Power Ranking SEC Football's Most Impressive Freshmen so Far

Even the freshmen have gotten in on the action in what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in SEC history.

One running back has stepped in to replace a Heisman Trophy finalist and has made the transition appear seamless. Another freshman has come into one of the nation’s toughest defenses and has become its best performer. Heck, even a punter is making headlines.

They don’t call the SEC one of the deepest leagues in the country for nothing.

In power ranking these players, we looked at a number of factors. These include initial recruiting grades, season stats, strength of schedule, recent performances and similar issues.

Join B/R as we count down the 10 best freshmen in the SEC thus far.

10. Malachi Dupre (LSU)

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Dupre has dripped of potential this season.

2014 Season Stats: 11 REC, 257 YDS, 4 TDs

The Skinny

Sure, Malachi Dupre has only caught 11 passes all season long. But when nearly 40 percent of those go for touchdowns, you know he’s doing something right.

The No. 2-ranked receiver in the nation, Dupre has had his fair share of ups and downs this year. Although finding the end zone four times is great, he’s only recorded two or more receptions just three times in the Tigers’ eight games this season.

Still, Dupre has shown off his athleticism and skill, pulling down big catch after big catch. He’s already had four catches of 30 or more yards this season.

Give it a little more time, and Dupre should have no problem improving into one of the SEC’s top receivers.

9. Jalen Hurd (Tennessee)

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Hurd is certainly one to watch.

2014 Season Stats: 97 CAR, 414 YDS, 2 TDs; 13 REC, 81 YDS, 1 TD

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There’s a reason schools such as Alabama, Florida and Georgia all wanted Jalen Hurd out of high school.

With flashy speed, great vision and explosiveness, it was no surprise the Hendersonville, Tennessee, native found himself ranked as the nation’s No. 40 overall prospect. He was certainly one of the highlights of a very good recruiting class.

Although the stats may not jump out at you, it’s tough for Hurd behind an offensive line that leaves a lot to be desired. Still, against a tough Georgia defense on the road on Sept. 27, the freshman racked up a career-high 119 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.

This is a running back to watch out for in the future.

8. JK Scott (Alabama)

Credit: 247Sports

Scott has been phenomenal thus far.

2014 Season Stats: 23 punts, 47.3 AVG, 64 LNG

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Make all the jokes you want about the Crimson Tide and their kickers, but there’s no denying that the team has one heck of a punter.

JK Scott has been absolutely lights-out with his punting. Out of his 23 punts, 14 have been downed inside the 20. Furthermore, his 47.3 average leads the SEC and ranks second in the nation. 

Following a tremendous display against Arkansas on Oct. 11—eight punts, 44.2 yard average, seven inside the 20—Scott was named the Ray Guy Award National Punter of the Week, per RollTide.com.

In the physical SEC, field position plays a crucial role. Fortunately, Alabama might have just the guy to give it the advantage over everyone.

7. Derek Barnett (Tennessee)

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Barnett (right) has been an intimidating presence in the opposing backfield.

2014 Season Stats: 25 tackles (9.5 for loss), 4.0 sacks, three quarterback hurries

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Last weekend’s thrashing by Ole Miss, 34-3, didn’t leave much for Vols fans to be optimistic about. But it should have.

In fact, it was a game that showcased just how dominant defensive end Derek Barnett can be.

The freshman recorded 10 tackles (4.0 for loss) and 3.0 sacks—the most ever by a Tennessee freshman. Barnett looked quick, athletic and explosive.

“I’m confident in myself," Barnett said, per The Tennessean's Matt Slovin. “God gave me a bunch of ability, so I feel like I can make a play at any moment.”

That ability to step up in big games will be key for the Vols as they prepare to turn the corner and become a contender in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

6. Stanley Williams (Kentucky)

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Williams (right) has been dominating.

2014 Season Stats: 30 CAR, 222 YDS, 2 TDs; 8 REC, 90 YDS, 1 TD

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There might not be a player more versatile than Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams.

Aside from being a threat to break out for a big rush on the ground, the freshman also has the hands to attack opponents in the receiving game.

With tremendous speed and great vision, Williams has starred in the return game, ranking No. 9 in the nation in kickoff return average (30.00 YPR).

One only has to look at his Week 7 performance to see the potential, as he rushed for 104 yards on seven carries and returned a kickoff 75 yards in a 48-14 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.

As Kentucky improves with each passing week, expect the same to be the case with Williams.

