5 SEC defensive recruits nobody is talking about- but they should be

We are 24 hours away from college football’s National Signing Day for the 2016 recruiting cycle and fans across the country are buzzing about many of the high-profile recruits who are set to make decisions and ultimately sign letters-of-intent.

That being said, there are several prospects heading to Southeastern Conference programs who have received a minimal amount of hype, but who are definitely worth keeping an eye on in the coming years for various reasons- including skill set, high upside athleticism and production on the high school level.

Here are five to watch in that category on the defensive side of the ball.

Baylen Buchanan, CB, Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge (Tennessee)

There are two external factors that point to Buchanan panning out in a big way in Knoxville. First and foremost, his father Ray Buchanan was a top-notch NFL cornerback after a great college career at Louisville. Second, the last under-valued three-star cornerback from Peachtree Ridge was a player named Bradley Roby, who went on to star at Ohio State and is now in the NFL. Baylen has some developing to do, but he’s one of the first you should think of in the SEC when it comes to surpassing expectations.

Marvin Terry, DE, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff (Missouri)

It’s now up to former Oklahoma and Arizona State assistant Jackie Shipp to continue the tradition of the Tigers developing under-the-radar defensive linemen. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Terry fits the mold- undersized a bit, but he’s an elite pass rusher. Keep an eye on this one moving forward.

Keir Thomas, LB/DL, Miami (Fla.) Central (South Carolina)

Thomas played out of position on the interior of the defensive line at Miami Central, but according to multiple observers he was a hard-nosed, high-effort, blue collar type of player. The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder is slated to start out at the “BUCK” position in new Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp’s defense, but he realistically could play defensive end or defensive tackle long-term. He’s got the ability to remind South Carolina fans of former great Melvin Ingram.

Dee Walker, LB, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County (Arkansas)

Walker was a late pick-up for the Razorbacks, but you have to love his athleticism and his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame. You have to think after a couple of years of development, he can fit right in on the defensive side of the ball for Arkansas, which has had a recent tradition of overachieving linebackers.

Andreaz Williams, CB, Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist (LSU)

Williams is listed at 6-foot-2, 166 pounds, so obviously there is some filling out to do and developing here, but given the way the Tigers have recruited in the secondary, there is certainly time. Given his frame and coverage ability that he shows on film, this is one who could come out of nowhere to shine in the coming years.

JC Shurburtt

Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South