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Offensive Recruit I'm excited to watch from each team next year
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:29 pm
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:29 pm
So i did this same thread last offseason, LINK, and I thought I would do the same thing for this year. Hopefully we'll get some solid football discussion in this thread.
SEC West
Alabama - Jonah Williams, RT
It's not often you feel comfortable with a freshman starting at tackle in the SEC, but Saban and Kiffin feel that Williams is a high enough quality of player to do so for them this season. Williams has a great feel for the tackle position, and has great strength for being so young, and he's also very quick for a guy who is 6-6, 300 lbs. Bringing in a new QB, it's going to be important for Williams to adjust quickly to the collegiate game. Williams was an early enrollee, which is very important if you're going to play on the offensive line early in your career. The defensive ends Williams could face include the likes of Myles Garrett, Arden Key, Carl Lawson, etc. so it's definitely a position of need for every SEC team, and if Bama wants to repeat as SEC Champs, Williams could be huge to make that happen.
Arkansas - Devwah Whaley, RB
With the losses of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, Arkansas definitely has an opening at the RB position for one of the two true freshmen at that position, Whaley and T.J. Hammonds. I'm more excited to watch Whaley, because I followed his recruitment a little bit closer, especially as a one-time UGA commit. Whaley has a rare-blend of strength and speed in a 5-11 frame. His top-end speed isn't at the level of someone like Stanley Williams or Derrius Guice, but he does have a great burst at the first-level of the defense. The thing that impresses me the most about Whaley is his balance. His stability when the defense is trying to bring him down is incredible, and he turns plays that could be a loss of yardage, into a huge gain. Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker may be tough to get playing time ahead of, but both of those guys have had some injury concerns in the past, and you know Bielema is going to find a great running back. I believe Whaley can be that guy.
Auburn - Kameron Martin, RB
I thought about one of the four talented WRs that Auburn somehow pulled in this year's recruiting class, but decided to go with someone who is at a major position of need instead. With the dismissal of Jovon Robinson, Auburn has very little depth at the running back position behind Kerryon Johnson. To continue the tradition of 1000 yard rushers at Auburn, an essential part of a Gus Malzahn offense, they're going to need to find an every-down back. Johnson will probably be that guy, but Martin could prove to be a huge addition. The former Baylor enrollee, was granted a release after Art Briles was fired, and might be the biggest late-pick up in the SEC. I believe Martin could be used very effectively in a Corey Grant type role. Martin has lightning speed, and is ridiculously tough to catch if he gets into the second level of the defense.
LSU - Drake Davis, WR
LSU's # 3 ranked recruiting class definitely focused on the defensive side of the ball, but they did get a set of 3 big wide receivers, and the one who I'm most excited to watch out of the group this next season is Drake Davis. I'm not sure how much he will contribute with the talented group of receivers already at LSU, but Davis is an incredible athletic specimen. Davis can absolutely fly, and does a really good job of shedding off smaller defenders once the ball is in his hands. Dee Anderson has looked good throughout the spring, and has an advantage having enrolled early. At 6'5" he also could be a big end zone target for Brandon Harris.
Mississippi State - Jamal Couch, WR
Jamal Couch isn't the most agile of receivers, but a guy who was potentially recruited at linebacker, and is 6-4", 220 lbs is a massive target for Nick Fitzgerald. One of Couch's best skills, that could help him see playing time early, is his downfield blocking ability. Couch does a great job of using his hands and keeping the defender covering him away from the ball carrier. Couch is also very strong once he gets the ball, and will be able to gain a couple extra yards when a smaller defender is trying to bring him down. Another WR recruit that I like for State is Reginald Todd. Todd was a basketball commit at New Mexico State, before deciding he wanted to play football in college. When watching Todd play, you can tell that basketball has helped his football ability, because he goes up for the football like he's going after a rebound. Todd was also a huge deep threat, averaging 34 yards a catch his last season, and is another weapon for Mullen to use this season.
Ole Miss - Shea Patterson, QB
I understand that Ole Miss will almost definitely be starting Chad Kelly throughout the season unless he has an injury, but I was more impressed with Patterson last year than any other high school QB in the nation (yes, that includes Jacob Eason). Patterson is incredibly mobile, and has great arm strength. Patterson's mobility is great, but what is even more impressive is his ability to throw using that mobility. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone at the high school level be able to throw as well going to his weak side as Patterson. I'm sure I'll regret this comment in the future, but he might be Johnny Manziel 2.0 with his football skills. A guy who might play a little bit more that I'm excited to watch is A.J. Brown. That guy is a physical freak and uses his hands really well to bring in the ball at its highest point. Those types of players can often play right away.
