The Most Intriguing Skill Player on Each SEC Offense

With the season barreling towards us faster than an unabated blitzer, preseason content is being cranked out left and right to appease the thirst of the increasingly insatiable football fan. But while many publications and entities are busy unleashing lists or All-whatever teams, StatCat wanted to do something just a little different. Instead of filling out a whole squad of perceived top performers, I chose to highlight an intriguing skill player for each offense. These guys might not be their offense’s most valuable or best players, but they all have opportunities to be difference-makers and become more notable by year’s end. Some are up-and-comers that will surely play with a chip on their shoulders; and others are known commodities out to prove they have what it takes to maintain success in this league. 

Alabama: Jaheel Billingsley, Tight End 

Look, if this kid runs with the ones for the Crimson Tide this fall, he will unequivocally be a difference-maker. But, the circumstances surrounding one of the SEC’s most talented tight ends remains murky just a couple of weeks out from the opener. Just this past weekend, Nick Saban called out Billingsley for practicing in a subpar fashion since returning to camp after missing time to COVID protocols. Despite his tantalizing traits and sizzling statistics, the Y-man has some ways to go to improve his standing on the depth chart. But assuming it all works out, Billingsley could be this offense’s most exciting weapon, and that’s including one of the SEC’s top rushers after contact and it’s most explosive receiver. Either inline, out-wide, or operating as an at-the-snap motion threat, he’s a matchup creating machine that demands the defense’s attention. Though his small sample of targets from last year left him off many preseason rankers within the conference, no returning SEC pass catcher can boast a better raw Catch Rate (94.7%), Success Rate (78.9%), First Down+TD Rate (73.7%), or Creation Rate (10.5%). Only Ole Miss’s Braylon Sanders, Kenny Yeboah and teammate Jaylen Waddle topped his mighty 15.1 Yards/Target within the conference in 2020. None of his 19 chances were uncatchable as his lone failed target was a drop. But, he did manage to turn his three inaccurate tries into three catches for 46 yards. Talent aside, he clearly benefited from an incredible environment and a passer with tiptop accuracy. With increased volume and a less sound QB slinging him chances, his daunting efficiency stats are sure to sour some. That said, Billingsley’s skill set and his surrounding cast should ensure his figures remain firm and very well could vault his profile into higher relevancy. 

Arkansas: De’Vion Warren, Receiver

Ahead of his super senior season, De’Vion Warren is largely a noname to folks outside of Fayetteville. Hell before last season, most Razorbackers viewed him as nothing more than a stud on special teams. Entering 2020, he only amassed 38 yards across eight catches. So, there was fair skepticism he’d be able to bring about value for a passing game that was struggling to move the needle positively. Even after a decent showing last fall, one can make a point he’s still yet to prove overt value for Arkansas’ pass game from a volume standpoint. That said, StatCat is all about efficiency; and, this dude oozed it. Warren dazzled in the open field and logged some of the conference’s most incendiary figures before his year was lost to injury. Among SEC receivers with at least 20 targets, none averaged more after the catch than his 9.27 clip, his 15.4% Explosive Catch Rate on throws less than ten yards downfield was an SEC-high, and no returner can top his 12.6 Yards/Target or burly 54.6% First Down+TD Rate. Overall, 22.7% of his chances resulted in a gain of at least 20 yards. Only Crimson Tider John Metchie can best that clip amongst conference returners. Opponents will be eager to neutralize Treylon Burks, aka the SEC’s WR1, which could create special opportunities for Warren’s burst to bust through. Mike Woods left town and no real other proven commodity is within the Hogs’ receiver ranks. While StatCat might be presumptuous his efficiency continues without the SEC’s most accurate passer throwing him balls, his game-changing speed should be a nice elevator pitch for doubters on whether or not he can be a worthwhile part of this super spread attack. Warren’s lack of sample size will prevent many from outright labeling him as the de facto No. 2 guy for the Hogs, but the sixth-year has the sizzle to fill the void left by Woods and can add a dynamic element to this offense. 

