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On the Rise: SEC commits

Here’s a look at one prospect that is on the rise from each Southeastern Conference program’s current commit list based on in-person evaluations at postseason all-star games and also the 2010 season.

Mitch Smothers at Springdale

Arkansas commit Mitch Smothers showed excellent versatility and athleticism at the Under Armour All-American Game.

Alabama: Vinnie Sunseri, LB, Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Northridge

We expected Sunseri to show a high football I.Q. during the practices leading up to the Under Armour All-American Game and the game itself. Considering his father is Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri and his brother is Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri, that wasn’t a stretch. What surprised us was Sunseri’s athleticism and closing speed. He’s not the biggest linebacker prospect, but you combine his athletic ability with his instincts and football I.Q. and here’s a potential early contributor.

Arkansas: Mitch Smothers, C/OG, Springdale (Ark.)

Smothers proved to be versatile during the week leading up to the Under Armour All-American Game, playing center for most of the sessions and doing a good job. Smothers has good feet and strength and a frame to add more good weight. He’s a good fit for the Razorbacks, who have an excellent offensive line class this recruiting cycle.

Auburn: Justin Garrett, LB, Tucker (Ga.)

At the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl practices and game, Garrett proved to be one of the most instinctive, hard-hitting players on either roster. Give him a year to fill out and gain strength and his going to be useful for defensive coordinator Ted Roof and the defending National Champions.

Florida: Jabari Gorman, S/CB, Miami (Fla.) Pace

Gorman’s versatility and toughness stood out during practices leading up to the Under Armour All-American Game. He likely projects as a free safety, but does have the coverage skills to play corner or cover a receiver one-on-one in nickel or dime packages. Gorman has good athleticism and plays with a nasty streak, a trademark of South Florida defensive backs.

Ramik Wilson at Jefferson

Georgia has a fast-riser in Florida linebacker Ramik Wilson.

Georgia: Ramik Wilson, LB, Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson

Wilson had an outstanding run during the state playoffs and was impressive during the practice sessions leading up to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 217-pounder is a perfect outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, which is what the Bulldogs like to run. Multiple BCS-level programs came in on him during the season.

Kentucky: DeMarco Robinson, WR, Lithonia (Ga.) Martin Luther King

Robinson set a state record for receiving yards in the Peach State this season with 1,655 yards on 73 catches and had 27 touchdowns. Robinson also caught five passes for 83 yards against a talented field at the Georgia North-South All-Star Game. He’s an excellent fit for Kentucky’s pass-happy offense.

LSU: Odell Beckham, WR/CB, New Orleans (La.) Isadore Newman

Beckham was one of the better overall performers at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl practices and is capable of playing either receiver or cornerback at the next level. Beckham’s speed and athleticism are both strengths and he will be an impact player at LSU at some point.

Mississippi: Donte Moncrief, WR, Raleigh (Miss.)

Moncrief caught everything that was thrown to him during the practices leading up to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl and was one of the most dynamic playmakers on either squad during that week. His stock has been on the rise for some time and he should make an early impact for the Rebels.

Marcus Jackson at Vero Beach

Tennessee commit Marcus Jackson is probably one of the best guard prospects in the country. He showed great promise at the Under Armour-All-American Game.

Mississippi State: Joe Morrow, WR, Ocean Springs (Miss.)

Morrow showed surprising athleticism and route running during the practices leading up to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. A tall target with good hands, Morrow has some developing to do but showed signs of becoming a legitimate Division I receiving threat.

South Carolina: Shamier Jeffery, WR, St. Matthews (S.C.) Calhoun County

Jeffery, the younger brother of Gamecocks All-American Alshon Jeffery, showed flashes of being similar to his sibling during practices for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. During the O-D game, he caught a 41-yard touchdown pass. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is a big, athletic target.

Tennessee: Marcus Jackson, OG, Vero Beach (Fla.)

What strikes you about Jackson is his ability to move given his 6-foot-2, 310-pound build. Jackson showed during the practices and Under Armour All-American Game that he has nimble feet and good quickness. He is probably one of the best guard prospects in the country.

Vanderbilt: Shaun White, QB, Pensacola (Fla.) Catholic

White threw for 195 yards in a county all-star game and had an outstanding senior season. Talk to those in the know on the Florida Panhandle and they all believe that White will end up being a terrific player in college.

Gerry Hamilton and Chris Fisher of BigBlue247 contributed to this report.

JC Shurburtt is a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports

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