1. DB Caleb Downs, Alabama
Nick Saban isn’t afraid to put true freshmen defensive backs on the field, and Downs is one of the best he’s landed. He has as much physical upside as any player they’ve brought in at defensive back during Saban’s tenure, and that’s really saying something. He’s going to be a force.
2. EDGE Samuel M’Pemba, Georgia
The Dawgs are secretly a little thin at Edge, and M’Pemba brings everything that you want at that position. At 6’5″, 245, he already has the physique to handle SEC competition and displays an unusually explosive first step. His classmate Damon Wilson could also be here just as easily, but I like M’Pemba’s upside as a freshman more.
3. WR Joshua Manning, Missouri
The Tigers only return one player from last year’s squad who had double-digit receptions, so there are going to be plenty of targets to go around in Columbia. Manning, a key four-star in-state pickup for Eli Drinktwitz, will have a shot to start from day one.
I figured I’d take a closer look at WR Joshua Manning after he announced a #NotreDame offer today.
Early in the first game film I found, this is the first time he touched the ball early in the first quarter.
Tall, long, very good speed, great body control. @joshmanning121 pic.twitter.com/t15i5JqrzK
— Kevin Sinclair (@KevinSinclair_) May 4, 2022
4. LB Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
Perkins is an absolute physical freak and completely deserving of his five-star ranking. Lane Kiffin doesn’t shy away from open competition at every position, and Perkins enters a defense that needs upgrades in a variety of spots. He can fill multiple roles as an off-ball backer, box safety, and even edge rusher.
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5. LB Ethan Crisp, Vanderbilt
The Commodores are bereft of talent on the defensive side of the ball in general, but acutely at the linebacker position. Local product Crisp is a sideline-to-sideline player and sure tackler who has the upside to be the best Vanderbilt player at the position since Zach Cunningham.
