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50 SEC Superlatives Ahead of 2024
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50 SEC Superlatives Ahead of 2024
The title says it all. Not my best lede ever, but enough hot air and ink has been wasted this off-season. Let’s get to it.
Passers
Ace Accuracy Award: Carson Beck, Georgia
Given to the SEC's Most-Precise Passer
Last year, QB1 posted stout placement stats. He finished inside the conference’s top3 in Completion%, Accuracy%, and Adjusted Completion%. Though Graham Mertz had comparable figures, Beck attacked downfield more often and captured heightened returns. For instance, no one threw behind the line more often than the Gator. And on throws over 15 yards past the line, Mertz’s 27.3% Accuracy was almost the league’s worst while Beck remained in the money up top. In terms of true catchability, Beck was quite good at giving his targets opportunities. No returning SECer sports a lower Uncatchable Pass Rate ahead of this fall than his 13.3%.
Bombardier: Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Given to the SEC's Top Deep Threat
This selection is a slam dunk. In his first season as a full-time starter, Milroe was a clear ‘bombs away’ passer. No Power5 QB had a higher average depth of target. And, his gaudy 22.3% Deep Pass Rate was far and away the SEC-high – no one else topped 16%. A ridiculous 40% of his yards came on these plays. No other SECer since 2018 was over 37% in a season. Kalen DeBoer’s former passer had 117 deep throws last year alone; 33 more than the next high-level QB. Even with some tweaks to the scheme, Milroe should still have the greenlight to try downfield and flip the field with his chooch.
Tight Window Tester: Payton Thorne, Auburn
Given to the SEC's best contested target passer
Hampered by a simple scheme and lackluster wideouts, Thorne often had no choice but to press and try a tight window. Though he targeted his fair share as a Spartan, nearly 30% of his attempts last year were contested, easily the highest clip among returning SECers. And other than Conner Weigman, no one else saw a higher percentage of their yards come on such tries. The bang-bang nature of these plays resulted in bountiful drops, PBUs, and interceptables. But on a per-throw basis, none of his peers were more accurate than him in this context. He returns as the lone conference passer who was on-target on over half of his contested attempts. Plus, his 13.6% Uncatchable Pass Rate was top3-worthy last fall.
Penthouse Passer: Conner Weigman, Texas A&M
Given to the SEC QB who presents the highest "Pass Floor"
Weigman is a wildcard. He’s yet to complete a full season, face a top35 pass defense, or display high-end arm talent. But he’s done nothing but quiet haters when he’s been behind center through shear poise, savvy, and sturdy results. Though some are infatuated with knack for trumping adversity and thwarting pressure, Weigman’s intangibles have been on full display within structure. On clean dropbacks inside the pocket without guises, he has teased lofty upside each of the last two seasons. Last year, no SECer turned in a higher Accuracy% or lower Uncatchable% on such throws. Behind this excellent precision, he nabbed the best First Down+TD Rate with the 2nd-best Success Rate, Explosive Pass Rate, Interceptable Pass Rate, and ANY/A amongst conference returners. Perhaps a fluke; but Weigman presents one of the highest passing floors in all of college football based on his previous showings.
Backshoulder Specialist: Brady Cook, Missouri
Given to the SEC's best backshoulder route thrower
As one of the most improved passers in the conference, Cook displayed much more savvy targeting passers in 2023. One of the most glaring displays of his improved finesse was his ability to nail backshoulder throws, a technique he doubled year-over-year. No other conference QB dedicated a higher usage or saw a higher percentage of yards come off backshoulders than Cook’s respective clips of 3.8% and 4.5%. On an SEC-high 14 attempts, he logged 8 1D+TD, which also led the SEC. While gaining the 2nd-most yards, only two tries were uncatchable and none were interceptable.
G.R.I.T. Award (Gutsy, Resilient, Intuitive, Tested): Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Given to the SEC's "grittiest" QB
Vanderbilt’s new QB1 plays with noticeable zeal that towers over his listed measurables. The former all-state wrestler is very good at erasing sacks and remaining steady against oncoming pressure. In this summer’s Impact Study, his 17 erasures were the group’s 3rd-most. And his Success Rate, 1D+TD Rate, and Accuracy% under the gun were all over 10 points higher than the Impact average. FYI, he had plenty of practice escaping pockets as over a third of his attempts suffered from duress. Pavia even rose above backbreaking butterfingers to post respectable numbers. On a per-target basis against his hardest foes, just under 15% were dropped. Across his 6-game slate, he lost more yards to drops than SECers KJ Jefferson, Brady Cook, or Graham Mertz did the entire 2023 season. The Commodores are accustomed to choppy waters and adversity. But, their gritty QB should help them win more in the margins.
