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Offensive Recruit from each team I'm excited to watch next year
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:33 pm
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:33 pm
I've done this the last couple years 2016, 2015 and I thought I'd try and do this again a couple weeks before the season to get a little bit more football discussion going.
SEC West
Alabama - Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jeudy has so many outstanding qualities for a receiver, and I expect him to make an impact right away at Bama. He's not overly big, but he runs fantastic routes, has great hands, high points the ball fantastically (my favorite quality in a WR), and maneuvers his body at an absurd level when going up and getting the ball. I'm honestly not sure I've seen a better route runner coming into college. My favorite route he runs, is a fake slant that turns into a fade or deep route. He destroyed kids in high school with this, and I expect him to still be effective if he's asked to run that route this year. Jeudy also has great speed with such long strides. My only concern with him is that he will occasionally get lazy with easy passes, but I expect Saban to get that out of his system pretty quickly.
Arkansas - David Williams, RB (Juco Transfer from SCe)
I don't necessarily think that Williams has the most potential on the Arkansas roster out of the incoming recruits on offense (I believe that belongs to Koiran Jackson, but he is the one I'm most excited to watch because of what Bielema does with RBs and the opening that Rawleigh Williams' departure gives David Williams. To be 100% honest, I was never overly impressed with (David) Williams at SC. He put up good numbers against bad teams and was mediocre at best in conference play. That being said, we all know what Arkansas can do to a RB's career and behind Devwah Whaley there is an opening for anyone to come in and get solid playing time.
Auburn - Jarrett Stidham
Auburn has definitely hyped a couple incoming QBs in the last couple years, and it's time to see if this one can live up to the billing. Stidham put up insane stats at Baylor, but the majority of it was against mediocre/poor competition and it's unknown how he will be outside the system of Baylor QBs. That being said, Stidham has boat loads of talent and an outstanding receiving corps to throw to. I love Stidham's deep ball when he's able to step into it, and he can absolutely thread the needle on middle range throws. I'm mainly excited to watch him to see how a talented true pass first QB is able to in Malzahn's system. Don't get me wrong, Stidham has great speed and will catch a couple teams off guard this year with some big runs, but he's definitely pass first. It's also going to be interesting to see how he adjusts his running style to SEC defenses who will be looking to take off his head.
LSU - Jacoby Stevens, WR
It's not often that the #1 safety in the nation changes sides of the ball before he's even started his 1st full season with the program, but Coach O and company obviously feel that it's going to be worth it considering the depth at each of those two positions. I think it also has to say something about Stevens' potential on the offensive side of the ball. LSU's has a large opening for a 2nd receiver spot behind DJ Chark, and I think Stevens can compete for that spot along with the likes of Dee Anderson, Russell Gage, and Drake Davis. Stevens can compete for that spot because of his solid route running ability, good hands, and fantastic size. His larger frame should help him on shorter patterns along with jet sweeps and reverses. Personally, I think he has more potential on the defensive side of the ball, but I'm really excited to see how he's used on the other side this season.
Mississippi State - Kylin Hill, RB
Aeris Williams definitely appears to have the starting spot locked up down in Starkville, but I think the 2nd back is up in the air and I wouldn't be completely shocked to see Kylin Hill take that spot. Hill doesn't have great top end speed, but he does have great acceleration that helps him get to the 2nd level of the defense quickly. Hill also has outstanding upper body strength which helps him be more elusive than he appears to be when first watching him. Williams wasn't used a lot in the passing game last year, so it's possible that Mullen will try to use Hill in passing situations where the RB isn't blocking.
Ole Miss - Jordan Ta'amu, QB (Juco Transfer)
There aren't a ton of Ole Miss incoming freshmen who I expect to compete for playing time on the offensive side of the ball this season, but I'm personally excited to watch Ta'amu play to see what Ole Miss has at the QB position behind Patterson. Shea is such a talented player, no one is going to come for his starting position, but if there is any reason he's not on the field for a game or two this season, I'm interested to see if the Rebs can still compete. I think Ta'amu has good pocket presence, a really impressive ability to avoid sacks, and throws on the run very well, but he definitely has some worrisome qualities as well. He'll occasionally throw the ball up for grabs after avoiding a sack, and I wasn't overly impressed with his accuracy on fairly routine passes. I know Ole Miss fans hope they don't see any of Ta'amu in meaningful downs over the next couple years, but you also want to make sure your back up can at least hold water if he needs to play in a couple important series.
