As we get ready to take a closer look at the SEC’s quarterbacks, both current and historical, let’s get started by handing out some superlatives to the SEC’s returning passers.

Most accurate — Kyle Allen, Texas A&M: As a freshman starter at the end of last season, Allen had his ups and downs adjusting to the college game. He proved himself to be very efficient at delivering the ball to his receivers, as well as an ability to make a wide array of throws. He completed more than 61 percent of his passes on the year, and in his final four starts that completion percentage rose to better than 65 percent. Allen has the traits of a star quarterback, and it starts with his ability to hit his receivers on any route.

Biggest arm — Jeremy Johnson, Auburn: Based on what Johnson showed in Saturday’s spring game, he’s going to bring a new dimension to Gus Malzahn’s offense with his ability to launch the ball downfield. The rising junior is set to be a difference-maker for the Tigers, and while he can run — Malzahn insists the offense won’t change from Marshall to Johnson — his biggest asset is his arm. This fall, get excited to watch Johnson drop back and sling it for the Tigers.

Best runner — Dak Prescott, Mississippi State: Prescott doesn’t lack for quarterback skills, and he showed improvement throwing the ball over the course of his outstanding 2014. While he was near the top of the SEC in passing efficiency, Prescott’s biggest strength is his running ability, and he racked up 986 yards and 14 touchdowns last fall. He’s not just fast and elusive, which several breakaway touchdown runs attest to, but he has the power in his 6-foot-2, 230-pound frame to run between the tackles as well, making him as versatile of a running threat as there is in the SEC.

Fastest — Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee: In his first year as starter, Dobbs showed he’s more than capable of making defenses pay with his legs. He was running 4.6 second 40-yard dashes in high school, and he put that speed on full display when he took over as a starter last year. Dobbs did an excellent job evading pass rushers and extending plays with his legs behind Tennessee’s shaky offensive line, helping to revive the Volunteers’ season. With an improved line this year, Dobbs will be able to be a little more selective with when he burns defenses by foot.

Best game manager — Brandon Allen, Arkansas: Many times, the “game manager” tag is a coded way of saying a quarterback is not very good. That’s not the case with Allen, who is a very good quarterback that simply isn’t asked to do much. While Allen doesn’t get a ton of help from his receiving corps, he’s more than capable of making throws when the Razorbacks need him to. As a senior, Allen will be trusted with more of the offense as Bret Bielema hopes to be a little more balanced.

Biggest — Patrick Towles, Kentucky: He’s nowhere near the size of Kentucky legend Jared Lorenzen, but Towles is built like a house at 6-foot-5 and 238 pounds. That size has helped Towles stand tall and calm in the pocket as starter. After outplaying redshirt freshman Drew Barker this year, Towles will once again lead Kentucky’s Air Raid offense this fall.

Smallest — Treon Harris, Florida: At the other end of the spectrum from Towles is Harris, who stands at just 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds. He uses his smaller stature to his advantage, with speed and elusiveness that helped him operate as a freshman. While he had some trouble throwing the ball downfield last year, and fell behind this spring due to injury, Harris has the athleticism to help make up for his lack of size.

Most experienced — Maty Mauk, Missouri: Thanks to a huge amount of turnover over the last two years in the SEC, there aren’t many multi-year starters at quarterback hanging around. While Prescott actually has more career starts to his name than Mauk (20 to 18), Mizzou’s signal caller has started in two straight SEC championship games after taking over as starter late in his redshirt freshman season, giving him the nod here. With all that experience, Mauk will be counted on to take a big step forward this fall — something that didn’t happen this spring — if the Tigers are to three-peat as East champions.