The self-proclaimed best conference in the county can’t get away with subpar recruiting classes; that, among other reasons (hello, massively compensated coaches) is why the SEC has consistently cleaned up when it comes to recruiting.  At least five schools (the four you expect, plus Tennessee) were right around the top 10 in nearly all recruiting rankings this year, and that’s not counting the nearly top-25 classes of South Carolina and Ole Miss.  It shouldn’t be too hard to find some quality youngsters among the crowd, right?

Bryce Brown (courtesy UTSports.com)

1: Bryce Brown, RB, Tennessee.  Brown was the #1 recruit in the country for a reason; of course, he ended up making a few more headlines than expected and dragged out his recruitment past Signing Day, but I’m not complaining (yet). Brown’s instantly the most talented RB in the Tennessee backfield and should challenge relative incumbent Montario Hardesty for the starting job immediately.  If he can’t get the starting job this year, he’ll have it next year at worst – and considering Tennessee’s QB situation is a veritable wasteland, that’s a good sign for lots of carries.

2: Reuben Randle, WR, LSU.  Randle’s one of, if not the, top WR recruit in the country.  While he’s no better than WR2/WR3 in LSU’s offense this year, the departure of Brandon LaFell at the end of the year coupled with what’ll be a good QB regardless of who takes the snaps means Randle is in decent position this year, but great position going forward.  In the meantime, ride out the bumps.

3: Russell Shephard, QB, LSU.  As an early enroller, Shephard has a bit of a leg up on a typical freshman QB and will see in-game action this season.  What’s unknown with him is if he can leap Jordan Jefferson, who was also a pretty big deal.  The safe bet with Shephard is that he won’t be the man this year, but could knock Jefferson from the throne next year.  He’s too talented not to play somewhere, though.

4: Andre Debose, WR, Florida.  For a guy being touted as Percy Harvin 2.0, you’d figure he’d be getting more press.  The only reason he hasn’t been is the same reason these articles have been semi-bearish on any Gator player not named Tim Tebow; there’s a lot of good ones out there.  If Debose can separate himself from the pack then the sky is the limit (especially if Jeff Demps can’t pull off the hybrid role himself); if not, he’ll be somewhat productive as a WR.

5: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama.  Richardson will have some depth chart issues to work through, but lordy is he a beast (5’11”, 220).  That, coupled with Roy Upchurch’s senior year, means Richardson should have a great opportunity to start moving piles in 2010.  He’ll be a bit limited this year, though.

Marlon Brown (courtesy Scout.com)

6: Marlon Brown, WR, Georgia.  He’s an AJ Green clone except taller (6’5” to Green’s 6’4”), meaning he’ll be a fantastic target once he can start getting PT.  That may not come until 2010; the depth chart at receiver is a bit crowded right now, and the graduation of Michael Moore at the end of the season should free up a spot for Brown.

7: Pat Patterson, WR, Ole Miss.  Believe it or not, Ole Miss’s WR corps wasn’t huge recruits out of high school.  Patterson is their biggest recruit by far, and as a result he instantly moves up to WR3 on the Rebels depth chart.  The problem there of course, is that he’s WR3 in a run-happy offense.  That’ll change next year, since both Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster are seniors.

8: Nu’Keese Richardson, WR, Tennessee.   Injuries – oddly – are Richardson’s friend, with Austin Rogers out for the season and Denarius Moore not fairing much better, if at all.  He was going to be involved in the offense next season regardless, but now he can easily move into the WR2 role at worst.  The only question regarding his production isn’t even his fault – if Tennessee can get someone to throw him the ball, watch out.

Jarvis Giles (courtesy GamecocksOnline.com)

9: Jarvis Giles, RB, South Carolina.  He’s already the most talented player in South Carolina’s backfield; while the selfish part of me wants to see him redshirt and get four years of production in Spurier’s system, reality dictates he’ll be splitting carries at worst this year.  He should move into the primary RB role by 2010 (Spurrier doesn’t play RB rotation nearly as much), and there are worse fates.

10: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina.  His situation is similar to Pat Patterson’s in that there really isn’t anyone blocking him; of course, it’s different in that the Gamecock offense isn’t nearly as dynamic.  Still, Jeffery should be in great shape in 2010 (Moe Brown’s a senior and the only real threat to PT) and if Stephen Garcia turns out to be what the ‘Cock faithful hope he is, Jeffery should have a quality QB getting him the ball, too.

 Just missing the cut is David Oku, who’d have Tennessee fans in a tizzy if it wasn’t for Brown.  As it is, they’re probably entertaining visions of Bush / Young, which could be devastating for all involved.

Related posts:

1. Running Through the SEC Runningbacks
2. SEC Breakdowns & Projections
3. SEC Bookends: Unusual Suspects
4. SEC Sleepers and Breakout Players
5. There’s a New Dooley in the SEC

Tags: SEC