Texas A&M - Trevor Knight, QB
Although Knight isn't an incoming Freshman, Sumlin being able to recruit him to A&M after the departures of Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray this off-season was huge for the Ags. Hubenak has the ability to be a senior leader, but I don't see his skills taking the Ags to more than 8 wins. Knight could do that. I was never overly impressed with Knight when he played at Oklahoma, but he has shown potential and he has a huge advantage at A&M of having one of the best receiving cores in the entire nation. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs is really important, and will allow the WRs to make big plays when the defense is out of position.
SEC West
Alabama - Jonah Williams, RT
It's not often you feel comfortable with a freshman starting at tackle in the SEC, but Saban and Kiffin feel that Williams is a high enough quality of player to do so for them this season. Williams has a great feel for the tackle position, and has great strength for being so young, and he's also very quick for a guy who is 6-6, 300 lbs. Bringing in a new QB, it's going to be important for Williams to adjust quickly to the collegiate game. Williams was an early enrollee, which is very important if you're going to play on the offensive line early in your career. The defensive ends Williams could face include the likes of Myles Garrett, Arden Key, Carl Lawson, etc. so it's definitely a position of need for every SEC team, and if Bama wants to repeat as SEC Champs, Williams could be huge to make that happen.
Arkansas - Devwah Whaley, RB
With the losses of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, Arkansas definitely has an opening at the RB position for one of the two true freshmen at that position, Whaley and T.J. Hammonds. I'm more excited to watch Whaley, because I followed his recruitment a little bit closer, especially as a one-time UGA commit. Whaley has a rare-blend of strength and speed in a 5-11 frame. His top-end speed isn't at the level of someone like Stanley Williams or Derrius Guice, but he does have a great burst at the first-level of the defense. The thing that impresses me the most about Whaley is his balance. His stability when the defense is trying to bring him down is incredible, and he turns plays that could be a loss of yardage, into a huge gain. Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker may be tough to get playing time ahead of, but both of those guys have had some injury concerns in the past, and you know Bielema is going to find a great running back. I believe Whaley can be that guy.
Auburn - Kameron Martin, RB
I thought about one of the four talented WRs that Auburn somehow pulled in this year's recruiting class, but decided to go with someone who is at a major position of need instead. With the dismissal of Jovon Robinson, Auburn has very little depth at the running back position behind Kerryon Johnson. To continue the tradition of 1000 yard rushers at Auburn, an essential part of a Gus Malzahn offense, they're going to need to find an every-down back. Johnson will probably be that guy, but Martin could prove to be a huge addition. The former Baylor enrollee, was granted a release after Art Briles was fired, and might be the biggest late-pick up in the SEC. I believe Martin could be used very effectively in a Corey Grant type role. Martin has lightning speed, and is ridiculously tough to catch if he gets into the second level of the defense.
LSU - Drake Davis, WR
LSU's # 3 ranked recruiting class definitely focused on the defensive side of the ball, but they did get a set of 3 big wide receivers, and the one who I'm most excited to watch out of the group this next season is Drake Davis. I'm not sure how much he will contribute with the talented group of receivers already at LSU, but Davis is an incredible athletic specimen. Davis can absolutely fly, and does a really good job of shedding off smaller defenders once the ball is in his hands. Dee Anderson has looked good throughout the spring, and has an advantage having enrolled early. At 6'5" he also could be a big end zone target for Brandon Harris.
Mississippi State - Jamal Couch, WR
Jamal Couch isn't the most agile of receivers, but a guy who was potentially recruited at linebacker, and is 6-4", 220 lbs is a massive target for Nick Fitzgerald. One of Couch's best skills, that could help him see playing time early, is his downfield blocking ability. Couch does a great job of using his hands and keeping the defender covering him away from the ball carrier. Couch is also very strong once he gets the ball, and will be able to gain a couple extra yards when a smaller defender is trying to bring him down. Another WR recruit that I like for State is Reginald Todd. Todd was a basketball commit at New Mexico State, before deciding he wanted to play football in college. When watching Todd play, you can tell that basketball has helped his football ability, because he goes up for the football like he's going after a rebound. Todd was also a huge deep threat, averaging 34 yards a catch his last season, and is another weapon for Mullen to use this season.
