Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

Recruiting never stops in the SEC, and the area recruiting trails have remained red hot through the early part of football season. It’s time to take a look around at the latest news and notes from the SEC area.

Big Gets

Five-star David Hicks‍ is headed to Aggieland

Headlines

Alabama and Ohio State battling it out for Keon Keeley‍ – Tampa (FL) five-star defensive lineman Keon Keeley committed early to Notre Dame but re-opened his recruitment after a visit to Alabama. He visited Ohio State last weekend, and the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide appear to be the leading players for the Florida standout.

Javien Toviano‍ keeps ‘em guessing – Arlington (TX) Martin standout Javien Toviano keeps everyone guessing. He admits he is close to a decision, but he continues to take visits. He visited LSU a few weeks ago and was at Texas A&M’s matchup with Arkansas in DFW this past weekend as a guest of the Aggies. Texas, Ohio State and Oregon are a few more to watch, with LSU being speculated by many to be the leader.

Big Game Weekend – There are always big games around the SEC, which will always attract top recruits. This weekend look for several top prospects to make their way to Fayetteville, Oxford, Starkville and Auburn. Those are the sites for the biggest matchups of the weekend. Arkansas will host Alabama for a 2:30 p.m. CT contest. Ole Miss hosts Kentucky in a battle between two top-15 programs. Mississippi State has Texas A&M coming to town. Then there is the usually eventful contest between LSU and Auburn at Jordan Hare Stadium. 

New name to know

WR Jaden Reddell‍, Peculiar (MO) Raymore-Peculiar – 2024

It does not take long to see that Redell is a long and athletic prospect. At 6-foot-5, 220-pounds, he is a fluid mover with an easy stride. His body control allows him to adjust quickly to the ball, and his catch radius makes him a quarterback’s best friend.

His size immediately puts him in the tight end category, but his athleticism and speed could make him a legitimate target at wide receiver. He ran a hand-timed 4.41 40 at school last summer and has a 37-inch vertical and 280-pound bench max. 

At Ray-Pec, he has lined up at outside receiver, where he utilizes his speed to stretch the field. He has also lined up as a big slot to bring a mismatch opportunity and a big-bodied target in the middle. 

Colorado State was the first to extend an offer in February, but he has recently seen his stock soar. Tennessee and Missouri offered in late August, and in September, he welcomed offers from Nebraska, Oregon, Kansas, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Michigan, Cincinnati, Penn State, Oklahoma State and Washington. 

In addition to football, Reddell competes in the 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump for his varsity track team and plays varsity basketball. He also played baseball as a freshman.

What’s up with the top

Top SEC area prospect at each position
QB: Jackson Arnold‍, Denton (TX) Guyer - Oklahoma
RB: Rueben Owens‍, El Campo (TX) - Louisville
WR: Brandon Inniss‍, Fort Lauderdale (FL) American Heritage - Ohio State
TE: Ethan Davis‍, Suwanee (GA) Collins Hill - Tennessee
OL: Zalance Heard‍, Monroe (LA) Neville - LSU
DL: David Hicks‍, Katy (TX) Paetow - Texas A&M
LB: Anthony Hill‍, Denton (TX) Ryan - Texas A&M
CB: Cormani McClain‍, Lakeland (FL) 
S: Caleb Downs‍, Hoschton (GA) Mill Creek - Alabama
ATH: Bravion Rogers‍, La Grange (TX) - Texas A&M