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With the final weekend of the 2016 recruiting cycle upon us, it’s time to take stock at some of the standout position groups around the Southeastern Conference in terms of the current prospects committed.
Just based on current commits (obviously things will look different on Wednesday), there are very strong defensive line classes in the league this cycle, which is no surprise considering the amount of talent at that position within the SEC’s geographic recruiting footprint.
1. LSU defensive line
The Tigers are the beneficiary of a great, deep group of defensive linemen in the state of Louisiana this cycle. Five-star tackles Rashard Lawrence and Edwin Alexander have elite potential and Glen Logan has a ton of upside. At defensive end, Andre Anthony is a quick-twitch New Orleans product that can develop into a great pass rusher in time. LSU isn’t completely finished at this position, either.
2. Auburn defensive line
The Tigers landed three prospects who have enrolled early- JUCO defensive end Paul James and high school prospects Marlon Davidson and Antwuan Jackson- who have the potential to start or at least be in the two-deep next season. Nick Coe out of North Carolina is an under-valued prospect from “D-Line Heaven” who could be great, and the Tigers are in the thick of things for Georgia’s No. 1 prospect- five star defensive tackle Derrick Brown. This could be the best defensive line class in the country when all is said and done.
3. Alabama offensive line
The Crimson Tide once again has the top offensive line class in the conference and three of the headliners- offensive tackles Jonah Williams and Charles Baldwin, along with offensive guard Chris Owens, are already enrolled and on campus to get a jump start on their development. If this were a two-cycle ranking, then this group would be tops in the entire league- offensive line recruiting at Alabama under Mario Cristobal is not just at another level as it relates to the Tide, but as it relates to the entire conference.
4. LSU defensive backs
Saivion Smith is a five-star cornerback from Florida who has already enrolled and has a bright future. The Tigers also have a four-star safety from Houston, Eric Monroe, in the class and in-staters Andreaz Williams and Cameron Lewis are tough Louisiana kids with high upside. LSU isn’t finished by any stretch as five-star cornerback Kristian Fulton, the state’s top prospect, remains uncommitted, along with four-star south Florida stud Trayvon Mullen- the Tigers could get both.
5. Florida defensive line
Antonneous Clayton may be the best pure pass rusher in the country and the Gators were also able to land interior prospect Shavar Manuel, along with in-state end Jachai Polite. Jordan Smith is a 6-foot-6, 230-pound developmental prospect with excellent length and athleticism who enrolled early. This class could get even better if Florida is able to close with in-state defensive end Brian Burns down the stretch.
Keep an eye on…
Alabama linebackers: If the Tide closes with Ben Davis and Lyndell Mack Wilson as expected and then goes and adds California five-star Mique Juarez, it’s one of the best linebacker classes of the past few years.
Auburn wide receivers: Kyle Davis and Eli Stove make for a nice pair, but the Tigers still will very likely re-add Nate Craig-Meyers to the class, putting the group among the best in the country.
LSU wide receivers: There’s a lot of height and athleticism here, along with numbers.
Stephen Sullivan, Dee Anderson, Drake Davis and Da’Monte Coxie all are 6-foot-3 or taller.
Kentucky offensive line: Landon Young and Drake Jackson are two in-state U.S. Army All-Americans with big-time upside, plus the Wildcats landed an impact JUCO tackle in Tate Leavitt. It will take time because that’s the nature of offensive line, but this could develop into something special for the ‘Cats.
Tennessee defensive line: Obviously if the Vols add top-ranked JUCO Jonathan Kongbo and Brown on signing day, it’s another great haul of defensive linemen.
Ole Miss defensive line: Five-star Benito Jones and four-star Charles Wiley have already enrolled. If the Rebels land five-star in-state defensive end Jeffery Simmons (and perhaps even a surprise or two), it’s another great SEC defensive line class.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
