The highest-rated football recruits aren’t always the ones that have the biggest impact as true freshmen.

Some higher-rated players don’t play as well as they are projected to – at least not right away. Some less highly-rated players thrive on the increased level of competition and exceed initial expectations.

Some higher-rated players get stuck behind more experienced players at the same position and some less highly-rated players seize opportunities presented at positions that are lacking experienced players.

Some players benefit from enrolling early. Some players can’t and have to play catch-up in the summer and during preseason camp.

And injuries and other unexpected developments can impact who has the biggest impact right away and who doesn’t.

One thing that is certain is there are always plenty of talented true freshmen who are candidates to have an immediate impact.

Here are 10 true freshman offensive players who could make an impact in the SEC this season:

Alabama WR Ja’Corey Brooks

The Crimson Tide have opportunities available at the receiver positions after Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle went to the NFL.

Agiye Hall took advantage of the opportunity all spring and had a dominant A-Day performance. Some already are wondering whether he can become Bama’s next star receiver.

Brooks, a 5-star from Miami, didn’t play this spring. But he is bigger than and not quite as fast as most of Alabama’s star receivers in recent seasons, but he has the talent to have an immediate impact albeit in slightly different style.

Arkansas WR Ketron Jackson

If the Razorbacks are going to improve on the 3-7 record they had in head coach Sam Pittman’s first year last year, they will need to be more explosive on offense. Jackson, a 6-2 sprinter and jumper, has a variety of skills that put him in position to be a playmaker in Arkansas’ offense right away. And with Mike Woods transferring to Oklahoma, Jackson will have the opportunity to contribute as defenses focus on Treylon Burks.

Auburn WR Hal Presley

Presley is a fluid athlete who scored touchdowns (13) on nearly half of his receptions (32) as a senior in high school. That could make him someone that first-year head coach Bryan Harsin and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo turn to as a weapon for Bo Nix. Again, he’ll have an opportunity as Auburn essentially is rebuilding its wide receiver rotation.

Georgia T Amarius Mims

This 5-star recruit enrolled early and has the size (6-6, 320) to find a spot on the Bulldogs’ line right away. He could evolve into an anchor at left tackle even if his initial impact comes at right tackle. He was ranked the No. 3 tackle in the country and the No. 1 overall prospect in Georgia.

Georgia WR Adonai Mitchell

Like Mims, Mitchell enrolled early and his impressive performance in the spring game sent a message that he could help mitigate the loss of top receiver George Pickens to a knee injury. Unlike Mims, Mitchell didn’t arrive with a lot of recruiting fanfare. He was a 3-star prospect and No. 64 wide receiver.

Kentucky OL Jager Burton

Mark Stoops has quietly developed an offensive line factory at Kentucky. Coaches picked 3 Wildcats linemen for All-SEC honors last year. Burton, a 4-star, is the Wildcats’ top incoming recruit. He played tackle in high school, though he seems likely to have a role at guard in 2021.

Mississippi State WR Theodore Knox

Knox is a speedy player who seems ticketed for a slot position in second-year coach Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense. He can touch the ball in a variety of ways in Leach’s scheme. Opportunities are endless, too. Mississippi State averaged 50.6 passes per game last season, leading the SEC by a wide margin.

Missouri WR Dominic Lovett

This 4-star recruit enrolled early and started making a name for himself early in spring practice, impressing Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz with his effort, playmaking ability and consistency. He should be a factor as Drinkwitz continues to expand his offense.

Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright

Wright enrolled early and his presence during spring practice helped him polish the finer points of his game. But it was clear right away that he already had the speed and home-run ability to be a dynamic playmaker. That’s exactly what Tennessee needs after leading rusher Eric Gray transferred to Oklahoma and backup Ty Chandler moved on to North Carolina.

Texas A&M OL Bryce Foster

Coach Jimbo Fisher’s Aggies don’t have many holes on their roster, but there are opportunities for playing time on the offensive line, where the Maroon Goons are replacing 4 starters. This 5-star recruit (6-4, 330) figures to play right away, and perhaps even start, at guard.