These three SEC defenses got the most from true freshmen in 2024

Nov 9, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Richard Young (9) is tacked by LSU Tigers defensive end Gabriel Reliford (19) and safety Dashawn Spears (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

It’s rare to find a true freshman who can play right away in the SEC. If a unit is relying on first-year players week in and week out, it’s probably not competing for the SEC title.

Georgia, the SEC champion, had just two freshmen see 100+ snaps in 2024 on defense. Safety KJ Bolden and linebacker Chris Cole.

While playing freshmen may not lead to current success, it can speak to a bright future.

Talent plus experience leads to quality.

Defenses getting major contributions from young players offers hope for the future. With the new year fast approaching, let’s look at the SEC defenses that have something to look forward to in 2025.

We’ll evaluate which defenses in the SEC got the most from true freshmen in 2025. Three units led the way, all having six true freshmen see 100+ snaps this fall. Bowl season is still ongoing, and this number can grow, but most of the 2024 data is already in the books.

Here are the three teams that stood out when it came to true freshman contributions on defense in 2024.

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

According to 247Sports, Florida’s 2024 recruiting class ranked No. 13 nationally. Several signees made an immediate impact with the Gators. Six true freshmen saw 100+ snaps on the defensive side of the ball.

LJ McCray was a five-star and the top-ranked defender in the class. This fall, he totaled seven pressures and a sack while making eight stops.

On the interior, UF got contributions from D’Antre Robinson and Micai Boireau.

Boireau was a three-star and ranked No. 760 overall in On3’s Industry Rankings, but his size allowed him to see the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-sec-defenses-got-most-161024122.html

Author : LSU Tigers Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-25 16:10:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.