By Ty Scheiner
Next up in our Impactful Freshmen series for the 2024 season is the SEC. Since author Luke Brumm already covered Ellis Robinson IV and Williams Nwaneri in another article, I’ll be focusing on three other players who I believe will make an immediate impact this season. Also, don’t forget to check out who will be impactful freshmen in the ACC.
Jaylen Mbakwe, CB, Alabama
With Caleb Downs transferring and Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold heading to the NFL Draft, Alabama is looking to retool its secondary. Jaylen Mbakwe arrives as a true athlete, having played quarterback last season at Clay-Chalkville. Ranked as the No. 2 cornerback in the country, Mbakwe could see early action at CB given the turnover in the unit. He’s not only expected to contribute on defense but could also make an impact on special teams.
Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
While Jeremiah Smith garners much of the hype at receiver, let’s not overlook Cam Coleman at Auburn. Stepping into an offense in desperate need of a playmaker, Coleman can be that guy from Day one. He’s already made an impact, earning MVP honors at the ‘A’ Day spring game.
The 6’3” wide receiver, ranked No. 3 overall in the 2024 class by 247Sports Composite, will have high expectations and will be a key target for Payton Thorne. Hugh Freeze remarked, “Cam is a different cat. He’s going to have to play and he’s proved he can when he knows what to do.”
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LJ McCray, DL, Florida
LJ McCray arrives in Gainesville aiming to bolster a defensive line that lacked depth and talent last season. The 6’6”, 274-pound defensive lineman will be crucial in improving a unit that allowed 155.6 rush yards per game. Graded as the No. 1 recruit in his position group by On3, McCray brings impressive stats from his high school career at Mainland, including 133 career tackles, 18 sacks, and 62 tackles for loss.
On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, believes McCray’s combination of readiness and high upside will make an early impact for Billy Napier’s program, stating, “He has a high upside due to the projectable traits, but make no mistake, the top-10 prospect is ready to come in and make an early impact.”