Biscuit Risker: Taylen Green, Arkansas
Given to the SEC's most careless passer
Each of the last two years, Green was the only Impact QB to finish with both a double-digit Explosive Pass Rate and +9% Interceptable Pass Rate when facing heightened competition. Even with a changed operation and reduced playing time, he consistently hunted for key completions and put the ball into precarious spots plenty. Pressure and play outside the pocket accentuated his risk-taking, which is a little concerning since the Hogs were among the SEC’s worst at allowing duress last fall. So, to ensure Green can avoid being a red flag passer, Sam Pittman’s big boys must fix things in a hurry to maximize his effectiveness.
Mr. Money Down: Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Given to the SEC's Top 3rd Down Performer
Milroe is a bonafide playmaker. As most know, he can hold the ball a beat too long and be prone to sacks, which is a pesky side effect to his quarterbacking style. But despite suffering from 24 on 3rd down alone, no returning SECer has a better Adjusted Net Passing Yards/Attempt (ANY/A), Success Rate, or Explosive Pass rate. Over half of these passes moved the chains and over a fifth of them gained at least 20 yards. Speaking of the latter, none of his peers had a figure over 15%. Plus, Milroe is the only returning conference QB to see over 25% of his yards come on the do or die down. He indisputably is the SEC’s most incendiary 3rd down passer. But can he provide stability for the second-straight year in these unstable situations?
Offensive Executive: Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma
Given to the SEC's forefront scheme manager
Oklahoma’s second-year slinger is set to be fed abundant guises, scheme elements, and gimmes this season. Though some other schemes across the conference have a reputation for hiding QBs with equal dedication, both the Sooners’ passers saw over 60% of their passes come off a screen, RPO, or true play action pass. Only Tennessee could say the same. Even with Jeff Lebby no longer calling plays, no one should expect those things to be scrubbed from the team’s script. With the three-headed monster Oklahoma has out-wide, Arnold is well-positioned to be a distributor and play hot potato behind a makeshift, albeit veteran offensive line.
Checkdown Charlie: Graham Mertz, Florida
Given to the SEC's most reliant checkdown passer
After some audacity in Madison, Florida’s QB1 morphed into one of college football’s most conservative passers year-over-year. Pressure or no, he routinely passed up downfield opportunities for surefire completions. Only 14% of his passes targeted a tight window, which was an SEC-low. Across the entire season, no Core4 QB turned in a lower figure than his 6.7 ADOT. He was the only SECer to deliver over 30% of his throws behind the line of scrimmage. Plus, he joined Mac Jones and Will Rogers as the only QBs in SEC StatCat charting to have a double-digit Checkdown Rate in a season.
Sideline Painter: Payton Thorne, Auburn
Given to the SEC's most prevalent passer targeting along the sideline
Thorne has his faults. But, he throws a pretty good fade and has shown to be a sharp passer attacking along the boundary. No SECer was more accurate overall (66.7%), excluding dinks (64.7%), or on throws over 10 yards downfield (54.6%) when targeting the sideline last year. No matter the depth, he was nearly 3x more likely to log a first down or a TD than an uncatchable attempt. And, that’s after over a fifth of his sideline tries were dropped. Granted his total output was on the lowside because of that. But with two new pass catchers, Auburn’s vertical passing game outside the numbers is primed to pop this fall.
Turnover Avoider: Graham Mertz, Florida
Given to the SEC's best at ducking giveaways
Mertz’s conservative operation wasn’t just limited to dinks and dunks around the line of scrimmage. To reiterate, he hardly challenged contests and sought wide open targets. He often went out of his way to protect the football and keep it out of danger. Though our definitions differ, PFF credited him with just 6 turnover-worthy dropbacks, which was the 3rd-least in the Power5. His 0.8% Interception and 3.1% Interceptable Pass Rate were both league-lows. The latter was SEC’s 2nd-lowest figure over the last five years. Though I believe Florida will need more aggression and verticality to meet expectations, Mertz might be inclined to dominate the short game once more.
Quick Trigger: Carson Beck, Georgia
Given to the SEC QB with the lowest average time to throw
As a decent offensive executive himself, Beck often hastily distributed passes to playmakers. Over a tenth of his throws went from the center’s hand to his intended target in less than a second; a feat Georgia has accomplished back-to-back seasons. By volume his 44 such passes were 18 more than the conference’s runner-up. And behind quick screens, utah tap passes, and a sound pocket passing, Beck sported an SEC-low 1.97 average time to throw. And for a second opinion – pun intended – PFF had him with the lowest mark of any QB with at least 250 attempts last year. And even if one were to exclude the fluff from his profile, his 2.3 clip on true dropbacks remained the quickest in the conference.
