Several SEC players make Sports Illustrated’s ‘Freaks’ list

The SEC is famous for recruiting and developing some of the most freakish players in football, with names like Julio Jones, Jadeveon Clowney, and Cam Newton coming to mind as the premier examples at the next level.

Now, with Bruce Feldman of Sports Illustrated publishing his 2017 edition of his annual “Feldman’s Freaks” list, the SEC finds itself well represented. The list ranks players, not exactly on their merits on the field, but more so their accomplishments in the weight room and their overall athleticism.

Seven SEC players made the Top 25:

6. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

8. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

12. Braden Smith, OT, Auburn

15. Tony Brown, DB, Alabama

21. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

24. Brandon Bryant, S, Mississippi State

25. Ralph Webb, RB, Vanderbilt

Derrius Guice is a no-brainer here, as his workout room exploits border on Chuck Norris-like legend.

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Guice is often described as an angry runner, and his favorite place to let out that tension when he’s not in pads is in the weight room. The LSU back enjoys proving doubters wrong so much that it could be listed as his favorite hobby.

Feldman says that in addition to squatting 650 pounds, he power cleans 374 and ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds this offseason.

As for Da’Ron Payne, he’s just the latest in the line of beasts to play the defensive line at Alabama. The 310-pound DL ran a 4.93-second 40 last spring, and he can also bench press 545 pounds.

Braden Smith is one of the highest-rated offensive tackles on this list. His 6-foot-6, 303-pound frame makes him a leviathan among men, even in NFL-laden SEC. He benches just under 500 pounds and runs the 40 in 4.95 seconds.

Tony Brown will be Alabama’s yearly DB entrant into this list. He’s a speedy former track star, who still makes spot starts on the Tide track team. In addition to his speed, he can also bench press 400 pounds. Not too shabby for a guy who doesn’t crack 200 on the scale.

D.K. Metcalf has NFL bloodlines by way of his dad Terrence, and a prodigious high school track career that makes him one of the most well-rounded athletes in the SEC. Ole Miss’ young core has a chance to be special and the freaky Metcalf will lead the way.

A return customer on the “Freaks” list, Mississippi State’s Brandon Bryant may be the fastest man in the SEC. Last year, he ran a 4.24 40-yard dash, and he’s up to a 365-pound bench. Just a nasty combination of skills for a Mississippi State secondary that could use a playmaker.

Ralph Webb, a bit like Derrius Guice, has made a name for his aggressive running style and the huge chip on his shoulder. He’s Vanderbilt’s leading career rusher, and he’s chasing Herschel Walker for No. 1 in SEC history. According to Feldman, Webb benches 435 and can do 27 reps at 225. He squats 565, cleans 360 and has a vertical jump of 36.5 inches. Just scary power from the Commodore back.

Will Ogburn

A former resident of both Baton Rouge and the heart of Crimson Tide country, Will Ogburn handles multimedia content and news coverage for Saturday Down South.