The SEC’s dominance has been well documented over the past decade. After Alabama faltered on the biggest stage, it will be very interesting to see how the Crimson Tide respond in 2017. Nick Saban’s program will have to overcome plenty of turnover once again while relying on some key young players to fill the gaps after losing so many top talents to the NFL Draft. One of those players could end up being the most talented players in Alabama’s wide receiver core this season. Here is a look at the most intriguing freshman on SEC teams heading in to the 2017 season.
WR: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jeudy might already be the best route-runner on Alabama’s roster. Jeudy showed off his ability in the spring game when he caught five passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns while earning MVP honors. Jeudy might start out as the No. 3 option on the Crimson Tide roster behind Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster but he has the potential to climb even higher throughout the course of the season. Alabama will deal with substantial turnover at a number of positions. They should be just fine at wide receiver with Jeudy jumping in to the mix in 2017.
OG: Trey Smith, Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols are looking to infuse more youth in to their offensive line and that means Smith will likely start for Tennessee in 2017. The 6’6’’, 313-pound guard held his own on the first-string unit at the spring game and the coaching staff loves what he brings ot the table. Smith is extremely physical and willing to mix it up, but he is also smart enough to know when to draw the line between performing at a high level and being too aggressive. With an exception skill set and temperament, it won’t be a surprise if Smith starts for Tennessee in 2017.
OT: Calvin Ashley, Auburn Tigers
Auburn must replace Robert Leff and Alex Kozan, with Braden Smith moving from guard to tackle this season. The Tigers coaching staff is willing to shift bodies around and they could also be willing to start Ashley as a freshman this season. At 6’6’’ and 310 pounds, Ashley is already physically capable of holding down a spot on the line whether it’s at guard or tackle. Time will tell where the best fit is for the freshman lineman but he should start in 2017.
CB: Marco Wilson, Florida Gators
The Gators lost eight draft picks on the defensive side of the football this offseason, which means they will need to rely on some young talent to fill the gaps this season. Wilson is one player that has the potential to step in and make an immediate impact. The young brother of Quincy Wilson, who just moved on to the NFL, Marco could be ready to push for the No. 2 starting role or a nickel back spot. Florida’s depth will be tested this season but they have some capable replacements in line to step up and play bigger roles.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Gators look like in 2017. Remember, this is the team that ended up winning the SEC East division before getting worked over in the SEC Championship Game. They were 6-2 in conference play and 9-4 overall. They also ended up winning the Outback Bowl on January 2nd. Expectations are high once again in The Swamp.
S: Grant Delpit, LSU Tigers
The Tigers have a number of potential holes heading in to the 2017 season but one positon they will not have to worry about is safety. LSU took three of the best available prospects at the position in the last recruiting class so they are extremely deeper and talented in their defensive secondary. Delpit was only ranked No. 174 nationally but he has really impressed in spring practices and the coaching staff has raved about his potential to compete for a starting job. John Battle is currently listed at the top of the depth chart but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Delpit earned an opportunity to start at some point this season.
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