The Prince of Play Action: Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Given to the SEC's most prolific play action passer
Like last year, Ole Miss’s QB is donned this superlative ahead of the season. Despite a dip in usage year-over-year, he produced 1,199 yards on true play fakes, making it consecutive years he’s crossed quadruple-digits in this respect. Fittingly, he’s the first SECer to do that since his former Matt Corral did so across 2020-21. If Dart does it again, he’ll be the first passer ever to accomplish that three years in a row. Dart doesn’t just rely on volume to get the job done. He provides plenty bang for his buck using deception. In 2023, over a third of his play actions generated an explosive completion; and both his ANY/A and First Down+TD Rate cracked the conference’s top5. Off play action, he was 3x more likely to log a key completion than a turnover-worthy throw.
Performer Under Pressure: Quinn Ewers, Texas
Given to the SEC's best passer when stressed
Ewers is one of those rare players that can improvise, extend plays, and zip throws from a number of platforms. When pressured, those traits are often on full display. In back-to-back Impact Studies – an exercise meant to test a passer’s mettle against the meat of their schedule – both his raw and depth-adjusted Accuracy figures beat the group standard. In fact excluding throwaways, only one other 2024 Impacter had a preferable Uncatchable Pass Rate in this context. Versus his hardest foes, nearly a quarter of Ewers’ pressured throws netted at least 20 yards. And, his sub-3% Interceptable Pass Rate earned the group’s bronze medal. Though he isn’t under duress too much, he’s shown the capability of holding his own and whipping strikes around rushers when the heat is on; especially when he can get outside the pocket.
Hot Rod Rusher: Taylen Green, Arkansas
Given to the SEC QB whose the best designed rusher
Among PFF’s highest graded rushers at the position, Green solidified his standing as an elite ball carrier last year. With his physical tools, he managed to boast nice stable metrics, even against his hardest opponents. In those games, both his YAC average and Broken Tackle Rate cracked the Impact Study’s top3. Only UVA’s Anthony Colandrea had a better Explosive Run Rate than his 29.6% clip. But Green wasn’t just a big play guy. His Success Rate just missed eclipsing the 60% threshold. And, none of his conference contemporaries bested his 46% First Down+TD Rate. Plus, he had a single-digit PFF Pressure:Sack ratio across the whole year, which further stresses his ability to deliver value. A dangerous athlete with real north-south burst, Bobby Petrino will likely bust out his old Lamar Jackson package and allow Green’s legs to carry Arkansas’ offense.
Rushers
Hardest Rusher to Tackle: Trevor Etienne, Georgia
Given to the SECer who 'got that dog in 'em'
This was one of my favorite transfer additions this off-season. Ignoring the juicy aspect of Etienne becoming a turncoat and spurring the Gators for their arch nemesis, one of the league’s best lines will now have one of the fiercest rushers in college football. Two-thirds of his production came after defensive engagement. He was the only SEC ball carrier to sport both a +3.8 YAC average and +38% Broken Tackle Rate in 2023. And since defenses had problems bottling him up, he was prone to bust off some big gainers. His 18.5% Explosive Run Rate is the highest among returning conference running backs. 5.4% of his touches gained at least 20 yards, which also is tops.
Blessed Cushion: Marcus Carroll, Missouri
Given to the SECer who averages the most yards before contact
Missouri’s RB1 has finished with the conference’s most rush yards before contact 2 of the last 3 years. Last season, Cody Schrader tallied 799, which was the most in the league in a half-decade. Over a third of his yards came on carries where initial engagement happened over 8 yards past the line. His 24 such tries was an SEC-high by 8 attempts. Mizzou brings back 3 starters that helped pave the way for that success along with a couple of 4-star transfers to round out the front. As the favorite to lead the team in carries, Carroll will likely have lots of room for activities running behind that lot. Coming from a zone-heavy scheme himself, he has the experience, vision, and burst needed to maximize the Tigers’ bread-and-butter run.
The Eraser: Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Given to the SEC's best back at eliminating mistakes
Though Moss wasn’t hit behind the line too often, no SEC ball carrier was better at negating losses than him last year. Only Alabama’s Jace McClellan showed a higher tendency to break tackles in this context. Of the 13 snaps with backfield engagement, 9 resulted in a positive gain. Only 4 returning SECers logged more by volume and totaled more yards. Overall, only two of his peers turned in a lower Negative Rush Rate than his 3.1%. Besides Zamir White, no other conference rusher boasted a better Adjusted Gumption Rate than his 69% clip over the last three years. Besides teammate Amari Daniels, his 9.5% raw Gumption Rate is the highest amongst returners.