Ole Miss - Shea Patterson, QB
I understand that Ole Miss will almost definitely be starting Chad Kelly throughout the season unless he has an injury, but I was more impressed with Patterson last year than any other high school QB in the nation (yes, that includes Jacob Eason). Patterson is incredibly mobile, and has great arm strength. Patterson's mobility is great, but what is even more impressive is his ability to throw using that mobility. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone at the high school level be able to throw as well going to his weak side as Patterson. I'm sure I'll regret this comment in the future, but he might be Johnny Manziel 2.0 with his football skills. A guy who might play a little bit more that I'm excited to watch is A.J. Brown. That guy is a physical freak and uses his hands really well to bring in the ball at its highest point. Those types of players can often play right away.
Texas A&M - Trevor Knight, QB
Although Knight isn't an incoming Freshman, Sumlin being able to recruit him to A&M after the departures of Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray this off-season was huge for the Ags. Hubenak has the ability to be a senior leader, but I don't see his skills taking the Ags to more than 8 wins. Knight could do that. I was never overly impressed with Knight when he played at Oklahoma, but he has shown potential and he has a huge advantage at A&M of having one of the best receiving cores in the entire nation. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs is really important, and will allow the WRs to make big plays when the defense is out of position.
This post was edited on 8/8/16 at 6:54 pm
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Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:29 pm to Dawgsontop34
SEC East
UF - Luke Del Rio, QB
This may seem like a little bit of a cop out, considering Del Rio has now been in the program for two years, but this is his first year of eligibility with the Gators and his play is vital to the team's success this year. From everything I've seen, Felipe Franks isn't nearly ready to be a starter at the collegiate level, and there isn't any depth for the Gators at the quarterback position. Del Rio had a very solid spring game, stepping into his throws nicely and throwing a couple dimes in between defenders. UF should have a solid defense once again, and had one of the younger teams in the SEC last year, so more experience will only help them. Their running game has some talent, but in order for those guys to have success, Del Rio is going to have to prove he can make the throws when it matters, and I'm excited to watch it.
Georgia - Jacob Eason, QB
This one is pretty much a given for every Georgia fan I believe. After major struggles at the QB position last year, we are looking for some sort of hope, and thankfully that came to UGA in the form of a 6'6" QB from Washington with a cannon of an arm. But at the same time, it's going to be a major step up from high school football in Washington to play in the SEC. He has the ability to make throws no one else in Athens can, but he has also made some Freshman mistakes in practice. I expect him to be starting by the second month of the season, and I'm very hopeful that his ability to keep the defense accountable will help the likes of Chubb and Michel have huge seasons. Elijah Holyfield will also be exciting to watch early in the season as Chubb and Michel recover from their injuries, especially against a very suspect UNC run defense.
Kentucky - Landon Young, OT
One of the higher rated offensive recruits in offensive memory at UK, Young has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff in practice and with the lack of depth UK has at the tackle position, and the talented backs they have, they're going to need Young to create holes if they're going to make a bowl game for the first time under Stoops. Young uses his hands very well when engaged with a smaller defender, and has great strength in his legs to push the defender downfield. It's going to be very interesting to see how he adjusts to some of the talented players in the SEC he will be facing.
Missouri - Chris Black, WR & Alex Ross, RB
This kind of a cop out going with two different players here, but both are grad players at skill positions that are going to be much needed for an offensive turn around at Mizzou. After the miserable Josh Henson offense in 2015, where Mizzou scored 4 offensive touchdowns in their last SEVEN games. That doesn't seem possible. Josh Heupel seems to have a really good offensive mind, but will he have the talent to put up points on the board? Black was an incredibly talented receiver in high school, but with the injuries he suffered at Bama and the depth at the WR position it was very difficult for him to find playing time. Mizzou is a great place for him to have a breakout season as he has good hands, and very solid playmaking ability when he has possession. Alex Ross showed decent talent at OU, but most of his yards were racked up against weaker competition. He's expected to start right off the bat. He's shown great vision, very good speed, and has impressed in the return game as well. I'm not convinced he can be a good every down back yet, but it's one of the reason's I'm really excited to watch him play this year.
