SEC in the pros: Beckham, Randle close out the season in style

The SEC has produced more current NFL players than any other conference in America, and many of the Southeast’s former stars have continued to shine at football’s highest level.

Here are the best performances by SEC alums throughout the NFL in Week 17 action last weekend:

OFFENSE

• Eli Manning: The younger Manning was once again one of the top passers in the NFL this past weekend. In a loss to the Eagles, he threw for 429 yards and one touchdown. No one threw for more yards than Manning in Week 17.
• Jeremy Hill: Hill continued his strong end to the season with another 100-yard effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. He’s been one of the more impressive running backs in the NFL over recent weeks.
• Eddie Lacy: The former Alabama running back closed out his impressive 2014 regular season with 100 yards on the ground against divisional rivals Detroit. Lacy helped GB clinch the NFC North.
• Reuben Randle: Randle turned in another big game for the Giants and backed up his outstanding Week 16 stats with a great Week 17 performance. He didn’t reach the end zone, but his six receptions for 158 yards made him a very big deep-threat for Eli Manning against the Eagles.
• Odell Beckham: Beckham is approaching elite status already as a rookie. He finished off his regular season with 12 catches for 185 yards and one touchdown against the Eagles and is a near-lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

DEFENSE

• Justin Houston: The KC pass rusher ended his season with a bang by racking up four sacks and a forced fumble in t he Chiefs’ win over the Chargers, which kept San Diego out of the playoffs. He finished the season with 22.0 sacks, which led the NFL.

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.