Spring football games don’t count for much in the grander scheme of things but with no meaningful football for another couple of months it’s impossible not to over-analyze them. It’s our first look at this year’s rosters with new faces, different schemes and position battles with a handful of players making a strong first impression. Here is a look at the top spring game MVP’s from SEC teams.
RB: Damien Harris
Alabama Crimson Tide
Bo Scarborough is a Derrick Henry clone with the power, speed and athleticism to be a workhorse running back for the Crimson Tide this season, but it will be difficult to overlook Harris if he continues to perform at such a high level. Harris received praise from his coaches and teammates for his work thing spring and he delivered again in the spring game with 114 rushing yards on 20 carries at Alabama’s A-Day Game. Harris was given the game’s MVP award and head coach Nick Saban raved about his work both in the game and in practice afterward. The sophomore running back has the talent to be a star at the college football level and it won’t be a surprise when he challenges Scarborough for touches this season. Remember that the Tide also lost Kenyan Drake, who served as Henry’s change-of-pace and was one of the team’s leading receivers out of the backfield. There is ample room for Harris to make a name for himself.
LB/DE Arden Key
LSU Tigers
Dave Aranda’s arrival as the defensive coordinator at LSU will mean the change from a 4-3 front to a 3-4 defense. That will mean Key will move from the traditional defensive end roll to the outside linebacker spot where he will play a hybrid “Buck” role up front. The 6’6’’, 225-pound pass rusher brings a ton of pressure off the edge and the move to linebacker could help him gain an even bigger edge when it comes to getting after opposing quarterbacks. Key had 6.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks for the Bayou Bengals last season and he looked good in the spring game where he managed to grab an interception. His versatility and pass rush ability will be two huge factors for the Tigers’ defense this season so look for key to have a major impact for LSU.
WR: Preston Williams
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee has been talked about a lot as one of the most improved teams in the SEC with several key weapons ready to step up, including quarterback Joshua Dobbs. So when the sophomore wide receiver Williams emerged as their best player in the spring game there was a lot of talk about how good the Vols’ offense has the potential to be. Williams shined in the spring game and his emergence is exactly what the Tennessee offense needs to get to another level. He has the frame, quickness and ball skills to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and a strong spring game performance could be a sign of big things to come this season.
The hype train in Knoxville is full steam ahead but the team actually has to deliver the goods. We’ll find out very early on in the season if they’re for real, but young players emerging in spring is a good sign for now.
WR: Jayson Stanley
Georgia Bulldogs
There was a lot of talk about true freshman quarterback Jacob Eason’s performance in this year’s G-Day Game, but in the process, it seemed as though Stanley’s production was somewhat overlooked. The 6’2’’, 204-pound sophomore receiver had four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown while showcasing his smooth route running and soft hands. Stanley has the size and speed to be a No. 1 receiver at Georgia and a strong performance in the spring game is one more indicator that he is on the verge of a breakout year for the Bulldogs in 2016. Some people say he could be the best Georgia receiver since A.J. Green and if that’s the case, that would make Eason’s transition at the quarterback position that much smoother.