Auburn: Cartavious Bigsby, Running Back

Whether as a Car or a Tank, Auburn’s RB1 is certainly one of the more promising ball carriers in college football. In fact, depending who you ask, some consider Bigsby as the nation’s best back. Quite frankly, he’s the only Auburn skill player worth a damn entering 2021. Sure the QB battle is intriguing and there’s hope one of the unproven wideouts comes into form, but StatCat’s major interest revolves around a potential sophomore slump surrounding War Eagle’s ramrod. His 42.0% Broken Tackle Rate led the conference, and his 3.51 yards after contact average and 36.9% First Down+TD Rate cracked the top4. Anyone can run to space, but not all are cut out to deal with consistent defensive engagement. In other words, how a rusher deals with obstacles helps unearth one's potential. Considering his showing as a first year, the consensus seems to be he’s chocked full of it. Lest not forget Auburn’s line allowed a form of havoc on 32.1% of the Tigers’ overall carries last fall. Plus, Bigsby’s performance on 3rd down, short yardage, and red zone attempts helped him capture Pro Football Focus’ 5th-best Wins Above Average figure among non-QBs in 2020. Behind Mike Bobo’s pro elements, he’s due to be one of the most voluminous rushers around. Next year’s scheme will have a blend of multiple philosophies as the unit searches for a new identity, which could create a slight learning curve. The I-formation and power runs appear to be on the horizon. For what it’s worth, over 8% of the Gamecocks’s plays and 12% of their yards came from that set last year. Only Alabama dedicated more carries towards gap concepts than Bobo’s bunch within the conference. So while most love Bigsby’s prospects at producing praise-worthy figures this fall, the tweak in schematics might impede his accession. Though a solid rusher on zone looks, the Tiger finished ranked no better than 12th in Success, First Down+TD, Explosive Run, and Broken Tackle Rate with an unassuming 4.77 Yards/Carry among conference backs on power/gap designs in 2020. He should respond just fine, but StatCat will be watching. 

Florida: Jacob Copeland, Receiver

Though Dan Mullen has stressed he doesn’t view himself to have a particular offensive style, most assume Florida will turn back to Darth Gator’s spread-run staples this fall. After this unit lost one of the nation’s best compilers of total EPA and its top two pass catchers, that premise doesn’t exactly require a massive leap of faith. Plus, this offense returns the SEC’s highest-graded rushing QB from 2020 in addition to a deep and multifaceted running back room. The added emphasis to gash on the ground will certainly result in opponents loading up the box more frequently. And when those extra bodies leave the backend, Florida will need a dynamo capable of winning downfield and capturing explosive catches. Based on his receptions beyond ten yards downfield last year, Jacob Copeland should be this offense’s primary weapon to attack secondaries in such a fashion. Only Ole Miss’s Braylon Sanders and Dontario Drummond rock higher Deep Target Makeups and Catch Rates than Copeland’s 30% and 58.3% clips, respectively, amongst SEC returners. Of his 435 total yards, 231 (53%) came via the deep ball. Other than that, he benefited from Kyle Trask’s passing savvy in the midrange game. Behind zero uncatchable attempts between 11-20 yards, he shares the 3rd-best intermediate Catch Rate with the 8th-best Yards/Target. All in all, exactly a fifth of his tries resulted in a gain of at least 20 yards. But, the added degree of difficulty behind his distance chances resulted in a blah 57.5% raw Catch Rate in addition to a dismaying 20% Drop Rate. Looking at the latter, only teammate Dameon Pierce and UK’s DeMarcus Harris logged worse clips among his conference contemporaries with 20 targets. Though drops can be circumstantial and random, there’s no denying some dudes just can’t get over a case of the butterfingers. Obviously, that’s a massive red flag that requires monitoring. Moreover, Copeland received a very high degree of on-point opportunities no matter where he was targeted. Though Emory Jones can drive the ball, his current accuracy simply isn’t as strong as Trask’s. So, there’s a decent chance the wideout’s numbers dip in 2021 presuming he’ll log more wasted chances year-over-year. And while Mullen has a track record of spreading the wealth around, Copeland is Florida’s most-suited receiver to flip the field and give this offense a consistent dimension of verticality. 

