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5 SEC recruits from All-American games that can have biggest impact in 2015
By Jordan Cox
Published:
The annual Under Armour All-America Game and U.S. Army All-American Bowl — the nation’s premier prep all-star games — took place over the weekend.
A total of 62 SEC commits participated in the two games combined, leaving fans marveled at the level of talent entering the conference this offseason.
With some of these prospects enrolling in the coming days and many more arriving this summer, here are the prospects who can have an immediate impact in the SEC in 2015.
Blake Barnett, QB, Alabama: The quarterback situation in Tuscaloosa is interesting as the Crimson Tide enter the offseason. Expected 2014 starter Jacob Coker fell flat during fall camp and in early playing time. With a pair of rising sophomores and a rising junior behind departing signal-caller Blake Sims, no player has set himself apart as the leader in the clubhouse. Barnett arrives as the nation’s top quarterback and MVP of the revered Elite 11 camp. Don’t be surprised if the California native is in the discussion as fall camp rolls around.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: Alabama loses key parts at wide receiver with the departures of Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White and Christion Jones. Ridley impressed all week at Under Armour events, capping his week with a breath-taking stiff arm of cornerback — and fellow Alabama commit — Minkah Fitzpatrick. His speed, shiftiness and ability to get yards after the catch could make him a favorite target of Crimson Tide quarterbacks in a hurry.
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: Guice joins a crowded Bengal Tigers backfield, but my goodness did he put on a show in Saturday’s Army Bowl. Earning game MVP honors, the Baton Rouge native recorded two catches for an Army Bowl record 153 yards and two touchdowns. His acceleration and versatility out of the backfield will be a huge factor for LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron this offseason.
Arden Key, DE, South Carolina: Key brings a needed boost to the Gamecocks defensive front. His stat line in Friday’s Under Armour game didn’t jump out, but Key was easily the most athletic defensive lineman on the field. His length and range make life difficult for offensive tackles, and his quick first step beat his opponent all afternoon. Key could mirror the trajectory a player like Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter took during 2015, not being an every-down player but having an impact on games.
Kyle Phillips, DE, Tennessee: Head coach Butch Jones had a good Saturday after Phillips opened the Army Bowl with his announcement that he’d commit to Tennessee. The Nashville native then followed his announcement up by being the best player on the field. Phillips spent most of his afternoon in the backfield and showcased good hand skills from his defensive end position. Honorary coach Marcus Allen praised Phillips’ size and speed off the edge. He’s SEC ready and could be a player for the Volunteers in 2015.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
