The class of 2015 was heavy on defensive linemen. Out of 35 five-star players, per the 247sports industry composite rankings, 12 of them were defensive linemen. The bad news for SEC offensive coordinators: seven of those five-star players ended up in the SEC, along with another 18 four-star prospects.

Starting at the top, several of those five-star players could make an immediate splash.

Trent Thompson, the top player in the class, arrives on Georgia’s campus this fall. He has a chance to be an immediate starter at nose tackle after the Bulldogs top two defensive tackles from last year used up their eligibility. He was listed at 6-foot-2.5 and more than 300 pounds in high school, giving him SEC-ready size to go along with his prodigious skills.

Thompson was part of a loaded class, with three four-star defensive ends already on campus. One of them, Jonathan Ledbetter, is already flying around impressing teammates.

Three other big-time defensive tackles arrive on campus this fall: Texas A&M’s Daylon Mack, Tennessee’s Kahlil McKenzie and Missouri’s Terry Beckner. Mack could be a wrecking ball in the middle of John Chavis’ revamped defense for the Aggies, while McKenzie is viewed as a possible dominant force for the Vols, drawing comparisons to UT greats John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth (the college version). Beckner, an East St. Louis product, could find playing time at multiple positions along the defensive line under new Mizzou DC Barry Odom.

Let’s not forget the five-star defensive ends, a pair of Floridians set to make waves as freshman. CeCe Jefferson, heading to Florida after some National Signing Day drama, could be another immediate starter if he masters the playbook quickly upon arriving on campus. Byron Cowart will be at Auburn this fall and has the makings of pure pass rusher who can create havoc for the Will Muschamp’s defense. He could end up getting stashed as a backup “Buck” behind Carl Lawson, but chances are he’ll find the field early for a team that needs a boost rushing the passer.

Of course, plenty of players will end up either riding the bench or taking a redshirt. Georgia and Tennessee brought in a half-dozen offensive linemen each. Alabama loses hardly anyone from last year’s stalwart line, so five-star DT Daron Payne and two four-star defensive ends will have to wait their turn.

But the most elite players aren’t the only ones who could earn playing time straight away. Arkansas’ Hjalte Froholdt, LSU’s Arden Key, Tennessee’s Kyle Phillips and Shy Tuttle, South Carolina JUCO transfers Dexter Wideman and Marquavius Lewis, as well as Shameik Blackshear and more. Across the conference, this has the makings of one of the deepest classes at any position in recent memory.