Georgia: Kenny McIntosh, Running Back 

Georgia has arguably the SEC’s best group of ball carriers. But while a good amount of folks would like to fixate on the Bulldogs’ top two backs, this offense’s tertiary option has StatCat’s attention entering September. Kenny McIntosh’s result metrics were good last year, but certainly not worthy of substantial fanfare. He logged a 51% Success Rate, 5.34 Yards/Carry, and 32% First Down+TD Rate, which all topped the conference average. However, his main selling point hinges around his ferocious running style. Thanks to iffy blocking, his production was often rooted in his own personal effort. Almost a fifth of his attempts experienced engagement behind the line of scrimmage. In the end, he was limited to a team-low 1.63 rush yards before contact average. But, that didn’t stop McIntosh from snatching the SEC’s best Gumption Rate -- or percentage of carries that end positively despite backfield contact. No other SECer finished in the double-digits in that respect. And to further hammer home his zeal, his 55.3% Broken Tackle Rate trumped all of his peers last year. Plus, the Bulldog bruiser finished inside the top6 in YAC average. McIntosh was generally his best self to start a set of downs last year, which is where he drew the highest concentration of his chances. Along with logging a top3 such Success Rate, he commands the SEC’s 2nd-best First Down+TD Rate, Explosive Run Rate, and YAC average. Moreover, his laudable overall Broken Tackle Rate was heavily influenced by his sterling 64.3% clip on firsts. With a talented running back room, figuring out the exact rotation could be tricky for Todd Monken to manage and maximize. But since McIntosh obtained 63% of his production once JT Daniels was inserted into the lineup, one would have to imagine his tackle breaking prowess will continue to be a valuable element with backends focusing on neutralizing UGA’s verticality. 

Kentucky: Chris Rodriguez, Running Back

As intriguing as Will Levis' banana chomping skills and Wan'Dale Robinson's open field abilities are, StatCat's attention is solely focused on Kentucky's new bellcow. Though a good amount of people are overlooking his 2020 execution, no returning college running back tops Chris Rodriguez’s Expected Points Added/run, Pro Football Focus Rushing Grade, Success Rate, or First Down+TD Rate. His two clips of the latter were each the highest respective clips the SEC has seen since StatCat started tracking every offensive snap in 2018. In addition to logging the conference’s highest Yards/Carry among dudes with at least 50 touches last year, C-Rod has topped SEC league play back-to-back seasons in YAC average. And for what it’s worth, his career Broken Tackle Rate against conference defenses is a commendable 37%. No SECer commanded a lower Negative Run Rate or a preferable Gumption Conversion Rate than his 2.52% and 57.1% clips, respectively. But despite fantastic results and firm stable metrics, UK’s RB1 is continuously disrespected by talking heads, beat writers, and analysts nationwide. ESPN left him outside of their top100 list, On3 refused to include him among their best players who were former three-stars, SEC media members collectively believe there are five preferable ball carriers per their preseason team selections, and PFF views him to be no better than his position group’s 8th-best option. Again since he owns their top returning rush grade from last year, that last one is particularly puzzling. That said, Rodriguez does offer up some ammunition to dissenters to fire away at his profile. Even though C-Rod’s overall YBC average has never finished inside the SEC’s top15, running behind the Big Blue Wall certainly has its perks. With copious short porches and relatively forgettable fire, it’s fair to question whether Rodriguez benefited from his environment rather than being the driving force for UK’s success. Along with logging the league’s 3rd-highest 3rd down makeup, no SECer saw a higher short yardage concentration than C-Rod. Both rush yards before contact averages are the 3rd-best amongst returners and earned SEC’s silver medal last year. But both his such YAC clips and Broken Tackle Rates finished outside of the conference’s top11. Since these are often value-centric situations where backs often display their worth, the Cats’ rushing attack could take a big step back in these areas if blocking falters or Rodriguez fails to boost his forcefulness. StatCat is still a C-Rod truther, but there’s no getting around addressing those statistical shortcomings on his otherwise domineering profile; especially with him now functioning as UK’s offensive focal point. 

