Anyone who paid attention to the 2013 Southeastern Conference Media Days could spot the difference in this year’s edition.
While well-known players like college football bad boy Johnny Manziel and future No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Jadeveon Clowney graced the event last year, there was a glaring absence of surefire superstars at the 2014 SEC Media Days last week in Hoover, Ala.
Five teams sent a quarterback to address the media this year, compared with the nine schools that did so in 2013. There were as many offensive lineman present at Media Days than quarterbacks and running backs combined, and Texas A&M even brought its punter.
But that doesn’t mean all the SEC’s talent left with the huge crop of players taken in the NFL Draft. Though the conference probably won’t be as offensive-oriented as it was last season, there are several viable candidates ready to emerge as the stars of the SEC.
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, 232 pounds, Gurley is one of the most fearsome and versatile running backs in the nation.
The junior is a powerful runner with outstanding vision that makes him a perfect fit in the Bulldogs’ zone rushing scheme. Gurley possesses a quick burst and deceptive breakaway speed for a running back his size, and he proved his receiving capabilities by hauling in 37 passes and a team-high six touchdowns in 2013.
The only concern for Gurley is longevity against punishing SEC defenses. He missed three games last season after suffering an ankle injury, but the occasional rotation with backup Keith Marshall should keep Gurley healthy enough to handle his massive workload.
Despite playing in only 10 games, Gurley still rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Avoiding injury will be key for Gurley to be a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy.
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
Last season could justifiably be deemed Prescott’s breakout year, but the junior quarterback is capable of much more in 2014.
Prescott led Mississippi State rushers with 829 yards on the ground and accounted for 25 total touchdowns and about 255 total yards per game. He outperformed senior Tyler Russell in the Bulldogs’ two-quarterback system, posting a 4-3 record in his seven starts in 2013.
The junior is a shifty runner despite his 6-foot-2-inch, 235-pound frame and makes up for his average speed with excellent anticipation and vision. Prescott established himself as Mississippi State’s leader after returning from an elbow injury to lead the Bulldogs to an overtime win against in-state rival Ole Miss.
For Prescott to achieve widespread acclaim, he must improve his pocket passing. The junior completed only 58.4 of his passes and threw seven interceptions to 10 touchdowns, but those numbers should get better as the Bulldogs return their top four receivers from last season.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
If his performance in 2013 is any indication, Treadwell is poised to rewrite the Rebels’ record books.
Treadwell earned a spot on the Freshman First Team All-America squad and shattered Ole Miss freshman records with 72 receptions, 608 yards and five touchdowns. At times, he outshined fellow receiver Donte Moncrief, who was a third-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
The 2013 SEC Freshman of the Year is on the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to the nation’s outstanding college football receiver.
His quickness and athleticism made him the ideal slot receiver, but the sophomore put on about 30 pounds as part of his transition to the No. 1 receiver spot. If he can sharpen his route-running and retain his quick first step and athleticism, Treadwell may be the most difficult SEC receiver to contain this season.
Marcus Rodrigue is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Thibodaux, La.