50 SEC Superlatives Ahead of the 2023 season

Folks, we've almost made it through another off-season. The action is almost back. If that wasn't apparent enough as "early fall" has started to cool the southeast, polls have finalized, and preseason all-conference teams flood our timelines, we're starting to get our first nuggets from camp. 

But even though others have been busy building lists of their top players or whatever ahead of this fall, allow me to zig while they zag.  As an alternative, I decided to crank out 50 superlatives for our SECers. After all, since I'll be tasked ranking the nation's top50 most impactful players at each position each week this season along with the top300 players overall for On3, I wanted a brief reprieve from list-making and hot-taking. QBs will have 16, Rushers and Catchers 12 a piece, OL 3, and DEFs 7. 

PASSERS

Ace Accuracy Award: Devin Leary

Given to the SEC's Most-Precise Passer

Each of the last two summers during my Impact QB study, Leary has been a standout in down-to-down ball placement. Against his ten hardest foes (5 from 2021, 5 from 2022), his 68.7% Accuracy% tops any overall figure from a returning SECer. In fact, even his reduced 67.3% clip from last year’s injury-marred campaign would best the next man in line, Spencer Rattler, by over a point. And when looking at his downfield spray, only a handful of Impact QBs – including zero of his conference contemporaries – logged a preferable Accuracy% than his 44.5% clip on throws 10+ yards past the line of scrimmage against the meat of their schedule. Assuming Big Blue’s pass catchers don’t suffer from butterfingers, Leary’s precision should propel the Cats’ offensive consistency. 

Bombardier: Joe Milton

Given to the SEC's Top Deep Threat

This one is a clear no-brainer ahead of the 2023 season. If full-field orange throws, 60-yard downfield dingers while rolling left, and mythical descriptions of his arm talent far and wide weren’t enough, Milton returns with the SEC’s highest returning average depth of target (17.5) and Adjusted Net Passing Yards/Attempt (13.6). Despite mostly backing up Hendon Hooker, he was responsible for more deep yards than Will Levis, KJ Jefferson, Jayden Daniels, and Will Rogers. Mighty Milton  connected on half of his attempts 20+ yards downfield, a feat no other returner can claim. He is the conference’s, nay all of college football’s, poster child for premier arm strength. Though Milton will reign it in a bit more and there’s still outstanding concerns on his consistency, no one should have any hangups on Tennessee’s aggressiveness or ability to push the ball vertically. 

Mr. Money Down: KJ Jefferson

Given to the SEC's Top 3rd Down Performer

Arkansas’ Hoss racked up 881 yards combined by land and air on 3rd downs last season. As a rusher, two-thirds of his touches resulted in either a conversion or score. Moreover, his 3 tuddys in these spots led the SEC. As a passer, no returner with at least 20 such dropbacks put up a shinier ANY/A than his 8.6 figure. And for good measure, his 42.6% Success Rate cracked the conference’s top5 to end last year. Only Will Rogers and Brady Cook compiled more 1D+TDs than his 40 – and both of them saw at least 20 more 3rd down tries. His strength and determination seem to always give the Hogs a stab at staying alive on the do or die down. To that point, Jefferson finished in the money among his peers in Sack Rate (6.4%) and Uncatchable Pass Rate (14.9%). 

Offensive Executive: Carson Beck

Given to the SECer who will likely get great results but not wow us

Caretaker, game manager, whatever you wanna call it – no other SECer will slide into a situation with a better supporting cast than Carson Beck. Sure, Todd Monken is gone. But the heir apparent in Athens still has Brock Bowers, the best line in the conference, two top12 Impact Transfers at WR, and a quality stable of backs. Old/New UGA OC Mike Bobo will likely tweak things a little more to suit his fancies. But Beck being asked to do much of the heavy lifting for the Dawgs’ offense would be quite a shock. After all, his predecessor – for all the growth he exhibited during his stint as QB1 – still finished near the top of the league in percentage of throws that occurred on screens, RPOs, or true play actions. The scheme ought to keep him out of the spotlight. That way, Beck can truly execute the offense and be prudently dangerous behind cloak-and-dagger tactics. 

Checkdown Charlie: Will Rogers

Given to the SEC's most reliant checkdown passer

Though Spencer Rattler started to give him a run for his money, no SECer is more suited for this award than Will Rogers. Yes, Mississippi State has ditched the Air Raid for the Spread-a-han. And the Bulldogs should show more verticality and explosiveness thru the air moving forward. But SEC StatCat has four examples of a QB logging a double-digit Checkdown Rate; three of them belong to Rogers. Basically, an eighth of his career attempts have sought an underneath dump off in this fashion. Furthermore, he owns the conference’s lowest ADOT since 2020. By volume, he had 20 more throws behind the line than the next dude in line just this past year. Plus, while no other peer produced over 100 yards on ‘pure checkdowns’, Rogers recorded 283. Hopefully, this veteran dog can learn some new tricks to matriculate downfield. 

