Offensive lineman are often overlooked — until a defensive lineman blows past one on his way to a sack. Whatever positive attention that does find its way to the front five usually focuses on the tackles. While controlling those pass rushing defensive ends is important, the shortest distance to the opposing backfield runs through the interior linemen.

The league is losing some talented interior linemen this season, as Alabama’s Ryan Kelly, LSU’s Vadal Alexander and Arkansas’ Sebastian Tretola are moving on to the NFL. But, as is always the case in the SEC, the cupboard is far from bare.

Here are few interior linemen worth watching in 2016:

Devon Desper, Mississippi State — The Madison, Miss., native had a strong junior season. He also showed his versatility in the Belk Bowl, shifting from right to left guard after an injury to center Jamaal Clayborn.

Jordan Sims, Ole Miss — Sims played in every game and made four starts at right guard for the Rebels as a redshirt freshman. He’ll have the inside track on a full-time starting gig next season with the team’s losses on the offensive line.

Cam Dillard, Florida — The Michigan native impressed in his first season as a starter at center for the Gators. He’ll be one of three returnees up front in 2016.

Maea Teuhema, LSU — Teuhema had a strong true freshman season for the Tigers, and is one of three players coming back in 2016 to help clear the way for RB Leonard Fournette.

Ross Pierschbache, Alabama — A redshirt freshman from Cedar Falls, Iowa, Pierschbache made the most of his first season as a starter for the Crimson Tide, earning a Freshman All-American nod from The Sporting News.

Coleman Thomas, Tennessee — Thomas started 11 games at center and one at right tackle for the Volunteers in 2015, and is one of four linemen slated to return to Knoxville next fall.

Ethan Pocic, LSU — Was a second team All-SEC pick by the coaches at center. He passed on declaring early for the NFL Draft, in part because of a hip injury that may keep him out of spring ball.

Dylan Wiesman, Tennessee — The Cincinnati native was a second-team All-SEC selection while making 11 starts at right guard and one over on the left side in 2015. Like Thomas, Wiesman will bring a great deal of experience to Tennessee’s offensive line in 2o16.

Braden Smith, Auburn — The Kansas native started 12 games at right guard and one at right tackle for the Tigers en route to second-team All-SEC honors. Don’t be surprised if Smith gets a shot to play one of the tackle positions in 2016.

Brandon Kublanow, Georgia — Kublanow started 10 games at center and three more at guard for the Bulldogs in 2015. It was his work at center that earned him second-team All-SEC honors, and he’ll likely be lining up there for his senior season as well.