Success at the quarterback position is an unknown mystery at most SEC programs heading into the 2015 season, but there’s four distinguishable categories in which projected starter fits:

TOP RETURNER

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State — Dak is back. The SEC has a star player to hang its hat on heading into the 2015 season thanks to Prescott’s decision to return for his final campaign in Starkville as the dual-threat leader of Dan Mullen’s offense. Prescott’s return means the Bulldogs will continue to threaten others offensively despite the loss of tailback Josh Robinson and slot receiver Jameon Lewis. Prescott will try and thrust this program back into the national spotlight after a stellar 2014 outing with marquee games weekly in the SEC West.

MIXED BAGS WITH EXPERIENCE

Maty Mauk, Mizzou — Say what you want about this rising junior’s head-scratching freelance decisions from the pocket, but the kid has helped the Tigers win consecutive division titles and during his first season as a starter, finished second to South Carolina’s Dylan Thompson in the East for total touchdown passes (25). Mauk’s a gritty player who knows how to win despite decision-making that isn’t often indicative of success at the position.

Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee — The SEC East’s top quarterback in terms of touchdown production over the final six games last fall, Dobbs is the primary reason many have the Vols labeled as the league’s darkhorse heading into next season. He’s the ideal facilitator in Butch Jones’ scheme and seems to know where to go with the football and when to run.

Brandon Allen, Arkansas — Allen has never wowed opposing defenses with raw talent, but the veteran quarterback shook off a disappointing sophomore campaign to accumulate a 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio last season and lead the Razorbacks to a bowl win. He’s the prototypical play-action quarterback and when he avoids giveaways, can direct one of the SEC’s better offenses.

MORE LEFT TO PROVE

Treon Harris, Florida — We know Jim McElwain is high on this dual-threat quarterback based on what we heard during ESPN’s Birmingham Bowl telecast, but does Harris truly fit McElwain’s fast-paced scheme? Perhaps redshirt freshman Will Grier will be the guy to lead the Gators in 2015, a player with a better-developed skill set as a passer. It’ll be interesting to see how this competition shakes out during spring ball and into fall practice in Gainesville prior to the opener.

Jeremy Johnson, Auburn — This strong-armed passer provides the Tigers with pocket presence and gives Gus Malzahn’s offense a new wrinkle through the air. Most are expecting Auburn’s offense to be just fine with Nick Marshall under center based on what this rising junior has shown during brief glimpses over the last two seasons. Once he develops relationships with various weapons at his disposal, Johnson could be the best of the group in this category.

Kyle Allen, Texas A&M — No longer expected to be in a heated position battle this spring, Allen has the keys to Texas A&M’s uptempo offense now that Kenny Hill has decided to transfer and incoming five-star commit Kyler Murray hasn’t yet finalized his college decision. Allen improved as the season progressed last fall and executed Jake Spavital’s game plan well in the Aggies’ bowl victory. He only has a handful of starts under his belt, but Allen’s off to a promising start.

Jacob Coker, Alabama — Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s decision to stay at Alabama another season benefits Coker perhaps more than any coach + player combination in the SEC. Kiffin will call plays based on the former Florida State transfer’s strengths and won’t ask him to do anything he can’t handle. Coker may have an edge on Blake Sims based on arm strength, but mobility could be a factor in how the Crimson Tide’s offense changes a bit.

PREPPING FOR SPRING PRACTICE INTERVIEWS

Patrick Towles, Kentucky — Under constant scrutiny at the position, Towles suffered a midseason fall from grace much like the rest of the Wildcats last season. Drew Barker will have something to say about playing time when spring practice heats up and former West Virginia offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson makes a decision on who manages the offense.

Brice Ramsey, Georgia — This rising redshirt sophomore is the clear leader in the Bulldogs’ quarterback race to replace fifth-year senior Hutson Mason in what’s expected to be a run-heavy offense under new OC Brian Schottenheimer. Ramsey played in mop-up duty six times as a true freshman and at times, showed why he was a highly-recruited four-star in the 2013 class. Jacob Park and Faton Bauta are two others vying for the spot.

Connor Mitch, South Carolina — Most expect Mitch to start the 2015 opener, but Steve Spurrier said last weekend his team is still looking for a quarterback in what he has described as a four-player race between Perry Orth, Michael Scarnecchia and incoming freshman Lorenzo Nunez. Despite a record-setting passing year from Dylan Thompson last fall, the Gamecocks would like to have the dual-threat element back under center like they had with Connor Shaw. In the running department, Mitch is a bit limited.

Anthony Jennings, LSU — Jennings kept his job almost by default last season since five-star true freshman Brandon Harris proved he wasn’t ready for the big stage, yet. After tossing five touchdown passes in his first two starts as a sophomore, Jennings threw just six the rest of the way with seven interceptions. He lacked confidence from the pocket and the Tigers became a one-dimensional offense by the season’s midway point. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s hoping to see a different player when the Tigers open spring practice in March.

Johnny McCrary, Vanderbilt — Handcuffed at the position throughout Derek Mason’s first season, the Commodores at least made defenses think a bit when McCrary was on the field, a player with big-play ability despite, at times, a reckless nature with the football. First-year play-caller Andy Ludwig promises to throw the football this fall, so there’s some massive improvement needing to happen for McCrary to hold down his job. Stephen Rivers’ decision to transfer helps.

Devante Kincade, Ole Miss — Few teams have the luxury of a three-year starter under center (Bo Wallace) which will certainly take some getting used to next season for the Rebels. Kincade will only be a sophomore with minimal experience, but appears to have the lead on JUCO transfer Chad Kelly based on how this offseason’s off-the-field antics.