Some are unproven, others underrated. There’s a few waiting on opportunity, many too comfortable. Fifteen spring practices give SEC coaching staffs a glimpse into the talent pool heading into the workouts that matter this summer, a pivotal four-week stretch before the games begin.

RELATED: SEC East’s spring breakout stars

We project the SEC West’s spring breakout stars:

Alabama Crimson Tide: Marlon Humphrey, DB
Blessed with speed and athleticism, this redshirt freshman will see his share of snaps in an oft-criticized secondary this season. While the Crimson Tide return a couple starters, the loss of All-American Landon Collins means the quarterback of the back end is no longer in uniform. Humphrey helps Alabama in several areas, notably as an enforcer alongside cover man Tony Brown.

Arkansas Razorbacks: Jared Cornelius, WR
This rising sophomore has great upside and will have every opportunity to earn the Razorbacks’ trust, notably Brandon Allen, on offense this season. With returning top receiver Keon Hatcher expected to receive much of the defensive focus, it’s important Cornelius becomes a reliable target with big-play potential. We’ll see this month if he’s ready.

Auburn Tigers: Roc Thomas, RB
Five-star JUCO transfer Jovon Robinson has received most of the buzz, but Thomas has worked hard to earn the lion’s share of the carries as a sophomore as well. One of the fiercest position battles during spring practice will be in the Auburn backfield, a job Thomas wants to win and not hand over be default.

LSU Tigers: Kevin Toliver II, DB
Talented enough to develop into a future franchise corner, Toliver will provide depth as a true freshman in the SEC’s finest secondary, a group returning Tre’Davious White, Jalen Mills and Jamal Adams. We know what those three can do, but it’s Toliver who will unleash another dimension to a stout defense against the pass.

Mississippi Rebels: Tony Bridges, DB
The nation’s top JUCO cornerback will make an instant impact on a loaded defense that should be able to withstand the loss of All-Americans Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt in the secondary. The late Auburn flip is a physical defender with tremendous ball skills. He’s going to be a great fit on an athletic and hard-hitting unit.

Mississippi State Bulldogs: Ashton Shumpert, RB
A serious issues for the Bulldogs heading into spring practice is finding a player to step up in the wake of Josh Robinson’s departure, one of the straws that stirred the drink on one of the SEC’s top rushing attacks last season. Shumpert has pressure to succeed and if not him, Brandon Holloway. If Mississippi State doesn’t have a run game comparable to its 2014 production, quarterback Dak Prescott’s in for a long season in Starkville.

Texas A&M Aggies: Shaan Washington, LB
Myles Garrett and now five-star tackle Daylon Mack may headline John Chavis’ revamped defense in College Station, but Washington is the player Texas A&M needs to produce. Thin at the linebacker spot following sophomore Jordan Mastrogiovanni’s departure, Washington gives the Aggies a playmaker in the middle. He posted 64 tackles in nine games last season after missing a quarter of the season due to injury.