Several key players in the SEC are returning from significant injuries at their respective programs this month and most aren’t yet 100 percent.
Here’s an idea of what to watch for during fall camp for a couple potential impact players re-adjusting to game speeds and contact:
Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, OL (leg) — Thanks to an ongoing NCAA investigation into alleged improper benefits and the legal headache caused by his stepfather, Tunsil’s surgically-repaired ankle makes the back page these days heading into what is likely his final season at Ole Miss. The potential No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft ran for the first time in May since breaking his fibula in the Rebels’ bowl loss to TCU, but hasn’t yet returned to 100 percent. If Tunsil takes it easy during fall camp and is at full strength by the season opener, he’ll likely be college football’s most dominant left tackle. Teammate Laquon Treadwell (ankle) is another projected first-round selection Ole Miss welcomes back from injury. Defensive back Mike Hilton, who battles Treadwell 1-on-1 in practice, says the star wideout’s “better than ever” and hasn’t lost a step despite the ankle injury.
Kenyan Drake, Alabama, RB (leg) — One of the SEC’s most versatile offensive threats, Drake has shown substantial progress since a gruesome leg injury shortened much of his season last fall. The senior running back ran a 4.4 in May during Alabama’s junior Pro Day exercise according to Nick Saban and went through necessary conditioning drills during the offseason. The coaching staff will keep an eye on Drake’s surgically-repaired leg during fall camp and limit contact. He’s an essential part of an Alabama backfield facing depth concerns following a variety of offseason transfers, injuries and a dismissal.
Morgan Steward, Mizzou, RB (hip) — It’s been a long, grueling road to recovery for this Tigers running back who reportedly was talented enough to compete for first-team carries alongside Russell Hansbrough heading into the 2014 season. Since injuring his hip during fall camp last year, Steward hasn’t seen the field. He missed all of spring practice following surgery in November. At SEC Media Days, Gary Pinkel said the Tigers expect the three-star 2012 signee to play this season, but he’s not listed on Mizzou’s preseason depth chart at running back. A powerful ballcarrier when he’s healthy, no one is sure when that day will come.
Antonio Morrison, Florida, LB (knee) — The Gators are taking a wait-and-see approach with their best linebacker who missed all of spring practice along with fellow projected starter Jarrad Davis (knee). The senior had two offseason surgeries to repair damage that occurred during the Birmingham Bowl and won’t be available for the start of camp. Jim McElwain was relatively quiet concerning Morrison’s long-term prognosis before speaking out on Wednesday. “Too early to say if he’ll play,” McElwain said, according to 247Sports’ Thomas Goldkamp. “Just know this, the fact he’ll be out there is short of a miracle based on that knee. A credit to how hard he has worked to be part of this family.” All signs are now pointing to him being ready, at the earliest, late in the season. Florida’s confident that Alex Anzalone, who flourished in a leadership role during the spring, will fill Morrison’s production in his absence.
