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The SEC has developed a well-earned reputation as college football’s most prolific conference in terms of producing NFL talent.
For every player who can’t wait to play at the next level, there are understudies who can’t wait to take their place. Some of SEC’s stars today were unknowns who patiently waited for their shots — whether they were created by injuries or by players who graduated. Even though this changing of the guard happens every year, the anticipation for and excitement about these annual transitions never seems to wane.
As the bowls signal the end of another season, it’s time to look ahead toward those players who might be part of the next class of stars in the SEC in 2016.
Here are five candidates who played modest roles in 2015 but could be considered leaders at this time next year.
LORENZO CARTER, LB, GEORGIA
With Leonard Floyd headed to the NFL, the 6-6, 242-pound sophomore from Norcross, Ga., is primed to have a rebound season in 2016. In 13 games — including five starts — in 2014, Carter put up impressive numbers: 41 tackles, 11 QB hurries and 4.5 sacks. In one fewer game so far this year, Carter has fallen off to 18 tackles, 4 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles. With former Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt replacing Kirby Smart in the same role at Alabama, it remains to be seen what the Bulldogs have in store for Carter. But he could benefit if outside linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer is promoted to replace Pruitt.
COOPER BATEMAN, QB, ALABAMA
One of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the class of 2013 will be entering his fourth season with the Crimson Tide. Bateman made the first start in Alabama’s only defeat this season — a 43-37 loss to Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa — a game in which he completed 11-of-14 passes before he was replaced by Jacob Coker with 6:43 left in the first half after throwing an interception.
Including mop-up duty, Bateman has completed 37 of 51 (72.5 percent) passes for 291 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions entering Alabama’s College Football Playoff semifinal with Michigan State on New Year’s Eve.
It’s time for the 6-3, 220-pounder out of Murray, Utah to be more than Bama’s starting holder. And if he can hold off Alec Morris in the spring and during fall practices, Bateman could emerge as the next Crimson Tide QB to flourish in offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s system.
QUINCY WILSON, DB, FLORIDA
Wilson has had to wait his turn at cornerback in 2015 behind starters Vernon Hargreaves and Jalen Tabor, but he’s expected to break into the starting lineup next season following the departure of Hargreaves (a junior) to the NFL and Brian Poole (a senior) after the Gators’ Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on New Year’s Day.
Tied for third on the team with two interceptions and tied for fourth with 5 pass break-ups this season, Wilson has a golden opportunity to start and bolster Florida’s defense that has helped the Gators to clinch the SEC East and win 10 games for first-coach Jim McElwain.
ROBERT LEFF, OL, AUBURN
This 6-6, 288-pounder is an excellent candidate to replace Shon Coleman — who is projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick — at left tackle on a permanent basis next year. With Coleman battling a leg injury, Leff, a junior, started and helped Auburn rush for 297 yards in a 56-34 win over Idaho on Nov. 21. With running back Peyton Barber on the verge of a 1,000-yard season entering the Tigers’ Birmingham Bowl matchup against Memphis on Dec. 30 and primed for another similar year in 2016, Auburn will be counting on Leff to anchor an offensive line that will also be trying to keep incumbent QBs Jeremy Johnson and Sean White upright.
JAMES WHITE, RB, TEXAS A&M
White has bided his time the past two seasons as Tra Carson emerged as the Aggies’ workhorse back. It won’t be easy to replace the 1,059 yards that Carson, a senior, has rushed for so far in 2015, but White, a sophomore, very well could be the guy to do it. In terms of production, White’s totals have dipped from what they were a year ago, but with more potential carries ahead of him, the 6-0, 220-pound product of Pearland, Texas will be counted on to support Kyler Murray and the rest of the A&M offense.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