Texas A&M - Jhamon Ausbon, WR
Ausbon's name has already been praised at fall camp as someone who can make an immediate impact for the Aggies, and looking at his film it's easy to see why. The 1st thing that stood out to me was his blocking ability. I feel like it's so rare now to see high-profile receivers who just get after it in the run game, but Ausbon and (his huge 6'2", 220 frame) has that drive. A guy who can block at his level can contribute right away, but Ausbon also has a great receiving skill set. He's another guy who high points the ball well and uses his hands to go up and catch the ball. Think the Ags have another star WR to continue the tradition.
SEC West
Alabama - Jerry Jeudy, WR
Jeudy has so many outstanding qualities for a receiver, and I expect him to make an impact right away at Bama. He's not overly big, but he runs fantastic routes, has great hands, high points the ball fantastically (my favorite quality in a WR), and maneuvers his body at an absurd level when going up and getting the ball. I'm honestly not sure I've seen a better route runner coming into college. My favorite route he runs, is a fake slant that turns into a fade or deep route. He destroyed kids in high school with this, and I expect him to still be effective if he's asked to run that route this year. Jeudy also has great speed with such long strides. My only concern with him is that he will occasionally get lazy with easy passes, but I expect Saban to get that out of his system pretty quickly.
Arkansas - David Williams, RB (Juco Transfer from SCe)
I don't necessarily think that Williams has the most potential on the Arkansas roster out of the incoming recruits on offense (I believe that belongs to Koiran Jackson, but he is the one I'm most excited to watch because of what Bielema does with RBs and the opening that Rawleigh Williams' departure gives David Williams. To be 100% honest, I was never overly impressed with (David) Williams at SC. He put up good numbers against bad teams and was mediocre at best in conference play. That being said, we all know what Arkansas can do to a RB's career and behind Devwah Whaley there is an opening for anyone to come in and get solid playing time.
Auburn - Jarrett Stidham
Auburn has definitely hyped a couple incoming QBs in the last couple years, and it's time to see if this one can live up to the billing. Stidham put up insane stats at Baylor, but the majority of it was against mediocre/poor competition and it's unknown how he will be outside the system of Baylor QBs. That being said, Stidham has boat loads of talent and an outstanding receiving corps to throw to. I love Stidham's deep ball when he's able to step into it, and he can absolutely thread the needle on middle range throws. I'm mainly excited to watch him to see how a talented true pass first QB is able to in Malzahn's system. Don't get me wrong, Stidham has great speed and will catch a couple teams off guard this year with some big runs, but he's definitely pass first. It's also going to be interesting to see how he adjusts his running style to SEC defenses who will be looking to take off his head.
LSU - Jacoby Stevens, WR
It's not often that the #1 safety in the nation changes sides of the ball before he's even started his 1st full season with the program, but Coach O and company obviously feel that it's going to be worth it considering the depth at each of those two positions. I think it also has to say something about Stevens' potential on the offensive side of the ball. LSU's has a large opening for a 2nd receiver spot behind DJ Chark, and I think Stevens can compete for that spot along with the likes of Dee Anderson, Russell Gage, and Drake Davis. Stevens can compete for that spot because of his solid route running ability, good hands, and fantastic size. His larger frame should help him on shorter patterns along with jet sweeps and reverses. Personally, I think he has more potential on the defensive side of the ball, but I'm really excited to see how he's used on the other side this season.
Mississippi State - Kylin Hill, RB
Aeris Williams definitely appears to have the starting spot locked up down in Starkville, but I think the 2nd back is up in the air and I wouldn't be completely shocked to see Kylin Hill take that spot. Hill doesn't have great top end speed, but he does have great acceleration that helps him get to the 2nd level of the defense quickly. Hill also has outstanding upper body strength which helps him be more elusive than he appears to be when first watching him. Williams wasn't used a lot in the passing game last year, so it's possible that Mullen will try to use Hill in passing situations where the RB isn't blocking.
Ole Miss - Jordan Ta'amu, QB (Juco Transfer)
There aren't a ton of Ole Miss incoming freshmen who I expect to compete for playing time on the offensive side of the ball this season, but I'm personally excited to watch Ta'amu play to see what Ole Miss has at the QB position behind Patterson. Shea is such a talented player, no one is going to come for his starting position, but if there is any reason he's not on the field for a game or two this season, I'm interested to see if the Rebs can still compete. I think Ta'amu has good pocket presence, a really impressive ability to avoid sacks, and throws on the run very well, but he definitely has some worrisome qualities as well. He'll occasionally throw the ball up for grabs after avoiding a sack, and I wasn't overly impressed with his accuracy on fairly routine passes. I know Ole Miss fans hope they don't see any of Ta'amu in meaningful downs over the next couple years, but you also want to make sure your back up can at least hold water if he needs to play in a couple important series.
