman.
In his senior season, Brown made 42 tackles for loss. He’s in line to be an immediate force on the Auburn defensive line along with veterans Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams, who as true freshmen helped Auburn to the BCS National Championship Game.
Rashard Lawrence, LSU
The No. 5 prospect in the country at his position and No. 2 player from the state of Louisiana will have Tigers defensive line coach Ed Orgeron grappling to bring out his full potential.
Agile and with good football sense, Lawrence has the ability to shake off double teams and still make plays. He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of defensive lineman and soon-to-be teammate Arden Key, who last season emerged as a top performer in his freshman year.
Benito Jones, Ole Miss
An early enrollee, Jones is getting a head start on his career at Ole Miss. He’s already caught the eye of head coach Hugh Freeze, who commented on the true freshman at an early spring practice.
“Benito is special,” Freeze said. “He’s got get-off that is really special.”
The No. 6 player in the country at his position, the 6-foot-2, 285-pounder has good size and speed — the skills one would expect from a five-star. He’s looking to help fill the giant void left Robert Nkemdiche. The early workouts and weight training should be an advantage in that pursuit.
Rebels defensive coordinator Dave Wommack will determine if Jones will make an immediate impact, but we think he’ll challenge Breeland Speaks for playing time.
Julian Rochester, Georgia
Regarded by some as a perfect fit for the Bulldogs’ 3-4 defense under new head coach Kirby Smart, the 6-foot-5, 321-pounder looks to follow the path that Trent Thompson took as a true freshman last year. Thompson was last season’s No. 1 recruit in the country.
According to 247Sports, Rochester has caught the attention of Georgia defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, but perhaps not in the best of ways. The site reported that Rocker was giving Rochester an earful regarding the technique he needs to use to fight off blocks.
Raekwon Davis, Alabama
With the Tide losing three starting defensive linemen from last year’s national championship team, Davis has an opportunity to make an early impact. A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed and Darren Lake are gone, and the new group of leaders along the Tide’s defensive line is being formed.
He’s probably a long shot to start in 2016 but could find a place in the rotation.
“He is an utter freak show,” an unidentified assistant coach said. “He runs like a damn deer. He’s really raw, but he is a rare athlete.”
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