The Matt Foley Award (Get Back on the Right Track): Montrell Johnson, Florida
Given to the SEC's most effective rusher behind the chains
When disadvantaged by down and distance, the Gator refused to run scared. In fact, he often took it to opponents. Last year, he only suffered from a single loss in these spots. And, he earned the SEC’s silver medal in YAC average and Broken Tackle Rate. For good measure, Johnson placed inside the top3 in both areas by volume as well. Plus, he cracked the conference’s top5 in Explosive Run Rate and First Down+TD Rate. Only two of his peers gained more than his 302 yards or rocked a higher Y/A than his 8.8 figure. All the while, he finished above the conference average in Success Rate when behind the chains.
Short Yardage Specialist: Damari Alston, Auburn
Given to the SEC's best rusher with 3 yards or less to gain
No SEC ball carrier saw a higher percentage of carries or production come from short yardage situations last year than Auburn’s Alston. While being the only person in the conference to experience over a quarter of his runs in these spots, well over a third of his output came on tries with three yards or less to gain. No other qualifying back posted a mark over 22%. But while he did an okay job not moving backwards, he wasn’t a statistical standout. Despite a 6.5 Y/A, he only broke one tackle and nabbed one explosive carry. Moreover, he failed to beat the league average in Success Rate.
Heavy Setter: Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Given to the SEC's most effective rusher from multi-TE sets
Auburn has been among the SEC’s frontrunners in recent years using multi-TE sets. Of the four 2023 conference rushers with the highest usage on these snaps, three were Tigers. So naturally, their lead back was one of the conference’s top performers on these snaps. No returner dons more yards (466), broken tackles (25), or explosive runs (10). But in terms of efficiency, Hunter, like his offense at large, stumbled delivering efficiency. He finished inside the bottom10 in Success Rate with a 39% clip – still well below the team’s 43% overall figure from multi-TE sets. Since that position still has talent and experience to offer this offense, those groupings probably will still be healthily featured. So Hopefully, Hunter and Co. show better results.
Premier Power Back: Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Given to the SEC's best rusher on gap/power concepts
A Tennessee Vol got this superlative last year, and the same will be true in 2024. The SEC’s top4 rushers in gap makeup last year were all Vols. But no returning SECer was as productive on gap schemes than the mighty Sampson. Over 80% of his output came from these designs while rocking a 20% Explosive Run Rate and 35% 1D+TD Rate. After tallying 526 yards, 32 broken tackles, 17 explosives, and 29 1D+TD, his numbers are bound to be even more impressive as RB1. For the uninitiated, Tennessee’s Veer and Shoot adores power designs like Dart/Tackle Wrap, Y-Insert, and Duo.
Breakaway Baron: Gavin Sawchuck, Oklahoma
Given to the SEC's most prolific rusher on breakaway attempts
Sawchuck burst onto the scene as a big-time contributor for the Sooners’ backfield last season. But rather than being a consistent down-to-down dynamo, he was more inclined to rip off the occasional big run. On just 14 attempts, breakaways (making one defender miss short then continue to run towards space) accounted for over half of his yards. No other newcomer, returning or departing SECer had a higher makeup last season. That’s a little worrisome considering meh efficiency stats; even without considering the concerns surrounding the Sooners’ front five. As is, he is used to seeing cushion (over 3 yards on average which is on par with what QBs see). So if the line loses ground, Sawchuck could experience regression.
Handyman: Josh Williams, LSU
Given to the SEC's most efficient pass catching RB
Williams had a better Yards/Route Run last year than Kyren Lacy (1.8 to 1.7). And while being the SEC’s best mark by a running back, his figure was good enough to place among college football’s top15. Though some other offenses are bound to feature their backs in the pass game, Williams is a trusty checkdown magnet and clearly capable of generating efficiency. Despite a traditional usage coming out of the backfield, he rocked a 13.9 Yards/Catch with a Success Rate equal to Malik Nabers. LSU’s committee might limit his touches. But when the ball goes his way, he instantly can stress out opponents.