Sideline Painter: Jaxson Dart

Given to the SEC's most prevalent passer targeting along the sideline

Among starters, only Hendon Hooker was more prone to painting the perimeter than Ole Miss’s presumed starter in 2022. Over a fifth of Jaxson’s darts targeted along a sideline. Last season, his 56.2% such Accuracy% and 52.1% Success Rate, and 39.7% First Down+TD Rate earned the conference’s gold medal. Plus, his ANY/A, Depth Adjusted Accuracy%, and Uncatchable Pass Rate all finished inside the top3. No returner can best his 4.1% Interceptable Pass Rate or his 44 completions. Only Spencer Rattler can claim more produced yards than Dart’s 613. For what it’s worth, 31% of these came via RPOs, which was ten points higher than any other starter’s makeup. 

Turnover Avoider: Jayden Daniels

Given to the SEC's best at ducking giveaways

Jayden Daniels was undeniably risk averse in his first campaign leading the Bayou Bengals’ offense. In case you forgot, he went the first 5 games without throwing a pick. And by the end of the season, no other SECer boasted a lower Interceptable Pass Rate than his 3.6% clip. His 3.0% Turnover-Worthy Play Rate was also a league-best. Not too bad of a turnaround for a fellow that logged 10 INTs during his last year at Arizona State. Still, avoiding danger produced a somewhat maddening modus operandi. His ADOT finished in the bottom3. And subsequently, so did his Explosive Pass Rate. Plus, failing to take downfield chances permeated into Daniels’ propensity for taking sacks. His 68.2% pressure-sack ratio was the worst in the conference by 22 points. Good thing his line allowed one of the lowest Pressure Rates to limit those boo boos. Because otherwise, there’s not a safer down-to-down passer returning to the SEC this fall than JD. 

Light Lifter: Spencer Rattler

Given to the SEC's most dependent passer after the catch

For many neutral observers that hold any affinity for Spencer Rattler’s ability to sling the pill, last year was frustrating on a number of levels. Dedicating the highest percentage of throws behind the line of scrimmage than any other SECer, SCar’s strong-armed passer was noticeably handcuffed and lacked teeth for much of last year. Even with the late-season burst in verticality, bubble screens riddled the Gamecocks’ script. And ultimately, Rattler subsequently became the conference’s most reliant passer on yards after the catch. His 39.3% Air Yard Makeup edged out AJ Swann for honor of the SEC’s floor. And only the aforementioned Checkdown Charlie recorded a lower ADOT than his 7.5 amongst league starters. Not to sound like Alfred at the start of Act 3 in Batman Begins, but really – what is the point of having one of the most special arms in the game if all you’re going to do is target around the line of scrimmage. Like Beamer Backers, I’m hoping the change at OC allows for Rattler to regain his potency and not lean so much on outlets this fall. 

The Prince Of Play Action: Jaxson Dart

Given to the SEC's most prolific play action passer

Dart was one of four SECers to amass over 1,000 yards off true play action last fall. Only Tennessee’s two passers topped his 34.9% such rate. And along with Anthony Richardson, those dudes were the only ones to have a higher yardage makeup off play fakes. Plus, the Rebel rocked the bronze medal in first downs+touchdowns by volume with 45. FYI, Dart is the only one still in college. Ole Miss’s scheme consistently uses deception in a variety of ways. So, it’s a safe bet his M.O. won’t change much; especially after noticing his play action explosive play:interceptable pass ratio was 5:1 (25 vs 5). In case you were curious, Dart only mustered FOUR big gainers on non-screen/RPO dropbacks without fakes. 

Best Behind the Chains: KJ Jefferson

Given to the SEC's QB on challenging passing downs

Tying into his ability to be cash on the money down, KJ Jefferson is set to be the conference’s most bankable passer when disadvantaged by down and distance. While some of his peers had more experience in these spots than him and were able to rack up more yards, KJJ’s 40.9% such First Down+TD Rate is 7 whole points better than the next SECer returner in this context. Plus, his 9.3 Y/A is tops just like his 45.5% Success Rate. And to round out his sterling resume, Jefferson places top3 ahead of this fall in Uncatchable Pass Rate when behind the chains. If Dan Enos plans to “be pro” and multiple, his QB1 has the tools to capture chunks and erase mistakes. 

Middle Man: Conner Weigman

Given to the SECer who focused his throws towards the middle of the field the most

Believe it or not, we at On3 have differing opinions on various players. Though Charles Power anointed Weigman with a Freshman All-American nod, the TAMU tosser hardly moved the needle for me. Often pressured, the young gun misfired plenty. No one can say with a straight face he was set up to succeed. But when isolating what he specifically brings to the table, his temperature remains tepid. Even when clean, his placement metrics tracked in the dangerzone. Putting it diplomatically, his arm is still developing. He was the only QB in the conference with a +28% Tossup Rate. Presently, there’s not too much zeal there, which helps explain why the staff orchestrated him to have the SEC’s 3rd-lowest percentage of throws that targeted outside the numbers. Instead, Jimbo opted to limit the distance his passes traveled; or in other words, aimed to give him plenty of avenues over the middle of the field. His 31% clip on attempts between the hashes was tops amongst starters by 4 points. More impressively, his 38% yardage makeup was over 10 points higher than the next SECer in line. Even with the exciting receiver group, Bobby P will likely limit Weigman’s verticality like Fisher did; that is, assuming he beats out Max Johnson. 

