With schools across the South gearing up for spring practice, here’s a look at the most intriguing newcomers — freshman or transfers — in the SEC to watch this offseason.

The portal has generated unprecedented movement in college football, and last season’s screwy year meant even more prospects enrolled early, so there are plenty of candidates to choose from across the league.

Earlier I took a stab at the 7 most intriguing newcomers in the SEC West and today I’ll tackle the teams in the SEC East.

Florida — RB Demarkcus Bowman

The former Lakeland (Fla.) standout transferred to UF late last fall after getting homesick following a death in his family, but this spring is really the first time folks have gotten a peek at the speedy tailback in a Gators uniform.

Bowman was a 5-star recruit in 2020 with verified 4.4 times. He can fly and the Gators desperately missed that home run threat to their rushing offense last season.

What’s interesting is Bowman’s opportunities will be determined by how well he showcases himself this offseason. (He is dealing with a knee injury now.) Despite his upside, he’s not guaranteed carries in 2021.

Florida has a crowded tailback room, with senior starter Dameon Pierce returning, as well backups Malik Davis and Nay’Quan Wright. Also in the mix is former 5-star Miami transfer Lorenzo Lingard, who hardly played last season, so Bowman must leapfrog several guys to earn snaps.

Georgia — CB Nyland Green

The Bulldogs signed the nation’s No. 4 class, per 247Sports, and several of the early enrollees should compete for early playing time this fall.

Former 5-star offensive tackle prospect Amarius Mims is a freaky athlete at 6-7, 330 pounds with light feet and Stretch Armstrong arms (7-1 wingspan) and could be in the mix to start at right tackle in 2021, however, UGA has a greater need for a freshman to emerge right away on the other side of the ball.

With cornerbacks Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes and DJ Daniel all off to the NFL, there’s a clear void in the secondary for the Bulldogs, and the prospect to watch this spring is 4-star signee Nyland Green.

The nation’s No. 71 player, per 247Sports, is a 6-2 corner with all the physical traits Kirby Smart is looking for at the position. He’s long, can run and can play inside at STAR/nickel, too, so despite his inexperience, a big camp could vault Green up the depth chart this offseason.

Kentucky — WR Wan’Dale Robinson

Mark Stoops & Co., scored one of the biggest transfer wins of the offseason when dynamic Nebraska playmaker Wan’Dale Robinson announced he was transferring back home to the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky’s White Whale — Robinson was a storied in-state recruiting “miss” by Stoops two years ago — should provide an immediate spark to listless passing offense, as Robinson is legitimately one of the most explosive playmakers in the country with blend of Kadarius Toney and Rondale Moore to his game.

Underutilized at Nebraska (97 touches for 701 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2020), Robinson is hoping for a true breakout campaign in new UK offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s heavy motion offense.

It’s not a question of if Robinson will be a factor for the Wildcats this fall, it’s how big and that will start to get answered in the coming weeks.

Missouri — WR Mookie Cooper

One newcomer already generating some early hype this spring is Tigers transfer wideout Mookie Cooper.

The former Top 100 prospect didn’t crack a crowded rotation at Ohio State last season, so Cooper, a St. Louis native, opted to transfer closer to home to play for Eli Drinkwitz.

Cooper is built like a fire hydrant with wheels, using his small (5-8, 200 pounds) and stocky frame to his advantage with a combination of elusiveness and speed. He’s a perfect weapon for Drinkwitz’s offense, especially as a dynamic slot receiver.

With Tigers slot wideout Jalen Knox missing spring practice due to offseason surgery, the opportunity is there for Cooper to find his way into the starting lineup this spring.

South Carolina — OLB/DE Jordan Strachan

New coach Shane Beamer has experienced all sorts of turnover — both on his inaugural coaching staff and roster — but while the departures have been many, one very notable addition this offseason was former Georgia State pass rusher Jordan Strachan.

The 6-4, 220-pound end led the nation in sacks in 2020, piling up 10.5 for the Panthers along with 14 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. Relatedly, South Carolina had 14 sacks — total — as a team last season.

Strachan can stand up or play with his hand in the ground, and with Carolina’s desperate need for a disruptive presence off the edge the transfer is likely to emerge as a starter exiting the spring.

Tennessee — QB Hendon Hooker

New Tennessee coach Josh Heupel will have to be very diligent in how he splits reps this spring with four quarterbacks competing for the starting job.

The Vols return Brian Maurer and Harrison Bailey, both of whom played in 2020, with freshman Kaidon Salter and Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker also joining the mix. That’s a lot of mouths to feed.

Salter has plenty of upside, but Hooker is easily the most experienced guy in the room. Notably, the Va. Tech transfer elected to go to Tennessee before Heupel took the job, so how he fits into the equation will be interesting.

For the Hokies, Hooker started 15 games, completing 63.1% of his passes for 2,894 yards with 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He has also rushed for 1,033 yards with 15 scores.

Vanderbilt — DL Marcus Bradley

New Commodores coach Clark Lea looked to flip the roster with a big transition signing class, inking 23 prospects along with adding another three transfers.

While it’s not the most heralded bunch, Lea was able to hold onto the commitment of Quince Orchard (Md.) defensive lineman Marcus Bradley — the most marquee prospect in the class.

The 6-3, 270-pound defensive lineman became Vandy’s first 4-star signee since 2018. A former Maryland commit with a loaded offer list, Bradley pledged to play for Derek Mason just days before the longtime ‘Dores coach was fired and didn’t wavier after the coaching change.

He’s a fluid athlete at 270, with his HUDL highlights showcasing his quick burst and ability to change directions. With Vandy’s desperate need for impact lineman, Bradley should have every opportunity to carve out a role this spring in Lea’s 4-2-5 defense.