Roughly half the SEC knew its starting quarterback for 2017 as soon as last season came to a close.

In terms of a team perspective, the most accomplished quarterback in the SEC in 2016 was Alabama QB Jalen Hurts. He led the Crimson Tide to an SEC West title, a conference championship and College Football Playoff berth and was discussed as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate.

The most sought-after high school prospect of the current SEC quarterbacks was Georgia’s Jacob Eason, a former 5-star recruit in the class of 2016. After sharing reps to start the season, Eason quickly took over the starting job and held onto it for the rest of the year.

According to ESPN Radio host Bo Bounds, however, the best returning quarterback is neither Hurts nor Eason. On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Bounds said it’s Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State.

Bounds’ comments caught the attention of fans of Alabama, Arkansas and others, and the Mississippi radio host was ready to defend his argument.

From a passing yards perspective, Fitzgerald (2,423) trailed returning quarterbacks Eason (2,430), Hurts (2,780), Missouri’s Drew Lock (3,399) and Arkansas’ Austin Allen (3,430). Fitzgerald’s 10 interceptions put him at No. 13 in the conference in interceptions, tied with Lock, but ahead of Allen (15). He also ranked No. 11 in completions percentage at 54.3 Fitzgerald was, however, the top rushing quarterback in the SEC last season with 1,375 yards on the ground. Hurts came in second with 954 rushing yards.

Bounds’ appearance on “Finebaum” is unlikely to be the last we hear of the SEC quarterback debate involving Fitzgerald, Hurts, Allen and others.