Risk It, No Biscuit: AJ Swann

Given to the SEC's most careless passer

Vanderbilt has built a mini-dynasty dominating this category the last few years. And honestly, had Mike Wright not transferred to back up Will Rogers at Miss State, he would’ve earned this superlative back-to-back seasons. But the Commodores’ sophomore slinger is well-qualified in his own right. No returning SECer was less bang for buck ala a stinky 12.1% Interceptable% against a paltry 7.6% Explosive Pass Rate. Even the incoming transfer starters against their hardest foes all turned in an INTA% under 9%. Perhaps, that showing was ordinary growing pains of a true freshman playing in college football’s hardest league. But when has playing at Vanderbilt ever activated the easy button. Swann might keep living on the wild side, but Clark Lea’s staff must craft QB’s downfield offerings better and use that extra education to scheme up some worthwhile strategic wins. Running back this imbalanced risk:reward certainly will sink the ship. 

Tight Window Tester: Devin Leary

Given to the SEC's best contested target passer

Leary truly possesses snappy accuracy. He could hit a donut a dozen yards away. And one area where his next-level precision consistently showed up against his most challenging defensive foes on tape was when he attacked contested windows. Even last year – not one to boast about by any means – he logged exemplary metrics versus tight coverage. Whether honing in on bang-bang underneath completions ahead of the sticks or throwing men open downfield, nearly 30% of his passes last year qualified. Leary’s 55% such Accuracy% on these attempts tracked to be 10 points higher than his conference contemporaries. And even though drops kept his results humble, his 30.8% First Down+TD Rate still would’ve earned the conference’s bronze medal. 

Backshoulder Specialist: Spencer Rattler

Given to the SEC's best backshoulder route thrower

While combustible and halfcocked, the Gamecock is a talented thrower of the football. Though his zip and drive write headlines, Rattler has underrated savvy and nuance leveraging his downfield targets when not pressing. A noticeable way this attribute manifests is thru backshoulder throws, where targets can use their body to shield defenders away from the ball and make a grab in a pocket along the sideline. Rattler led the league in such throws, completions, yards, and ANY/A. In fact, he’s the only returning SECer who was on-target on more than half of his backshoulder offerings. Plus, his 63.5% Depth Adjusted Accuracy is more than a dozen points better than the next-best peer ahead of this fall. 

Drive Capper: Will Rogers

Given to the SECer who finished off the most drives in the red zone

In terms of efficiency and process, Rogers was a pretty pedestrian performer inside his opponent’s 20-yard line last year. Pick your metric, he failed to crack the conference’s top6 practically across the board. But as one of the SEC’s most prolific passers, he totaled sturdy counting stats in this area of the field. Rogers secured more yards, completions, and TDs than any of his peers. Only Spencer Rattler experienced a higher yardage makeup, and Rogers’ 65.7% TD Makeup is the 3rd-highest amongst returning conference starters. Additionally, no one tossed more tuddys than his 14 in goal-to-go situations. 

Out of Pocket, Out of Mind: Brady Cook

Given to the SEC's top passing performer outside the pocket

Okay – the title of this superlative is a bit hyperbolic based on the returning candidates the SEC has at its disposal. But the overlooked and mellow Missouri QB presents the best resume when passing outside the pocket amongst his peers. Either functioning off the Spread-a-han scheme’s built-in bootlegs or extending other designs, he captured the top Adjusted Completion% with a robust 88.1% clip. That along with his 42.4% Success Rate are the best respective figures by a returning SEC starter. And despite a double-digit Drop Rate harshing his numbers, Cook repped a top5 First Down+TD Rate and ANY/A. Plus, his 56.1% Accuracy% and 4.6% Interceptable% track to be top3 within the league ahead of this fall. He’s still overly a cog in a grand design, but Cook has value. After all, his QB keepers – mostly on QB Draw RPO – helped buoy the offense once the bread-and-butter Off-Tackle became toast. 

RUSHERS

Hardest Rusher to Tackle: Jarquez Hunter

Given to the SECer who got that dog in 'em

Assuming he’s ready to rock, Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter is StatCat’s Hardest SECer to Tackle. This is an honor not handed out willy-nilly; it’s a well-earned label. Despite Tank Bigsby’s own brawny rushing style, his backup projects to be slightly more stout in that sense. Hunter snatched the league’s top YAC average (4.1) and only trailed Big Blue’s Bowling Ball Chris Rodriguez in Broken Tackle Rate (44.6%). Since both are highly valuable “stable metrics” that have a good record carrying over year-to-year, War Eagle’s hearts should soar; especially if the OL is better. Rushers might not be able to control the quality of their blocking, but they certainly can control making at least one guy miss or using their zeal to erase mistakes. If the Tigers are more skilled in the trenches, Hunter’s tenacity then can shift from box players to smaller backenders more often, which theoretically would raise his overall potency. 

