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2023’s Most Underrated SEC Recruits

Paris Patterson Jr., Ethan Crisp, and other under-the-radar recruits that will surprise

Staff| April 1, 2023 (Updated: July 9, 2025)
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1. OL Paris Patterson Jr., Arkansas

Surprise, surprise, Sam Pittman landed a truly massive specimen of an offensive lineman that he’ll get to mold into another road grader. The 6’6″, 350 lb. IOL out of East St. Louis already has the requisite size to play in the Razorbacks’ physical offense, and he’ll be surrounded by like-minded (and like-sized) individuals that could push the three-star prospect into all-conference contention early in his career.

Arkansas 2023 three-star offensive lineman Paris Patterson Jr. from East St. Louis, IL (East St. Louis).

2. LB Ethan Crisp, Vanderbilt

A linebacker with as good a motor as anyone in the class, Crisp is a local product in Nashville that seems to fit in line with exactly what Clark Lea wants out of his linebackers. With a lot of turnover on the Commodores’ defense heading into 2023, there’s a chance he cracks the 2-deep as a true freshman.

Mount Juliet’s Ethan Crisp (13) huddles with teammates during a time-outduring the first half against Station Camp at Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.

3. DE Tavion Gadson, Kentucky

A great win for Mark Stoops and the Wildcats on the trail this year, Gadson picked Kentucky over Florida State, Auburn, and others and could be a huge steal. He’s got a great frame at already 6’4″, 280 lbs., and has the versatility to line up all across the defensive line.

2023 defensive lineman Tavion Gadson (left) from Savannah, GA (Jenkins) stands on the sideline with Lorenzo Cowan during spring practice at Jenkins High.

4. OT Zay Alexander, Mississippi State

A big, long tackle, Alexander was part of a massive in-state class for the Bulldogs. The 6’7″ prospect from Tupelo is very light on his feet and carries his 315 lbs. with ease. He’s got all the makings of a future blind-side protector in Mississippi State’s air raid offense.

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https://twitter.com/SWiltfong247/status/1600314750818058240

5. DB Cameron Upshaw, South Carolina

Shane Beamer used the Gamecocks’ momentum at the end of the season to land some big commits (most notably Nyckoles Harbor). But one of the earlier commits from the class that could make early waves is hard-hitting safety Cameron Upshaw. He’s a little thin right now on his 6’3″ frame, but he’s got sneaky make-up speed and a high-level football IQ.

Taylor County senior defensive back Cameron Upshaw speaks during 4Quarters Media Day on July 26, 2022, at the Donald L Tucker Civic Center.
Category: RecruitingTag: Cameron Upshaw, Paris Patterson Jr., Tavion Gadson, Zay Alexander
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