On Saturdays in the past, true freshmen didn’t even get on the field. Not for any meaningful time, anyway. But fortunately for coaches, who are under constant pressure to win each and every year, that’s not the case anymore. Plus, coaches know the best players will only be around three years before joining the NFL.

Some of the SEC’s most-exciting athletes are true freshmen who have already made a lasting impact.

Here’s a list of five true freshmen making a difference this season on SEC teams:

WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama: In his young career, the Crimson Tide wideout is averaging a healthy 11.1 yards per catch. For the season, Ridley boasts 576 yards and 3 touchdowns on 52 catches. Ridley caught a 50-yard TD pass at Georgia and his season-long 81-yarder came the next week against Arkansas. With his breakaway speed, Ridley can get open behind defenders. At Georgia, he caught five balls for 120 yards and versus Arkansas snatched nine for 140.

CB Kevin Toliver II, LSU: This top-rated prospect out of Jacksonville, Florida, recorded seven total tackles — six solos — in a three-point win against Mississippi State in his first SEC game. Toliver brings toughness to the position and has recorded one interception with 24 total tackles. A starter in every game, Toliver has cemented his place in the LSU secondary.

DT Terry Beckner Jr., Missouri: This defensive tackle has done more than use his significant strength and accompanying girth to clog trenches, block running lanes for opposing backs and keep offensive lineman away from linebackers. With eight tackles for loss, Beckner is getting into the backfield and making plays himself. With 27 total tackles and three sacks, Beckner has already shown he is more than just a big body.

WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M: Beginning fourth on the depth charts this summer, the five-star recruit out of Scottsdale, Arizona, has already made an impact with 54 catches for 706 yards and four TDs. With a 66-yard TD catch and three 100-yard games, his future as an impact player appears bright.

DT Trent Thompson, Georgia: Grading out as the best true freshman at stopping the run by profootballfocus.com, Thompson has made a big impact since gaining more playing time in early October. He has 24 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.