Tracking 2016 prospects who have decommitted from SEC schools

Decommitments are a harsh reality during the recruiting season. Some players give verbal promises too early in the process before finalizing their decision while others jump ship when a better offer comes along.

Coaches often forgive and forget, moving on to the next prospect before the opposition swoops in.

Thus far in the 2016 class, 22 total players have decommitted from SEC schools including six who have committed to an entirely different Power 5 conference team. There’s always a chance decommits will return before National Signing Day, but some staffs view it as a slap in the face and ease off the accelerator during the process.

Last season, South Carolina suffered an SEC-high nine decommits before February including cornerstone four-star defenders Mark Fields (Clemson) and Arden Key (LSU). A once-promising class ranked inside the Top 10 slipped to No. 20 when the ink dried and Steve Spurrier was left to clear up statements pertaining to his future.

There’s only been one decommit for the Gamecocks in this cycle, four-star wideout Kyle Davis.

Auburn’s lost three players for 2016 over the last month while Tennessee lost a three-star corner on Tuesday, but it’s Mississippi State who leads the SEC with reportedly six decommitments thus far, including four-star tackle Scott Lashley who committed on May 18 but later backed off after talking with his parents.

Here is a list of the 22 members of the 2016 class who have decommitted from SEC schools thus far: