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We’ve already seen a handful of potential impact newcomers during spring practice as early enrollees, but there’s a couple others who make their debuts in August that could be just as important to their respective teams.
Here are five summer arrivals we can’t wait to see this fall:
5. Lorenzo Nunez, QB, South Carolina: If you believe everything Steve Spurrier has said since National Signing Day, Nunez will have every opportunity to win the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback job over Connor Mitch at some point this season. Chances are slim he’ll start South Carolina’s opener against North Carolina, but Nunez will apply pressure at the position during practice and won’t redshirt this season as the team’s primary No. 2. The coaching staff likes his mobility, has mentioned Nunez in the same breath as Connor Shaw and could institute a specific package this season that caters to his skill set offensively.
4. CeCe Jefferson, DL, Florida: This five-star pass rusher has brought much unnecessary attention to himself since his wishy-washy NSD charades and subsequent LOI situation, but rest assured Jefferson will be ready to perform once he finds the proper fit within Geoff Collins’ defense in Gainesville. Jefferson adds to an already talented defensive line for the Gators anchored by pass rusher Jonathan Bullard and budding star Alex McCalister.
3. Byron Cowart, DL, Auburn: The gem of what was supposed to be a three-player package deal from the Sunshine State in February, Cowart left Jefferson and Martez Ivey at Florida for a chance to play for Will Muschamp on the Plains. He’ll soon become one of the next great pass rushers in a lineage of talent before him under the pressure-heavy defensive coordinator. Cowart’s projected to the play the Buck position on Auburn’s defense and doesn’t have a weakness in his game.
2. Terry Godwin, ATH, Georgia: Many thought Godwin would flip to Auburn in February, but the longtime Georgia commit stayed true to his word to pursue a future in Athens. With the MLB Draft looming, the Bulldogs are hoping the five-star playmaker sticks with football after he reportedly flourished during a recent private workout with the Atlanta Braves. He’ll add pizzazz to Georgia’s loaded roster on offense or could make instant contributions as a rotational player in Jeremy Pruitt’s secondary.
1. Daylon Mack, DL, Texas A&M: It won’t take long before the Aggies’ incoming five-star moves into John Chavis’ rotation defensively, perhaps as an opening week starter alongside standout sophomore end Myles Garrett. Julien Obioha’s recent move from end to the inside creates an opening for Mack in the middle of Texas A&M’s multiple 4-3 scheme and the learning curve at the position shouldn’t be as steep at tackle compared to end. Mack provides the Aggies with a lightning quick first step and tenacity inside, something they’ve been missing up front during Kevin Sumlin’s tenure.
