The offseason in college football is perfect timing for story ideas, top five lists and stirring the never-ending pot of controversy, as we anticipate bringing in another entertaining gridiron affair for next fall.
Multiple institutions within the Southeastern Conference lost great leaders at the quarterback position to the National Football League. With the infiltration of sharp minds calling plays and influx of dual threat guys running the conference, the SEC is quickly becoming a more pass-happy location.
Although it was well represented in the College Football Playoff title game – Alabama Crimson Tide – the conference fell short of winning its 10th national championship of the 2000s era. As the SEC prepares for dominance, yours truly of TDA Magazine has the first installment of “Top 5” at each position in the conference.
Quarterback starts us off.
5. Jacob Eason|So.|Georgia
Georgia fans loved the big-armed Eason when he enrolled from Washington a season ago; however, the five-star must prove that he can move defensive backs with his eyes. He had a tendency of locking on too much to one receiver, which was the cause of eight interceptions.
If we’re talking about his complete arm talent and the ability to throw on a rope from all angles, Eason has the potential to be one of the best in the conference and probably in college football.
He had a decent freshman year, totaling 2,430 passing yards with 16 touchdowns.
Getting the Bulldogs to an 8-5 finish is okay in year one under head coach Kirby Smart, but remember, all Georgia fans want a conference championship. A rotation of Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, Isaac Nauta and Jeb Blazevich return as pass catchers. While Godwin led the group with 397 receiving yards, Nauta finished second in touchdowns with two in 2016.
4. Nick Fitzgerald|Jr.|Mississippi State
Athletically, Fitzgerald is something special.
He carried an SEC-best 3,798 yards of total offense last season. Regardless of having a losing record for the second time under Dan Mullen since 2009, the junior quarterback brought much excitement to fans at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. He accounted for 37 total touchdowns (21 passing, 16 rushing) to 10 picks and averaged 105.7 rushing yards a game.
The thing with Fitzgerald is being able to now develop as a game manager.
Should he have success reading the field, marking his checkdowns and being efficient, Mississippi State has all the potential to make waves in the SEC West. Wide outs Donald Gray and Malik Dear return as Fitzgerald’s primary weapons, yet the Bulldogs have two physical bodies in Reggie Todd (6-4/192) and Jamal Couch (6-4/230) who can give defenders problems.
3. Jalen Hurts|So.|Alabama
For the ones that say he benefited from having an exceptional defense, the defense did not score the lone touchdown in Alabama’s matchup versus Louisiana State University, it did not score what should have been the game-clinching touchdown against Clemson, and it did not jump start a rally versus Ole Miss when the team trailed 24-3 in the first half. Jalen Hurts did all of that.
He accomplished much while not being asked to be a dynamic passer.
The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year turned in 2,780 passing yards, 954 rushing yards and a school-record 36 total touchdowns, en route to winning a conference championship, a Peach Bowl Trophy and nearly a national title in Tampa, Fla.
Having passes on time to receivers is what he needs to improve on.
During the Crimson Tide’s spring game, Hurts displayed a strong deep ball – which was most of the criticism he received following the national championship loss. Defensive coordinators know he can run, but if the native Texan can be lethal throwing too, the Tide will return to a title game.
2. Jarrett Stidham|So.|Auburn
Head coach Gus Malzahn is depending on every inch of Jarrett Stidham’s arm and swagger in hopes in remain in Auburn after next season. Since 2013, the Tigers have finished with less than 10 wins and its fan base at Jordan-Hare Stadium has grown restless.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, Stidham gave the Tigers’ offense a shot of energy in its spring game, completing 16 of 20 passes – 80 percent – for 267 yards. Before arriving in the SEC, the five-star showcased his throwing chops for one year in the Big 12 at Baylor University.
As a backup, he hit on 75 of 109 passes for 1,265 yards with 12 touchdowns to two interceptions, helping the Bears notch a 10-3 record in 2015. Whether it is deep ball accuracy, quick game accuracy, anticipation accuracy, etc… Stidham carries it all in spades and makes Auburn a legit SEC championship contender.
Finding players to step up at wide receiver will be a question. The Tigers got production from Nate Craig-Myers, Will Hastings and Marquis McClain during the spring, but it wants to see John Franklin III and Jason Smith among others to rise and help this offense be dominant.
1. Austin Allen|Sr.|Arkansas
He is the best quarterback in the SEC. Hands down.
Alabama was first nationally in scoring defense, second in total defense and ninth in pass efficiency defense last season; nevertheless, it allowed three guys to toss for at least 400 yards.
One of those three was Austin Allen, and he returns next season.
The younger brother of Brandon Allen recorded 400 yards passing on 25 of 48 completions with three touchdowns and three interceptions in a 49-30 loss versus the Tide at D.W.R. Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. While he was one of three quarterbacks to torch the Tide’s secondary, Austin Allen was the lone signal caller to account for a 3,000-yard season (3,430) within the conference during 2016.
Depth at wide receiver is a must for the Razorbacks. Jared Cornelius is one of very few pieces returning to a roster that lost Keon Hatcher, Drew Morgan, Cody Hollister, Jeremy Sprinkle and Dominique Reed to graduation/National Football League. Arkansas signed some talented prospects in its 2017 class, including junior college transfer Brandon Martin (6-4/205) who could be an impact starter.
Honorable Mentions
Danny Etling|Jr.|LSU Tigers
Jake Bentley|So.|South Carolina Gamecocks
Shea Patterson|So.|Mississippi Rebels
Jake Hubenak|Sr.|Texas A&M Aggies
Kyle Shurmur|Jr.|Vanderbilt Commodores
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
