Where do SEC football players come from? Look to Georgia, and specifically Atlanta

[jbcarol]

ESPN examined the signing classes for every SEC program over the last decade (2006 through 2015) to see which states and metro areas were the most fertile for SEC programs and also reviewed trends in in-state and out-of-state recruiting. Over the next two days, we will reveal some of those trends for teams from the SEC West and then the SEC East.

Top 10 states for SEC signees, 2006-15State   Signees
Georgia   582
Florida   520
Texas   419
Alabama   318
Mississippi   275
Louisiana   255
Tennessee   198
South Carolina   135
Arkansas   98
Missouri   91

Top metro areas for SEC signees, 2006-15Metro area   Signees
Atlanta   345
Dallas   159
Miami   117
Houston   111
Memphis, Tenn.   98
New Orleans   97
Tampa-St. Pete, Fla.   97
Jacksonville, Fla.   86
Birmingham, Ala.   83
Mobile, Ala.   69

[jbcarol]

ESPN's Decade in review: SEC West recruiting trends between 2006-15

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas has the smallest population of any SEC state -- its 2014 population estimate is roughly 28,000 less than that of Mississippi -- which explains why the Razorbacks rank ninth in the SEC in percentage of in-state signees (29.. By and large, the Razorbacks do a good job of keeping the state's best players at home. Only 20 players from Arkansas signed with out-of-state SEC programs, and only Auburn (six signees from Arkansas, including running back Michael Dyer, offensive lineman Lee Ziemba and quarterback/receiver Kodi Burns) enjoyed much success landing star talent from the Natural State.

Signees: 262 (78 in-state)

Percentage of signees from in state: 29.8

Top in-state high school (Key player): Eight players -- Fayetteville (Brandon Allen)

Next-best state: Texas (49 players) ...

[jbcarol]

Decade in review: SEC East recruiting trends between 2006-15

Much like conference mates Texas A&M and Georgia, Florida's home state is large and fertile enough that the Gators don't have to venture far from home to complete their recruiting classes. The Gators rank third in the conference in in-state signees (60.3 percent, trailing only A&M's 78.8 and Georgia's 62), including many of the stars from their Urban Meyer-led heyday. Only five of Florida's 10 first-round NFL draft picks since 2008 (Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., defensive back Matt Elam and offensive linemen Mike and Maurkice Pouncey) hailed from Florida, but the Sunshine State has produced a ton of notable Gators – and 376 signees for other SEC schools – in the last decade.

Signees: 237 (143 in-state)

Percentage of signees from in state: 60.3

Top in-state high school and key players: Eight players – Lakeland (Mike and Maurkice Pouncey)

Next-best state: Georgia (26 players)

Top out-of-state high school and key player: Three players – Crest, North Carolina (Brandon Spikes)

[NotoRioUsHOG]

Woooo Pig :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: