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They may be overshadowed by a teammate, or play a position with a host of Heisman hopefuls across the league, but these under-the-radar standouts are still key contributors.
Florida CB Jalen Tabor: How many non-Gators fans can name the cornerback opposite Vernon Hargreaves III? That would be Tabor, who is tied for second on the team with two interceptions, but he also has two touchdowns off of interceptions. Tabor also has 18 tackles and leads the team with seven pass breakups.
Georgia LB Jake Ganus: The newcomer doesn’t have the recruiting stars of other teammates (Trenton Thompson, Lorenzo Carter) or NFL projections (Leonard Floyd), but he’s quietly led the Bulldogs in tackles (55) after transferring from UAB.
Kentucky RB Jojo Kemp: With the elbow injury to RB Stanley “Boom” Williams, Kemp has a chance to recreate the magic he had last year in the Wildcat formation. So far this year, Kemp is second on the team in rushing with 62 carries for 275 yards and two TDs.
Missouri LB Kentrell Brothers: Five SEC linebackers were recently listed as semifinalists for the Butkus Award, but despite leading the nation in tackles, Brothers did not make the cut. Brothers not only leads his team in tackles, his 103 are 40 more than the next closest teammate.
South Carolina LB Skai Moore: The only non-defensive back among SEC leaders in interceptions is Moore, who has four. On a defense ranked second to last in the SEC in total defense, Moore is third in the league with 83 tackles.
Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd: A five-star recruit, and the Vols leading rusher, Hurd is overshadowed both in his own backfield by QB Joshua Dobbs and at his position across the SEC by the likes of Leonard Fournette, Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. Perhaps because of Dobbs’ rushing prowess, Hurd is sixth in the SEC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Vanderbilt WR Trent Sherfield: It could be a great trivia question, because some might not remember, or even knew to begin with, but sophomore Sherfield led the SEC in receiving earlier this season. He remains in the top 10 after eight games with 41 catches for 518 yards and two TDs.
Alabama WR Calvin Ridley: If Ridley could play Georgia and Arkansas every week, he could be an automatic All-American. As it is, the freshman is eighth in the SEC with 45 catches for 525 yards. Against the Bulldogs and Razorbacks, Ridley had a combined 14 catches for 260 yards and two TDs.
Arkansas WR Drew Morgan: With a big offensive line and run-heavy attack, not many would peg a Razorback receiver to be tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions. But that’s where Morgan has himself along with 35 catches for 498 yards and six TDs. And Morgan has done most of the damage lately. He has 29 receptions for 395 yards and 5 TDs in his past six games.
Auburn RB Peyton Barber: Another running back who’s put up strong numbers, but is behind a host of stars. Barber has 12 TDs and 787 rushing yards, but that leaves him just fifth in the conference in yards, and fourth in TDs.
LSU WR Malachi Dupre: Though Dupre doesn’t even lead his team in catches, but he’s second in the SEC in touchdowns as he has five scores on just 21 receptions. Still, the Tigers might be well served to use him more against Alabama because his receiving yards leave him just 13th in the SEC.
Ole Miss WR Quincy Adeboyejo: Outside of Laquon Treadwell, the Rebels offense is effective in the passing game due to Adeboyejo, who is tied with Treadwell with six touchdowns, is second on the team with 30 catches and third on the team with 446 yards.
Mississippi State DL A.J. Jefferson: The Bulldogs’ leader with 11.5 tackles for a loss, including four sacks, Jefferson is one of the most improved players in Starkville, and either eclipsing or approaching some of the program’s historic defensive records.
Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk: No matter who plays quarterback for the Aggies, Kirk is a friendly target and has already topped 1,000 all-purpose yards and has two special teams returns for a touchdown. The freshman is second in the SEC behind RB Leonard Fournette with 1,217 all-purpose yards.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