Set up to Fail: Nate Peat

Given to the SECer whose surroundings kill his production

Though Nate Peat has good straight-line speed and experience operating Missouri’s beloved Off-Tackle, his 2022 season was ravaged by dysfunction. He was hit behind the scrimmage 38 times, or 37.6% of his attempts – 5 points more than the next SECer who logged at least 60 carries. Only one other dude turned in a worst First Down+TD Rate. Stopped before he got started, only Auburn’s Robby Ashford was more prone to TFLs per Peat’s pathetic 17.8% Negative Run Rate. All in all, he saw a bottom5 rush yard before contact average (1.27) with 71% of his production coming after defensive engagement – the highest makeup of any of his returning conference contemporaries. 

Blessed Cushion: Rocket Sanders

Given to the SECer who averages the most yards before contact

You don’t get a nickname like ‘Rocket’ unless you’re explosive. And Arkansas’ lead back is definitely big play-oriented. But while his jets are parts of the equation, so are his blockers. Sanders had 771 yards before he was touched last year – most in the conference by 80. On average, the Hog was nearly 3.5 yards past the line of scrimmage before a defender hit him. The closest returning SEC running back posted a figure of 2.8. To further accentuate Sam Pittman’s squad’s pugnacious style working the edge, Sanders logged 20 runs with a YBC of 8+ yards, which was unsurprisingly the most in the conference last year. Other than UGA’s Kendall Milton, no SECer saw the majority of their production come prior to contact compared to after. And with blessed cushion, Sanders stock has soared ahead of this fall. 

The Kickstarter: Jabari Small

Given to the SECer who starts games fast (ie First Quarter, First Down carries)

While the vertical passing game draws plenty of eyeballs, the Vols’ ground game is the lifeblood of the scheme. Let me tell you, deep routes come open easier without an overtop safety. And since folks are keen to take away dingers, Tennessee is granted room to work in the run game often to start ball games. And Jabari Small ate in these spots. On first downs in first quarters, no other returner experienced a higher makeup of carries than his 22% clip. Small tallied 194 yards, 6 TDs, 4 explosives, and 0 TFLs. But, he wasn’t just a compiler. None of his peers can best his ‘early early’ 22.9% First Down+TD Rate ahead of this fall. 

The Plainbreaker: Quinshon Judkins

Given to the SECer with the most goal-to-go scores

Of Ole Miss’s freshman phenom’s 16 scores, 13 came in goal-to-go situations. No other SECer had more than ten such tuddys. By volume, Judkins logged 15 more carries than the next SECer in line. Moreover, his 13.1% makeup in these spots cracked the conference’s top5. Clearly, he received plenty of practice. But it didn’t make perfect. Only half of his goal-to-go runs beat situational goals while 11% resulted in a loss. Often the beacon defenses key on, 79% of his production came after contact, which was a top8 mark at the end of 2022. 

The Eraser: Kendall Milton

Given to the SEC's best back at eliminating mistakes

Georgia’s run game didn’t experience adversity like other offenses, but one of their budding backs looks to be one of the conference’s best at pushing the pile. Hit behind the line at an average rate for an SECer, Kendall Milton turned 9 of his 16 such chances into a positive gain. No other conference contemporary with at least ten tries topped his 56.2% clip; and only three others cracked 50% period. Behind the burly Bulldog’s top5 Broken Tackle Rate, he turned a quarter of them into either a first down or a score. Though he earned the silver medal in such Explosive Run%, his 37.5% Success Rate was 6 points higher than the runner-up. 

Mr. Volatile: Montrell Johnson

Given to the SECer who logs the most extreme results

Top5 in both negative and explosive runs by volume last year, Florida’s Montrell Johnson is certainly a wonky rusher ahead of 2023. Raging behind above-average stable metrics, 16.9% of the Gator’s carries gained at least ten yards. But inconsistent blocking caged him to a sub-39% Success Rate and begat the conference’s 4th-worst Stuff Rate at 35.1%. Yet, only three of his peers topped his 6.5% of runs that went for at least 20 yards. Talk about boom or bust. Plus, sharing a backfield makes things a little more herky-jerky. Florida’s strength is through its rushers. But balancing out their ball carriers’ usage and searching for the hot hand makes finding rhythms more difficult. 

Mr. Catchmeoutsidehowboutdat: Rocket Sanders

Given to the SEC's most productive rusher hitting outside

Leaning into ample outside zone reps, Sanders accumulated about 90 more yards hitting the perimeter than the runner-up rusher in this regard. And though Jo’ Marks had better efficiencies, Sanders’ output considering his volume makes him the conference’s most exciting ball carrier around the edge. Again, the Hogs did a fabulous job pushing defenders around last year. And wouldn’t you know it? Sanders had the SEC’s 2nd-best Y/C (8.6) and Broken Tackle Rate (59.7%) along with the 5th-best Explosive Run Rate (26.9%). Only two returners posted more outside runs by volume than his 67. So to reiterate, that zeal and chestiness across that workload is worthy of the moniker Mr. Catchmeoutsidehowboutdat. 

