Cycle after cycle, the football programs in the Southeastern Conference sign elite talent along the defensive line, particularly at the defensive end position. The league’s geographic footprint automatically facilitates some of the talent acquisition, but you also have to consider that nearly every program has an elite defensive line coach, both in terms of coaching and player development.

At this critical, difference-making position, the advantages the SEC as a league enjoys in those two areas are almost unfair.

So with that, here are the top five defensive ends heading to SEC programs from the 2016 recruiting cycle.

McTelvin Agim, Arkansas (Hope, Ark.) — Agim was the top overall prospect in the state of Arkansas this cycle and the 6-foot-2, 260-pounder is an outstanding blend of power/strength, quickness and athleticism. There’s a great chance he steps right in and sees significant playing time for the Razorbacks on defense this season.

Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State (Macon, Miss./Noxubee County) — Simmons, who most expected to head to Ole Miss or Alabama, picked the Bulldogs on national signing day and they got another elite defensive line prospect. The 6-foot-4, 277-pounder could end up being a player, like Chris Jones before him, that grows into a defensive tackle, but for right now, he’s a big end that could make an early impact.

Antonneous Clayton, Florida (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) — Analysts across the country started recognizing Clayton, who finished ranked as the No. 26 overall prospect, as an elite pass rusher after a stellar showing at the Under Armour All-America Game. He will have to fill out, develop and gain strength to reach his full potential, but could see snaps as a pass rushing specialist the first year with the Gators. He’s an elite talent who will only get better in time.

Jonathan Kongbo, Tennessee (Arizona Western JC) — Kongbo is the top overall junior college prospect in this class and the British Columbia native gives Tennessee another piece to add to its talented defensive front. Kongbo is explosive and athletic and is an elite pass rusher and run stopper. Expect big things out of him during his time in Knoxville (which is where he is headed unless for some reason his letter-of-intent ends up signed and elsewhere).

Marlon Davidson, Auburn (Montgomery, Ala./Greenville) — Davidson is another big end (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) and enrolled early at Auburn, so the chances of him getting on the field early are quite good. Davidson has limitless upside and should benefit from the tutelage of veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner during his time on the plains. This was a bit of an under-appreciated land for the Tigers simply because Davidson was committed for most of the cycle, then enrolled early, but make no mistake it is one that will have a huge impact.