They play a lot of big-boy football in the SEC, so it can often be tough for freshmen to get on the field. It can be even tougher to get out there and be wildly productive.

But it does happen, and it certainly did in 2015. It was a  trio of speedy wide receivers who carried the flag for the freshman class this year, two of whom made a huge splash in the return game with a few highlight-reel touchdowns.

Here’s the top five freshmen who provided the most excitement this year.

Christian Kirk, WR/Returner, Texas A&M

Kirk lived up to all the billing in his first year at College Station and is the leading contender for the SEC’s Freshman of the Year award. He had 70 catches for 925 yards and six touchdowns in the passing game and also returned two punts for touchdowns. He was third in the league in catches and fourth in yards. His two punt returns for scores was second in the nation, behind only Cyrus Jones of Alabama, who had three. What makes Kirk’s receiving yards all the more impressive is that the Aggies really struggled at quarterback the last half of the season. Otherwise, Kirk goes over 1,000 yards easily.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Calvin Ridley looks like he’s going to fit right in to that superstar receiver role at Alabama, just like Amari Cooper and Julio Jones before him. The freshman had 67 catches for 791 yards this year and scored five touchdowns. He also made a lot of high-profile catches while the Crimson Tide rolled through opponents on their way to the SEC Championship game. Ridley can do it all.

Antonio Callaway, WR/Returner, Florida

It’s been a real struggle for Florida to score points this year, but Antonio Callaway has certainly done his fair share. He had only 29 catches but they went for 557 yards. His 19.2 yards per catch was second in the league to Dominique Reed of Arkansas. Callaway is an electric performer, something the Gators are sorely lacking this year. His 72-yard punt return for a touchdown might have been Florida’s play of the year.

Terry Beckner Jr., DT, Missouri

About the only encouraging thing about Missouri’s season was the play of its defense and Terry Beckner Jr. was a big part of that. Despite a late-season knee injury, Beckner had a big freshman year. He played the run well in his 325 snaps and as a pass rusher, he tacked on three sacks and nine hurries. Big things are expected of him in 2016.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama

After a slow start Fitzpatrick has settled in nice in Alabama’s secondary as a basic nickel back. He has two interceptions and even has two sacks on blitzes, plus he doesn’t mind sticking his nose in there on running plays. It’s the front seven that gets all the publicity in Tuscaloosa but the secondary has been solid during the Crimson Tide’s nine-game winning streak. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder will probably be a true cornerback down the road, but he’s certainly found a home this year covering slot receivers.