The SEC is established as the best conference in college football with the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide standing alone at the top. The SEC West is one of the deepest divisions in football with Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Arkansas. In order for that to continue, a new class of star players will have to emerge to lead the way next season. Here is a look at the best seniors in the SEC West heading in to the 2016 season.
Chad Kelly, Ole Miss Rebels
Quarterback
Kelly resurrected his career in 2015 when he threw for 31 touchdowns and ran for another 10 while recording 4,542 yards of total offense – third-most in SEC history behind only Johnny Manziel’s 2012 and 2013 seasons. That is a pretty incredible debut for the former Clemson and East Mississippi Community College quarterback and it’s clear that the Rebels have found a star. Kelly could have jumped to the NFL but he decided to return to Ole Miss in order to make one more SEC championship run. Kelly is definitely a gunslinger but he is also arguably the best returning player in the SEC looking forward to 2016.
Jonathan Allen, Alabama Crimson Tide
Defensive End
Allen was expected to be a first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft had he declared, but after surprising everyone and choosing to return to the Crimson Tide there is no doubt that he will be among the best seniors players in the SEC next season. The 6’3’’, 283-pound defensive end finished second in the SEC with 12 sacks, sixth in tackles for a loss with 14.5 and had 36 tackles with two forced fumbles last season. What will he do for an encore? Allen could very well top those totals across the board as a key force coming off the edge for an Alabama defense that has the potential to be very good again in 2016.
Tre’Davious White, LSU Tigers
Cornerback
White is another player that strongly considered leaving for the NFL before he decided to return to LSU for his senior season. He will undoubtedly be the leader of a secondary that is loaded with talent and should thrive behind an improved defensive front. White has four career interceptions, 20 pass breakups and isn’t afraid to step up and make tackles in the run game. He isn’t the tallest cornerback at 5’11’’ but he is a solid 191 pounds and will look to prove that he can match up with wide receivers at any size in the SEC next season.
Lewis Neal, LSU Tigers
Defensive Tackle
Neal will be another key piece on another solid LSU defense after he opted to return for 2016. The 6’2’’, 264-pound defensive tackle is extremely versatile and his talents will be maximized by new coordinator Dave Aranda. Neal registered eight sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss and 48 total tackles as a junior last season and should thrive on a loaded defensive line that also includes Arden Key, Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux back in the mix. LSU is looking for a bounce-back year and they’ll need strong contributions from Neal to get to where they want to be.
Dan Skipper, Arkansas Razorbacks
Tackle
Skipper is an absolute freak of nature at 6’10’’ and 331 pounds. He will once again anchor the left side of the Razorbacks’ offensive line after opting to return to Arkansas for his senior season. Skipper opened his career at guard in 2013, moved to left tackle in 2014 and then to right tackle in 2015. His versatility has always been an asset but this could be the year where he finally reaches his immense potential and thrives on the left side for the Razorbacks. Skipper can be a force protecting against the pass as well as opening up lanes in the run game. We know that Arkansas loves to pound the rock behind one of the biggest offensive lines in the nation. If the team has a good year, he could wind up being a first-round picks in 2017. He will undoubtedly be one of the best seniors in the SEC next season.
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