The 2022 college football season is nearing the start. Once again, the SEC should once again lead the way with the majority of players selected in the NFL Draft.
Today, I will look at the most intriguing prospect for each school in the SEC. This is not necessarily the best prospect for each squad. These are just the players that are the most fascinating to me.
MOST INTRIGUING PROSPECTS IN THE SEC
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Bryce Young, QB
The skill set is not in question for the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. The size of Bryce Young is what worries me. He is listed at 6’ and 194 pounds. I seriously doubt either of those numbers is true. Will the NFL hold that against him?
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Trey Knox, TE
Knox has been a solid wide receiver for the Hogs over his first three seasons in the SEC. However, this year, Knox has added over twenty pounds to his frame. Can he become a top tight end prospect?
AUBURN TIGERS
Owen Pappoe, LB
After his sophomore season, Pappoe was one of the best linebackers in the nation and a top prospect at the position. Unfortunately, he missed most of the 2021 season. Pappoe ranked #8 on the Bruce Feldman Freaks list after benching 435-pounds and running a 4.32 forty.
FLORIDA GATORS
Another of Feldman’s freaks, Richardson’s intrigue is more about what he can be. He certainly possesses elite size (6’4” 238). Richardson only played in five games a year ago. He flashed enough to make many believe he could be a first-round selection in the 2023 draft. Will Richardson build off of those positives in 2022?
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Arik Gilbert, TE
Arik Gilbert was one of the highest recruited tight ends ever coming out of HS. He has had some issues off the field that has prevented him from taking the necessary steps to becoming an elite talent. The question this year will be if he can get enough meaningful snaps playing behind Brock Bowers.
KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Will Levis, QB
There is a whole lot to like about Will Levis. He has great size, a big arm, and plays in a pro-friendly system. However, consistency hasn’t been a friend to Levis. As a matter of fact, our own Shane P Hallam really needs to see more from the UK product.
LSU TIGERS
Sevyn Banks, CB
This time last year Sevyn Banks was getting mocked in the first round. He soon found himself in the doghouse and further down the depth chart. Now, Banks must re-establish himself at a school that is known for producing great DBs.
MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Zach Evans, RB
Evans has had a wild ride throughout his high school and college career. There is no doubting his talents. Evans has averaged over seven yards per carry during both collegiate seasons at TCU (albeit never an entire season). After the Horned Frogs made a coaching change, the talented running back now takes his talents to the Grove.
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Nathan Pickering, DL
There weren’t many intriguing prospects in Starkville to choose from. The fourth-year defensive lineman is coming off his most disruptive season for the Bulldogs and is one that bears monitoring.
MISSOURI TIGERS
DJ Coleman, EDGE
It is always fun to watch someone that was dominant at the FCS level move up. Coleman was a great player at Jacksonville State and now will try to have that kind of impact in the SEC.
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Jaheim Bell, TE
You will be hard-pressed to find a more explosive tight end in the nation with the ball in their hands. I have called the Gamecocks star, Kyle Pitts lite. I don’t think he is quite in the same breath as the former 4th-overall pick. However, I believe they have similar profiles.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Hendon Hooker, QB
After spending most of his career at Virginia Tech, Hooker emerged as a legit NFL prospect at the QB position a year ago. Can he continue to build on the momentum he gained during the 2021 season?
TEXAS A&M AGGIES
Devon Achane, RB
Achane may be the fastest player in college football. He ran a 10.14 100-meter dash and has also run a 20.2 200-meter. Achane is a dominant kick returner and a great receiving threat.
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Ken Seals, QB
There have been flashes of a good QB prospect with Seals. You just hope to see more of that in 2022.