Every year, a player or two who seemingly comes out of nowhere to make an impact for his football team, and this season is likely no different.

Some, like former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell, began their careers as walk-ons, mere afterthoughts to their more-hyped teammates who entered college as scholarship athletes. Bell, however, would go on to become the SEC Player of the Year in 1984 and a prominent Heisman Trophy candidate in 1987 before playing in the NFL.

Others entered college on scholarship, but arrived with little to no fanfare for whatever reasons. But all of them overcame their humble beginnings to make a difference for their teams.

As the start of the 2015 season nears, we take a look at some of the less-heralded newcomers poised to make a difference as SEC surprises.

Missouri DE Marcell Frazier: The sophomore was ranked as just the 32nd-best junior college prospect, according to the 247Sports composite index, but will likely be in the starting lineup when the Tigers open up against Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 5. Frazier, who originally signed with UNLV out of high school, has been impressive in preseason camp for a defense that looks to replace All-American Shane Ray and fellow defensive end Markus Golden. Nicknamed “The Shell,” Frazier has excellent speed, but still needs to bulk up to better face the behemoth SEC offensive lineman he will face. Despite not even being academically cleared to attend Mizzou until July, he’s impressed coaches with how quickly he’s adapted to the major college game and picked things up.

Auburn RB Peyton Barber: The redshirt sophomore has been little more than an afterthought his first two years on The Plains after redshirting in 2013 and managing just 10 carries in mop-up duty in just six games last season. Barber has enjoyed a fine camp this year and is competing with Roc Thomas, Jovon Robinson and true freshman Kerryon Johnson for the starting tailback job.

Alabama CB Minkah Fitzpatrick: The true freshman has come on quickly and figures to be in the defensive back rotation from the outset for the Crimson Tide. His great athleticism, football instincts and versatility will allow Fitzpatrick to be effective at either the cornerback or Star positions in Alabama’s nickel packages.

Ole Miss OT Javon Patterson: The Rebels are loaded in talent thanks to consecutive recruiting bonanzas the last few years, so it speaks volumes that Patterson, a former five-star recruit, might be the only true freshman to play at Ole Miss this season. Patterson has quickly adjusted after enrolling in school last January and it’s just a matter of time before he assumes a spot in the starting lineup.

Georgia WR Terry Godwin: It’s rare that you’re a five-star recruit and get lost in the hype, but that’s been the case for Godwin in Athens. Overshadowed by the simultaneous arrival of future NFL defensive tackle Trenton Thompson and the hype already surrounding the future pros he now calls teammates at Georgia, Godwin has sort of slid in under the radar. But make no mistake. He will not only give the Dawgs another home-run threat on offense with his great speed and sure hands, but could also figure into special teams as well as Isaiah McKenzie mends from a hamstring injury.

Florida OT Mason Halter: The Fordham transfer was a two-time Football Championship Subdivision All-American at Fordham before graduating with an economics degree and transferring to Florida. His addition is a critical one to a Gators offensive line short on both experience and depth. Halter will have to get acclimated to the SEC’s considerably greater speed and talent level in a hurry if the Florida offense is to take off. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound left tackle was lightly recruited out of high school, choosing Fordham over Kent State, and could also see action for the Gators at guard.

Tennessee WR Jauan Jennings: The true freshman converted quarterback has showed flashes of tremendous athleticism and could give quarterback Joshua Dobbs another potential weapon this fall. His background as a quarterback should help in picking things up, but Jennings still has a lot to learn even after enrolling in school in January.

Georgia ILB Natrez Patrick: It’s hard to garner much attention when you’re playing alongside the likes of Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins and Lorenzo Carter, but Patrick figures to make a name for himself this fall. A converted high school defensive end, the true freshman enrolled in school in January and wasted no time in impressing in the spring G-Day Game with his great instincts and nose for the ball. Patrick led the Red team with eight tackles and added a sack and a tackle for a loss. He could be in the starting lineup when Georgia hosts Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 5.