Pro Football Focus’s list of top 10 true freshmen to watch in 2025 includes a few names from the SEC.
Max Chadwick placed Tennessee offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. at No. 3 on his list. The Charlotte product was a top 10 player nationally on 247Sports’ Composite rankings when he signed with the Volunteers.
“He’s the current favorite to start Week 1 at right tackle for Tennessee and is an elite athlete for the position who’s a freight train in space,” Chadwick wrote. “He will need to continue adding strength to his frame but is already up to 305 pounds after playing at around 275 pounds in high school.”
At No. 4 is Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson, who will look to emerge as one of DJ Lagway’s favorite targets right out of the gate. The Tampa native was 247Sports’ No. 8 wide receiver in the 2025 class and was considered a top 40 recruit nationally.
“He’s a twitchy player at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds who’s much better after the catch than most receivers his size. Wilson is also a very physical player who takes a lot of pride in his run blocking, which will help him see the field, too,” Chadwick said.
Lastly, at No. 8 is possibly the next star defensive back at a program that has cranked out its share of them. LSU cornerback DJ Pickett, from Tampa, was considered by 247Sports as the country’s No. 2 player at his position and No. 11 overall in the 2025 recruiting class.
“(He) has ridiculous tools. He has absurd length for the cornerback position at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds while running a 10.7-second 100-meter dash. He’s also a fluid mover as well with great ball skills,” Chadwick said. “Pickett could follow in the footsteps of Derek Stingley Jr. and Eli Ricks as cornerbacks who made massive impacts as true freshmen.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