The Matt Foley Award (Get Back on the Right Track): Jarquez Hunter

Given to the SEC's most effective rusher behind the chains

Rushing behind the chains is a pretty volatile scenario – fitting an Auburn player should have this superlative. Coming off one of the worst offensive seasons in school history, the Tigers’ running back tandem helped rosescent the operation. And behind Caddy Williams’ guidance, no SEC ball carrier capitalized on chances when disadvantaged by down and distance quite like Hunter. No returning back with 17 such tries tops his 30.4% First Down+TD Rate or his daunting 9.7 Y/C. Already a fierce rusher, the Tiger’s fangs came out when he needed to get his team back on track. Against only one loss, he commanded a 56.5% Broken Tackle Rate with 63% of his yards coming after contact. 

Heavy Setter: Ray Davis

Given to the SEC's most prominent rusher from multi-TE sets

Other than Georgia, Kentucky and Vanderbilt used more multi-tight end sets than any other SEC offense. So with Ray Davis closing out his career in Lexington, he easily remains the league’s Heavy Setter. As you’d expect, Davis and UK’s Chris Rodriguez were 1-2 within the conference in yards, first downs, and successful plays from these packages. Still, the former Commodore tallied 69 more such carries than CRod. Almost 74% of his touches came from 12/13 personnel; basically ten points higher than the next starter in line. But while the idea was to provide more girth and gusto to Vandy’s ground game, Davis finished with a subpar (3.9), Success Rate (39.4%), Explosive Run Rate (7.7%), and Broken Tackle Rate (25.9%). Improved cushion behind UK’s revamped Big Blue Wall might help but… yikes. 

Premier Power Back: Jaylen Wright

Given to the SEC's best rusher on power concepts

The 5’10, 210 pound Tennessee trucker totaled 659 yards on gap concepts last year, most within the SEC. Other than teammate Dylan Sampson, no one had a higher Power Makeup than Jaylen Wright’s 71.1%. Breaking more tackles than anyone else and owning the conference’s 3rd-highest YAC average, the Vol delighted on these designs. Only three returners posted a preferable Y/C than his 6.9 figure and a lower Negative Run Rate than his 2.1% clip. Steady and determined, Wright sits inside the top5 amongst returners in Success Rate with the 2nd-best First Down+TD Rate. Wright clearly has carved out a role for himself to punch defenses looking out-wide right in the mouth. I’m betting his golden results continue. 

Mr. Success: Noah Cain

Given to the SEC's top performer in rushing success rate

Trust me, a 5.4 Y/C is really nothing special in these parts. In fact, last year’s SEC average was exactly that. But thanks to being advantageous with his opportunities, no conference ball carrier was as successful as Noah Cain. Topping teammate Jayden Daniels’ 57.1% by six points, he was the only SECer to turn in a clip in the 60’s. Just plugging ahead behind ample Inside Zone Reads, he only logged 3 losses all year. Besides two other peers, no one else had a lower Stuff Rate than his 20.3%. But while Cain was consistent, the Tiger wasn’t too potent. His 12.2% Explosive Run Rate sits in the bottom10 amongst returners. Additionally, his stable metrics are pretty mid – insinuating if Cain wishes to retain his title as the SEC’s most successful rusher, he’s got to bring more to the table. 

PASS CATCHERS

YAC Monster: Jayden McGowan

Given to the SEC's most prolific receiver after the catch

Vanderbilt’s favorite outlet, racked up 441 yards after the catch, good for 6th-most in 2022. Only two other returners can claim more. But among non-RB SECers with at least 20 catches, no one trumped his 10.0 YAC clip. Basically, 96% of his yards came after securing his target. Missouri’s Luther Burden is the only other conference contemporary to have a makeup north of 71%, and his 75.8% mark was well below McGowan’s. Vandy’s scheme constantly asked him to make plays. Other than South Carolina’s Juice Wells, no one else totaled more targets short of the sticks than his 49, or 72% of his overall tries. 

The Brucie (“I just ate popcorn”): RaRa Thomas

Given to the SEC's best at dropping the ball

The Bulldog went from being the SEC’s King of the Contested Catch to taking home The Brucie in the span of a year. Only TAMU’s Evan Stewart and Vanderbilt’s Will Sheppard logged more drops, but RaRa Thomas’ 17.2% such rate was at least 4 points worse in comparison to the runner-up in this context. While 3 boo boos occurred on off-target chances, 7 came on accurate attempts, which were tied for most within the conference. Conservatively speaking, Thomas left at least 119 yards on the field thanks to his butterfingers – 10th most amongst his peers. 

