The SEC is no stranger to quarterback turnover.
And 2016 promises to be no different, as the conference could potentially see just two quarterbacks from 2015 — Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly and Josh Dobbs of Tennessee — retain their starting roles. That makes for plenty of new-look offenses in an SEC that is looking to once again reload its talent at the skill positions.
Of course, there could be as many as eight returning starters at quarterback, but offseason competition and position shuffling — such as Florida’s Treon Harris to wide receiver — should shake up the composition at all the skill positions for many SEC teams.
Here’s a look at the top three teams returning in 2016 in terms of skill positions.
OLE MISS REBELS
Key Returners: Chad Kelly, QB; Evan Engram, TE; Quincy Adeboyejo, WR; Damore’ea Stringfellow, WR; Markell Pack, WR
Ole Miss returns arguably the most dangerous offense in SEC, thanks in large part to its field general Chad Kelly. Kelly surprised everyone in 2015 by leading the conference in passing with 4,042 yards and 31 touchdowns. He returns for his senior season to build off his 2015 momentum that saw the Rebels upset of Alabama and earn a resounding Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma State.
Just for good measure, Freeze added the nation’s No. 1 pro-style quarterback Shea Patterson and a plethora of talented prep receivers in this year’s recruiting class.
The biggest dings against the offense are losing Laquon Treadwell and his 2,393 career yards and 21 touchdowns, as well as left tackle Laremy Tunsil, to the NFL. The Rebels are deep, however, at wide receiver and should see Quincy Adeboyejo (604 yards, 7 TDs), Damore’ea Stringfellow (503 yards, 5 TDs) and tight end Evan Engram (464 yards, 2 TDs).
Ole Miss also loses its leading rusher Jaylen Walton to graduation, but returns a stable of capable backs, led by former No. 1 JUCO running back Akeem Judd. The senior is re-joined by Jordan Wilkins and Eugene Brazley, a trio that combined 1,022 yards and 10 touchdowns last year in a running back by committee-type approach.
LSU TIGERS
Key Returners: Leonard Fournette, RB; Travin Dural, WR; Malachi Dupre, WR; Brandon Harris, QB
Brandon Harris, if he retains his starting role in 2016, brings this otherwise stellar group down a peg.
That said, LSU should return one of the most dynamic offenses next season, if solely based on running back Leonard Fournette. The nation’s incumbent rushing leader (162.8 YPG) is a preseason favorite for the Heisman Award. He’s backed by Derrius Guice (436 yards, 3 TDs), who would likely start for a majority of teams in the nation.
With Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre returning to Death Valley, whoever is under center for the Tigers will have a bevy of talent at wide receiver. Dural and Dupre combined for 1,231 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2015, despite an, at times, ineffective Harris.
LSU also added three four-star wide receivers on National Signing Day — plus a three-star if Da’Montie Coxie makes good on his re-commitment to the Tigers. Who will get those receivers the ball appears to still be Harris, but he’ll will be pushed in the preseason by Purdue-transfer Danny Etling, Justin McMillan, 2016 recruit Lindsey Scott Jr., and the man Harris beat out for the job last year Anthony Jennings.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Key Returners: Joshua Dobbs, QB; Jalen Hurd, RB; Alvin Kamara, RB
Tennessee should return the SEC East’s toughest offense to stop in 2016, thanks to a running game that could be among the nation’s best. Josh Dobbs is the catalyst for a rushing offense that finished second in the SEC and No. 20 overall in the nation. The quarterback threw for 2,291 yards and 15 touchdowns, but also posed a threat with his legs, rushing for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Running back Jalen Hurd, however, is the true heart of the backfield, tallying 1,288 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’ll be paired up once again with tailback Alvin Kamara. The fellow rising junior compiled 989 all-purpose yards (698 rushing) and 10 touchdowns.
Wide receiver is the weak link in the Tennessee chain. But there’s hope in Nashville. Particularly in the form of Marquez Callaway. The four-star recruit was the No. 3-ranked athlete, according to 247Sports, in the country and can play either at wide receiver or defensive back. It’s likely, given the Vols’ need at wide receiver, that Callaway can step in and make in immediate impact.
Tennessee loses Von Pearson and Johnathon Johnson, who exhausted their eligibility. They’ll also be without Marquez North, who decided to go pro after his six-catch, 58-yard season in 2015. Even without two guys named Marquez lining up wide, Jones’ offense has the potential to mature along with Dobbs. The corps returns Josh Malone, Preston Williams and Josh Smith. To help boost the unit, Butch Jones brought in four three-star wideouts that instantly improve the team’s speed and athleticism — an area the coach felt was in need of an upgrade.
Not to be outdone by Ole Miss’ signing of the No. 1 pro-style quarterback Shea Patterson, Jones enlisted Jarrett Guarantano, the nation’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback to Rocky Top to learn under the tutelage of Dobbs.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
