As has become routine, the SEC cleaned up in recruiting for the class of 2015. Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, the top three prospects in the country signed with SEC schools, as did six of the top eight and 10 of the top 20.

But signing day was a long time ago. Those one-time prospects are now on campus and learning about the rigors of life in the SEC.

Let’s check in on a few of the conference’s highest-ranked incoming freshmen and project what the season might hold for them in a best-case scenario.

Trent Thompson

School: Georgia

Position: Defensive tackle

Best-case scenario: The best case for Thompson is that he’s just too good to keep off the field. And for the top recruit in the country last year, that may not be far-fetched. Of course, handling the nose tackle spot in Georgia’s 3-4 is a tall task, and senior Chris Mayes has experience — including eight starts in 2013. But if Thompson is as good as most believe, he’ll be contributor sooner rather than later. Don’t expect gaudy numbers, as Georgia’s top-flight linebacker corps will get most of the spotlight, but a handful of tackles for losses and several quarterback hurries are within reach in 2015.

Martez Ivey

School: Florida

Position: Offensive tackle

Best-case scenario: Ivey has a very real chance to earn a starting tackle position by the time the Gators open the season against Eastern Michigan; if he does, he may never relinquish it until he leaves for the NFL. Florida lost three starters off last year’s line, and though David Sharpe is expected to hold down one of the tackle spots, Ivey has a chance to force his way into the mix as the Gators are still sorting out their best five. Fordham transfer Mason Halter represents his biggest competition. Ivey, a 6-foot-5, 302-pounder, was the No. 2 overall recruit in the country last year.

Byron Cowart

School: Auburn

Position: Defensive end

Best-case scenario: Cowart hasn’t earned the starting nod — that belongs to DaVonte Lambert for now — but he’s already done enough to prompt Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner to admit that the 277-pounder is on an “accelerated plan” to get on the field. The best-case scenario is sky high here. With Carl Lawson lined up on one end and drawing attention, Cowart will get the chance to make noise early. Last year, true freshman Myles Garrett racked up double digit sacks for Texas A&M; best case, Cowart could do the same for the Tigers this season.

Kahlil McKenzie

School: Tennessee

Position: Defensive tackle

Best-case scenario: One gets the feeling there’s a chance this year’s SEC freshman defensive class could be end up legendary. McKenzie’s already on his way to folk-hero status as clips of him dominating Vols offensive linemen continue to surface in Knoxville. At 6-foot-3, 344 pounds, McKenzie is physically ready for SEC football. If all goes well, a Freshman All-American selection could be in play.

CeCe Jefferson

School: Florida

Position: Defensive end

Best-case scenario: Don’t expect Jefferson to immediately step in and replace Dante Fowler Jr., but he’s likely to see the field early. He’s coming back from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the bulk of his senior season, but the 6-foot-1, 275-pounder showed impressive pass-rushing ability with 17.5 sacks as a junior. If he can crack the rotation at defensive end, he’ll have the chance to make an impact; despite not starting a game last year, Alex McCalister finished second on the Gators with six sacks.

Kevin Toliver II

School: LSU

Position: Cornerback

Best-case scenario: Toliver has emerged ahead of fellow buzz-worthy freshman Donte Jackson and is officially in the hunt for the starting cornerback spot opposite Tre’Davious White, secondary coach Corey Raymond told the Baton Rouge Advocate on Sunday. If Toliver takes the job from Day 1, he’ll get the chance to put up big stats right away. The LSU secondary is loaded with returning stars at the three other spots, and if the No. 2 cornerback can solidify the group, expect another year of excellence against the pass. But even if he fails to beat out junior Dwayne Thomas and sophomore Ed Paris this season, Toliver’s time is coming.

Calvin Ridley

School: Alabama

Position: Wide receiver

Best-case scenario: Lane Kiffin has already indirectly compared him to Amari Cooper and Marqise Lee, and no amount of Nick Saban brake pumping can slow the hype train now. Alabama lost its top three receivers from a year ago. Most notable in that group was Cooper, who finished with 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. Tide fans are eager to see another wide out in that mold, and while it’s no guarantee that he’ll see extensive playing time as a freshman, Ridley certainly looks the part. If he could tally half of Cooper’s numbers from a year ago, it would likely mean good things for the Alabama offense.