Slantastic: Zakhari Franklin

Given to the SEC's most productive receiver on slant routes

At UTSA, Zakhari Franklin feasted on underneath targets. Operating as the Roadrunners’ Z receiver, almost 40% of his tries occurred 0-10 downfield outside the right hash against his six hardest opponents. And slants were a major catalyst on why his bottomline finished among the group-of-5’s best. In those matchups, 22% of his overall tries and 26% of his yards came via those quick-hitters. Both would’ve been tops within the SEC if maintained over the course of a season. Only two of his new conference contemporaries accumulated more such targets by volume, and they needed an entire schedule to do so. Considering slants were Ole Miss’s 3rd-most targeted route, it’s a nice bet Franklin will continue to catch his fair share in 2023. 

The Creator: Brock Bowers

Given to the SEC's best at manufacturings created catches 

Of the many ways pass catchers can provide value, creating opportunities for themselves is definitely near the top of the list. Or in other words, make those above-and-beyond plays no normal receiver should be expected to complete. And as special as Brock Bowers is as a football player, he has shined conjuring completions for his passers. Last year, Georgia’s do-it-all tight end snatched 7 creations for most in the SEC. And by a rate basis, his 8.1% clip was still top5-worthy. If he can replicate that many creations, he’ll have the most in StatCat history; passing up the likes of Treylon Burks (13), George Pickens (14), and DeVonta Smith (15). And the icing on his cake entering this fall, his 163 added yards from these efforts were 24 more than the runner-up. 

Can Opener: Dom Lovett

Given to the SEC's premier deep specialist

In case you weren’t aware, Brady Cook didn’t have the sharpest season throwing deep. His passes were still decently catchable, but injury simply dulled his high-end placement. Less than a third of his targets beyond 20 yards downfield were caught and/or on-target. All the while, Dom Lovett seized some of the SEC’s most impressive deep receiving figures. Logging a conference-high 24 such targets, only Jalin Hyatt topped his 496 yards and 12 catches. Often working inside-out from the slot, only three returners sport a higher Deep Target Rate than his 32.0%. And thanks to his skills uncapping backends, his 21.3% Explosive Target Rate dons the bronze medal closing out the summer. 

Man on the Inside: Brock Bowers

Given to the SEC's best target when lined up at inside WR/TE

Along with his prowess setting the edge, lead blocking, and rounding out a pocket, Bowers was one of the SEC’s most prolific inside pass catchers last fall. On snaps when aligned at TE or in the slot, no returner can challenge his 852 yards, 54 catches, or 37 conversions+scores. Including all targets amongst his peers, Bowers boasts a top5 YAC average, top5 Explosive Target Rate, and top10 Yards/Target. And you wonder why college football’s best TE is being comped to all-timers…

Jake Wyler’s Receiver: Will Sheppard

Given to the SEC's most unlucky pass catcher

Again, Vanderbilt’s pass game has been turbulent and stricken by shaky throwers. Expectedly as a result, the Commodores’ WR1 was the conference’s most unlikely target fielding optimal passes last year. Of his league-leading 115 targets, 59 were deemed inaccurate. That figure also led the conference as did the 23 tries considered uncatchable. No other returner saw over 18 such targets. Sheppard only caught 10 of his off-target opportunities. His Catch Rate of roughly 17% was more than 8 points below the conference mean. Yet despite the aerial adversity, the ‘Dore obtained the best Weighted Opportunity Rating (1.04) – an advanced stat gauging value/target — nationally excluding games against FCS foes. 

Mr. Explosive: Ricky Pearsall

Given to the SEC's best big play receiver

Even with 10 uncatchable targets and 9 drops, no SEC trumped Rick Pearsall’s 26.3% Explosive Target Rate last year. Outside of UGA’s Bowers and Lovett, no returning SECer acquired more big gainers than the Gator’s 15. And outside of the national leader in Yards/Route Run, Squirrel White, none of his peers recorded a stronger Yards/Target than Pearsall’s 11.4 figure. Of course, this is somewhat expected measuring players by the archaic metrics. The dude did lead the conference in Yards/Catch. Billy Napier will be banking on his top pass catcher to take advantage of secondaries once again – whether it’s occupying them and opening up the ground game or running past them once they start peaking into the backfield. 

The Outlet: Juice Wells

Given to the SEC's most prolific screen/RPO pass catcher

With Spencer Rattler being Mr. Light Lifter, someone naturally had to be his primary safety valve. Other than Will Sheppard and Evan Stewart, no one was more responsible for their team’s outlet efforts than Juice Wells. With high usage, the Gamecock nabbed 32 receptions off screens and RPOs; six more than the next man in line. And other than Sheppard, no one gobbled up more yardage in this manner than his 239. But since the majority of these targets came behind the line of scrimmage, these tries weren’t too spectacular. Both Wells’ 7.0 Yards/Target and 44.1% Success Rate were decidedly mediocre. 

