Impact newcomers are nothing new to the SEC. This season is no exception.

Some of the biggest difference-makers in the conference so far have been either true freshmen or transfers that have hit the ground running.

Over a month into the season, here are five of the most exciting SEC newcomers to this point:

1. Christian Kirk, WR: Perhaps the early front-runner for SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Kirk has been a dynamic addition to the already explosive Texas A&M offense. Kirk has reeled in 32 receptions for 519 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The freshman is averaging 16.2 yards per catch and 103.8 yards per game, which leads the SEC. Oh, and by the way, he leads the nation with 27.1 yards per punt return, including one trip to the end zone. Kirk is a major reason why the Aggies have raced out to a 5-0 start this season.

2. Chad Kelly, QB: It took a few weeks before Kelly could separate himself from the pack and officially take over as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, but now the former Clemson and JuCo product is leading one of the best offenses in college football. Kelly is the 11th-leading passer in the nation with 1,478 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to 4 interceptions, while completing almost 63 percent of his throws.

The junior signal-caller was charged with replacing Bo Wallace, who helped the Rebels finish 70th in the nation in scoring offense a year ago. Already, Kelly has Ole Miss tied for sixth in that category, and more importantly, No. 14 in the latest AP Poll.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB: If the nation wasn’t already familiar with the Alabama cornerback, Fitzpatrick introduced himself over the weekend when the Tide upended Georgia. In the game, Fitzpatrick blocked a Georgia punt, then returned it 1 yard to pay dirt to help his team reassert itself in the College Football Playoff picture once again.

Fitzpatrick, a freshman, is tied for 4th in tackles on Alabama’s defense with 21, including 3.0 for a loss. Fitzpatrick has also registered a pair of sacks and 4 pass breakups this season as a defensive and special teams ace.

4. Calvin Ridley, WR: Sticking with the Alabama theme, Ridley has already established himself to be one of the best wide receivers in the SEC, regardless of class. After notching his first career touchdown a week earlier against Louisiana-Monroe, Ridley hauled in 5 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown on Saturday in Athens.

Ridley is the latest in a long line of talented Tide receivers, beginning with Julio Jones and more recently Amari Cooper. As quarterback Jake Coker continues to develop, it’s no coincidence he’s looking in the direction of Ridley more often.

5. Lorenzo Nunez, QB: Three different quarterbacks have received the nod under center for South Carolina this season, but no one has impressed more than the true freshman Nunez. In two starts over the past two weeks, Nunez has become the 10th-leading rusher in the SEC.

Nunez has piled up 299 yards on 45 carries, including a touchdown, while also accounting for 374 yards passing with 3 touchdowns. For a team that lacks a lot of firepower and much to get excited about, Nunez is the lone bright spot.