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Every winter, some of the top high school football players in the country decide to forfeit things like prom in exchange for spring practice. Those that graduate high school a semester early to get a leg up on the competition at the college level often find themselves competing for playing time earlier than their fellow freshmen.
Who are some of this year’s crop of early enrollees that could make an impact from day one of the 2015 season?
Deionte Thompson and Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
The Crimson Tide are losing their two starting safeties from 2014, Nick Perry to graduation and Landon Collins to the NFL draft. While there’s some talent behind them, including presumed starter Geno Smith, they’ll need a boost along the back line. Luckily, two four-star recruits are already on campus. Thompson and Harrison both bring size, at 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-3 respectively. They’ll both likely get the chance to play on special teams as well, an area where past secondary stars have made their name at Alabama.
Jovon Robinson, Auburn
Auburn loses its top three rushers from 2014, SEC rushing champ Cameron Artis-Payne and quarterback Nick Marshall, as well as backup Corey Grant. Roc Thomas, a rising sophomore, is expected to take on a large role in the offense, but JUCO transfer Robinson will be right there with him. The top-rated junior college running back in the country was on the field with the Tigers during Outback Bowl practices and should be ready to take over a prominent role once he’s eligible to play.
Kevin Toliver, LSU
Toliver is the No. 2 cornerback in the nation, per most recruiting sites, and he joins Defensive Back U in time to get on the field for spring practice. LSU is losing one of its best corners in Jalen Collins, who heads to the NFL a year early, as well as Rashard Robinson, a starter for much of the year who was suspended and is presumed to be done with the team. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Toliver has the size, not to mention skills, to play immediately.
Jack Jones, Tennessee
If there was a major weakness in Knoxville in 2014, other than youth, it was the offensive line. The Volunteers gave up the most sacks in the SEC and struggled at just about every position. Jones, who hails from Murfreesboro, steps onto campus early as a four-star recruit. The Vols only graduate one player, right tackle Jacob Gilliam, but have a lot of youth elsewhere. Jones has the size and strength to play immediately, but the question will be if Tennessee is willing to throw true freshmen out on what is already the team’s weakest spot.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
