What defines a playmaker?

Is it a propensity for game-changing, momentum-altering highlights? Maybe the likelihood something goes right when he’s around the football? No matter the definition, all of these players have it, an uncoachable art all programs covet on defense.

In no particular order, here are the SEC’s top defensive playmakers for the 2015 season, athletes who impact the game just by trotting onto the field:

Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia: You could really input any of three (Lorenzo Carter and Jordan Jenkins) Bulldogs’ linebacker-rush edge hybrids in this spot, but we’ll go with Floyd who was voted Georgia’s defensive MVP last season as one of eight SEC players to force at least three fumbles. His six sacks were a team-best as Jeremy Pruitt utilized his talent at several different spots on his defense. Floyd missed spring practice following shoulder surgery but is expected to be at full strength when the season begins as a prime candidate for the SEC’s defensive player of the year honor.

Jonathan Jones, DB, Auburn: A prolific ballhawk in the Auburn secondary, Jones steps into a leadership role as a senior for Will Muschamp’s revamped defense on the Plains after a spectacular junior campaign. He led the SEC in passes defended (18) and finished behind All-American Senquez Golson for the league lead in interceptions with six. Few players can track the flight of the ball and time their leap as well as Jones, Auburn’s best at the back end.

Derek Barnett, DL, Tennessee: The production for this violent pass rusher should exceed most of the nation’s best at his position this fall with a year’s worth of SEC experience — and dominance — in the trenches. Barnett flawlessly ‘sealed the edge’ for the Vols as a freshman with 20.5 tackles for loss, second only to SEC defensive player of the year Shane Ray. He’s cut from the same mold, only bigger than Mizzou’s outgoing athletic rusher. An expert run stopper with brute strength, Barnett got after the passer as well, recording 10 sacks. Only Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett had more for Power 5 freshmen.

Marquis Haynes, DL, Ole Miss: Robert Nkemdiche is the Rebels’ poster boy and Tony Conner’s earned nationwide respect for his dominance in the secondary, but it was Haynes who was the most consistent pass rusher — and playmaker — last season. At weak-side defensive end, Haynes led or was tied for the team lead in sacks (7.5), tackles for losses (9.0), forced fumbles (3) and quarterback hurries (8) and for his efforts was named a freshman All-American. He posted those numbers despite limited snaps, making just four starts. Haynes’ production could skyrocket this season since he’s no longer an unknown on the Western Division’s most talented defense.

Myles Garrett, DL, Texas A&M: College football’s leading freshman sackmaster last season, Garrett exceeded expectations as a five-star talent and broke the Aggies’ single-season and Jadeveon Clowney’s SEC freshman record for sacks in a season (11.5). He’s a cornerstone talent for John Chavis in College Station, a speed rusher waiting to be unleashed in one-gap situations.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama: The Crimson Tide took their first step toward defending the SEC title in January after this linebacker announced he was returning for his senior season as the leader of a defense hoping to repair its ego following the loss to Ohio State. Ragland led all Alabama linebackers in tackles (95) last season as a first-year starter and is an All-American candidate this fall. Like teammate Reuben Foster, Ragland’s penchant for bone-rattling hits changes games and ignites the intensity level for Kirby Smart’s defense.

Stephen Weatherly, LB, Vanderbilt: Lost amidst a disappointing season in Nashville was this productive linebacker, a player who blossomed on the outside in Derek Mason’s new-look 3-4 scheme. Weatherly’s 12.5 tackles for loss was the most for the Commodores since Tim Fugger’s 13.5 in 1998. Against Tennessee, he posted five stops behind the line of scrimmage. Paired with Nigel Bowden and Zach Cunningham, Weatherly gives the Commodores their most impressive group of linebackers in nearly a decade.

Vernon Hargreaves, DB, Florida: A premiere coverman and sure early-round draft pick in 2016, Hargreaves is the complete package at corner for the Gators. He can run, tackle, make plays on the ball and best of all, isn’t afraid to lock down the opposition’s best receiver. Hargreaves has an excellent shot to join elite company by becoming a three-time All-SEC defensive back.