College Football Recruiting: SEC West Impact Signees of 2008

Recruiting has become such a large market, with people always trying to find the next play maker.

Here is a look at incoming recruits that should make an immediate impact, as well as sleeper prospects that might not be getting the hype.

Auburn:

Immediate: Raven Gray

Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt: 260 lbs

The No. 4-ranked junior college transer by Rivals.com, this was an easy selection for the Tigers. Raven Gray is a freakish DE that brings both power and speed to the end position. He was an impressive recruit out of high school, but only added skill while at Copiah-Lincoln C.C. 

Look for Auburn to use Gray as an immediate impact player on the D-Line. He could also move to LB in a 3-4 look.

Sleeper: Christian Thompson

Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt:195 lbs

Rivals lists this safety as the No. 60 safety in the country. That is hard for me to see. Christian is a perfect fit in the Auburn scheme with speed and aggressiveness. He will improve quickly and has great ability to make tackles in the open field. 

Look for Thompson to learn early from Paul Rhodes and work his way into the Auburn rotation.

Alabama:

Immediate: Julio Jones

Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt:215 lbs

The No. 1 wide receiver by Rivals.com—another no brainer! With the loss of DJ Hall, Keith Brown, and Matt Caddell, Alabama will be wide open at wide receiver.  Too bad that wouldn't have mattered anyway.

Julio Jones is the most talented wide receiver to come to Alabama in a long time, possibly the best ever out of high school.  Jones will bring an immediate physical presence with a 40" vertical leap, along with the 6-foot-4 inch frame.  He should be seeing the field August 30th against Clemson no doubt.

Sleeper: Don'ta Hightower

Ht: 6-foot-3 Wt:248 lbs

The No. 15 ILB according to Rivals.com, Hightower again comes in at a position that has an opening for the Crimson Tide. With the lack of depth and the unknown presence of Prince Hall, Hightower could be an early entry into the rotation. 

In high school this athlete ran back kickoffs and punts, as well as playing RB. He will be a much needed athlete added to the LB corps. Could be a great addition to Rolando McClain.

Arkansas:

Immediate: De'Anthony Curtis

Ht: 5-foot-10 Wt: 209 lbs

The No. 6 running back, Rivals.com—With the departure of the dynamic duo McFadden and Jones, Curtis looks to add a spark for Petrino.  Curtis is an explosive back that also brings power to his runs. He will be a great weapon for Petrino to use in his balanced attack. 

Much like Michael Bush at Louisville, watch for Petrino to use Curtis as a weapon in the passing game as well.

Sleeper: Cruz Williams

Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt:206 lbs

The No. 59 wide receiver from Rivals.com, Williams fell behind the shadow of Jarius Wright in this class, but Williams brings size and speed to a receiving corps that needs it. With the departure of Marcus Monk, Arkansas needs another physical force on the outside receiver. 

Williams is a very versatile receiver with great hands. Look for Williams to bring depth at WR early and establish himself further into his career with the Hogs.

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