Players often use recruiting rankings as motivational fuel when they hit the next level after feeling slighted based on individual star ratings.

Several current SEC standouts have proved three stars coming out of high school doesn’t mean all that much. Here’s a list of a few of the most notable starters who flew under the radar on National Signing Day during the 2012 and 2013 recruiting seasons.

3-stars who have exceeded expectations in the SEC

Editor’s note: Star rating based on each player’s 247Sports Composite coming out of high school.

Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (2013 class): One of college football’s top returning receivers, Cooper earned All-American status as a sophomore last season and averages 13.4 yards per offensive touch during his career. He has scored 13 touchdowns.

Cam Sutton, DB, Tennessee (2013 class): Has started 25 straight games in the secondary to open his career as one of the league’s most reliable defensive backs. Sutton’s 25 passes defended is tied for ninth-most in Tennessee history (20 PBUs, 5 INTs).

Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss (2013 class): A preseason All-American per several publications, Engram has caught 59 passes for 930 yards and five touchdowns as a two-year starter for the Rebels.

Harold Brantley, DL, Mizzou (2012 class): This massive playmaker has blocked two field goals, picked up three first downs via fake punts and has accumulated double-digit tackles behind the line of scrimmage as a collegian. His most dominant season is expected this fall as a fourth-year junior.

Alex Kozan, OL, Auburn (2012 class): Kozan was a freshman All-American in 2013 after redshirting then missed the entire 2014 campaign with a back injury. He’s back to lead the Tigers offensively and is a preseason All-SEC candidate.

Caleb Azubike, LB, Vanderbilt (2012 class): The Commodores’ active sacks leader is a multi-position threat within the front seven in Nashville, registering 20.5 tackles for loss over three seasons.

Dan Skipper, OL, Arkansas (2013 class): This monstrous 6-foot-10 tackle graded out over 85 percent last season to earn All-SEC honorable mention status as one of the Razorbacks’ lead blockers for dual 1,000-yard ballcarriers Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. Skipper has also blocked four field goals during his career.

Jalen Mills, DB, LSU (2012 class): Entering his third season as a starter in the secondary, Mills has recorded five interceptions and 124 tackles over 26 career games. The feared safety has All-SEC potential written all over him.

Quincy Mauger, DB, Georgia (2013 class): This tackle machine at free safety has tallied 108 total stops as a spot starter at the back end and has five interceptions to his credit since making a splash as a freshman in 2013.

De’Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State (2013 class): Entering his fourth season of organized football altogether, Wilson’s proven to be an elite weapon on the outside for the Bulldogs with 12 career touchdowns receptions.

Aarion Penton, DB, Mizzou (2013 class): Blossoming into one of the SEC’s top cover corners following a stellar sophomore season featuring three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 36 total tackles.

Alex McCalister, DL, Florida (2012 class): Most are expecting this former basketball star to lead the Gators in sacks as a junior after recording six sacks and nine tackles for loss last fall as a situational pass rusher.