The beauty of spring games is a third-string running back and a fifth-year linebacker can share the same headlines, if only for an afternoon before the true countdown clocks begin to get us through the summer.

Here are key players who are capable of turning in an MVP performance in April as their team puts the wraps on the biggest tuneup of the offseason:

RELATED: Spring game kickoff time, TV info

Alabama: Plenty of attention will be on the front seven and the replacements for the headliners of last season. But watch out for Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety, and how he could catch Jalen Hurts looking to develop the passing game and turn that into an interception or two. Fitzpatrick is already receiving early Heisman mentions, and those will only increase with the televised attention this game will bring.

Arkansas: With all the attention of budding superstar Rawleigh Williams III, look for his backfield mate Devwah Whaley to steal the show. Don’t be surprised if he matches his three-touchdown total from last season. Whaley’s emergence will also give credence to the idea of a two-back threat with Williams.

Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Devwah Whaley (21) rushes during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Ole Miss 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn: Sal Cannella will draw plenty of chatter following a splash at tight end in the A-Day game where the new Chip Lindsey offense is out for all to see. Cannella’s insertion into the lineup could go a long way toward deciding the quarterback competition and how his presence shapes the new offense. There’s plenty of potential to top last year’s program numbers of two catches for two tight ends for the whole season.

Florida: Feleipe Franks asserts himself at the top of the list of the quarterback competition as he takes advantage of one of the best receiving duos in the SEC in Antonio Callaway and Tyrie Cleveland, and 80 percent of the offensive line back. Franks will look to calm an anxious fan base that’s watched 10 quarterbacks start in seven seasons since Tim Tebow quarterbacked the Gators.

Georgia: Defensive back Mecole Hardman saw brief action as a freshman in 2016, but his greatest contribution this year could be replacing the dazzling speedster Isaiah McKenzie in the return game. Look for him to take an interception back for a touchdown against either young quarterback and really show his worth in the return game. Hardman will remind many why he was the top-ranked athlete in the 2016 recruiting class.

Kentucky: Denzil Ware, Sihiem King and Jeff Badet stole the show in last year’s Blue-White game, but this time it’ll be Dorian Baker, who has been plagued recently by hamstring injuries and dropped passes.

Oct 3, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) looks on during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Eastern Kentucky 34-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

If for one afternoon, Baker puts it all together as the elder statesman in the Wildcats’ receiving corps. Baker has led the Wildcats in receiving over multiple seasons, and this splash in the spring game could be a launching point to a banner senior campaign.

LSU: Andre Anthony will use the combination of academic adversity last season, and the absence of Arden Key this spring, to grab the spotlight in the spring game. There’s never too many pass rushers, and Anthony fills a temporary void of Key being away to collect three sacks in the spring game. Anthony didn’t practice in full pads with the Tigers until December last season, but you wouldn’t realize it after this performance.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs’ top three pass rushers in 2016 were seniors, so it comes in handy for defensive end Kobe Jones to fill the void. Jones was well known as a 4-star recruit by 247 Sports, and while he redshirted last season, his future impact was not overlooked. The Starkville native has had a year to fill out his frame to be a true defensive tackle and approach 300 pounds.

Missouri: Watch for former Oregon State commit and early enrollee Isaiah Miller to assert himself into the backfield discussion with a couple of big runs for touchdowns. The Jacksonville, Fla., product has some combination of quickness to bust through holes, and top-end speed that puts him in the conversation with Damarea Crockett and Ish Witter. His power with that speed will lead him to eventually be an every-down back.

Ole Miss: Regardless of the NCAA’s shadow over the Grove Bowl, running back Jordan Wilkins will make a triumphant return after being academically ineligible in 2016 in what was expected to be a breakout campaign.

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Jordan Wilkins (22) celebrates his 36-yard touchdown run with wide receiver Derrick Jones (19) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the third quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Wilkins has the experience and capability to be a productive contributor in 2017, and that starts in the spring game. Wilkins exceeding expectations will ease the blow of the Rebels missing out on 5-star recruit Cam Akers.

South Carolina: Linebacker Skai Moore might be the most decorated All-SEC player who missed last season, but his performance in the spring game will remind so many of his value. It could be the slew of tackles he’s sure to collect, or simply the coverage in the passing game. The bottom line is whatever defensive success the Gamecocks have, look for Moore to be in the middle of it.

Tennessee: Evan Berry, who was injured at the end of last season, has the ability to contribute in all three phases of the game, though he’s most known for his kickoff return prowess, which led the nation two seasons ago. While that’s limited because of the rules in this game, Berry makes key plays on defense, and even makes a cameo on offense to whet the appetite of the fan base.

Texas A&M: Linebacker Otaro Alaka will take a step toward locking down the middle linebacker position by being in the middle of a host of plays as Alaka and the rest of the linebacking corps looked to calm an anxious fan base. Alaka, at 240 pounds, managed 74 tackles last season, and his spring game contributions will remind fans why he was a coveted recruit.

Vanderbilt: While a tall order, Oren Burks is the closest thing the Commodores have to replacing Zach Cunningham. Burks’ versatility is probably his best attribute as he’s moved from safety to linebacker, and then inside linebacker last season. No matter where he starts on the field, he makes his presence felt, and that will be the case again in this spring game, though a television audience won’t be able to enjoy it.