Most Successful: Logan Diggs, Ole Miss
Given to the SEC's leader in rushing success rate
After being on his third team in as many years, I am not exactly sure where Diggs will slot into Ole Miss’s running back rotation. But thanks to playing behind one of the best lines in football last year, he will enter this fall with the conference’s best Success Rate and First Down+TD Rate. Besides Jarquez Hunter, no returning SECer logged more than his 67 successful tries. That’s pretty impressive knowing he didn’t have a single negative rush attempt. Yes, the big boys helped. But, Diggs was pretty feisty. His 3.2 YAC average ranks 6th amongst conference returners and his 30.8% Broken Tackle Rate beats conference standards. A dude who can do some damage smashing inside, he might find a role for the Lane Train. But it’s TBD thanks to a crowded room.
Catchers
YAC Monster: Luther Burden III, Missouri
Given to the SEC's most prolific receiver after the catch
Many people’s WR1 ahead of 2024, Burden is an absolute dynamo. Solidifying his case as one of the top playmakers at the position, he was the SEC’s most prolific receiver after the catch last season. Heck, only two guys in all of college football managed to outdo him in this regard. He totaled over 700 YAC yards; the next closest SECer had 589. And on a per opportunity basis, no conference pass catcher with at least 25 receptions put up a better mark than his 8.6 average. He forced 20 missed tackles after the catch, which were 15th-most nationally. No other SECer totaled more 1D+TDs when targeted short of the sticks than his 25.
Mr. Explosive: Kyren Lacy, LSU
Given to the SEC's best big play receiver
Despite owning the league’s worst Drop Rate in 2023, Lacy showed why he’s a budding talent and in the discussion for players who might lead the league in yards this fall. His 30.9% Explosive Target Rate is the largest in StatCat history among SECers with at least 40 targets in a season. Plus, there’s plenty of head room to look down on the former record (2018 Jaylen Waddle’s 27.5%). Generally speaking, explosives targets tend to come on downfield tries. And while the majority of Lacy’s big gainers did come on chances beyond 16 yards past the line, no SECer was more prone to splash plays 15-and-in than the Bayou Bengal. Though his per-route numbers are meh, no returning conference pass catcher sports a better overall Yards/Target than his 12.8 figure, which is a yard higher than the next man up.
The Brucie (“I just had popcorn”) - Barion Brown, Kentucky
Given to the SEC's best at dropping the ball
UK’s swift wideout pulls one helluva Clifford Franklin impersonation. Despite being one of the fastest collegiate players, he has consistently had butterfinger issues. Over the last two years, no SECer has more than his 25 drops. By rate, that translates to 15% of his opportunities being wasted. This past season, he approximately left 218 yards on the field; 62 more than the next man up. Plus, of his 14 2023 boo boos, only 3 occurred on inaccurate targets. As a slim reaper, Brown isn’t the burliest pass catcher, and contact can jostle and jeer him in phase to disrupt his operation. Speed may kill, but drops break backs.
Slantastic: Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Given to the SEC's most productive receiver on slant routes
With Will Sheppard taking his talents to Boulder, that freed up Harris to be the SEC’s undisputed Slant King. Ironically, his former teammate Zakhari Franklin earned this superlative last year. But in case you didn’t know, Ole Miss’s scheme calls for plenty of slants. In fact, only three routes drew more total targets last year. But back to Harris, who accounted for about 62% of those tries, no SECer totaled more than his 188 yards, 10 1D+TD, or 3 explosive catches. He had more yards after the catch in this context than all but three dudes total. Even with additional juice to the Rebels’ receiver room, Harris should still be Dart’s No. 1 guy.
Under the Radar: Nic Anderson, Oklahoma
Given to the SEC's most underrated receiver
Even with a conference loaded with talented, unheralded receivers, Anderson has a very strong case for being the most underrated. In some people’s opinion, Oklahoma has one of the best receiver rooms in the game. And their 6’4 soon-to-be sophomore is a big reason to gas up the Sooners’ pass catchers. While checking boxes with fine volume stats – he scored 10 times on the team’s 2nd-most yardage – Anderson was also wonderfully efficient with his opportunities. He finished top10 nationally in Yards/Target (13.3) and Yards/Catch (20.8). Plus his 55% 1D+TD Rate was among the 12-best in college football. Of the 32 dudes with at least a 13 ADOT and 6.0 YAC average, he cracked the top5 in both respects – a feat completed by only VA Tech’s Daquon Felton.
