SEC Freshman Phenoms to Watch for in 2012

Hillcrest High School senior Dorial Green-Beckham answers questions from media after announcing that he’s signing with Missouri University at Hillcrest High School. (Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE)

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri Tigers (WR) 6-6 220 Springfield, Missouri

DGB’s size and speed makes him an instant offensive commodity for the Tigers. According to Rivals.com, he ran 4.43 secs in the 40-yard dash and squatted 385 pounds. Green-Beckham played against limited competition in high school, but did dominate while setting the national prep record in career receiving yards with 6,447. He may not dominate in the SEC, but will contribute immediately and develop into a solid receiver very soon.

2. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama Crimson Tide (RB) 6-2 216 Daphne, Alabama

Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon raised eyebrows after his performance in the Crimson Tide’s spring game where he tallied 179 rush/receiving yards. Yeldon looks to have an increased role as a result of impressive practice sessions, as well as a possible injured sprained ankle and knee to expected starting tailback Eddie Lacy. He is a good all around back with plenty of speed fit into his 6’2″ frame (4.43 secs 40-yard dash Rivals.com).

3. Keith Marshall, Georgia Bulldogs (RB) 5-11 202 Raleigh, North Carolina

With the dismissal of starter Isiah Crowell, Georgia frosh Keith Marshall will see more playing time. Sophomore Ken Malcome is most likely the starter to begin the season, but Marshall is too talented to not be utilized. As a high school senior, he ran for 1,891 yards and 25 touchdowns.

4. D.J. Humphries, Florida Gators (OL) 6-6 272 Charlotte, North Carolina

D.J. Humphries is the top freshman offensive lineman in the nation. Humphries needs to add some weight, but has the frame to do so, and is already explosive. He is versatile and talented enough to see action in the rotation this season. Unfortunately, Humphries suffered an MCL injury on August 18 and will miss at least two weeks.

5. Landon Collins, Alabama Crimson Tide (S) 6-0 202 Geismar, Louisiana

Alabama freshman Landon Collins may be remembered mostly for his mother, who wanted him to attend LSU. She made it known live during the Under Armour All America game when she gave a “LSU Tigers number one, Go Tigers” after her son committed to the Tide. Despite the drama at the Under Armour game, Collins did tally four solo tackles and an interception. He has good speed and skills at safety that should go well in a Nick Saban coached defense.

[SEC Blog: Auburn Center Has Epic Brain Fart One Week Before Season Opener]

Honorable Mentions:

John Theus, Georgia (OL) 6-6 309 Jacksonville, Florida
Johnathan Bullard, Florida (DE) 6-3 263 Shelby, North Carolina
Kwon Alexander, LSU (LB) 6-2 220 Oxford, Alabama
Trey Williams, Texas A&M (RB) 5-8 175 Spring, Texas
Eddie Williams, Alabama (WR) 6-3 204 Panama City Beach, Florida
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Georgia (LB/S) 6-5 207 Valdosta, Georgia
Dante Fowler Florida (LB/DE) 6-3 261 St Petersburg, Florida
Todd Gurley, Georgia (RB) 6-1 218 Tarboro, North Carolina
Reggie Ragland, Alabama (LB) 6-2 247 Madison, Alabama

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