Early exits to draft open door for others

One downside to being the most talent-laden conference in college football is that the NFL comes calling early every year.

Over 20 SEC underclassmen already have declared their eligibility for the 2017 draft and more could be going soon. But while it makes for a confusing time for fans and programs, early departures open up opportunities for new players.

In just the last year, Vernon Hargreaves’ departure helped Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor to grow into first-round corners at Florida. The same could be said of A’Shawn Robinson, who cleared the way for Alabama’s Jonathan Allen to become the best defensive lineman in college football.

Here are five players from across the SEC who stand to benefit most from others’ early entry into the draft. RB Derrius Guice, LSU 2016 stats: 183 carries for 1,387 yards, 15 TDs; 9 catches for 106 yards, TD

Is it unfair to say a sophomore who rushed for nearly 1,400 yards is poised for a breakout year? Probably. That should also tell you how much potential Guice has. Incoming offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s offense only multiplies it.

Guice always played second fiddle to Leonard Fournette on LSU’s roster. Even though he rushed for over 100 yards six times in 12 games (six starts), Fournette was always the sexier running back. It’s time for the nation to recognize that Guice led the SEC in rushing and yards per carry in the same year. He also finished second in rushing scores, behind only Mississippi QB Nick Fitzgerald. Again, he did this as a second-string running back. Guice’s future is limitless.

DL Cece Jefferson, Florida

2016 stats: 30 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks

Florida boasted one of the most disruptive defenses in college football last season. Looking at the talent across the front seven, it’s easy to see why, especially on the defensive line, where tackle Caleb Brantley was a monster. It’s no wonder he decided to leave early for the draft, along with linebacker Alex Anzalone.

While Jefferson played mostly at end last season, he will be featured in several looks in 2017. A former No. 7 overall recruit, Jefferson (6-feet-1, 261 pounds) managed to break through for 6.5 tackles for loss despite a largely complementary role. With Brantley and senior Joey Ivie’s departures, Jefferson should quickly become the featured piece on the line.

WR DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss

2016 stats: 15 catches for 203 yards, 2 TDs

It’s a mystery to some why Lodge has struggled to make an impact. He was rated the No. 6 receiver and No. 42 overall player in the Class of 2015. It hasn’t translated yet; Lodge was just the sixth-leading receiver for Ole Miss this year.

This is the season Lodge finally breaks out. The Rebels are losing Damore’ea Stringfellow early to the draft and Evan Engram and Quincy Adeboyejo to graduation. Van Jefferson should slip into one of the roles, while Lodge and A.J. Brown will compete for the other.

If he can stay on the field a little more consistently, expect Lodge’s numbers to skyrocket.

DB Tony Brown, Alabama 2016 stats: 32 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 INTs

This scenario could change drastically based on how the defensive backfield shuffles out. With Marlon Humphrey heading to the NFL, it’s unclear where Minkah Fitzpatrick will play next year. When 2015 All-American safety Eddie Jackson went out with a leg injury, Fitzpatrick moved to safety. Anthony Averett almost certainly will be one of the fulltime corners, but that means there will be time open at either corner or nickel.

Brown forced his way into the defensive secondary rotation last season largely as either a nickel or star in Nick Saban’s defensive system. His role became even more defined after Jackson was lost for the year. If Fitzpatrick moves to safety fulltime, Brown will have a shot to take over the other fulltime cornerback spot.

WR Jhamon Ausbon, Texas A&M

2016 stats: 18 catches for 399 yards, 5 TDs (IMG Academy)

Yes, it perhaps is cheating to include a kid who hasn’t yet stepped foot on campus. But in Texas A&M’s case, it seems appropriate. The Aggies were already losing Josh Reynolds, Jeremy Tabuyo and Edward Pope to graduation. Soon after the season, underclassmen Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil joined them. Christian Kirk is skilled. The second-leading returning wide receiver on the team, Jamal Jeffery, had a whopping 74 yards.

Ausbon had long been considered a 4-star prospect, but he really broke onto the scene after transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Now, the former Houston Episcopal standout is the Aggies’ highest-rated incoming skill-position player. Standing out at the most talented prep school in the nation is impressive and Texas A&M will need him right away. Luckily, a starting spot is almost guaranteed with all the attrition.

JOHN RAOUX / ASSOCIATED PRESS With Derrius Guice back, the LSU rushing offense is not likely to lose much.