King of Contested Catches: Malik Nabors

Given to the SEC's best receiver on contested targets

Paired with his ascension becoming one of the conference’s most trusty late down options, Malik Nabors was a bonafide stud hauling in contested targets. Despite fielding 19 less such targets than Will Sheppard, he shared an SEC-high 16 catches. But Nabors stood alone atop of the conference regarding Contested Catch Rate when omitting uncatchables. In fact, six points separated his 69.6% clip from the rest of the pack. Plus, no other returner’s Success Rate on contested targets topped 59%. All but three of his tight window receptions resulted in either a first down or a touchdown. And cementing his play maker potential, 3/4 of Nabors’ created catches came on contests. 

Second Half All-Star: Juice Wells

Given to the SEC's most productive pass catcher after halftime

Probably aided by Michael Jordan’s Secret Stuff, Well often upped his game after halftime. He was 1/7 SECers to see over half of their targets come in the 2nd half. Besides UK freshman Barion Brown, Wells’ 66.3% yardage makeup looked down on the rest of the conference. Crushing his contemporaries, he recorded over 130 more yards, 10 more catches, and 2 more explosives than the next SECer in line. Only one returner has a shinier Catch Rate than his 82.9% clip as well as his 13.1 Yards/Target. Plus, only one of his peers was responsible for more 2nd half tuddys than his 4. All the while, Wells didn’t drop a single target. 

Under the Radar: Jermaine Burton

Given to the SEC's most underrated pass catcher

No doubt, Alabama’s pass game is still… baking as Coach Saban likes to put it. But no matter who winds up under center, the Tide perhaps have one of the SEC’s most underrated pass catchers – at least in terms of pure efficiency. Each of the last two years, despite tracking passes from multiple QBs in two different offenses, Jermaine Burton has placed no worse than 2nd in either Success Rate or First Down+TD Rate. One consistent trait, however, is the wideout’s verticality. The past three seasons all saw his ADOT climb above 13.0 yards; Burton topped out this past season with SEC’s 4th-highest mark at 16.8. And even though his downfield meanderings tend to create more challenging throws for his passers, his superb efficiency tends to get dismissed since his counting stats fail to jump off the page. The Tide feel their receiver room is deep and talented. So don’t be stunned if Burton gets buried once again. But with iffiness at the QB spot, you’d have to be a fool not to look his way when seeking a bailout. 

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Marvelous Mauler: Beaux Limmer

Given to the SEC's best run blocker

Now the Hogs’ big toe at center, Beaux Limmer is expected to help Dan Enos’ scheme to hit the ground running – literally. As a key cog in the SEC’s most explosive rushing offense, no other returning conference offensive lineman earned a top25 rush grade per Pro Football Focus. Again, only the national champs produced better cushion on average than Limmer and his mates’ 2.71 YBC clip. Silly how folks left him off their All-SEC ballots. 

Duke of the Dropstep: JC Latham

Given to the SEC's best pass blocker

Along with being an On3 Impact 5-Star ahead of 2023, JC Latham is on copious shortlists pertaining to the best draftable tackles. Even though he logged a good amount of penalties, the Tider was consistently steady maintaining his bookend. Already in the top-dozen among his position nationally in Pressure Rate allowed, his 98.8% clip is a whole half-point better than the next returning SECer Will Campbell (which might not sound like alot, but another tick in that direction would’ve given our boy the best figure in the country). Plus, Latham didn’t surrender a sack on over 515 dropbacks. And for what it’s worth, PFF graded him inside the top8 amongst all returning tackles in pass block grade. 

Pressure Cooked: Emery Jones

Given to the SECer who allowed the most pressures

LSU as an offense was pretty sound at limiting pressure. Only 3 other SECers turned in a lower such rate than the Tigers’ 25.8% figure. Plus, Jayden Daniels’ personal 15.8% Pressured Pass% was a league-low. But while the unit itself was rather sound, the Bayou Bengals’ freshman right tackle was often cooked by the heat of SEC pressure. Behind a well-below average 95.7% Pressure Rate, only 11 other collegiate linemen – regardless of position – allowed more by volume than his 39. No other LSU biggun tallied more than 16. 

DEFENSE

Ball Hawk: Dwight McGlothern

Given to the SEC's best DB at altering targets

The competition for this year’s Ball Hawk was tight. Alabama’s Kool Aid McKinstry had the nation’s 2nd-most defended passes last year and is considered CB1 for many in April’s NFL draft. Marcellus Dial, on a per coverage snap basis, was among college football’s top8 either seizing picks or forcing incompletions. But ultimately, I settled with Arkansas’ red ghost, Dwight McGlothern. Asked to perform plenty of techniques over the last two seasons at different SEC schools, he’s logged 19 breakups and 5 INTs in that span, which has translated to a 22% Ball Hawk Rate. And in terms of being an absolute capper for your defense, he sizeably beat the national average in Yards/Target, Yards/Coverage Snap, and Catch Rate allowed despite playing the 4th-most snaps of any cornerback. 

