Throughout the offseason we’ve provided a litany of position-by-position rankings, depth chart projections and analysis on all 14 SEC teams heading into the 2015 openers.
Now, let’s take a look at each East Division squad’s top sophomores, some already proven as freshmen and others poised to break out in their second season.
FLORIDA
- Jalen Tabor, DB
- Brandon Powell, WR
- Duke Dawson, DB
Takeaways: These three represent the next wave of playmakers for the Gators, second-year players who each made an impact as true freshmen last fall. Tabor started opposite of Vernon Hargreaves III at corner five different times and earned All-SEC freshman honors while Dawson played in 11 games and made one start at safety. Powell’s role will expand this fall as a dynamic threat on offense. Jim McElwain plans to utilize his speed in the slot and out of the backfield at times on an offense in need of game-changing talent.
GEORGIA
- Nick Chubb, RB
- Lorenzo Carter, LB
- Isaiah McKenzie, ATH
Takeaways: Equipped with arguably the most talented true sophomore class in the SEC this season, the Bulldogs have seven potential All-SEC candidates who are entering just their second campaign following breakout performances as rookies. Chubb’s the obvious headliner as a potential Heisman finalist and Carter’s part of the dominant trifecta at outside linebacker for Jeremy Pruitt. McKenzie scored three touchdowns on special teams last fall to lead the league in that category. Others that should be mentioned include defensive backs Malkom Parrish and Dominick Sanders along with tailback Sony Michel and sure-handed tight end Jeb Blazevich.
KENTUCKY
- Boom Williams, RB
- Austin MacGinnis, K
- Garrett Johnson, WR
Takeaways: Williams hasn’t separated himself from the pack in a crowded backfield during fall camp, but he’s expected to be Kentucky’s featured ballcarrier in Shannon Dawson’s wide-open spread this season after averaging 6.6 yards per carry as a freshman. MacGinnis made an SEC-high 21 field goals last season, finishing with an accuracy rate of 77 percent. Potentially the Wildcats’ No. 1 option in the passing game this fall, Johnson’s hoping to find a consistency level that evaded him during a freshman season featuring a 154-yard, two-touchdown effort at Florida. Johnson’s favorite player is former Clemson star Sammy Watkins and his game is similar.
MIZZOU
- J’Mon Moore, WR
- Jason Reese, TE
- Nate Brown, WR
Takeaways: Moore and Reese will be third-year sophomores this season joining Brown as players replacing senior talent on the outside. Hobbled by an injury during the spring, Brown looked good on Monday during Mizzou’s first day in full pads. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Reese will be the Tigers’ reliable third-down option alongside fellow tight end Sean Culkin. Quarterback Maty Mauk spoke at length about his inexperienced crop of pass-catchers at SEC Media Days and is confident the Tigers won’t miss a beat offensively despite mass personnel losses at the position.
SOUTH CAROLINA
- David Williams, RB
- Bryson Allen-Williams, LB
- Connor Mitch, QB
Takeaways: Allen-Williams is the only true sophomore in this group, but is no less important to the Gamecocks’ success this season as a rotational defender within what Steve Spurrier hopes is a much-improved front seven. Mitch and Williams have each had two seasons at the program and 2015 should be their calling card. Mitch is the frontrunner to start at quarterback while Williams will get a steady helping of carries behind Brandon Wilds as South Carolina’s second option at running back.
TENNESSEE
- Derek Barnett, DE
- Jalen Hurd, RB
- Evan Berry, DB
Takeaways: Few sophomore pass rushers are better than Barnett, Tennessee’s co-leader of the front seven along with senior linebacker Curt Maggitt. Not only did Barnett dominate in passing situations as a freshman with 10 sacks, he is also the SEC’s top returning player in tackles for losses (20.5) after showing extreme athleticism against the run. Hurd is poised for a 1,000-yard season as the Vols’ featured tailback. Loaded with additional sophomores defensively, Berry has tremendous upside in the secondary and helped out on special teams last season.
VANDERBILT
- Ralph Webb, RB
- Nigel Bowden, LB
- Taurean Ferguson, DB
Takeaways: The Commodores’ 2013 class of third-year sophomores will play substantial roles for Derek Mason this season, especially top offensive threat Webb and steady returning starters Bowden and Ferguson on defense. Ferguson started the final six games at cornerback last fall, providing stability at an inconsistent position. Bowden owns the inside linebacker spot following a 78-tackle redshirt freshman campaign — the single-most prolific season for a Vanderbilt linebacker since 1998.
