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The deadline has passed for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft.
The recruiting of high-school and JUCO players is virtually complete.
The transfer portal is still open, but the activity is past its peak.
Although a lot of work remains before the fall – spring football, offseason workouts and preseason camp – SEC teams’ rosters are very nearly set for the 2022 football season.
So we have enough information to predict every SEC teams’ MVPs for next season.
Here’s a look at the defenses:
Alabama: Edge Will Anderson
There wasn’t a better defender than Anderson in the country in 2021, so it’s unlikely there will be a better one on his own team in 2022. The Crimson Tide defense will be littered with top NFL prospects as usual, but Anderson will again be the most valuable.
Arkansas: LB Bumper Pool
Pool has had back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons. As a “super senior” he will be the Razorbacks’ defensive leader.
Auburn: DL Colby Wooden
Wooden has proclaimed his intention to return to the Tigers next season, though there is still concern on The Plains that he will enter the transfer portal. Assuming he sticks to his decision, Wooden will be the leader of the Auburn line and defense as a whole.
Florida: Edge Brenton Cox
After more than doubling his sack total from 2020 (4) to 2021 (8.5), Cox is poised to be a dominant player as a redshirt senior.
Georgia: DL Jalen Carter
The Bulldogs’ outstanding defensive front was one of the biggest keys to their title run last season. The line will look different in 2022, but it will be outstanding again with Carter leading the way.
Kentucky: OLB JJ Weaver
He led the Wildcats in sacks (6) and was 2nd in tackles for loss (10) last season even though he wasn’t fully recovered from ACL surgery at the end of the 2020 season. He should be healthier and even better next season.
LSU: DE Ali Gaye
Gaye played in just 4 games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Had he stayed healthy, he would probably be on his way to the NFL now, but he chose to return and he’ll open NFL eyes again in the fall.
Mississippi State: LB Nathaniel Watson
He was 2nd on the team in tackles (83) and sacks (5) last season and will be the Bulldogs’ top defender as a senior in the fall.
Missouri: LB Ty’Ron Hopper
Hopper played 3 seasons at Florida and had career-highs of 62 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season. He was primed to have a more significant role this season and he still will – only with the Tigers and not the Gators.
Ole Miss: LB Troy Brown
Brown joins the Rebels after 3 seasons as a first-team All-MAC selection at Central Michigan. He’s solid against the run but is especially talented in coverage (5 career interceptions, 17 pass break-ups).
South Carolina: S RJ Roderick
Roderick had 64 tackles last season and with Jaylan Foster moving on to the NFL, he will move into the leadership role in the secondary.
Tennessee: Edge Byron Young
Young arrived last season as a relatively green JUCO transfer and was ineligible for the first 2 games. But he got better as the season went along and he should break out this season.
Texas A&M: S Antonio Johnson
Johnson was one of the Aggies’ top defenders while playing the nickel spot as a true sophomore last season. He’ll have an even bigger impact as a junior.
Vanderbilt: LB Anfernee Orji
Orji was named the Commodores’ team MVP last season after making 92 tackles, including 13 for loss. He’ll be at least the defensive MVP next season.
Les East is a New Orleans-based football writer who covers LSU for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow him on Twitter @Les_East.
