The Top SEC Freshman Standouts so Far in 2020 Season

Veterans are leading the way in the SEC, but a decent number of freshmen are already holding significant roles in 2020.

Although a healthy roster leans on experience, young players can provide a much-needed jolt to the depth chart. That's most evident at LSU, given the enormous roster changes in Baton Rouge. Still, many schools—from Alabama to Auburn to Vanderbilt—have a freshman in a key role.

And, more important than simply being involved, that first-year player is performing well.

Both true and redshirt freshmen were considered. Factors include total production for skill-position players and overall impact for others who don't record counting stats.

Tank Bigsby, RB/KR, Auburn

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Despite a frustrating 27-6 loss to Georgia, Tank Bigsby impressed in his first start for Auburn.

"That was the best part of the night, just watching [Bigsby] play," quarterback Bo Nix said, according to Nathan King of Auburn Undercover. "That guy is a fighter. I've never really seen anything like it. He just competed his butt off."

The freshman running back caught seven passes for 68 yards, also rushing for 31 yards on eight carries. Through two games, he has 102 yards on kick returns too.

Barring injury, Bigsby is unlikely to move from his first-string slot. Auburn's future at running back is set.

Jordan Burch, Edge, South Carolina

John Raoux/Associated Press

After an adventurous recruitment, Jordan Burch enrolled at South Carolina and has quickly backed up his 5-star ranking.

The powerful pass-rusher—listed as the backup at "Buck" linebacker—is still working into a larger role, yet he's recorded a tackle for loss in both games. Burch impressively tracked down Florida speedster Kadarius Toney for the most recent TFL.

Given his recruiting billing, Burch is expected to develop into a spectacular player. Progress isn't always linear, but he's off to a highly encouraging start in Columbia.

Jalen Catalon, DB, Arkansas

Associated Press

Jalen Catalon is a busy man.

The redshirt freshman notched nine tackles in the season-opening loss to Georgia, also forcing a fumble and breaking up one pass. Catalon followed that showing with 13 tackles at Mississippi State to help Arkansas earn its first SEC win since 2017.

Through two weeks, the Razorbacks have ceded just 4.6 yards per snap—second-best in the SEC—and just two plays of 30-plus yards. Catalon's reliability at safety is a major reason for the success.

Arik Gilbert, TE, LSU

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Expectations for first-year players are often too large, but Arik Gilbert was always thought of as an immediate starter at LSU.

Part of that is a recognition of his talent. LSU, though, had a massive void at tight end following the departure of Thaddeus Moss, and no returning player seemed like a good fit. Gilbert has stepped right into that anticipated role and produced.

He has grabbed four receptions in each of his first two games, totaling 80 yards and a touchdown.

Terrace Marshall Jr. is LSU's undisputed top target, but Gilbert is on track to develop into a terrific complement in 2020.

Donovan Kaufman, DB/KR, Vanderbilt

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Even though Vanderbilt is likely to struggle in 2020, Donovan Kaufman is a definite bright spot for the defense.

"Donovan Kaufman played hard," Vandy coach Derek Mason said following last week's loss to LSU, per Robbie Weinstein of 247Sports. "He continues to be impressive."

The freshman safety collected five tackles in his debut opposite Texas A&M and then posted a team-high 10 stops against LSU. Kaufman added a pass breakup in the latter game. Additionally, he's averaged 27.4 yards on five kick returns.

While it's early in his career, Kaufman looks like a cornerstone for Vanderbilt's next few seasons.

Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri

Associated Press

Respect your kicker.

Missouri is 0-2 after falling to Alabama and Tennessee. The offense has mostly struggled, averaged 4.9 yards per snap and totaled just 31 points in those losses. But in a season most everyone expected to be rough, it's OK to highlight the good.

Freshman specialist Harrison Mevis hasn't missed a kick and is the team's leading scorer with 13 points. He's 4-of-4 on field goals, including a long of 50 yards.

Glamorous? Of course not. But kickers usually only get recognition when something goes wrong, and Mevis has been perfect.

Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama

Vasha Hunt/Associated Press

Along with edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr., Malachi Moore has provided a boost to a strong Alabama defense.

Moore provided three tackles with one in the backfield during his debut at Missouri. Then against Texas A&M, the true freshman had six tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. The Aggies consistently targeted Moore, yet he held up well.

"Malachi's been doing a tremendous job out there," star cornerback Patrick Surtain II said, per Touchdown Alabama. "He's getting more comfortable as the weeks go by. This past week he had a tremendous game for us; the sky's the limit for him."

Moore is locked in as the "Star" (nickelback) on Bama's depth chart.

BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

The overhaul of LSU's defensive line created an opportunity for edge-rusher BJ Ojulari, and he's taken full advantage.

Ojulari—a teammate of Gilbert's at Marietta High School in Georgia—played especially well at Vanderbilt, making three tackles, with one for loss. The true freshman also posted two hurries during the 41-7 win, and one of those pressures led to an interception.

Andre Anthony will likely see a majority of reps, but Ojulari's play has demanded a regular place in the rotation.

Eli Ricks, CB, LSU

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Eli Ricks has endured the roller coaster you'd expect from a freshman cornerback. He struggled at times in the upset loss to Mississippi State, giving up a couple of big plays.

But there's plenty of good too.

Ricks snatched his first career interception in that loss and grabbed his second pick against Vanderbilt. He's added two pass breakups along with six tackles.

Since he's a true freshman and both Derek Stingley Jr. and Cordale Flott are sophomores, the future of LSU's cornerback position is promising. And a bit concerning for opposing SEC receivers.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.