The Creator: Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Given to the SEC's best pass catcher at creating opportunities for himself
One of the ways Harris announced his arrival to the big league was his ability to create opportunities for himself. I tracked 6 times he went above and beyond to complete a catch either via mossing his man, sideline toe tap, or erasing an interception. Only Xavier Leggette totaled more. And in terms of yardage, his 129 are nearly 40 more than the next returning SECer in line. Of his 7 receptions on off-target chances, 3 were creations. Not a bad resume booster for the only SECer who finished inside the league’s top10 in Yards/Target, YAC Average, and 1D+TD Rate. Plus, his 3.2 Yards/Route Run was top5 nationally.
Can Opener: Barion Brown, Kentucky
Given to the SEC's premier deep specialist
Brown has gamebreaking burst. He is a living, breathing cheat code stretching secondaries and showing off sizzling speed. Reel Analytics clocked him reaching 22.6 mph, a mark only Xavier Worthy topped last regular season. So, I think it’s safe to say he’s elite in that department. And last year, Liam Coen was not shy trying Brown deep. None of his peers drew more than his 28 chances beyond 20 yards downfield, which made up a third of his overall targets. No returner with at least 10 tries finished with a Deep Target Rate in the 30’s. But due to drops and 14 uncatchables, his stats failed to pop (6 catches, 232 yards, 1 TD). If that can be remedied, someone will probably take the risk drafting him with their first pick next April.
Man on the Inside: Luke Hasz, Arkansas
Given to the SEC's best target when lined up at inside WR/TE
Prior to his injury, Hasz was on a heater. Even after the dust settled, his sensational stats remained among the best the SEC had to offer. Luther Burden, Squirrel White, Cade Prieskorn and other returners were obviously more productive, but no one was as successful when targeted as an inside receiver. Catching all but two of his tries, Hasz beat situational goals at a league-best 76.5% clip. Only five of his peers were more prone to explosive catches. And besides Kyren Lacy, no SECer returns with a better Yards/Target when operating from the middle of the formation. Even with a reduced sample, he’s clearly an asset for Arkansas’ offense. And, Hasz’s return to the lineup could have an immense impact on scattershot slinger Taylen Green finding more down-to-down consistency.
Jake Wyler’s WR1: Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas
Given to the SEC's most unlucky pass catcher
Though he had aspirations of jump-starting Arkansas’ offense, TeSlaa was constantly slashed and undercut by uncatchable targets in 2023. Only two of his peers totaled more than his 19 last year. And by rate, no returning had a larger figure than his 30.2% clip. But those botches don’t tell the whole story. The spray he faced was truly wonky as 56% of his tries were charted as inaccurate. Only three SECers, all of whom saw lower volume, experienced a higher degree of off-target passes. Plus, TeSlaa finished inside the SEC’s bottom12 in Catch Rate when excluding accurate attempts. And knowing Taylen Green has wasted over a fifth of his throws against heightened competition over the last few years, there’s worry TeSlaa might keep experiencing errancy from his QB.
The Outlet: Squirrel White, Tennessee
Given to the SEC's most prolific screen/RPO pass catcher
Due to some dysfunction involving Tennessee’s vertical passing game, White operated closer to the line of scrimmage than the season where he captured one of the most incendiary Yards/Route Run in college football; much closer. His ADOT dropped 5 yards and about 30% of his tries targeted him in the backfield. No matter the depth, he was on the receiving end of a screen or RPO a league-high 45 times – none of his peers had more than 34 such chances. Outlet attempts accounted for a robust 45% of his targets, 61% of his catches, and 39% of his yards. Only Tre Harris totaled my yardage by volume than his 311. And for good measure, he topped the league average in both Success Rate and Yards/Target. Knowing the Veer and Shoot usually loves RPOs, he presents to be a nice binky for Nico Iamaleava to find his footing.
King of Contested Catches: Theo Wease, Missouri
Given to the SEC's best receiver on contested targets
Though his terrific teammate totaled more tight-window targets and yards, no SEC receiver snagged more contested catches than Wease last season. Contests composed roughly 39% of his bottomline, a mark only a handful of SECers topped on a per-target basis. Despite varying definitions, even PFF had him inside the nation’s top15 in this context as well. Of his league-high 16 receptions, 14 either moved the chains or resulted in points, which also earned the conference’s gold medal. And signifying his clutch ability to corral these chances, no SECer averaged a higher distance to gain on these targets than his 10.6. Plus, he had more such creations (4) than drops (3).
