SEC seniors who could have biggest impact on division races in 2018
By Andrew Olson
Published:
When Nick Chubb and Sony Michel decided to return to Georgia for the 2017 season, they did so with the goal of leading the Bulldogs to a special season. As seniors, Chubb and Michel accomplished that goal, leading UGA to a division title, a conference championship and a Rose Bowl victory.
Even though Alabama rallied to win the College Football Playoff without winning the SEC West, the goal for every team starts with conquering the division. Here are a few key seniors who will be factors in the SEC division races this fall.
SEC West
Alabama – DL Isaiah Buggs, RB Damien Harris, OL Ross Pierschbacher
While all eyes are on Alabama’s junior and sophomore quarterbacks, there are still a few scattered senior playmakers on the roster. The trend under Nick Saban, however, has been that blue-chip recruits play as freshmen and leave after their junior seasons.
A former JUCO transfer, Buggs finished last season No. 4 on the team in stops against the run and No. 2 in quarterback hurries. Being able to do both makes him a key player on the defensive line, which again has holes to fill.
It’s always a crowded backfield at Alabama, but somebody has to step up and be the No. 1 back. That’s been Harris, who registered back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. If he is able to put up 1,000 yards again while sharing carries with Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs and Brian Robinson (plus the quarterback), that’s a good sign for the Tide.
Pierschbacher is more than just a veteran leader up front. He was an All-SEC first-team selection in 2017. He’s versatile, too. He again spent time this spring working at center, where he is an option to replace Bradley Bozeman.
Auburn – WR Ryan Davis
Not too many seniors are expected to play starring roles for the Tigers this fall. Returning quarterback Jarrett Stidham enters his junior season. Kam Martin, also a junior, has the most experience among the team’s running backs.
Davis, however, is certainly a senior to watch. He led the team last season with 84 catches for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns. With running backs Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway off to the NFL, Davis could take on a bigger role in Auburn’s offense this fall.
Mississippi State – QB Nick Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald flourished in Dan Mullen’s offense and looks to fit well in Joe Moorhead’s scheme. As long as he’s healthy, Fitzgerald could be looking at some single-season and career records in 2018. Last year, Fitzgerald passed for 1,782 yards and rushed for 984 yards. The previous season, Fitzgerald threw for more than 2,400 yards and ran for 1,300 yards. If Fitzgerald can return to that sophomore level of production, MSU should be a contender in the SEC West.
SEC East
Florida – DE Cece Jefferson
Coming off a 4-7 season, some might wonder why Florida is even lumped in with other contenders. Dan Mullen may not take the Gators to Atlanta in Year 1, but that doesn’t mean Jefferson won’t have an impact on the race. A former 5-star recruit with 9.5 sacks in three years playing experience, Jefferson could become the kind of defensive end who takes over a game. His production should get a boost playing under a more aggressive defensive coordinator in Todd Grantham.
Georgia – DB Deandre Baker, WR Terry Godwin, OLB D’Andre Walker
Considering UGA’s schedule features proven SEC quarterbacks such as Stidham, Jake Bentley (South Carolina) and Drew Lock (Missouri), it will be important for the Bulldogs to defend against the pass in 2018. Baker returns as the team’s leader in pass breakups (9) last season. Baker was also second on the team with 3 interceptions. He’ll be counted on to replace the production of UGA’s 2017 interception leader, Dominick Sanders.
All around the SEC, everyone will be watching to see how UGA deals with losing two 1,000-yard rushers – Chubb and Michel – to the NFL. While Georgia has plenty of talented ball-carriers ready to step into larger roles, it’s fair to wonder if the Bulldogs will turn to the passing game more in 2018. Entering his senior season, Godwin is the Dawgs’ top returning wideout in receptions (38), receiving yards (639 yards) and touchdowns (6). If Godwin expands on those numbers as the team’s go-to pass-catcher in 2018, it’s a sign of a robust passing attack.
Walker was second on the team last season in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (5.5). Roquan Smith, now with the Chicago Bears, led the team in both categories. The Bulldogs are certainly counting on Walker to build on those numbers and lead the way.
South Carolina – WR Deebo Samuel
Good things happen when the Gamecocks get the ball in Samuel’s hands. An electric playmaker, Samuel was limited to only three games last season, but still scored six touchdowns. In 2016, Samuel tied for second in the SEC with 5.9 catches per game. When the Gamecocks went on a three-game winning streak over Massachusetts, Tennessee and Missouri in 2016, Samuel hauled in 25 catches for 314 yards. He’s back in Columbia as a redshirt senior this fall and makes USC a contender in the SEC East.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
