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SEC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team

By Dante Pryor

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) celebrates after a victory in the SEC Championship against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) celebrates after a victory in the SEC Championship against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Florida running back Lorenzo Lingard was one of the success stories for the University of Akron when the five-star running back used the portal in December to transfer to the Zips.
Former Florida running back Lorenzo Lingard was one of the success stories for the University of Akron when the five-star running back used the portal in December to transfer to the Zips. /

Florida Gators

Head coach Billy Napier and the Gators are one of several teams that have their eyes on the quarterback battle in Athens and maybe Austin. The Gators brought in Wisconsin transfer quarterback Graham Mertz after getting in Ohio State transfer Jack Sawyer last year. It isn’t easy to see Florida going into this season with a quarterback that has completed under 60 percent of his passes and thrown 21 interceptions in the last two seasons as its starting quarterback.

In addition to needing a quarterback, the Gators know where else they need help. The Florida staff recruited heavily in the trenches. Napier and his team signed nine offensive and defensive linemen out of high school, and five of their ten portal signees were linemen. Baylor transfer Micah Mazzccua and Alabama transfer Damieon George, Jr. are both in the mix to start on the offensive line this fall, at least Mazzccua was until he decided to transfer due to health reasons.

Memphis transfer defensive tackle Cam’Ron Jackson and Louisville transfer defensive tackle Caleb Banks should see snaps this fall in their line rotation.

Keep an eye on top-60 recruit Ja’Keem Jackson. The Osceola High School product transitioned to cornerback from wide receiver. As an offensive player, he is dynamic in space, but his length and speed make him a potential lock-down corner. It will be interesting to see if he can crack the rotation because of his rare athletic skills.

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