South Carolina - Bryan Edwards, WR
I'm definitely excited to see what McIwlain does at QB, especially if he ends up getting the starting job, but I think SC definitely needs some big playmakers, especially with the loss of Pharoh Cooper. Edwards has great hands and a very impressive ability to gain yards once the ball has reached him. He's incredibly elusive and has great size at 6'3", 210. As frustrating as Auburn's defense was at some times last year, I really do believe that Muschamp knows what he's doing on that side of the ball, but on offense he's going to need some playmakers, and I believe Edwards can be one of those guys early in his career.
Tennessee - Tyler Byrd, WR
As talented as Tennessee's wide receiving core is, many of their talented players haven't gotten the production that has been expected of them. I would not be surprised at all to see Josh Dobbs make "the leap" this season, but in order to do that he's going to need a little bit more consistent receiver play. Tyler Byrd was expected by some to be a defender when he arrived at Tennessee, but his athleticism and explosiveness made him such a valuable commodity you feel like he needs to have the ball in his hands. Byrd showed out at the Army All-American game, and is arguably the fastest player in the SEC having been clocked at 23.7 mph. It does take freshmen a little bit of time to adjust sometimes, but with speed like that it will be hard to keep him off the field. He should contribute right away on special teams, and could potentially be seen on both sides of the ball during the season.
Vanderbilt - Donaven Tennyson, WR
Tennyson is another guy on my list who is an absolute burner. Vanderbilt only has 8 receivers on the roster, and even though some numbers look impressive from guys like Trent Sherfield, those numbers got a huge boost from the Austin Peay game, and they were pretty pedestrian outside of that. Tennyson does have a little bit of a showboat personality on the field, but I'm going to guess that will change at the collegiate level, especially when you're on a team that will struggle to find a ton of wins this season. Vanderbilt needs playmakers though, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Tennyson used in 4 WR sets, or as a guy on jet sweeps to bust big plays. At OL, I'm excited to see if True Freshman Devin Cochran makes an impact. Vandy's OL was one of the worst in the nation last season, and in order to give potential studs like Ralph Webb room to run, they're going to need improved O line play. Cochran can definitely give them that in a big 6'7", 305 frame.
UF - Luke Del Rio, QB
This may seem like a little bit of a cop out, considering Del Rio has now been in the program for two years, but this is his first year of eligibility with the Gators and his play is vital to the team's success this year. From everything I've seen, Felipe Franks isn't nearly ready to be a starter at the collegiate level, and there isn't any depth for the Gators at the quarterback position. Del Rio had a very solid spring game, stepping into his throws nicely and throwing a couple dimes in between defenders. UF should have a solid defense once again, and had one of the younger teams in the SEC last year, so more experience will only help them. Their running game has some talent, but in order for those guys to have success, Del Rio is going to have to prove he can make the throws when it matters, and I'm excited to watch it.
Georgia - Jacob Eason, QB
This one is pretty much a given for every Georgia fan I believe. After major struggles at the QB position last year, we are looking for some sort of hope, and thankfully that came to UGA in the form of a 6'6" QB from Washington with a cannon of an arm. But at the same time, it's going to be a major step up from high school football in Washington to play in the SEC. He has the ability to make throws no one else in Athens can, but he has also made some Freshman mistakes in practice. I expect him to be starting by the second month of the season, and I'm very hopeful that his ability to keep the defense accountable will help the likes of Chubb and Michel have huge seasons. Elijah Holyfield will also be exciting to watch early in the season as Chubb and Michel recover from their injuries, especially against a very suspect UNC run defense.
Kentucky - Landon Young, OT
One of the higher rated offensive recruits in offensive memory at UK, Young has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff in practice and with the lack of depth UK has at the tackle position, and the talented backs they have, they're going to need Young to create holes if they're going to make a bowl game for the first time under Stoops. Young uses his hands very well when engaged with a smaller defender, and has great strength in his legs to push the defender downfield. It's going to be very interesting to see how he adjusts to some of the talented players in the SEC he will be facing.
Missouri - Chris Black, WR & Alex Ross, RB
This kind of a cop out going with two different players here, but both are grad players at skill positions that are going to be much needed for an offensive turn around at Mizzou. After the miserable Josh Henson offense in 2015, where Mizzou scored 4 offensive touchdowns in their last SEVEN games. That doesn't seem possible. Josh Heupel seems to have a really good offensive mind, but will he have the talent to put up points on the board? Black was an incredibly talented receiver in high school, but with the injuries he suffered at Bama and the depth at the WR position it was very difficult for him to find playing time. Mizzou is a great place for him to have a breakout season as he has good hands, and very solid playmaking ability when he has possession. Alex Ross showed decent talent at OU, but most of his yards were racked up against weaker competition. He's expected to start right off the bat. He's shown great vision, very good speed, and has impressed in the return game as well. I'm not convinced he can be a good every down back yet, but it's one of the reason's I'm really excited to watch him play this year.