5. Leonard Fournette (LSU)

2014 Season Stats: 108 CAR, 544 YDS, 7 TDs; 5 REC, 86 YDS

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No recruit probably had more pressure and higher expectations than Tigers running back Leonard Fournette.

The No. 1-ranked prospect coming out of high school, Fournette has lived up to much of the hype. Part of a three-pronged rushing attack at LSU, the New Orleans native has topped 90 yards three times this season while topping 15 carries just twice on the season. 

Fournette broke out during the Tigers' thrilling 30-27 win at Florida on Oct. 11, rushing for a career-high 140 yards and two touchdowns. 

Although Fournette’s Heisman Trophy pose back in Week 2 was a little premature, it won’t be long before this back is in the discussion for the coveted trophy for real.

4. Cameron Robinson (Alabama)

Credit: 247Sports

Robinson has been stellar.

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There are no real stats out there that could point to how impressive offensive lineman Cam Robinson has been for the Crimson Tide.

As BamaOnline.com’s Trevor Hewett points out, the freshman plays with aggression beyond his years.

With Robinson’s help, Alabama’s offensive line is once again one of the best in the country. Running backs T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry have both been able to find enough holes, combining to rush for 223.7 yards per game while finding the end zone 16 times.

Then there’s the fact that quarterback Blake Sims has only been sacked seven times in seven games.

Offensive linemen don’t usually get too much praise, but Robinson is certainly deserving of it.

3. Nick Chubb (Georgia)

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Chubb is excelling more and more with every passing week.

2014 Season Stats: 99 CAR, 569 YDS, 5 TDs; 8 REC, 70 YDS, 1 TD

The Skinny

When standout running back Todd Gurley was sidelined via suspension, it looked as if the Bulldogs’ hopes of a national title were all but gone.

Don’t tell that to Nick Chubb.

Since filling in for Gurley over the last two games, the freshman running back has rushed for 345 yards and three touchdowns on a whopping 68 carries. Prior to those games, he had only carried the ball more than eight times just once.

At 5'10" and 225 pounds, Chubb has the bruising power paired with great speed. Not only does he break tackles with ease, but he has the explosiveness rarely seen in a running back his size.

The No. 5-ranked running back in the nation, it was a known fact that he had potential. But nobody expected Chubb to be this good this fast.

2. Marquis Haynes (Ole Miss)

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Haynes has made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

2014 Season Stats: 12 tackles (7.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, three fumbles forced

The Skinny

Last year, then-freshman Robert Nkemdiche lit up the stat sheets. This time around, it’s Marquis Haynes.

The Jacksonville, Florida, native has been downright disruptive in the backfield this season. No other lineman on Ole Miss has more than 2.0 sacks, and he leads the team in tackles for loss and fumbles forced.

Haynes has been especially impressive over the last two games, recording six tackles (4.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

The freshman has been one of the stars on a defense that ranks among the nation’s best. In fact, it could be said that without Haynes’ presence in the trenches, the Rebels might lose a few steps.

This is a guy who seems to be getting better with every passing week.

1. Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Garrett is one to watch.

2014 Season Stats: 22 tackles (9.0 for loss), 7.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries

The Skinny

A year after being the laughingstock of the SEC, the Aggies defense finally has something to be proud about in defensive end Myles Garrett.

The Arlington, Texas, native burst out of the gates, recording 11 tackles (6.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries over the first three games. Although his stat line has died down a bit since then, his presence alone makes offensive linemen have to pay him attention.

There’s definitely a learning curve there for Garrett, but given Texas A&M’s roller-coaster season thus far, who could blame him?

Head coach Kevin Sumlin explained some of the frustrations, per AL.com’s Mike Herndon:

"

We sat him down a couple weeks ago -- he was frustrated -- to explain to him that's the best compliment you could have when you have running backs or tight ends chipping you on the way out and sliding to you; that's good. He's kind of gone through that phase of it. Right now is a hard time for all talented freshmen that have been starting midway through the season -- particularly in this league. He's still very, very young, he's raw, he's getting better, and over the course of time he's going to pick up some weight and get stronger. I think he'll be the first to tell you there's still a lot of room for him to improve.

"

Still, just 0.5 sacks short of Jadeveon Clowney’s SEC freshman record for sacks, keep an eye on Garrett.

All stats, recruiting information and rankings used in this article are courtesy of CFBStats.com and 247Sports.

For complete coverage and everything college football, you can reach Sebastian on Twitter and via email at [e-mail].