Ad Disclosure
With the 2014 regular season in the books here’s an early look at the hits and misses from the 2014 SEC recruiting class based on their first-year performances.
HITS
- Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia- Chubb was not only the best freshman in the SEC, but one of the most outstanding performers in the entire conference. He began his season receiving the meager share of carries with preseason Heisman hopeful Todd Gurley, still producing despite limited touches. But after Gurley’s month-long suspension and season-ending injury, Chubb emerged as the best running back in the SEC, recording more than 100 yards in each of Georgia’s final seven games. The Cedartown, Ga., native rushed for 1,281 yards and 12 touchdowns on 186 carries and caught 18 passes for 213 yards and a pair of receiving scores.
- Speedy Noil, WR, Texas A&M: Noil led all SEC freshmen with 559 yards and five touchdowns on 44 catches. The freshman also had 575 yards on 24 kickoff returns and 178 on 14 punt returns. Noil will continue his development playing alongside Josh Reynoldds, Edward Pope and Ricky Seals-Jones in a young, talented Aggies receiving corps next season.
- Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: Barnett became the first true freshman in school history to start at defensive end in a season opener. The former four-star prospect answered the call by setting a Tennessee freshman record for sacks (10) and tackles for loss (20.5), finishing in the top-5 among SEC players in both categories. Playing alongside a healthy Curt Maggitt, Barnett makes up one of the best pass rushing duos in the SEC and should continue his progress as a sophomore.
MISSES
- Dewayne Hendrix, DE, Tennessee: The Vols had one of the most productive freshman classes in the SEC last season. However, several players have opted to transfer in recent weeks for various reasons. Hendrix, who originally said he was “unhappy” in Knoxville, was the highest ranked player of the non-returning players. He even ranked higher than Barnett as an incoming prospect, despite playing behind the ALL-SEC freshman all season.
- Roc Thomas, RB, Auburn: Thomas saw limited carries behind SEC leading rusher Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant. The freshman recorded 214 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries. But, with both players departing, Thomas should see an expanded role in his second season.
- Matt Elam, DT, Kentucky: Elam was the top prospect in Kentucky’s 2014 class. However the player nicknamed “Big Daddy” saw limited action in his first season, recording 10 tackles in 12 appearances. Elam should see an expanded role in the Wildcats defense in 2015, but his durability is a question that must be answered. His best attribute may be what keeps him from being an every down player, weighing an astounding 375-pounds. Elam should improve in his second season and earn more playing time for Kentucky.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