South Carolina - Bryan Edwards, WR
I'm definitely excited to see what McIwlain does at QB, especially if he ends up getting the starting job, but I think SC definitely needs some big playmakers, especially with the loss of Pharoh Cooper. Edwards has great hands and a very impressive ability to gain yards once the ball has reached him. He's incredibly elusive and has great size at 6'3", 210. As frustrating as Auburn's defense was at some times last year, I really do believe that Muschamp knows what he's doing on that side of the ball, but on offense he's going to need some playmakers, and I believe Edwards can be one of those guys early in his career.
Tennessee - Tyler Byrd, WR
As talented as Tennessee's wide receiving core is, many of their talented players haven't gotten the production that has been expected of them. I would not be surprised at all to see Josh Dobbs make "the leap" this season, but in order to do that he's going to need a little bit more consistent receiver play. Tyler Byrd was expected by some to be a defender when he arrived at Tennessee, but his athleticism and explosiveness made him such a valuable commodity you feel like he needs to have the ball in his hands. Byrd showed out at the Army All-American game, and is arguably the fastest player in the SEC having been clocked at 23.7 mph. It does take freshmen a little bit of time to adjust sometimes, but with speed like that it will be hard to keep him off the field. He should contribute right away on special teams, and could potentially be seen on both sides of the ball during the season.
Vanderbilt - Donaven Tennyson, WR
Tennyson is another guy on my list who is an absolute burner. Vanderbilt only has 8 receivers on the roster, and even though some numbers look impressive from guys like Trent Sherfield, those numbers got a huge boost from the Austin Peay game, and they were pretty pedestrian outside of that. Tennyson does have a little bit of a showboat personality on the field, but I'm going to guess that will change at the collegiate level, especially when you're on a team that will struggle to find a ton of wins this season. Vanderbilt needs playmakers though, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Tennyson used in 4 WR sets, or as a guy on jet sweeps to bust big plays. At OL, I'm excited to see if True Freshman Devin Cochran makes an impact. Vandy's OL was one of the worst in the nation last season, and in order to give potential studs like Ralph Webb room to run, they're going to need improved O line play. Cochran can definitely give them that in a big 6'7", 305 frame.
This post was edited on 8/12/16 at 3:06 pm
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:30 pm to Dawgsontop34
Looking forward to seeing the east list
This post was edited on 8/8/16 at 3:31 pm
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:31 pm to Dawgsontop34
Good Stuff 
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:35 pm to rockytop627
quote:
Looking forward to seeing the east list'
said no one ever
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:37 pm to Dawgsontop34
Your lists like this one are always well done. I look forward to seeing them all.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:46 pm to Dawgsontop34
Solid analysis
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:47 pm to Dawgsontop34
Always enjoy these threads from you
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:49 pm to Dawgsontop34
nice write-up
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:53 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:Great write up Dawg.
Dawgsontop34
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:54 pm to Dawgsontop34
Posted on 8/8/16 at 3:56 pm to Dawgsontop34
Great job. Thanks!
Posted on 8/8/16 at 4:42 pm to Dawgsontop34
My dude, well done.
Make the SECr great again.
Make the SECr great again.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 4:48 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Patterson. I'm sure I'll regret this comment in the future, but he might be Johnny Manziel 2.0 with his football skills.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 4:49 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
LSU - Drake Davis, WR
Why? He might not catch 10 passes this year. He might not catch any.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 5:02 pm to Dawgsontop34
Good stuff!!
Posted on 8/8/16 at 5:33 pm to cajunbama
quote:
Why? He might not catch 10 passes this year. He might not catch any.
Which offensive recruit from LSU would you choose?
Posted on 8/8/16 at 6:08 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
after the departures of Jake Allen
That Jake Allen guy sucked so bad he's not on a single D1 roster.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 6:54 pm to CGSC Lobotomy
My bad. Obviously I meant Kyle Allen. For some reason I typed in the name of the Blues keeper instead.
Posted on 8/8/16 at 6:57 pm to Dawgsontop34
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