The SEC’s five-star freshmen DTs

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The SEC signed five of the top seven defensive tackles in the country in the 2015 class based on 247Sports’ composite ratings, the most five-stars ever at the position in a single recruiting cycle.

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Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee — Perhaps the most hyped of these true freshmen pass rushers based on his sheer size and his camp highlight reel, McKenzie’s been nearly unblockable this month and has opened eyes in Knoxville as a serious threat up front. He’s shown immense power against first and second-team guards, pushing his way into the backfield quickly off the snap. McKenzie will likely start in the middle alongside Owen Williams. Four-star freshman tackle Shy Tuttle will play too.

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Terry Beckner, Mizzou — The plan was never to redshirt Beckner for Mizzou defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski, but giving him time to adjust would’ve been ideal since the Tigers had depth at defensive tackle … until Harold Brantley’s season-ending injury. In scrimmage play, Beckner’s best asset has been his strength against the run. Rickey Hatley, Josh Augusta and Beckner will all rotate snaps this fall at a position that must be productive for the Tigers considering the losses at end. Kuligowski likes to rotate at the point of attack and Beckner will certainly be in that mix.

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Daylon Mack, Texas A&M — John Chavis has tinkered with his lineup throughout camp, hoping to find an ideal combination that will lift the Aggies from the SEC cellar defensively. Mack’s a key part of that this season as a backup, at least to start. Alonzo Williams and Julien Obioha, who was moved inside due to Texas A&M’s depth at end, have all but solidified first team roles and Mack’s still developing.

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Daron Payne, Alabama — Payne won’t be on the Crimson Tide’s two deep to begin the season, but could play a key role in a rotational sense — quite a feat considering Alabama’s front seven is expected to be the best in the country this fall. One of the team’s strongest players, Payne weighed in 340 pounds during the spring but has since cut 25 pounds for increased mobility and athleticism. According to AL.com, he’s one of only five players who can bench press 500 pounds and Payne’s 345 power clean ties for second-best with Derrick Henry.

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Trent Thompson, Georgia — John Atkins might be battling Chris Mayes to start at nose, but Thompson’s made an immediate impression on Jeremy Pruitt and adjusting to the speed of the game hasn’t seemed to be a challenge for the nation’s top-ranked defensive player. Last week, senior tackle Kolton Houston said Thompson was “definitely one of those kids you can’t just maul over.” Thompson has a high motor and vast skill set, qualities we’ll see this season when he’s in there early for the Bulldogs.

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