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There is always plenty of turnover in the SEC and this year is no different. The league will stock every round of the NFL draft thoroughly, but back at home many youngsters are ready to step up and take their places.
Some of these young athletes have already achieved name recognition after their first year in the SEC. Many have started making hefty contributions during the 2015 season, and will most likely continue to take on a larger role based on their solid performances.
Here are some 2015 SEC newcomers who could make a significant impact next year:
Jovon Robinson, RB, Auburn: When Auburn couldn’t throw the ball, the running backs answered the call, and almost no one more so than JUCO transfer Robinson. After Peyton Barber was sidelined with a midseason injury, Robinson showed off what he could do, finishing as Auburn’s second-leading rusher with 513 yards on 90 carries with two touchdowns.
Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida: If the Gators pulled off a big offensive play, especially during the latter half of the season, Callaway was usually the reason why. The true freshman was Florida’s leading receiver, with 603 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Why is Callaway so valuable? Over his 30 receptions, he averaged 20.1 yards per catch. When the likelihood of a big play is that high whenever he touches the ball, there’s no question he will be a prominent part of the Florida offense next year.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: For the run game, they called Derrick Henry. For the passing game, though, they called on Ridley. On a run-focused offense, Ridley still finished the season with 75 receptions for 893 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 11.9 yards per reception.
Dre Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas: The future of the Razorbacks defense looks bright with Greenlaw as part of it. The freshman finished as the second-leading tackler on the team this season, and also notched two fumbles forced and one sack. He had double-digit tackle totals in four games with tackles in the double digits. The most he had in one game was 16 against Auburn.
Terry Godwin, WR, Georgia: With Malcolm Mitchell graduating, Georgia will be out its main wide receiver. Lucky for the Bulldogs, their next top target has already made himself known in 2015. Godwin was the second-leading receiver, with 31 receptions for 345 yards. Inconsistency and change at the quarterback position was a factor for all receivers at Georgia this year. With better play at the quarterback position, Godwin’s stock could soar.
Darrin Kirkland Jr., LB, Tennessee: Kirkland played in all 12 games and made an excellent impression during his first year as a Volunteer. He notched 60 tackles, which puts him at fourth most on the team. He also had five tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one interception which he returned for 26 yards. Kirkland is a disruptor and a playmaker. Look to see him as an integral part of the Volunteers defense in 2016.
Christine Wang is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. She covers Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