LSU: Jaray Jenkins, Receiver

Most fans’ eyes will be drawn towards Kayshon Boutte. He more than doubled the next-closest Tiger in targets and catches while quintupling the runner-up in receiving yards during his breakout the close to last season. And with Max Johnson staying behind center, there’s little doubt his volume will decrease moving forward. But looking back to 2019, LSU’s had more than just one guy stressing defenses. Boutte can’t buoy the Bayou Bengals by himself. Presumed to operate as LSU’s Z-receiver, Jaray Jenkins appears to be a pretty good candidate to help out. Even though his counting stats are rather unassuming, he’s LSU’s 2nd-most productive returner for this fall. In his tenure as a Tiger, Jenkins has yet to amass more than five catches or 90 yards in a game. Despite a snooze-worthy profile on the surface, he dons serviceable efficiency and stands to be among the conference’s top performers in a couple of categories. Along with logging a team-high 10.5 Yards/Target, 57.9% Success Rate, and 18.4% Explosive Catch Rate, only Racey McMath suffered from a worse Uncatchable Target Rate than his 18.4% clip. Jenkins was his best self on early downs. No returning SECer boasts a preferable Yards/Target, Success Rate, or First Down+TD Rate in these spots. In fact, his two clips of the latter each have a buffer of about ten percentage points over the next man in line. Every single one of his first and second down catches resulted in success as his 91.8% Depth Adjusted Catch Rate holds the bronze medal. Speaking of depth, Jenkins is a particularly strong midrange option amongst SEC returners. Excluding tight ends, his intermediate Yards/Target and Depth Adjusted Catch Rate own the conference’s top spot. Meanwhile, a fifth of these attempts resulted in points. Though inconsistent usage kept his traditional metrics down, he’s an easy complimentary option to like ahead of 2021.

Ole Miss: Jalen Knox, Receiver

While Ole Miss returns two of the SEC’s most efficient deep targets in Braylon Sanders and Dontario Drummond, StatCat is really intrigued with what Jalen Knox can offer Lane Kiffin’s offense. Coming over from Missouri this summer, he has experience playing both inside and outside with a decent track record of capturing potency and efficiency. Entering 2020, his 16.1% Explosive Catch Rate was the conference’s 5th-best clip. Plus his Yards/Target just missed hitting double digits holding the SEC’s 6-spot before last fall. Under Eli Drinkwitz’s watch, however, he anchored efforts from the slot and was used more as an underneath outlet. Granted, he stands to be one of the SEC’s most dependable such options. But, a bowlegged 6.21 average depth of target hindered his firepower. While a single-digit Explosive Catch Rate is worrisome, he logged a trusty 56% Success Rate and 44% First Down+TD Rate. The change in scenery makes those numbers somewhat irrelevant. That said, one would have to think his new environment trumps his old one, which could birth brighter bottomlines for the former Tiger. StatCat can’t speak for him, but no doubt Ole Miss’s vertical and aggressive passing style had a part in luring Knox to Oxford. As a versatile and experienced SEC pass catcher, he very well could be this offense’s next Elijah Moore. On pure dropback designs (ie no screens or RPOs), he rocks the SEC’s 4th-best Success Rate, 6th-best First Down+TD Rate, and 9th-best raw Catch Rate for this fall. While StatCat isn’t advocating for Knox to receive the kind of volume Moore was given, he’s the kind of receiver that Kiffin and Lebby should prioritize. Proven to be able to take the top off of backends and carve up slow footed backers, his profile is simply more well-rounded than the Rebels’ other returners. The SEC’s QB1 will be needing a favorite target, and Knox checks a whole lot of boxes for Matt Corral as a go-to pass catcher. 

Mississippi State: Jaden Walley, Receiver

Point blank: sophomore slot Jaden Walley is Miss State’s best offensive player ahead of 2021. Thanks to the Air Raid’s volume, he enters 2021 with the SEC’s 4th-most yards and catches in addition to the 3rd-most combined first downs and TDs. While this offense can help one compile  a shit load of stats, Walley rocked pretty decent efficiency figures, too. Despite a seventh of his chances being deemed uncatchable, he led the Bulldogs in Yards/Target, Yards/Catch, YAC average, and Explosive Catch Rate. Cumulatively, over half of his targets resulted in situational success. Mike Leach’s Air Raid immensely lacked potency in its debut effort in Starkville. The Bulldogs were just as likely to drop a target as complete an explosive pass (6.3%). Since MSU’s collective arm talent remains suspect at this point in time, the odds are strong this offense will be forced to rely on its pass catchers to gobble up yards after the catch for its big gainers through the air. Candidly, Walley is the Bulldogs' best candidate to make those kinds of plays consistently. Nothing against Austin Williams’ dependable hands, but Walley can simply house routes. As a receiver with natural giddy-up, he functioned well off of a horizontal route tree. Nearly 44% of his targets came via two routes: drags and crosses. Fans of the Air Raid know that translates to the Mesh, Follow, Shallow, and Slot Cross concepts fueling the plurality of his usage. Though Leach still likes to call All Verts, folks should fully expect Walley to continue to be utilized as a short to midrange option to accommodate his passer’s skill set. Walley has a great chance to be the SEC’s pass catching king as far as the counting stats are concerned. While StatCat would like to see increased potency and dynamism to help his advanced metrics, he’s clearly the Bulldogs most dangerous offensive weapon ahead of this fall and someone worth some attention. 

