The absolute worst part about training camps and preseason is the unfortunate reality of injuries that could have devastating effects on teams even before the season begins. While it might not get as much attention at the college level the same can certainly be said about injuries that impact some of college football’s top teams. The SEC is widely regarded as college football’s premier conference but that doesn’t mean its teams are immune. Here is a look at the injuries expected to have the biggest impact in the SEC this season.
Jonathan Williams, Arkansas Razorbacks
Running Back
Williams was widely considered one of the SEC’s best rushers and best NFL prospects at the position before a foot injury suffered in practice ended his senior season before it even began. The Razorbacks are loaded at the running back position but Williams was the best of them and he proved it last year when he ran for 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns despite the fact that opposing defenses were stacking the box near the line of scrimmage. Arkansas will be forced to lean on Alex Collins, Rawleigh Williams and Kody Walker, and all three will have to perform at a high level in order to offset the loss of the injured Williams in the backfield this season.
Jalen Mills, LSU Tigers
Safety
Mills is the best player in a loaded LSU secondary and while he is expected to return from a leg injury suffered in practice at some point, the latest is that he won’t play until at least the third game of the season. Mills has elite athleticism, cover skills and versatility and was considered by many to be a potential first-round pick heading in to this season. Now the LSU coaches are waiting to see how quickly Mills can recover from this injury as they hope to have him ready for their third game of the year when they play Auburn. If he endures any setbacks, this defense will take a major hit.
Antonio Morrison, Florida Gators
Linebacker
Morrison earned second-team All-SEC honors last season when he led the Gators with 101 tackles but expectations have been tempered for him this season after last year’s season-ending knee injury in the Birmingham Bowl. Morrison has had two operations on that knee since he suffered the injury and while he has worked hard to get back in shape for the season, he has been limited to non-contact drills. There is no telling how he will perform when he does play. Florida will rely heavily on its defense in the SEC this season and they would have been that much better if they had Morrison in the lineup.
Rod Taylor, Ole Miss Rebels
Offensive Line
The most impactful injuries in the SEC are by no means limited to the skill positions and an argument can be made that some of the biggest injuries will be the ones to players that thrive in the trenches. That includes the Ole Miss guard Taylor. The 6’3’’ 320-pound lineman was getting first-team reps at the guard position before he suffered a torn labrum in a freak accident while participating in a boxing match. Taylor could try to play through the injury early on in the year but if Ole Miss is forced to shut him down, it will have a major impact on the Rebels line.
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Harold Brantley, Missouri Tigers
Defensive Tackle
Missouri was already hit hard when Shane Ray and Markus Golden left for the NFL, and now they have to deal with the loss of Brantley after a car crash that will lead to him missing the entire season. Brantley was fortunate to avoid life-threatening injuries but it was a huge blow to a Tigers line that was the strength of the defense last season. We’ll see if they have the depth to handle the loss of another key defensive stud.
