The Alabama Crimson Tide are the defending SEC champions and national champions, but the biggest question now is whether or not they have enough talent in place to repeat both within their own conference and on the national stage. There is no doubt that Alabama returns a pretty impressive cast of players, but they will also lose a ton of talent including most importantly Heisman trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry. Who will step up as part of the next wave of stars? Here is a look at the top five projected breakout players in the SEC for the 2015-16 season.
Bo Scarbrough, Alabama Crimson Tide
Running Back
One of the biggest holes to fill at Alabama will be at the running back position where the departed Henry was the best in the entire country last season. The bad news is that Henry is gone. The good news is that the Tide have another five-star recruit waiting to take over as the team’s leading rusher next season. Scarbrough wasn’t used much playing behind Henry in his freshman year, but he will be primed for a feature role in 2015-16 and there is every indication that he is ready for the opportunity. At 6’2’’ and 240 pounds, Scarborough is the perfect mix of power, strength and speed and he is primed to break out as Alabama’s lead running back next season.
John Franklin III, Auburn Tigers
Quarterback
Auburn’s quarterback situation was an absolute disaster a year ago with Jeremy Johnson benched after just three games and Sean White just as bad after he took over. However, the Tigers are confident that they have fixed their passer situation with the addition of the former Florida State quarterback Franklin, who spent the 2015 season at East Mississippi Junior College. Franklin was a four-star quarterback prospect with a live arm and the ability to move the chains with his legs as well. That dual-threat ability will be important as Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn looks for much better quarterback play next season.
Arden Key, LSU Tigers
Defensive End
Key registered five sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss in nine games as a true freshman last season and expectations will be even higher for the young star next season. In addition to another year of experience and development, Key will also play under the guidance of one of the best defensive line coaches in the entire country in Ed Orgeron as well as defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who takes over after serving in the same capacity for Wisconsin’s second-ranked defense a year ago. Key is an absolute beast at 6’6’’ and 231 pounds so look for Aranda and Orgeron to help him maximize his potential in a breakout 2015-16 season.
Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Quarterback
The Bulldogs will be in tough to fill the hole they have at their quarterback position after they lost Dak Prescott. Mississippi State will turn to sophomore quarterback Nick Fitzgerald with the hope that he can help ease the transition. While there are bound to be a few bumps in the road, there is a lot to like about the young passer. Fitzgerald is 6’5’’ and 227 pounds with a big arm and the ability to run the ball as well. Fitzgerald’s dual-threat ability will be a major asset. It won’t be a surprise if he breaks through as the most dangerous weapon and leader of the Bullogs’ offense in 2015-16.
Trevor Knight, Texas A&M Aggies
Quarterback
It didn’t take long for the Aggies to lose Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray in the same offseason, and now they will be forced to turn to the Oklahoma transfer Knight as their starting quarterback for next season. Knight started 15 games for the Sooners in 2013 and 2014 and while he lost his starting job to Baker Mayfield, he could still be a very good passer at the college level. Texas A&M brought in new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone and he will be tasked with getting the Aggies back on track following a terrible season. Knight might not be an elite college football quarterback, but he should be able to hold his own in the SEC and A&M will lean heavily on his ability as their new starter next season.
