CBS Sports Highlights Several Fall Camp Risers From The SEC

CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford recently wrote about several college football players "whose stock is soaring early in fall camp and why their emergence could matter considerably this season."

Five of the players Crawford highlighted hail from the SEC:

quote:

---

EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama
Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's plan to "resurrect" Alabama's run game will include this five-star freshman ballcarrier, who turned heads during the team's first day in pads last week. He joins a crowded competition for snaps with Daniel Hill, AK Dear and Kevin Riley. Grubb has repeatedly pushed to go hard on every rep and complimented Crowell's explosiveness and physicality. After Alabama ranked 126th nationally last season after averaging 3.4 yards per carry, this offense needs production. Crowell arrived in Tuscaloosa with a college-ready frame and has quickly shown why he was one of the cycle's most coveted ball-carriers.

Jelani McDonald, S, Texas
McDonald may be the most important player in Texas' secondary that casual fans are not discussing enough, at least according to Steve Sarkisian, who called him underrated after the first week of fall camp. That's a noteworthy endorsement for a player yielding veteran leadership at the back end. Horns247 reported that McDonald stood out as the vocal leader during the team's stretch routine to open their second day of practice, after Arch Manning had taken those honors to open.

McDonald's versatility gives the Longhorns flexibility to disguise coverages, match up with different personnel groupings and create pressure from multiple alignments. He possesses the length and athleticism to erase mistakes, but his value extends beyond measurables. Texas needs a reliable presence on the back end, and McDonald appears ready to become one of this defense's defining pieces during a championship push.

Talyn Taylor, WR, Georgia
Taylor continues to stack good days during camp at a position of extreme interest for the Bulldogs. Taylor signed as a four-star member of the 2025 class with elite expectations. Taylor's role now demands more than occasional flashes as he battles London Humphreys for snaps at flanker. Georgia needs a dependable target capable of winning contested catches, stretching defenses and delivering in critical situations. After losing Zachariah Branch as the alpha of last season's room, the Bulldogs are looking for threats to set the standard in a room searching for new leaders. Taylor's combination of size, polish and ball skills makes him an obvious candidate along with Sacovie White-Helton and Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion.

Emmanuel Poku, OG, South Carolina
One of several offensive line transfers signed to fill an immediate hole up front, Poku has been as good as advertised, a team source told CBS Sports. A two-year starter at East Carolina, Poku was an all-conference performer last season at right guard, one year after starting all 13 games at right tackle. The former walk-on will play guard with the Gamecocks and slimmed down a bit to 6-foot-5, 320 pounds this offseason to try to improve his agility at the line of scrimmage.

Shane Beamer overhauled this position group and hired a new offensive line coach this offseason to ensure South Carolina was built to withstand the rigors of weekly punches from the rest of the SEC this time around. Poku plays a major role in that potential turnaround.

DaSaahn Brame, TE, Tennessee
Essentially, Braylon Staley's backup in the slot during the second half of the 2025 season, Brame, has taken advantage of projected starter Ethan Davis' precautionary time away from practice by showing up and making an impression. One source told CBS Sports that Brame has dramatically improved his blocking ability, which is essential in Josh Heupel's offense. Vols tight ends coach Alec Abeln spoke highly of the former top-100 recruit's focus and expects an increased role from him this season.

---