Texas A&M - Jhamon Ausbon, WR
Ausbon's name has already been praised at fall camp as someone who can make an immediate impact for the Aggies, and looking at his film it's easy to see why. The 1st thing that stood out to me was his blocking ability. I feel like it's so rare now to see high-profile receivers who just get after it in the run game, but Ausbon and (his huge 6'2", 220 frame) has that drive. A guy who can block at his level can contribute right away, but Ausbon also has a great receiving skill set. He's another guy who high points the ball well and uses his hands to go up and catch the ball. Think the Ags have another star WR to continue the tradition.
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Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:33 pm to Dawgsontop34
SEC East
Florida - Malik Zaire, QB
Maybe this isn't the case for most of y'all, but I feel like Zaire's recruitment/transfer to UF almost went under the radar, especially compared to Stidham's, and considering the hype that originally was around him. Zaire definitely has talent, but he also hasn't done anything against a decent defense to prove he's the sure thing. Exposing the 2015 Texas defense that gave up 450+ yards a game isn't the most impressive of accomplishments to me. That being said, Zaire has great speed and elusiveness, impressive arm strength and a coach who should develop him into a more effective passer. I'm not a fan of how often he tends to throw off his back foot, but he should improve that with more experience. I'm not certain Zaire will win the starting job, but I certainly expect him to beat out Franks and Del Rio and show us what he's made of in the fall.
Georgia - Isaiah Wilson, OT
Offensive line isn't always the most exciting position in the world to watch for, but based on how miserable it was to watch our OL try and create holes and protect the QB last season, I'm really hopeful that Wilson can come in and contribute right away. Georgia hasn't had a offensive line recruit as heralded as Wilson in an incredibly long time, and if Wilson turns out as good as we hope he will be, the hiring of Sam Pittman will have paid off quite nicely early on. I also think we have great freshmen in Jeremiah Holloman, Mark Webb, and D'Andre Swift (RB) who should be a help to Eason in the passing game.
Kentucky - Lynn Bowden, ATH
It definitely took longer for Lynn Bowden to get on campus than most Wildcat fans would have preferred (academic concerns), but he's finally practicing in Lexington trying to catch up with the rest of his Freshman class. Being a True Freshman who will have been on campus less than a month before the start of UK's 1st game definitely makes things difficult on Bowden, but I expect him to contribute somewhere by the end of the season. He's one of those guys who is just too talented to not put on the field. He has great cutback ability, vision, and balance. I'm not sure how good his hands are, and I don't necessarily expect him to be the next Randall Cobb, but I do expect him to be used in return situations this year, and going forward I think he will be a huge part of the Wildcat Offense.
Missouri - Yasir Durant, OL (Juco)
Basketball wise, decas Yasir iding who the most exciting freshman to watch will be this upcoming season was quite easy. Unfortunately for me, this is a football list and it is not quite as obvious which Mizzou freshmen are going to standout in the fall on offense, especially with a couple true freshman receivers transferring/not making it onto campus at all. The guy I ended up going with with was Juco transfer Yasir Durant. Mizzou has so much depth on the OL, I'm not sure that Durant will see playing time in meaningful downs this season, but he's a giant at 6'7", 335lbs and will definitely give the incumbents some pressure if they start to slack off.
South Carolina - OrTre Smith, WR
South Carolina is pretty set at the receiver position with Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards still on the roster, but I'm really interested to see if OrTre Smith can snag some playing time because of his size (6'4", 220lbs) and skill set. Smith is a huge body, who I believe will be effective over the middle of the field and can take the defense deep as well. Smith has a good set of hands, runs good routes, and was able to enroll in January so he should be one step ahead of the other freshmen competing for playing time.
Tennessee - Trey Smith, OL
With Chance Hall out for the season, there is an opening for another starting spot for the Vols and I wouldn't be entirely shocked to see Smith end up with that job. With a question mark at the QB position, and an incredible running back in John Kelly, the offensive line needs to be a strength for the Vols in 2017. They're a very experienced OL, but not all of that experience was great, so I believe that the Vols could certainly use Smith to come in and make an immediate impact. Smith is a mammoth of a human being at 6'5", 300lbs, but I don't think he's quick enough quite yet for LT (his position in high school). Thankfully for the Vols, they already have Drew Richmond at that position and Smith can transition into either a guard or RT role depending on availability and needs.
