After the first week of the regular season, the conference is looking to re-establish their championship pedigree after being upended by the ACC last year. Widely considered the best conference in America, here are my predictions for some of its top players.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia Bulldogs
Gurley is a force of nature. He enters his junior year as arguably the top running back in the nation and a Heisman trophy hopeful. In Georgia's season opener against Clemson, Gurley gained a career-high 198 yards on 15 carries and returned a kickoff 100 yards to the house in a Bulldog victory. Nagging injuries have slowed Gurley down a bit during his tenure at Georgia, but at full strength, look for Gurley to dominate the 2014 season.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Landon Collins, DB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Following in the footsteps of great Alabama defensive backs, Collins has a chance to be the anchor of a lacking Alabama secondary this year. Collins has great ball skills, awareness, and possesses big play ability when intercepting passes in open space. His impact will be enough to catapult him into the national spotlight as one of the nation's top defensive backs.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU Tigers
Watching film on Fournette confirmed one thing: this kid is going to be something special. Considered one the top running back prospect in years, Fournette has an absolutely electric running style and his shiftiness reminds me of Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma. Wisconsin kept Fournette in check during his college debut, but with uncertainty at the QB position, expect Fournette to make a huge impact for LSU early.
SURPRISE OF THE YEAR:
Corey Grant, RB, Auburn Tigers
Grant went a bit unnoticed last year splitting carries with Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne, but this year in an increased role, look for Grant to make an all-conference impact. The Alabama transfer possesses great vision and top-end speed. Expect Grant to head Auburn's stable of runners this season and gain attention from NFL scouts.
THE FIRST SEC PLAYER OFF THE 2014 DRAFT BOARD:
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia Bulldogs
Like I said before, Gurley is a force of nature. Over the past two seasons in Athens, Gurley has compiled 2,374 total rushing yards on 387 carries to go along with 27 total offensive touchdowns. His metrics should measure out well at the NFL combine and if healthy, expect him to be the first running back taken in this year's draft.
PLAYER MOST LIKELY TO RISE UP DRAFT BOARDS:
Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn Tigers
Coates is in another category in terms of athleticism. He is a man-child. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports named Coats the top "freak" in college football. He was one of the biggest playmakers in the country last season leading the FBS in yards per catch (21.5), and used his 4.2 speed to gain separation from defenders with ease. By seasons end, expect the Maxwell and Biletnikoff Award watch lister to be in the conversation as one of the top wide receivers in college football.
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