Making the transition from high school to college is never easy. Many freshmen struggle with the change in level of competition, particularly the size of the players on the other side of the ball. There are, however, players ahead of the curve who make for themselves as true freshmen. Here are 11 SEC true freshmen from 2016 poised for the biggest sophomore seasons:

Jacob Eason, Georgia: Everyone knew there would be freshman growing pains with Eason, even though he enrolled early and took part in spring practice. Rookie mistakes at the college level, against SEC defenses were going to happen. As a former 5-star prospect, many predict Eason will only spend three seasons in Athens. In Year 2, it will be time for Eason to show he’s learned from his mistakes and has developed into one of the conference’s top passers. Georgia’s SEC title hopes depend on it.

Isaac Nauta, Georgia: Eason can’t be successful without a strong supporting cast. The Bulldogs lose top pass-catcher Isaiah McKenzie and will be looking for a returning veteran to step up in his place. Eason’s classmate and fellow former 5-star, Nauta, could establish himself as one of the conference’s top tight ends as a sophomore. The 6-4, 246-pounder should be an attractive red zone target at the very least. He caught 29 balls last season, sixth among SEC tight ends and first for freshman tight ends. He tied Alabama’s O.J. Howard with three TD catches.

Jalen Hurts, Alabama: Hurts’ sophomore season will obviously be impacted by the next offensive coordinator. Unless Saban goes out of left field with a drastic shift from the Lane Kiffin-Steve Sarkisian offense, Hurts should be even better in 2017. Hurts’ skills as a runner and his knack for big plays put him in the Heisman discussion as a freshman. If he works on his passing, particularly under pressure, he could be a finalist for the coveted award this fall. He tied for third in the SEC with 23 TD passes with just nine interceptions.

Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State: Simmons blossomed as the season wore on.  The talented defensive lineman had to learn the freshman lesson that he can no longer rely on his size and talent. What worked in high school doesn’t work against SEC offensive linemen, but Simmons is starting to learn and master technique. He should pick up right where he left off (39 total tackles, 2.5 for loss).

Benny Snell, Kentucky: With Boom Williams departing for the NFL Draft, Snell will be the Wildcats’ feature back in 2017. Coming off an impressive freshman campaign of 186 carries for 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns, it will be exciting to see what Snell can do with more touches. Kentucky returns 17 of 22 starters, so this might be the year for Stoops Troops to take the next step if Wells can lead the way on the ground.

Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Benjamin Snell Jr. (26) is congratulated by tight end Greg Hart (85) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M: Williams was the first Aggies running back to cross the 1,000-yard as a freshman. Texas A&M loses its starting quarterback (Trevor Knight) and three of its top wideouts (Josh Reynolds, Speedy Noil and Ricky Seals-Jones). While the passing-game still has a bona fide play-maker in Christian Kirk, the offense will likely turn to Williams more in 2017.

Damarea Crokett, Missouri: Like Snell and Williams, Crockett also joined the traditionally exclusive club as a 1,000-yard rusher in his freshman season. The Tigers’ offense is characterized by quick passes, but Crockett made the most of his 153 carries, recording 1,062 yards. Mizzou threw 448 passes last season — second-most in the SEC. The Tigers might want to run Crockett even more in 2017 and give its defense more time to rest.

Shea Patterson, Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze might have hoped to keep a redshirt on Patterson, but the former 5-star prospect certainly gained more in the short term by playing in Ole Miss final three games. Patterson’s numbers were far from perfect (72-of-132, 860 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT), but as a true freshman he threw for more 300 yards twice. Though one year of eligibility might seem like a waste for three games, the experience has undoubtedly made him better prepared for 2017.

Chauncey Gardner, Florida: The Gators proudly call their secondary “DBU,” and the unit has some major holes to fill in 2017 with Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson off to the NFL Draft. Gardner mostly saw action at nickel and free safety in 2016, but the former 4-star cornerback will likely be asked to play on the outside as a cover man. He’s already shown his ball-hawking tendencies with a pair of interceptions in the Outback Bowl.

Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Chauncey Gardner (23) intercepted the ball and runs against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Gators won 30-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrie Cleveland, Florida: The No. 2 wideout of the 2016 class had a rough start to his freshman season with off-field legal issues as well as a nagging hamstring injury. Once he was healthy and showed what he can do, Cleveland became Florida’s No. 2 receiver with his impressive mix of height, size, speed and hands. Cleveland, who measures 6-2, 196 pounds, is poised for a breakout season – if the Gators can find a quarterback who can get him the ball.

Bryan Edwards, South Carolina: This item could be probably Edwards/Jake Bentley, as the freshman quarterback and wide receiver are tied together. Edwards stands to benefit from stability at the quarterback position. Last year, the Gamecocks started the season with Brandon McIlwain and Perry Orth before eventually going with Bentley in their seventh game. The Gamecocks were 2-4, but Bentley rallied them to bowl eligibility. Edwards the rest of the South Carolina will be in better sync with this Bentley since he’s the established starter.