Who were the SEC’s top 10 defensive players in 2014?
Rather, who are the SEC’s top defensive players who are either leaving for the NFL Draft or are graduating seniors?
Let’s project who will replace the SEC’s biggest defensive names in 2015:
RELATED: Replacing 10 best offensive players
1. Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
2014 stats: 65 tackles, 22.5 TFL, 14.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 3 FF
Replacement: Charles Harris
Buzz: Shane Ray became the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, and he’ll be a first-round pick this spring. Next in line is redshirt freshman Charles Harris, who reminds me of an undeveloped Jason Pierre-Paul, but Harris’ upside is very intriguing and very promising. Will Harris become the Tigers’ next great pass rusher? It could happen and soon.
2. Landon Collins, DB, Alabama
2014 stats: 103 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3 INTs, 7 breakups, 10 passes defended
Replacement: Hootie Jones
Buzz: Replacing the best tackling safety in the country is tough, but Hootie Jones has all the ability to do so. Now, he won’t be as dynamic as Collins, but collectively, the secondary should improve, starting on the perimeter, helping Jones at safety.
3. Markus Golden, DE, Missouri
2014 stats: 78 tackles, 20 TFL, 10 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 3 FF
Replacement: Marcus Loud
Buzz: While Charles Harris is the huge favorite to replace Shane Ray, things are a bit murkier behind Markus Golden. Golden will be the tougher of the two to replace, but Marcus Loud should get the first look. Another interesting prospect is Rocel Williams, and Williams will get his opportunity in spring practice to show the coaching staff what he can do. He’ll be in the rotation, but I still think Loud is the leading favorite at this point.
4. Cody Prewitt, DB, Ole Miss
2014 stats: 64 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 INTs, 1 FF
Replacement: CJ Hampton
Buzz: The heir apparent to All-American ballhawk Cody Prewitt is the talented CJ Hampton. Hampton played in 13 games, making 10 tackles. Replacing Prewitt won’t be as easy as perceived, and he was essentially the eraser in the Rebels’ secondary, making last-resort tackles on a very talented defense.
5. Amarlo Herrera, LB, Georgia
2014 stats: 115 tackles, 10 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 1 FF
Replacement: Tim Kimbrough
Buzz: Amarlo Herrera led the SEC with 115 tackles in 2014, and he was the heart and soul of Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. Now, with Herrera leaving, it turns to his backup, Tim Kimbrough. He played in all 13 games, making 32 tackles, but he excelled on special teams.
6. Senquez Golson, DB, Ole Miss
2014 stats: 33 tackles, 10 INTs, 8 pass breakups
Replacement: Tee Shepard
Buzz: Senquez Golson was the most impressive player on the Rebels’ defense in 2014, and his 10 INTs led the conference. However, Ole Miss fans are anxious to see JUCO transfer Tee Shepard, as he missed last season with a toe injury. Shepard was the country’s No. 1 JUCO cornerback, and he’s a very talented player.
7. Preston Smith, DL, Mississippi State
2014 stats: 48 tackles, 15 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 INTs, 15 QB hurries
Replacement: Ryan Brown
Buzz: Preston Smith was a monster for Mississippi State in 2014, and Ryan Brown will be asked to replace his production. Brown played in all 13 games, making 39 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 10 QB hurries. Smith really developed into a big-time asset as a senior, and new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz hopes Brown can do the same.
8. Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
2014 stats: 71 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF
Replacement: Beniquez Brown
Buzz: Benardrick McKinney will have a long NFL career, and he’s the next KJ Wright. However, Beniquez Brown is built in the same mold as McKinney, Wright and Cam Lawrence. Brown made 62 tackles, including seven for loss and, and added two INTs. The heart and soul of the MSU defense will once again be at linebacker.
9. AJ Johnson, LB, Tennessee
2014 stats: 101 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 INTs, 5 QB hurries
Replacement: Kenny Bynum
Buzz: AJ Johnson made an incredible amount of tackles throughout his Tennessee career, and with Johnson missing the last few games due to suspension, Kenny Bynum jumped into his role at middle linebacker. Bynum played in seven games, making one start, and made five tackles. Could another player emerge and beat out Bynum? Of course, but entering spring practice, he’s the penciled starter.
10. Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
2014 stats: 74 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries
Replacement: Jason Hatcher or Denzil Ware
Buzz: Bud Dupree has been the heart and soul of the Wildcats’ defense for four seasons now, and Mark Stoops will need to replace Dupree and fellow end Za’Darius Smith. Two players who are the biggest candidates are Jason Hatcher and Denzil Ware. While Hatcher is suited more as a straight defensive end, Ware could be the guy to replace Dupree’s hybrid linebacker/defensive end and edge rushing ability. The Cats have several questions on defense, and the defensive line needs more depth. Ware and Hatcher are two prospects to watch.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
