Last week we discussed which SEC freshmen signees we thought would have the most immediate impact at their respective schools. Today, we start to take a look at guys who are flying under the radar that you should be paying attention to.
We'll start with Alabama.
The Crimson Tide once again brought in the best class in all of America, and it's once again loaded with blue-chip stars. But if you're looking for someone who you probably didn't celebrate too much on national signing day, check out ESPN 300 offensive lineman Kendall Randolph.
The four-star prospect from Madison, Alabama, wasn't even close to being as highly touted as fellow tackle -- and five-star standout -- Alex Leatherwood, who has a chance to immediately compete for the starting left tackle spot. But Randolph is someone this staff really likes and thinks could make a major impact down the road in Tuscaloosa.
Randolph, listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds on Alabama's website, doesn't have the luxury of already being on campus like Leatherwood, but he's the athletic -- yet powerful -- kind of offensive lineman Nick Saban absolutely covets. Naturally, he'll have to be more consistent in his movements and how he carries his weight at times, but he's explosive off the line and already has excellent quickness when matching up with edge rushers.
Listed as the nation's No. 23 offensive tackle, Randolph has a ways to go in some areas, but he'll have plenty of time to grow in Tuscaloosa. With so many younger pieces coming back on the offensive line, Randolph won't be immediately needed, and that's OK. He's someone this staff thinks can develop into a top player for this team with a little more time under his belt.