Second-Half All Star: Isaiah Bond, Texas
Given to the SEC's most productive pass catcher after halftime
Bond’s is one of college football’s rising playmakers. And make no mistake about it, his star shined brightest last fall after halftime. In case you forgot, he provided an all-timer hauling in the game-winner on a ludacris 4th & 31 in the closing moments of the Iron Bowl. Outside of Malik Nabers and Luther Burden, no SECer saw a higher percentage of their team’s second half targets., which explains why the majority of his production came in those spots. Amongst returners, he remains near the top of the league in most counting stats like yards, catches, and explosives. But none of his peers enter this season with as many second half 1D+TD under their belt than his 20. Among SECers with at least 20 targets after halftime, only one person beat his such 55.6% rate. Plus, his 69.4% Catching Success Rate also dons the silver medal ahead of 2024.
O-Line
The Big Toe: Parker Brailsford, Alabama
Given to the SEC's best center
Though interior O-Line additions tend to get overlooked, Brailsford was one of the best transfer portal gets this offseason. And Tiders will hope he can help bring stability to a unit that has been volatile, underwhelming, and self-destructive over the last three seasons. Of course, Alabama fans are ecstatic to bring on a core piece from a Joe Moore front to immediately address some of the exchange issues that plagued the offense last fall. But even beyond that, Brailsford is arguably the best center in all the land. He was 1/3 centers last year to grade with at least a 79 PFF score in overall blocking, when pass setting, and on runs. Not bad for a first-year starter.
Marvelous Mauler: Will Campbell, LSU
Given to the SEC's top run blocker
In this analyst's opinion, No. 7(0) is the most complete lineman outside of the NFL. The prospect of him being a top10 pick next spring is all but a lock. But for as impressive as Campbell is pass setting, he debatably turns more heads toppling opponents in the trenches. His 84.9 PFF run block grade last fall was good enough to place inside the top8 nationally. The next closest returning SEC blocker barely eclipsed the 80.0 threshold; and he earned his stripes playing in a different conference. And when LSU ran towards Campbell’s side of the formation, the Tigers’ experienced a bump in Rushing Success Rate.
Duke of the Dropstep: Kelvin Banks, Texas
Given to the SEC's top pass blocker
In short, Banks is living up to his reputation as the former top tackle prospect in the 2022 class. Behind his lead, the Longhorns’ OL was one of college football’s finest. No returning Core4 bookend sports a higher PFF Pass Block Efficiency score or Win Rate than Texas’ tremendous tackle. On average, he only surrendered one pressure for every 100 pass sets in 2023. Banks also sits atop of the crop in tracking. No returning tackle regardless of league tops his 86.8 PFF Pass Block grade. And to further sweeten his statline, his score on “true pass sets” finished inside the top20 nationally.
Pressure Cooked: Kaydn Proctor, Alabama
Given to the SEC's least efficient pass blocker
Pass rushers ran roughshod all over Alabama’s rookie left tackle in 2023. His 36 allowed pressures were 5 more than the next SECer in line. Only a dozen linemen regardless of position allowed more. And with plenty of surrendered heat, takedowns behind the line were abundant. His 12 allowed sacks were the most in the nation. Basically, he lost 9% of his pass sets, and his Pass Block Win Rate fell into the bottom20 among college tackles. Making a positive impact in the SEC is a hard ask, but there is reason for optimism. Last year’s recipient of this superlative, Emery Jones, went from being a frazzled first year to potential top50 draft pick. As a consensus top5 tackle prospect in last year’s class, Proctor’s pedigree hint his worst days are now behind him.
Defenders
Big Impacter: Deone Walker, Kentucky
Given to the SEC's most important defender
Walker is an absolute freak. But even with fair warning, Big Blue’s best defender continued to draw rubbernecks and shoot up draft boards through amazing play and physical prowess. Perhaps the most important player to his unit in the conference, Walker dictates matchups, allows UK to play with undermanned boxes, and is the team’s primary source for statistical success. Only one SEC defender enters 2024 with more impact plays than his 78, which are the most of any returning Core4 interior. While it is usually safe to assume someone who ranks inside the NFL’s 95th percentile in size to be a hoss against the run (he very much is), Walker dazzles as a rusher – and even lines up at edge on later downs. What other dudes with his measurables can do that? All in all, he beat his blocker on over a fifth of his true pass rushes when omitting screens and RPOs, which was top20-worthy amongst collegiate defensive tackles. His 58 “wins” were the position’s most. FREAK.
Ball Hawk: Malachi Starks, Georgia
Given to the SEC's best DB at altering targets
Over the last two seasons, Starks has 17 combined PBUs and INTs. No returning SEC defensive back tallied more than his 10 by volume or bested his 28.6% Ball Hawk Rate from 2023. In fact, only five DBs who fielded at least 30 targets trumped him in efficiency; and only one of them was a safety. And speaking to his ability to keep his eye on the ball, Starks has also been one of the position’s top tacklers. Only a single starting P5 safety turned in a lower Missed Tackle Rate and higher PFF Tackling Grade than Stark’s figures last fall. And, he’s supposed to be coming off a “down” year.
