The SEC has honed in on several elite prospects in the 2016 class, players who could make substantial contributions as true freshman if development continues. Here are a few guys that could push the conference back into the national title picture in rapid time:

5. Edwin Alexander, DT, Five-Star (SEC target): Alexander committed to LSU as a sophomore but admittedly made his decision a little early as a sought-after pass rusher with countless offers. Familiar with the coaching staff and Baton Rouge, the Hammond, La. native attended the Tigers’ junior day on Feb. 7 and remains an LSU lean. He’s the top player in the state and an essential piece toward the rebuilding of LSU’s defense under Kevin Steele.

4. Keion Joyner, LB, Five-Star (SEC target): The top linebacker in his class since his sophomore year, Joyner’s a vicious hitter with an athletic build who could play inside or outside at the college level. He recently started a blog with USA Today detailing the recruiting process if you want to know more about Joyner’s day to day excursions as a premiere prospect. The North Carolina native comes from the same high school (Havelock) that has produced recent SEC signees Pharoh Cooper (WR), Corey Robinson (OL) and Derrell Scott (RB).

3. Gregory Little, OL, Five-Star (Texas A&M commit): Little’s next in line at what is quickly becoming offensive lineman U in the SEC should his commitment to Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies stick. Little is scheduled to arrive at the same time Kyler Murray tries to push Kyle Allen for the starting job at quarterback as a sophomore (maybe a redshirt freshman) next spring. He’s currently the top prospect in the country — at any position — for next year’s cycle according to 247Sports.

2. Jacob Eason, QB, Five-Star (Georgia commit): Hang around Bulldogs fans long enough and this kid’s the odds-on favorite to become Georgia’s first true freshman starter under center since Aaron Murray. Ranked by most recruiting services as the top quarterback in next year’s class, Eason is as polished as they come at 17 years old. A pro-style passer like Murray and former No. 1 pick Matt Stafford, Eason could be next in line to rewrite the record books.

1. Saivion Smith, CB, Five-Star (LSU commit): A future cornerstone for the Tigers’ secondary if he stays committed, Smith is one of several high-end prospects from IMG Academy out of Bradenton, Fla. in next year’s class who could star as a true freshman. Paired with 2015 signee Kevin Toliver at the back end in Baton Rouge, LSU’s pass defense would be set through at least the 2017 season.