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The SEC players with the most to gain, lose from returning for senior year
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Some of the SEC’s best juniors were faced with a difficult decision last week: test the waters of the NFL draft or return to school, finish out their career and earn a degree in the process. There’s no right or wrong, as choosing to earn NFL checks over completing a degree or vice versa is a personal decision that differs by player.
While a crop of SEC players decided to turn pro early, a large group opted to return as well. Which of those players stands to gain the most in their final year of eligibility, and which could see their stock decline?
Most to gain
- LBs Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn: The two linebackers were strong in 2014, finishing third and second on the team in tackles, respectively. On a defense that melted down toward the end of the season, though, both were inconsistent in their execution throughout the year. With Will Muschamp in town, the two could turn into bonafide stars on an improved defense.
- LB Antonio Morrison, Florida: The Gators leading tackler in 2014 wouldn’t have shocked anyone by jumping to the NFL after his junior year, especially after a knee injury in Florida’s bowl game. The middle linebacker returns to play for a new coaching staff, and it could vault him to stardom. Geoff Collins’ defense at Mississippi State helped elevate Benardrick McKinney to a potential first round draft pick, and Morrison will get that same opportunity.
- RB Jonathan Williams, Arkansas: Williams was dynamite alongside Alex Collins once again in 2014, with both going over 1,000 yards, but Williams took a calculated risk coming back for his senior season. Running backs only have so many carries in their bodies, and Williams will be spending some of them in Fayetteville next year. However, with a huge crop of running backs in this year’s draft, Williams would have been competing for a limited number of spots. By coming back, he has a chance to work his way into an early round pick.
Most to lose
- QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State: There’s no more obvious candidate with much to lose than Prescott, although his stock could go either way. If he improves as a passer in terms of decision making and accuracy, Mississippi State could be even deadlier in 2015, making Dak look better in the eyes of scouts. We already know he can run with the best, and in Dan Mullen’s offense that won’t change. However, there’s a lot of talent leaving Starkville, and that could lead to some regression. If Prescott can’t up his performance for the Bulldogs in 2015, it will likely lead to a slide down draft boards.
- WR Duke Williams, Auburn: Most assumed that Williams would be one-and-done at Auburn after transferring from junior college. The junior lived up to the hype that accompanied his arrival, leading the Tigers in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. After a late-season injury, Williams returned to form in the Iron Bowl. However, he was suspended for the team’s bowl game and subsequently announced he’d be coming back. Williams would have been a high draft pick in 2014, but runs the risk of another injury by returning as a senior.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