Missouri: Connor Bazelak, Quarterback 

Quite frankly, the SEC is full of questionable passers. Even the conference’s QB1 Matt Corral has had notable blowups and needs to shore up his ball placement in areas. But there’s no denying the stark dropoff looking at his profile compared to his conference contemporaries. Connor Bazelak just happens to fall into this camp. Despite his overall metrics largely finishing in the middle of his peers last year, he rocks a top5 Success Rate, Accuracy%, First Down+TD Rate, Uncatchable Pass Rate, Interceptable Pass Rate and Yards/Attempt amongst SEC returners. Operating in a nickel-and-diming fashion — barring an occasional trick look — Bazelak really didn’t stand out on the stat sheet, but he did finish top40 in the country in total Expected Points Added. His passing floor figures (attempts from clean+dropback situations where he has no excuse but to play pitch and catch) reflect his averageness. Though his accuracy didn’t drastically improve, none of his contemporaries can command a lower Interceptable Pass Rate in this context. Missouri’s style is rooted in pestering defense sideline to sideline with horizontal pass patterns like play action boots or curl+flat combos and a very healthy amount of outside zones. Quarterbacking such an offense didn’t require much arm talent; nor does it ask its passer to make “wow” throws. Within structure, Bazelak was often more than fine dinking and dunking. His average depth of target of 10.3 is one of the three lowest amongst his conference contemporaries. Quarterbacks don’t get picked in the first round these days by only being game managers. Bazelak must show he can complete deep throws; not only for style points, but also for the effect it will have for Missouri’s offense. In 2020, he was just as likely to throw an on-target pass as an interceptable attempt beyond 20 yards (25%). Plus, about a third of those throws had no chance of being caught. Obviously, failing to be a capable homerun hitter is a detrimental flaw. Bazelak can be a dark horse to ascend up the conference’s QB rankings, but that will not happen if he cannot drive the ball deep accurately or display some worthwhile arm talent this fall. 

South Carolina: Dakareon Joyner, Receiver (Quarterback)

South Carolina is set at running back; but their receiver room leaves plenty to be desired. No one quite knows who will emerge as South Carolina’s primary. Looking at last year’s volume Nick Muse, Jordan Brooks, and Josh Vann appear to be the main candidates. But based on some of the buzz coming out of camp, former-four star Dakareon Joyner is a name that has StatCat’s attention. Despite the site’s affinity for numbers and trends, this selection is all about the good Ole Fashioned Eye Test. Anyways, when someone only has hauled in 13 career catches for barely over 100 yards, that receiver obviously isn’t going to have a massive statistical profile that can aid in forecasting his performance. Unproven or not, Shane Beamer is a big believer in Joyner’s upside as a playmaker...both behind center and out-wide. Though the rookie head coach emphasized “97 percent” of his snaps will happen at receiver, Joyner’s natural dynamism is a force opponent’s have to respect; and therefore, prepare for. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield has likened him to former UK Wildcat Randall Cobb -- who ran dropback packages, wildcat sets, and functioned as a go-to pass catcher. Okay, StatCat might have fibbed about Connor Bazelak being the only passer in this article. Either way, no other Gamecock possesses those X-factor traits that can dictate a defense. And since SCar finished as one of the more mundane aerial attacks within the conference last year, this offense needs all the pizzazz its passing game can get its figurative mits on. 

