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It’s difficult for true freshmen defensive ends to hold the point of attack against powerful run-blocking offensive linemen in the SEC. But especially as pass rushers, it’s possible for players to make an early impact at the college level.
The last two years, at least two true freshmen defensive ends have made a major impact — Myles Garrett and Derek Barnett (2014) as well as Walter Brady and Arden Key (2015).
The SEC once again signed a sterling class of defensive ends that goes well beyond five players. But here are the five that probably have the best chance of making their presence count for the 2016 season.
McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
Along with running back Devwah Whaley, Agim was the prize of the 2016 class for Arkansas. An outstanding blend of power, quickness and athleticism, he’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds. Ranked as the No. 2 strong-side defensive end in the class, there’s a great chance that Agim gets playing time right away. He enrolled early, though Arkansas doesn’t begin spring practice until Tuesday, so we’ll have to wait another week to get some early reports on his progress.
Jonathan Kongbo, Tennessee
“King Kongbo” was the No. 1-rated JUCO prospect in the 2016 class. A hulky workout warrior at 6-foot-6 and a reported 271 pounds, Kongbo is expected to add to what already is an excellent group of pass rushers. He’ll have to compete for playing time with players like Derek Barnett, Corey Vereen, Kyle Phillips and several others. But he’s more physically mature than most of the touted pass rushers entering the SEC out of high school in this class.
https://twitter.com/King_Kongbo/status/711279974557192192
Antonneous Clayton, Florida
A small-school kid from Vienna, Ga., analysts across the country started recognizing Clayton during the Under Armour All-America practices. He routinely beat bigger-name offensive tackles and finished as the nation’s No. 26 player in the 2016 class, which featured 25 five-stars. Up to 236 pounds as of March, Clayton is going to need to add some muscle mass before he becomes an every-down player. But with Alex McCalister moving to the NFL and CeCe Jefferson sliding inside, the Gators could utilize Clayton as a situational pass rusher this fall.
Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
There’s a caveat to this one as coach Dan Mullen plays true freshmen arguably less often than any coach in the SEC. We’ll see what new coordinator Peter Sirmon has in store for Simmons, who eventually could slide inside to defensive tackle. But there’s no denying his talent. A composite five-star player, Simmons ranked with Agim as one of the best defensive linemen in the 2016 class. For now, the 6-foot-4, 277-pound defensive end could be a rotational player this fall.
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Because he committed to Auburn early in the fall and enrolled in January, Davidson was an under-appreciated land by the Tigers on National Signing Day. At 6-foot-4 and 271 pounds, he’s got a prototype frame as an SEC defensive end. Auburn is desperate to develop pass rushers other than Carl Lawson, and he could compete with Byron Cowart at the other bookend spot. At minimum, expect Davidson to be a situational pass rusher in 2016.
Montravius Adams said former Carver defensive lineman Marlon Davidson is above him in terms at this stage compared to him as a frosh #Auburn
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 2, 2016
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
