Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
Apr 22, 2017; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU head coach Ed Orgeron during the annual Louisiana State Tigers purple-gold spring game at Tiger Stadium. Purple team won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU head coach Ed Orgeron during the annual Louisiana State Tigers purple-gold spring game at Tiger Stadium. Purple team won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

JaCoby Stevens is a five-star recruit and, while LSU has plenty of talent among defensive backs, he will likely work his way into the team’s rotation.

Senior Ed Paris is the favorite to win Jamal Adams’ vacated starting safety spot. Paris played in all the team’s 12 games last season and started two games. He tallied one pass defensed and one pass breakup. John Battle started alongside Adams and figures to start at safety again this season.

Stevens was an early enrollee to increase his odds of pushing for a starting position. He possesses many of the same traits as Adams — great instincts, good ball skills and an ability to win jump balls when one-on-one against a receiver.

Related Story: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

After LSU fired Les Miles, Alabama head coach Nick Saban made a hard push for Stevens, but Stevens maintained his commitment to LSU, in part due to Ed Orgeron keeping the staff largely intact.

Home/SEC