SEC StatCat's Top5 Deep Passers for 2021

If you haven’t heard by now, obtaining explosive gains is highly correlated to winning football games. Heck within this conference, big plays have even been more crucial than snatching takeaways in recent years. One of the simplest ways to generate a splash comes through deep passing. While other aspects of the quarterback position might be more important, few things get butts out of seats or people going quicker than completing a home run ball. While things can certainly change, here are the Top5 deep passers within the SEC returning for 2021. 

5. Bo Nix

While Bo Nix presents a questionable future, he slides into this list. Not that he was particularly worthy — his adjusted completion and accuracy percentage ranked comfortably in the double-digits within the SEC last year — but thanks to a raw list of returners, here we are. Most of his metrics stand Top5 amongst his contemporaries including his 11.6 Y/A, 11.6% TD Rate, and Nix’s nauseating 23% Depth Adjusted Accuracy% on deep throws. For what it’s worth, his 41% clip was the SEC’s second best entering 2020. Though his Uncatchable Pass Rate finished bottom3, no returner bests his 11.6% Interceptable Pass Rate. That said, if these numbers are repeated, no way he’ll be a top5 deep passer by 2021’s end. No way.    

4. Max Johnson

Max Johnson might lack top end arm talent but that didn’t prevent the soon-to-be sophomore from presenting a pretty good deep passing profile. Sure, LSU’s playcalling shifted to a more horizontal focus during his snaps compared to Myles Brennan. But on his seldom shots, it’s hard to hate on his results. His Deep Accuracy% was above-average last year and stands to be the SEC’s 3rd-best entering this fall. While his depth-adjusted clip and Interceptable Pass Rate also reached that plateau, his limited vertical passing skills resulted in half of his deep attempts being uncatchable. No returner was worse in that regard. But to end on an upswing, only his teammate bested his Deep TD Rate. 

3. JT Daniels

JT Daniels instantly provided a spark that ignited Georgia’s vertical passing game. Previous passes that resulted in uncatchable attempts resulted in decent deep balls. Behind the conference’s highest Deep Pass Rate, JTD connected on 54.6% of his chances — good for the 3rd best ahead of 2021. But while he was average with his general placement, his accuracy was woeful. Only Vandy’s Ken Seals was less precise on these throws despite his 23.1% depth-adjusted clip being the conference’s default 4th-best mark. Still his results are hard to knock. Daniels under Todd Monken is aggressive and looking for big plays. If his deep accuracy is shored up, he’ll address one of the biggest holes in his game. 

2. Myles Brennan

Myles Brennan could earn the moniker the Blonde Bomber by year’s end. LSU is going all-in on replicating 2019’s approach. But if the Tiger runs back his tendency from last year, he’ll sport a top5 deep pass rate along with the SEC’s best accuracy figures. While being the conference’s only returner to boast a plus-50% Depth Adjusted Accuracy%, no one can challenge Brennan’s 31.6% Deep TD Rate. For good measure, he’s also top2 in Yards/Attempt and Adjusted Completion%. With all these honors, you might be asking why the Bayou Bengal isn’t the SEC’s best. And, the simple reason is turnover-worthy throws — over a fifth of Brenna’s passes 20-plus yards downfield had interception potential, by far the highest clip on this list. 

1. Matt Corral

After cracking  Matt Corral enters 2021 with the SEC’s best deep passing resume. Along with holding the silver medal with his accuracy metrics and Interceptable Pass Rate, no conference returner can topple his 58.8% Adjusted Completion% or 22.9 Yards/Attempt. Paired with this top-notch efficiency, Corral logged  significant volume with these throws. The Rebel’s 16.3% Deep Pass Rate was the conference’s 3rd-highest last year and only Daniels sports a higher clip amongst returners. His favorite deep targets are back in the mix and Ole Miss is keeping its scheme in tact. So even though Elijah Moore is now in New York, things could continue to get zopity down in Oxford.