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SEC Football: 10 true freshmen who’ll have instant impact in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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With multiple five-star recruits being highly sought after, SEC football coaches face tremendous pressure to play highly-regarded incoming true freshmen.

Recruiting has become so important to today’s college football that it is, in some ways, more important than coaching itself. A program risks losing a player to a potential transfer if a big-time player doesn’t play right away.

From a player’s standpoint, many recruits are graduating high school early and enrolling at a school of choice early to participate in a program’s spring practice and spring scrimmage. This helps increase the odds of a player having a chance to start as a true freshman.

In 2016, multiple SEC teams had true freshmen wind up as the team’s starting quarterback. Jalen Hurts and Jacob Eason didn’t get the start in the first game of the season but started every game thereafter. Jake Bentley didn’t get a chance to start until midseason, but started for the remainder of the season. Ole Miss wanted to redshirt Shea Patterson, but Chad Kelly’s season-ending injury forced Patterson into action for the team’s final three games.

In addition to four true freshmen starting at what is viewed as the most important position, plenty of other true freshmen made an impact in 2016. Tennessee started defensive back Nigel Warrior and he is expected to be a leader on defense in 2017. Alabama started Jonah Williams at right tackle.

This season, he is expected to shift over to left tackle. Devwah Whaley rushed for 602 yards as Arkansas’ secondary option at running back. With Rawleigh Williams done with football, Whaley is expected to be the team’s primary back in 2017.

So, who are some SEC true freshman who will make an instant impact in 2017? Let’s take a closer look.

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