Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

The recruiting action never stops in the SEC, and it is that time once again to take a look around at the latest happenings.

Big Gets

RB Jamarion Wilcox‍ commits to Kentucky

Headlines

Georgia hits 2025 trenches - The Bulldog recruiting machine continues to roll along with big additions not only in the 2024 class but also the 2025 class. Mobile (AL) OL Micah Debose‍ made his choice, selecting UGA over early offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Michigan and Texas A&M. On the OL, the Bulldogs added Manchester (GA) DL Justus Terry‍, who chose Smart and Co. over the likes of Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee and USC.

Narrowing the search - Top prospects are naming top schools. Lake Cormorant (MS) DL Kamarion Franklin‍ named a top 10 of  Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Texas, Mississippi State, Miami, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida State and Michigan. Dillon (SC) OL Josiah Thompson‍ announced a top six of Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee and Miami. Fort Worth, TX native and IMG Academy standout DB Jordon Johnson-Rubell‍ named a top 12 of Colorado, Ole Miss, Texas, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida State, Wisconsin, Penn State, TCU, USC, Arizona State and Alabama. Miami (FL) Gulliver Prep QB Davi Belfort‍ named a top three of Michigan State, Virginia Tech and Texas A&M. 

New Name to know

TE Kealen Juniel‍, Malvern (AR) - 2024

Juniel is a big, versatile target for his QB at 6-foot-4, 235. He lined up at FB, wing and flexed out at WR as a junior. He was a punishing blocker, a physical threat over the middle and down the field, a weapon in the screen game, and he showed he was a strong runner after the catch for the 4A State Champs.

Juniel describes his play as aggressive, and it shows on tape. Whether tuning or blocking, he finishes strong, and he is quick off the line. When the ball is thrown his way, he attacks it. He also prides himself on his versatility and studies Darren Waller and Travis Kelce.

His first offer recently arrived from former Arkansas DC and new UNLV head coach Barry Odom, and he is currently drawing interest from Arkansas, Memphis, UCA and Ouachita Baptist. 

Juniel is also a multi-sport standout. In addition to football, he is a small forward on the basketball court and a pitcher on the baseball field.

What’s up with the top

Top 2024 SEC area QBs (Alphabetical Order)
Jayden Bradford‍, Chapin,  SC/IMG Academy
Josh Flowers‍, Mobile (AL) Baker
Michael Hawkins‍, Frisco (TX) Emerson
Colin Hurley‍, Jacksonville (FL) Trinity Christian Academy - LSU
Luke Kromenhoek‍, Savannah (GA) Benedictine Military - Florida St
DJ Lagway‍, Willis (TX) - Florida
Jake Merklinger‍, Savannah (GA) Calvary Day
Air Noland‍, Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes
Adrian Posse‍, Hialeah (FL) Mater Academy
Walker White‍, Little Rock (AR) Christian Academy

SEC QB commits (Alphabetical Order)
Colin Hurley‍, Jacksonville (FL) Trinity Christian Academy - LSU
DJ Lagway‍, Willis (TX) - Florida
Ryan Puglisi‍, Avon (CT) Avon Old Farms - Georgia
Dante Reno‍, Fiskdale (MA) The Loomis Chaffee School - South Carolina
Julian Sayin‍, Carlsbad (CA) - Alabama
Demond Williams‍, Chandler (AZ) Basha - Ole Miss