By now, we’ve all become more than familiar with the narrative that tells us the SEC isn’t a quarterbacks conference. Those that push such a narrative try to convince us that the conference is only about defense, about speed.
Yet, somehow, that narrative fails to acknowledge the fact that since 2007, three of the conference’s quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy.
Such is often the case for shortsighted and groupthink-driven story-lines. In 2015, the conference returns plenty of talent that should have fans and media alike chatting about some of the top signal callers in the country, including one that should be in the mix to bring yet another Heisman Trophy to the conference, and another whose hype has reached almost mythical levels in the Deep South.
It’s time to take a look at some of the top quarterback story-lines in the SEC.
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State: Are we all over the lame fiasco surrounding Prescott’s alleged spring break activities? Good, because it’s time to talk about the conference’s best quarterback, and someone who should be in the running for the Heisman Trophy at the end of the season. Prescott accounted for 41 touchdowns and nearly 4,500 yards of offense in 2014, completely taking the SEC by storm and helping Hail State get back on the national radar. Yes, he’ll need to improve upon the 11 interceptions he threw last season, but we could be in store for a monster season from the senior. Can Prescott match the kinds of numbers that two recent SEC, Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, and Cam Newton, put up?
Kyle Allen, Texas A&M: Allen’s first season in College Station was a wild one, seeing inconsistent action early on in the season, missing a three game stretch during October, and then returning to the fold as the Aggies’ top guy. Through all of that, Allen threw for 16 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 1,322 yards. Sure, none of those numbers will blow you away, but his performances at Auburn and against West Virginia in A&M’s bowl game were spectacular, and gave everyone a glimpse of just how good the true freshman could be.
Maty Mauk, Missouri: Mauk has, at times, been considered head coach Gary Pinkel’s final shot at making a run with Mizzou. That has been an interesting take, given the almost immediate success that the Tigers have had in the SEC, and the fact that Pinkel just received a contract extension through 2021. The time for Mauk, however, is now. Outside of a disastrous day against Florida last season–throwing 9-for-21 and four interceptions–Mauk was plenty effective, tossing 25 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. If the Tigers want to return to the SECCG, he’ll need to take the next step in his development as a junior.
Jake Coker, Alabama: For such a high profile program, it feels like we never talk about the Tide’s signal caller nearly enough. After transferring in from Florida State, Coker looks like the heir apparent for Nick Saban’s offense. Coker is unproven on almost every level, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t talented. It would have been nice for him to work with Amari Cooper, but it isn’t like Alabama is hurting for offensive support around him. Still, for a team expected to make a run back towards the College Football Playoff, such uncertainty regarding a starting quarterback can be worrisome.
Jeremy Johnson, Auburn: The buzz out of Auburn is crazy right now in regards to Johnson. Gus Malzahn just named Johnson the starter, officially kicking off the post Nick Marshall era. Johnson isn’t considered to be as elusive of a runner as Marshall was, but possesses far superior skills in the air, attacking the defense at all three levels. Given that it will be Johnson’s first shot at being “the man”, there are likely to be some tense moments, but Auburn has plenty of talent surrounding him that will make life much easier for one of the SEC West favorites.