Thumper: Langston Patterson, Vanderbilt
Given to the SEC's best tackler in space
Vanderbilt defenders usually aren’t top of mind when discussing the conference’s premier players on that side of the ball. But Langston Patterson is a name to know ahead of 2024 thanks to his ability to take down ball carriers consistently. Along with owning a share of the most stops amongst returning SEC defenders, exactly zero Power5 linebackers with at least 300 snaps last year bested his robust 9.5% such rate. Stops composed over three-fourths of his total impact plays. And, nearly 70% of his tackles were successful from a defensive perspective. Hammering home his ability to lock folks down, Patterson finished well above the positional average in Yards/Target, Yards/Coverage Snap, and QB Rating against.
Stud Rusher: James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
Given to the SEC's most efficient pass rusher
Pearce is relentless in getting after passers. With the size, launch, and zeal, he can finish plays in a number of ways. His strong first step enables him to blow by tackles before they can get out of their stance. That great get-off then sets up his marvelous B-gap counter moves (bull rush, rip, and swim) if foes flash too much towards the outside. Over a sixth of Pearce’s snaps resulted in either a pressure, sack, forced fumble, batted ball, or defensive stop. By rate, his 17.1% clip is the best the Core4 has to offer ahead of Week 0. And, his 79 impact plays are an SEC-high. He whooped pass sets on 22% of his opportunities (nearly 32% after stripping away screens and RPOs). In terms of generating pressure, he finished with the 2nd-highest mark in the big leagues. And, those bountiful chances helped him snag the 6th-most sacks in college football.
Berserker: Harold Perkins, LSU
Given to the SEC's best creator of havoc plays
You cannot spell havoc plays without Harold Perkins. You wouldn’t be left with many letters. Over 6% of his career snaps have generated disrupting elements. And even with a noticeable drop-off in down-to-down efficiency, LSU’s LB1 enters this year as the position’s top performer compiling pressures (24), sacks (6), and defended passes (4) amongst SECers. When opening the door to include defensive stops, only a couple of his peers produced more total impact plays than his 64. Again, he could stand to improve his consistency as his rate stats ranged from average to awful. But assuming the Tigers’ coaching staff puts him in a position to succeed, there’s little doubt that Perkins won’t agitate and annoy opponents.
Burnt Toast: Cormani McClain, Florida
Given to the SEC's worst coverageman
Charred to a crisp, McClain was a coverage liability as a freshman thrown into the fire. When targeting his man, opponents completed a nauseating 72% of their passes. McClain only mustered a single pass break up and missed over a third of his tackle attempts. Among DBs with at least 25 targets, his 15.2 yards/opportunity was the 2nd-highest in the land. His 2.73 Yards/Coverage snap was by far the worst in the Power5. Regardless of league or position, PFF graded him into the 5th-percentile among college coveragemen with a 51.4 score. While he’s bound to get better, that’s a pretty tough sell for a secondary that ranked in the triple-digits last year in EPA/pass.
Stingiest in the Secondary: Tyreke Chappell, Texas A&M
Given to the SEC's top coverage performer in Yards/Target
Though this superlative can be challenged, no returning SEC DB that recorded at least 500 snaps posted a better Yards/Target (4.1) or Catch Rate allowed (38.9%) than Chappell in 2023. Both are those marks placed inside the nation’s top50 among all DBs. He has not graded particularly well over the last two seasons, but the former freshman all-american has notched 10 defended passes in that time and held opposing passers to a QB rating in the 70’s. Battle-tested and ready, Chappell will be expected to lock down the perimeter. To that point, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the mastermind behind his breakout season, Mike Elko, is now back in College Station.
Frisian Horse: Cam’Ron Jackson, Florida
Given to the SEC's top space occupier
For the second-straight year, I’m going with a gargantuan Gator to win this superlative. At 6’6, 374 pounds, Jackson is one of the beefiest lineman around. But he isn’t just a space eater that dares opponents to test the perimeter. CJ also actively tabs impact stats. His 20 run stops were the 5th-most by an SEC interior. His 12.9% such rate was only bested by Tennessee’ Omar Norman-Lott. When including all types of tackles, only two defensive tackles trumped his 7.5% figure. Plus, he finished among the position’s top50 in PFF Run Defense Grade.
Season
TEAM OVERVIEW
PASSING EFFICIENCY
RUSHING EFFICIENCY