Buy or sell?

The hype train carries SEC fans through the grueling offseason, eight months without games that leaves us searching for potential stars — and story ideas — leading up to the next season.

We’re almost there, a little over two months away from the opener. Here are 10 guys we’re either buying or selling in the SEC this fall:

10. Antonio Morrison, Sr., LB, Florida

Geoff Collins’ first-year defense in Gainesville will be dealt a fatal blow if Morrison, the Gators’ leading tackler last season by a mesmerizing 37 stops, doesn’t return to 100 percent this fall. At full strength, Morrison controls games from the middle, but a serious knee injury is concerning for a player who relies on explosion and athleticism to dominate at the position. I’m selling Morrison’s ability return to All-SEC form and would expect that he’s lost a step once he makes his way back into the lineup.

9. Maty Mauk, Jr., QB, Missouri

If there’s ever a good time to sell the Tigers’ second-year starter, it’s now. He’s a playmaker, yes, but Mauk’s also an inconsistent passer who often makes head-scratching decisions as a quarterback who lacks confidence from the pocket. Mauk’s deficiencies will be magnified this fall unless Mizzou improves at wide receiver in a hurry. Arguably the SEC’s most inexperienced team on the outside heading into August, the Tigers didn’t give their quarterback much help during spring ball which led to limited production on offense. Mauk’s interception total will increase this season if Mizzou doesn’t establish dominance on the ground.

8. Jonathan Jones, Sr., DB, Auburn

Don’t let a team-best six interceptions last season fool you — Jones suffered his fair share of blown coverages and missed tackles as the most reliable defensive back in the Tigers’ putrid secondary as a junior. Those negatives aside, I’m buying the ballhawk this fall and here’s why: Auburn’s starting lineup at the back end should be better across the board thanks to the arrival of Georgia transfer Tray Matthews and promising nickelback Tim Irvin. Jones will have help in centerfield once opposing pass-catchers reach the second level.

7. Alex Collins, Jr., RB, Arkansas

There’s no questions about it — I think Jonathan Williams is the Razorbacks’ best callcarrier. The numbers are similar and Collins’ consecutive 1,000-yard seasons is an admirable feat, but I’m not sold on him being labeled one of college football’s best running backs. The speed and vision is there, but there’s also holes in Collins’ game — notably as a receiving threat and in pass protection — that need to be fixed before he’s a complete back. I’m selling if the offer is favorable.

6. Cam Sutton, Jr., DB, Tennessee

Sporting News recently ranked Tennessee’s multi-year starter at corner as the SEC’s second-best coverman behind Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves and I tied to agree. Sutton will enjoy a lengthy NFL career due to his versatility in the secondary. He has fantastic closing speed, above-average ballskills and is one of college football’s rare corners who can actually make a tackle. If I’m starting a franchise, I’m buying Sutton regardless of cost. He’s a playmaker on the outside and has shown fearless aggression during his first two seasons in the SEC.

5. Laremy Tunsil, Jr., OT, Ole Miss

Last season’s injury is worrisome, but I’d take Tunsil over any tackle heading into the season from a skills perspective — and there’s still plenty of upside. Buy, buy, buy. On some draft boards, he’s the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft, a cornerstone blocker who routinely dominates some of college football’s top pass rushers. Investing in a mountain of a man who protects your franchise player might get you promoted.

4. Duke Williams, Sr., WR, Auburn

If I’m getting an offer I can’t refuse I’d listen, but investing in Williams as a dominant SEC wideout this fall is a sound business decision. Targets will increase with strong-armed passer Jeremy Johnson entering the mix and a 1,000-yard season should be obtainable if Williams remains injury-free (and out of Gus Malzahn’s doghouse). I still prefer Mississippi’s Laquon Treadwell from a complete package standpoint with more reliable hands, but Williams is a big-play threat who stretches the field and should put up some of the SEC’s best numbers at the position in 2015.

3. O.J. Howard, Jr., TE, Alabama

Remember when this former five-star was supposed to breakout last season as one of the focal points in Lane Kiffin’s passing game? If there’s any value left, I’m selling to the highest bidder. He was all but ignored as a sophomore, recording just 17 receptions for 260 yards. Howard hasn’t reached the end zone since his 52-yard scamper vs. LSU on Nov. 9, 2013 and his inconsistency has been baffling at times. There’s at least two, perhaps three, SEC tight ends I’d rank higher in front of Alabama’s missing target.

2. Steve Spurrier, Coach, South Carolina

It’s fair to call the Head Ball Coach an SEC veteran, right? His brilliant career is undoubtedly winding down in a way that’s displeasing to him. By all accounts, it appears the Gamecocks’ window to win the SEC during his tenure is all but closed and this season could be his first with a losing record as a college coach. I’m selling his ability to reverse South Carolina’s fortunes and exceed Vegas’ preseason expectations of 7.5 wins. The schedule’s too difficult and the Gamecocks simply have too many questions on both sides of the football.

1. Dak Prescott, Sr., QB, Mississippi State

I’m buying the SEC’s top returning player at a position that could be embarrassingly bad for the league this season. I wasn’t convinced Prescott was a game-changer under center prior to last fall, but his consistent play as one of college football’s top dual-threats altered my opinion. Based on what I saw during spring practice, he has developed into a reliable passer from the pocket without a glaring weakness and that will pay off in a big way — statistically speaking — this season prior to next year’s NFL draft.