Sifting through a month’s worth of notes and spring game footage, it’s time to pass out post-spring practice awards and accolades in the SEC:

SPRING MVPs

  • Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee, QB: Referred to often as the ‘CEO’ of what’s expected to be a high-powered offense, Dobbs was clearly the man in charge during Tennessee’s spring practice as the glue holding everything together for the preseason Eastern Division darkhorse. Dobbs (and a defense heavy on returning starters) is the primary reason why some think Tennessee can hit the 10-win mark for the first time in eight years. He was impressive this spring from a leadership perspective, even more so than his obvious talents as a quarterback.
  • Derrick Henry, Alabama, RB: Finally the featured back in Alabama’s offense, Henry was the topic of conversation from Nick Saban after nearly every practice, pegged as one of the Crimson Tide’s hardest workers this offseason. Saban says Henry has a noticeable ‘burning desire’ to be the best back in college football this season and he has noticed as change in his personality. Henry often kept his mouth shut playing behind T.J. Yeldon, but welcomes the move to forefront as a player Alabama’s counting on to produce. He’s developed into an all-purpose threat and remains one of the SEC’s best athletes — at any position — heading into his junior campaign.
  • Dak Prescott, Mississippi State, QB: Outside of the news-heavy skirmish over break in Panama City, Prescott’s spring season was everything you’d expect from a preseason Heisman candidate — vocal as a leader on the field and dynamic through his play-making ability. The Bulldogs are lucky Prescott returned for another season to further develop his skills as a passer. During the spring game, the multi-year starter was flawless from the pocket and made several throws that would’ve fallen incomplete last season. Prescott’s progressed as a facilitator in Dan Mullen’s balanced scheme and now looks the part through the air.

SPRING BREAKOUT PLAYERS

  • Natrez Patrick, Georgia, LB: Sophomore Lorenzo Carter stole headlines at the position as the Bulldogs’ athletic freak of a pass rusher in Leonard Floyd’s absence, but Patrick was the team’s most surprising impact linebacker according to Mark Richt and second-year DC Jeremy Pruitt. A move from outside to inside means Patrick will get more playing time at a talent-rich position group and have a chance to blossom into another yet playmaker on a loaded defense this season.
  • D.J. Chark, LSU, WR: An unknown touchdown machine this spring, Chark’s no longer a depth option off the bench for the Tigers who will make room for him in the passing game alongside established targets Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Coaches still can’t put a finger on how much Chark has improved since recording no catches in six games last season. He’s playing with confidence and just enough swagger to make himself a threat this fall if his recent spark continues in August. And it should as one of LSU’s fastest players.
  • Dontavian Lee, Mississippi State, RB: One of four ballcarriers competing for the headliner spot in Mullen’s offense next season, Lee was the most consistent rusher during the spring and at times, out-shined projected first-teamer Ashton Shumpert with quality reps. Lee flourished with multiple touchdowns over three scrimmages, imposing his will through a violent running style. He’ll soon be a recognizable force in the SEC West.
  • Kenya Dennis, Mizzou, CB: A player who has made tremendous strides since the end of his junior season after transferring from Hinds Community College, Dennis should give the Tigers a second reliable cornerback opposite of Aarion Penton this fall. Outstanding in coverage and above average against the run, Dennis played his way into a leadership role in the secondary during the second half of his first season at Mizzou and has carried over that momentum this spring. He’s one of the reasons Mizzou wide receivers have struggled so much over the last five weeks.
  • Alvin Kamara, Tennessee, RB: Instant impact. Anyone who has watched Tennessee’s JUCO transfer this spring will agree opposing defenses should have their hands full against the Vols this season. Kamara runs hard between the tackles and gives Dobbs another pass-receiving threat alongside primary ballcarrier Jalen Hurd. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie calls the running back duo CMG, also known as the “Chain-Moving Gang.”

MOST-IMPROVED PLAYERS

  • Leonard Fournette, LSU, RB: Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron claimed Fournette was the Tigers’ most improved player this spring, a terrifying admission considering the sophomore Heisman candidate is coming off a 1,000-yard season as a wet-behind-the-ears rookie. More patient as a runner and more knowledgeable of where to be and when to dissect a defense, wiser Fournette will be one of college football’s most explosive players when he kicks it into high gear in August.
  • Keon Hatcher, Arkansas, WR: Brandon Allen needs a go-to target this season when the Razorbacks use the element of surprise on offense and Hatcher embodies a true No. 1. He was — by far — Arkansas’ most consistent pass-catcher this spring and concluded his complete body of work with a 65-yard touchdown grab in Saturday’s spring game. The potential’s there for a 1,000-yard season if the Razorbacks stick to what offensive coordinator Dan Enos promises will be a more balanced attack.
  • Rico McWilliams, South Carolina, CB: Based on what he showed co-defensive coordinators Jon Hoke and Lorenzo Ward in March and April, McWilliams has a great chance to lock down one of the Gamecocks’ cornerback spots if the season started today. He has leaped Al Harris Jr. in the secondary pecking order and is one of the team’s strongest players. Inconsistent play marred his sophomore campaign, but McWilliams appears ready to make an impact in the Gamecocks’ renovated look this fall.
  • A’Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama: An interior lineman who can play at the nose or five-technique depending on Kirby Smart’s base, Robinson played below expectations last season (by his own merit) following an All-American freshman campaign but he’s made it a point this spring to return to form. And that he has. The Crimson Tide’s most dominant pass rusher during 1-on-1s, Robinson’s shown a readiness to attack up front and a snap-to-snap tenacity he didn’t show much of last fall.