Several talented players didn’t make ESPN’s Top 25 SEC players for 2016

ESPN will release its list for the Top 25 SEC players for 2016 on Friday. However, it revealed the players who just missed the cut Monday which includes LSU’s Arden Key, Alabama’s O.J. Howard, Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs, Vanderbilt’s Ralph Webb, LSU’s Ethan Pocic, Florida’s Caleb Brantley and Ole Miss’ Evan Engram.

ESPN staff writer Edward Aschoff credits the SEC for having so much talent that it was difficult to limit a list to just 25 players. However, the exclusion of Dobbs is the biggest head scratcher.

The Tennessee senior is arguably the second-best returning SEC quarterback behind Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly. While Howard and Engram — the conference’s best returning tight ends — play a position that sees less production, Dobbs is a veteran leader playing football’s most important position.

With Tennessee expected to be the favorite in the SEC East, its chances rely on Dobbs’ success under center. That said, his performance from 2015 and importance to his team’s success would likely put him in the top 25.

But again, with so much talent in the conference, its difficult to limit the SEC’s best players to a list of 25.

Jason Hall

Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.