Vanderbilt - Sean Auwae-McMoore, Center
In all honesty, I'm not sure there's a single true freshman on Vanderbilt's team who will contribute on offense this year, so I'm going to cheat here and bring up someone who redshirted last year. With Cole Hardin transferring, there's an opening at Center that Auwae could potentially fill. Auwae definitely isn't the quickest guy once he gets going, but I do think he has pretty solid reaction, and a decent first step which is definitely more important for someone playing center. I don't think he'll be asked to pull very often/ever. Sorry for the lack of info here, but I really just don't know what to expect from the youngest members of the Vandy class. The transfer from Illinois should be a solid RB when Webb leaves in 2018 though.
Florida - Malik Zaire, QB
Maybe this isn't the case for most of y'all, but I feel like Zaire's recruitment/transfer to UF almost went under the radar, especially compared to Stidham's, and considering the hype that originally was around him. Zaire definitely has talent, but he also hasn't done anything against a decent defense to prove he's the sure thing. Exposing the 2015 Texas defense that gave up 450+ yards a game isn't the most impressive of accomplishments to me. That being said, Zaire has great speed and elusiveness, impressive arm strength and a coach who should develop him into a more effective passer. I'm not a fan of how often he tends to throw off his back foot, but he should improve that with more experience. I'm not certain Zaire will win the starting job, but I certainly expect him to beat out Franks and Del Rio and show us what he's made of in the fall.
Georgia - Isaiah Wilson, OT
Offensive line isn't always the most exciting position in the world to watch for, but based on how miserable it was to watch our OL try and create holes and protect the QB last season, I'm really hopeful that Wilson can come in and contribute right away. Georgia hasn't had a offensive line recruit as heralded as Wilson in an incredibly long time, and if Wilson turns out as good as we hope he will be, the hiring of Sam Pittman will have paid off quite nicely early on. I also think we have great freshmen in Jeremiah Holloman, Mark Webb, and D'Andre Swift (RB) who should be a help to Eason in the passing game.
Kentucky - Lynn Bowden, ATH
It definitely took longer for Lynn Bowden to get on campus than most Wildcat fans would have preferred (academic concerns), but he's finally practicing in Lexington trying to catch up with the rest of his Freshman class. Being a True Freshman who will have been on campus less than a month before the start of UK's 1st game definitely makes things difficult on Bowden, but I expect him to contribute somewhere by the end of the season. He's one of those guys who is just too talented to not put on the field. He has great cutback ability, vision, and balance. I'm not sure how good his hands are, and I don't necessarily expect him to be the next Randall Cobb, but I do expect him to be used in return situations this year, and going forward I think he will be a huge part of the Wildcat Offense.
Missouri - Yasir Durant, OL (Juco)
Basketball wise, decas Yasir iding who the most exciting freshman to watch will be this upcoming season was quite easy. Unfortunately for me, this is a football list and it is not quite as obvious which Mizzou freshmen are going to standout in the fall on offense, especially with a couple true freshman receivers transferring/not making it onto campus at all. The guy I ended up going with with was Juco transfer Yasir Durant. Mizzou has so much depth on the OL, I'm not sure that Durant will see playing time in meaningful downs this season, but he's a giant at 6'7", 335lbs and will definitely give the incumbents some pressure if they start to slack off.
South Carolina - OrTre Smith, WR
South Carolina is pretty set at the receiver position with Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards still on the roster, but I'm really interested to see if OrTre Smith can snag some playing time because of his size (6'4", 220lbs) and skill set. Smith is a huge body, who I believe will be effective over the middle of the field and can take the defense deep as well. Smith has a good set of hands, runs good routes, and was able to enroll in January so he should be one step ahead of the other freshmen competing for playing time.
Tennessee - Trey Smith, OL
With Chance Hall out for the season, there is an opening for another starting spot for the Vols and I wouldn't be entirely shocked to see Smith end up with that job. With a question mark at the QB position, and an incredible running back in John Kelly, the offensive line needs to be a strength for the Vols in 2017. They're a very experienced OL, but not all of that experience was great, so I believe that the Vols could certainly use Smith to come in and make an immediate impact. Smith is a mammoth of a human being at 6'5", 300lbs, but I don't think he's quick enough quite yet for LT (his position in high school). Thankfully for the Vols, they already have Drew Richmond at that position and Smith can transition into either a guard or RT role depending on availability and needs.