Tennessee: Jalin Hyatt, Receiver

Tennessee’s offense is full of uncertainty. But, the Vols receivers are fairly decent. Though their ultimate production might hinge on who ultimately wins the QB battle, the incoming Baylor Spread -- or Super Spreader for some -- should ensure the group’s counting figures collectively improve. Among Velus Jones, JaVonta Payton, and Jalin Hyatt, the latter intrigues the most. Looking to operate as this offense’s slot, his speed paired with fast pace certainly has the potential to make SEC secondaries dizzy. After all, this scheme helped the likes of Elijah Moore and Treylon Burks take their respective games up a notch just last season. Though Hyatt’s down-to-down output was truly nothing special in 2020, he exited the year as one of the SEC’s most threatening deep receivers. Fittingly, his most targeted route was a fade, and he managed to haul in half of his 20+ targets last year. In addition to logging a team-high Yards/Target and Yards/Catch, his 19.4% Explosive Catch Rate is the 4th-highest amongst his conference contemporaries. That level of potency against a 22.6% Uncatchable Target Rate hints Hyatt is capable of even more incendiary figures. Though he’s verticality should remain, the new direction should allow the sophomore to find more consistent catches. Tennessee probably won’t overly feature any of its weapons. Yet, Hyatt’s burst and ability to get by backenders might make him the favorite target. And since the youngster seems to have a knack for creating big plays, he’s undisputedly a skill player to keep an eye on.   

Texas A&M: Devon Achane, Running Back

This one is an absolute no brainer! One would have to be a complete dumbdumb to look the other way regarding the Aggie’s awesome output to close 2020. Among conference ball carriers with at least 40 carries, Achane holds the premier Y/C (8.47), YAC average (5.23), and Explosive Run Rate (27.9%). Additionally, he sits inside the top5 in Broken Tackle Rate (51.2%), Success Rate (58.1%), and TD Rate (9.3%). Again, try ignoring that level of efficiency. Moving forward, maintaining that elite execution isn’t sustainable. But, if he again is gifted a 3.2 rush yards before contact average with the planned increased usage, Achane will certainly post results better than most of his conference contemporaries. Still, TAMU will start four new offensive lineman, which makes the prospect of that happening rather inauspicious. Plus, one could argue game management helped pad his performance. Of his 43 designed carries, only eight occurred in the first half. With his legs fresh primed to generate a splash, worn down fronts obviously lost on these snaps more often than not. StatCat is a believer in his abilities, but Achane has an obvious opportunity to show he can produce early and effectively when foes aren't gassed. Not to mention, if he’s to be this offense’s RB1 next year, he’s got to display durability and extended dependability. Achane’s stable metrics insist he’s the real deal and should be able to manage his tries admirably if his room to run shrinks (highly probable). Even for those jabronis clamoring for Ainias Smith to round out the backfield, Achane’s teased potential should streamline TAMU’s rotation. The soon-to-be sophomore definitely deserves to operate as TAMU’s beta back day one. But, matching those lofty expectations will undoubtedly be a challenging encore. 

Vanderbilt: Amir Abdur-Rahman, Receiver

Though their traditional stats won’t jump off the page, Vanderbilt’s pass catchers are entirely underrated. That certainly is the case for wideout Amir Abdur-Rahman, who might be the conference’s best hidden gem. Despite fielding a top5 Inaccurate Target Rate within the conference, he finished as Vandy’s leader in Yards/Target, Yards/Catch, Explosive Catch Rate, and Creation Rate. He was just as likely to manufacture a catch for himself as drop a pass. Both of his respective 4.65% clips sit inside the SEC’s top10 for this fall. His pass catching prowess is further accentuated by owning the SEC’s 4th-best adjusted Inaccurate and Contested Catch Rates among his conference peers on the 10th-highest average depth of target. In other words, when discounting for uncatchable attempts in those spots, he’s sticky fingers stood out compared to his peers. Plus, he wasn’t just running bubble screens to space. Only Florida’s Jacob Copeland, Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, and Alabama’s John Metchie boast preferable Success Rates off one-cut vertical routes amongst SECers for this fall than his 57.1% clip. Last time I checked, all three had better options at QB than Abdur-Rahman. In addition to that, the ‘Dore helped prop up his offense situationally. Rocking a 54% Success Rate both “behind the chains” and on 3rd down, each of his respective Yards/Target and Depth Adjusted Catch Rate sits inside the conference’s top10. Though his splits came in tough spots with lots of variables, Abdur-Rahman consistency elevated his team and made plays. Sure, these situations are less stable than wide open chances or targets on early downs, but they unequivocally enhance one’s value and future upside. Abdur-Rahman’s environment likely will prevent crazy traditional metrics, but he’s a name the film nerds, stat heads, and die-hards should get to know based on his bang-for-buck showings and reception creating skills last fall.