With spring practices getting into full swing, we take a look at each SEC West team’s most important spring practice battle.

Alabama — Quarterback: Jacob Coker is the presumed favorite to start, but that was the case in fall practices a year ago too. If the Florida State transfer can’t establish himself in spring practice, Alabama will go into the fall with a real quandary: will they start Coker, or turn to a freshman (either Blake Barnett or David Cornwell) to direct Lane Kiffin’s offense?

Arkansas — No. 2 receiver: The Razorbacks are going to run the ball, and run it often, but one-dimensional offenses have a hard time surviving in the SEC. The Razorbacks will have to be able to throw it at some point. Brandon Allen is very capable at quarterback, and Keon Hatcher has the ability to be a top-flight SEC receiver. Finding a player to line up opposite of Hatcher will be crucial for the Hogs.

Auburn — Running back: Earning the starting running back designation in Gus Malzahn’s offense has been a one-way ticket to the top of the SEC’s rushing standings the last two years. With Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant and Nick Marshall graduating, the Tigers have to replace nearly all of their rushing production. Jovon Robinson and Roc Thomas will battle it out for the starting job.

LSU — Quarterback: It’s been written a thousand and one times, but LSU’s 2015 fortunes will come down to how the quarterback position shakes out. If Anthony Jennings doesn’t improve by leaps and bounds, or if Brandon Harris still can’t beat him out, there will be major reason for concern in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi State — Running back: Dan Mullen’s offense produces 1,000-yard rushers like clockwork, and it’s a vital job for making Dak Prescott’s life easier. Ashton Shumpert and Brandon Holloway will be the two contenders to run alongside Prescott this spring.

Ole Miss — Quarterback: Bo Wallace, for all of his foibles, gave the Rebels an answer at quarterback every week. Now, Hugh Freeze has to hope Chad Kelly can keep it together. If Kelly doesn’t prove to be the answer, Freeze will have to count on DeVante Kincade to his game up.

Texas A&M — Safety: It wasn’t the biggest weakness on a bad Texas A&M defense last year, but it’s the biggest question for John Chavis this spring. Floyd Raven and Howard Matthews were both seniors, leaving both starting spots open. Armani Watts looks like a football player, but he struggled with tracking down and tackling ball carriers last year. Watts, JUCO transfer Justin Evans will compete with guys like Nick Harvey and several incoming freshmen for the starting roles.