Vanderbilt - Sean Auwae-McMoore, Center
In all honesty, I'm not sure there's a single true freshman on Vanderbilt's team who will contribute on offense this year, so I'm going to cheat here and bring up someone who redshirted last year. With Cole Hardin transferring, there's an opening at Center that Auwae could potentially fill. Auwae definitely isn't the quickest guy once he gets going, but I do think he has pretty solid reaction, and a decent first step which is definitely more important for someone playing center. I don't think he'll be asked to pull very often/ever. Sorry for the lack of info here, but I really just don't know what to expect from the youngest members of the Vandy class. The transfer from Illinois should be a solid RB when Webb leaves in 2018 though.
This post was edited on 8/9/17 at 9:35 pm
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:38 pm to Dawgsontop34
Well done. You obviously watch a lot of and understand SEC football.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:41 pm to Dawgsontop34
Jerry Jeudy is the only one I have seen play. He was very impressive especially for his first game. Tua got a lot of the attention(as highly tounted qb's tend to do), but Jeudy was clearly the best true freshman on the field that day.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:43 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Arkansas - David Williams, RB (Juco Transfer from SCe)
I don't necessarily think that Williams has the most potential on the Arkansas roster out of the incoming recruits on offense (I believe that belongs to Koiran Jackson, but he is the one I'm most excited to watch because of what Bielema does with RBs and the opening that Rawleigh Williams' departure gives David Williams. To be 100% honest, I was never overly impressed with (David) Williams at SC. He put up good numbers against bad teams and was mediocre at best in conference play. That being said, we all know what Arkansas can do to a RB's career and behind Devwah Whaley there is an opening for anyone to come in and get solid playing time.
I actually hope does well myself. Maybe he will be able to do something other than run into the back of the nearest offensive lineman and fall down. He does well in space and on wheel routes etc.. but read option and i formation just isn't for him.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:44 pm to Dawgsontop34
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:45 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Personally, I think he has more potential on the defensive side of the ball, but I'm really excited to see how he's used on the other side this season.
Jacoby will get his chance next year when Battle graduates. Delpit will likely start next to Battle this year and then Stevens will get his shot in 2018
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:53 pm to Dawgsontop34
Poster of the god damn year for this. Very well thought out, observed and communicated. Quite refreshing in a place like the rant.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:56 pm to FourThreeForty
Looking back guess ole cajaunbama was on the money with Drake Davis 
.
Always enjoy these threads though. You have been spot on when it comes to Alabama.
. Always enjoy these threads though. You have been spot on when it comes to Alabama.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 10:58 pm to Dawgsontop34
Very good stuff. Well done.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 11:04 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
LSU - Jacoby Stevens, WR
Meh, it's hard to get excited to see an LSU receiver underachieve and under perform again this year. It's been a long time since crazy arse Odell and Landry were there.
Posted on 8/8/17 at 11:48 pm to cajunbama
I'd assume ours will be Robinson or Zaire
This post was edited on 8/8/17 at 11:50 pm
Posted on 8/9/17 at 4:58 am to Dawgsontop34
Great post. I don't even think BowlJackson could mess this thread up.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 5:29 am to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Dawgsontop34
I look forward to these every year, you really do a great job.
I'm curious if you are pursuing a career in sports journalism or if this is just a hobby. Either way, well done as usual.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 6:04 am to Dawgsontop34
Good analysis. Jeudy was really impressive in April. I hadn't done any homework therefore was surprised pleasantly. Your other selections I like as well. Stidham, I believe will struggle against SEC defenses initially at least. I fully expect Sean White to play big roll, if he doesn't start.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 6:25 am to Wrenchruh
quote:
. I don't even think BowlJackson could mess this thread up.
You are giving him way too much credit.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 6:31 am to Dawgsontop34
According to what coaches and others are saying, Todd Harris and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are the ones you need to keep an eye on.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 6:49 am to 12Pence
This thread is like finding a diamond in a pile of shite. I enjoyed reading your previous years analysis to see how your predictions panned out. Well done
Posted on 8/9/17 at 8:30 am to Dawgsontop34
Good job. I don't keep up with it as much as I used to, so I don't have an opinion but looks like you've got the west covered. I will tell you I'm excited to see what Mecole Hardman does on offense for Georgia this year.
Posted on 8/9/17 at 8:33 am to Dawgsontop34
Nice job. Great post.
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