Debate: Which SEC freshman are you most excited to watch in 2015?
The SEC claimed nine of the 14 highest-rated recruits from the 2015 class.
So there’s a groundswell of new talent on practice fields across the region this preseason camp, as there is every year.
Which of those players will be the most fun to watch in 2015? We’re only now getting a sense for which touted members of that class should redshirt, which ones will be bit players and which ones will inherit major roles. So we posed the question to a few of our staff members.
WHICH SEC TRUE FRESHMAN ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE IN 2015?
Jon Cooper (@JonSDS): Tennessee DT Kahlil McKenzie
Rarely do we see a freshman defensive tackle make an instant impact in the SEC, but if there’s one who could, it may be Kahlil McKenzie. McKenzie’s legs are the size of tree trunks, and he’s been pushing around Tennessee linemen ever since fall camp started. Sometimes five-star defensive tackles don’t work out, but I have a feeling McKenzie is different. I’m looking forward to seeing the Vols’ beast the most.
Brad Crawford (@BCrawfordSDS): Georgia WR Terry Godwin
Take your pick of the plethora of five-star defensive tackles who will make an immediate impact in the SEC this season, but I’m going with Georgia wideout Terry Godwin, a much-needed playmaker on the outside for the Bulldogs who have depth concerns at the position. Shifty and quick with good hands, Godwin resembles Isaiah McKenzie with the football. He’s already made an impression on Mark Richt and Brian Schottenheimer, shooting up the depth chart to the second team despite a shoulder injury early in camp. Godwin’s a game-changer who will see his share of touches this season alongside senior pass-catcher Malcolm Mitchell.
Nick Cole (@NickColeSports): Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk
On a team already loaded with dangerous wideouts, the five-star recruit signed with the Aggies last winter and immediately went to work earning himself a role for 2015 during spring practice. He drew rave reviews for his work ethic, and has reportedly continued that strong effort in fall camp. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s a great fit on the inside as a slot receiver in the Aggies’ pass-friendly attack. Recent reports have him running with the first-team offense alongside Josh Reynolds, Speedy Noil and Ricky Seals-Jones, which could give sophomore QB Kyle Allen the most potent group of receivers in the league.
Kevin Duffey (@KevinDuffey): Auburn DE Byron Cowart
The most interesting true freshman is definitely Auburn’s Byron Cowart. After the top-rated recruit of 2015 chose to follow Will Muschamp to Auburn (rather than stay close to home at Florida), fans have been anxious to see if Cowart could make an immediate impact on a team entering the season with lofty expectations and plenty of hype. Even the five-star guys have bumps along the way, however, as we saw over the weekend when Cowart unleashed some fall camp frustrations on Twitter. I expect he’ll hit his groove and have a nice season as a freshman.
Christopher Smith (@csmithSDS): Alabama CB Minkah Fitzpatrick
Alabama has signed a quartet of five-star cornerbacks in the last two years. With former Chicago Bears assistant coach Mel Tucker now patrolling the Bama secondary, it’s time one or two of those players develops into a premier player, right? Alabama has been pushing hard to rekindle the secondary play that propelled the team’s defenses to three national championships. Coach Nick Saban has offered praise for Fitzpatrick on numerous occasions, and that’s meaningful. I want to see what all the fuss is about with this guy, who already is making a legitimate push at playing time — maybe even as a starter.