Five SEC freshmen to watch in Week 5

5 SEC Freshmen to Watch in Week 5

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Year in and year out the SEC is the premiere conference in all of college football. There is talent, and then there is SEC talent. Recruiting the top players in the country is key to the conference's reign on the sport.

From Julio Jones and AJ Green to this year's freshman phenom, Todd Gurley, first year newbies have been making a huge impact in the SEC over the last decade.

Here are five freshman to keep an eye on as the SEC once again get's after "it" for the fifth time this year...

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR - Missouri Tigers

Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE

Dorial Green-Beckham was arguably the most coveted recruit in the country for the class of 2012. Missouri and their new fancy uniforms were lucky enough to sign the five star recruit this past spring.

The 6'6" 225 Beckham has had a slow start this year, only grabbing six catches for 48 yards, but this week we could see a change. Mizzou plays UCF, which sets up a great opportunity for Green-Beckham to shine. The Knights have given up at least 100 yards to an opposing receiver in each of their games so far this season.

Don't be surprised to see Green-Beckham rack up the yards, as well as touch pay dirt for the first time this year.

TJ Yeldon, RB - Alabama Crimson Tide

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

The Crimson Tide simply reload at running back every year, as well as defense and every other aspect of the team. Times are good in Tuscaloosa, and this year is no different.

Freshman running back TJ Yeldon is Alabama's leading rusher with 254 yards and three touchdowns in four weeks. He has a very impressive 6.3 yard per carry average and has shown the explosion 'Bama fans were expecting when he signed this past spring.

It would appear that the Yeldon train will continue to roll this week, as Alabama is taking on an Ole Miss team that gave up heaps of yardage to Texas. The Longhorns totaled 600 total yards of offense - 450 through the air and 250 on the ground - and scored 66 total points against the Rebels. Expect similar numbers for Alabama in week 5 with Yeldon getting his fair share of touches, alongside fellow RB Eddy Lacy.

Deion Jones, LB - LSU Tigers

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones has been quiet as far as media coverage goes this year. When you have four All-Americans on defense, this tends to happen to the youngster. The 6'2" 202 pound Louisiana native has nine tackles on the season including two tackle for loss.

With a warm-up game against Towson before heading to the always hostile Swamp, expect Jones to receive a hefty amount of reps this Saturday. Don't be surprised to see ten tackles and a sack out of this freshmen stud.

Amari Cooper, WR - Alabama Crimson Tide

Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

Did you really think we were going to get off of this list with just one 'Bama player? We could fill the whole entire thing up with the Crimson Tide.

Wide receiver Amari Cooper was one of the top recruits this past spring for Alabama. Cooper is currently the team's leading receiver with nine receptions, 138 yards, and a touchdown. The Tide are playing an Ole Miss team that gave up over 300 yards against Texas. Expect a big game from Cooper in Week 5.

Todd Gurley, RB - Georgia Bulldogs

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

The Georgia freshmen phenom may not only be the best newbie in the SEC, but quite possibly in the entire country. Gurley, who checks in at 6'1" and 218 pounds, has shown amazing power and speed through the first four weeks of the season. He leads the Bulldogs with 406 yards rushing and six touchdowns, to go along with a video game-esque rushing average of 9.2 yards per carry. His per yard average is tops in the SEC.

The Dawgs are playing a Tennessee defense in Week 5 that is allowing 172.5 yards on the ground per game (59th in the nation). Expect another 100+ yard day and a score out of Gurley.