Thumper: Nathaniel Watson

Given to the SEC's best tackler in space

While there is emphasis on putting more speed on the field when deploying the 3-3-5 defense, the whole shebang doesn’t work so well if you don’t have a legitimate thumper who can tackle in space and limit yardage after engagement. Not only does Miss State have that in Nathaniel Watson, but the Bulldog backer looks to be the SEC’s best at securing stops – or tackles for an unsuccessful gain for the offense. His 49 were tied for top25th-nationally last year and the most in the SEC. Almost two-thirds of them came against the run. But Watson also wasn’t just a pile on who compiled takedowns. He also finished with one of the top30-best Stop Rates among college linebackers with at least 500 reps. 

Frisian Horse: Desmond Watson

Given to the SEC's top space occupier

For those non-military buffs out there, these devices were used on battlefields to disallow enemies from traveling on specific terrains or maneuvering certain directions. An example most of you should be familiar with is the D-Day scene in Saving Private Ryan where all those big metal objects are scattered along the beach. Frisian Horses cannot be ignored. And no present SEC defender fits this bill quite like the Gators’ gargantuan interior Desmond Watson. Standing at 6’5, 439, he’s a natural space eater and body occupier in the middle of the formation. But Watson is more than just a novelty. He logged 19 stops – good for a top-90 such rate at his position. And as a true reflection of his size and strength, His PFF run grade was top30-worthy and stands to be the SEC’s 3rd-best ahead of this fall. 

Berserker: Harold Perkins

Given to the SEC's best creator of havoc plays

Freshman All-American Harold Perkins quickly became one of the sport's bright young stars. Excelling as a pass rusher despite his unassuming 6’1, 220 build, the Bayou Berserker logged the best Havoc Rate of any collegiate linebacker. His clip was just under 9% and no one else turned in a figure north of 7%. For the layman, essentially every 11th snap on average resulted in either a pressure, sack, batted ball, INT, forced fumble, or recovery. And, Perkins returns with the 3rd-most by volume nationally. But due to his size, Brian Kelly wants to continue to focus using him off-ball, where 59% of his snaps occurred during his first campaign. The thinking is that his burst and twitch is best-suited to beat interior lineman rather than asking him to constantly set the edge. We’ll see how that goes and if he and Matt House can resist following the footsteps of the Cowboys and Micah Parsons. For what it’s worth, Perkins beat the national average in every major defender metrics except Yards/Target. 

Stud Rusher: Chris Braswell

Given to the SEC's most efficient pass rusher

The national consensus seems to be taking Dallas Turner’s side, but Tider Chris Braswell owns the title as the conference’s most efficient player getting after the quarterback. His 18.5% Pass Rush Win Rate was an SEC-high last year and among the top30 nationally. Though Braswell’s moderate 2.2% Sack Rate gives weight on why some other edges have received more focus, over a sixth of his pass snaps resulted in a straight-up pressure. Among SECers, only Will Anderson was more consistent producing hurries. Since sacks are more QB-driven than anything, rewarding dudes with high motors who consistently cause issues for passers is a sound process. Giving more credit to his bankability, Braswell ranked inside the top25 among his position in Havoc Rate and PFF pass rush grade. Auburn’s Jalen McCleod also stuffed plenty of stats and looks to be a formidable rusher despite his frame; but the name is SEC StatCat and not Sun Bet StatCat…so…

Burnt Toast: BJ Anderson

Given to the SEC's worst coverageman

Vanderbilt’s defense allowed the highest passing First Down+TD Rate (39.6%), Yards/Pass (8.5), Accurate Target Rate (65.9%), and Success Rate (50.4%) in SEC play. With abundant stains on the Commodores’ bottomline, their players got blowtorched last fall. Apparently, poor soul BJ Anderson saw the brunt of the bruises. He gave up a catch on over two-thirds of his targets. Allowing a bottom-16 Yards/Target nationally (12.0), he allowed 5 TDs across his 50 chances against only one breakup. He averaged 2.0 Yards/Coverage snap, which was among the 5-worst figures in college football. Fittingly, only a handful of corners received a worse coverage grade from PFF. But despite all that, Lea and Co. appear to be sticking with Anderson in the starting lineup. Nowhere to go but up?

Stingiest Safety: Zion Childress

Given to the SEC safety with the lowest yardage allowed per snaps played

Gauging safeties’ coverage skills can be a little nebulous. Often as help or cloud defenders, they aren’t as isolated as corners. But you can still track how well they help prevent passing when on the field. After two-years of okay performance at the G5 level, Zion Childress emerged as a key contributor in coverage for one of the best pass defenses in the conference. And according to Yards/Coverage snap, Kentucky’s soon-to-be full-time strong safety appears to be one of the stingiest backenders in the sport. Only 15 nabbed a lower QB Rating on their opportunities than his 39.6 mark. Of his 8 targets, 3 were successfully defended and only 2 were completed. Since UK likes to play bend-don’t-break and prevent field-flipping dropbacks, Childress will quietly be one of the more important players to the Cats’ chances at beating expectations in 2023.