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SEC Football: Newcomers who’ll have biggest impacts in 2022

By Dante Pryor

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs, Roquan Smith #3 and the team celebrate with the SEC Championship Trophy after beating Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs, Roquan Smith #3 and the team celebrate with the SEC Championship Trophy after beating Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LSU defensive back Eli Ricks (1) runs with the ball after making an interception against Florida during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla.
LSU defensive back Eli Ricks (1) runs with the ball after making an interception against Florida during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. /

2. Alabama: Eli Ricks, CB

Fellow transfers Jahmyr Gibbs and Jermaine Burton work here, and freshman tackle Tyler Booker are expected to significantly impact the Crimson Tide next season as they chase another national title.

However, not only is Eli Ricks the best defensive back in the portal, but he also fills a huge need with three of Alabamas top defensive backs headed for the NFL Draft. Ricks gives the Tide an experienced, ball-hawking corner across from rising star Ga’Qunicy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry to form a formidable secondary again this season.

1. Texas A&M: Walter Nolan, DT

For at least the next three seasons, offensive lines will have to deal with the rotation of Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Shemar Stewart, Anthony Lucas, and Walter Nolan. This group can be better than the 2018 Clemson Tigers defensive line. The rock of the line is Walter Nolan.

Nolan is a mountain of a young man. He is on the all “off the bus” team. The Tennessee native looks legit coming off of the bus. Nolan’s most impressive attribute is how sound and polished he is as an incoming freshman. Nolan is an elite athlete who can play anywhere on the defensive line. He and the rest of his line mates will keep offensive line coaches and offensive coordinators up late quite often.

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 rankings projections for 2022. dark

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