ESPN Names Three Freshmen To Watch For Upcoming Season

by Staff Reporter

August 7, 20252 Comments

Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In a recent ESPN SEC preview article for the upcoming season, Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson, offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., and LSU cornerback DJ Pickett were picked as "freshmen to watch" in 2025.

Here's what they had to say about them:

quote:
Dallas Wilson, WR, Florida

Wilson showed up instantly by catching 10 passes for almost 200 yards and two touchdowns in Florida's spring game. No matter who starts at quarterback on Week 1 for the Gators, there's a good chance they'll develop a quick connection with Wilson. The 6-foot-4 Florida native has a massive catch radius, 10-inch hands and surprising breakaway speed given his frame. He runs a legitimate 4.5 40-yard dash and has the shiftiness to pick up yards after the catch, making him a nightmare matchup who should see the field early in The Swamp.

David Sanders Jr., OT, Tennessee

Rarely does Tennessee turn a starting offensive line spot over to a freshman, but Sanders has all the developmental markers of an impactful tackle right out of the gate in Rocky Top. He was named North Carolina's Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior, a rare accolade for an offensive lineman, and was the No. 7 recruit in the Class of 2025. Tennessee coaches challenged Sanders to put on weight after he enrolled early and he answered the call. The freshman now checks in at 6-6, 305 pounds with an exceptional combination of athleticism, lower body flexibility and reaction skills. Sanders will have every opportunity to win the starting right tackle spot on a Volunteers line that needs to replace four starters from last year as they retool in search of a national championship.

DJ Pickett, CB, LSU

At 6-4, Pickett has a monster frame and legitimate speed after recording a 10.7 100-meter time in high school, where he was a district sprinting champion. If he can carry over his momentum from spring practice into fall camp, Pickett has a shot to earn a starting job in Brian Kelly's overhauled secondary. Pickett impressed LSU coaches with his combination of elite athleticism and playmaking. The five-star corner has a high ceiling and his combination of size and speed rarely seen on the boundaries in the SEC. -- Billy Tucker