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SEC players have transitioned into great pros.
Sure, there are a few notable exceptions such Jamarcus Russell, but for the most part it’s true.
There are a few former SEC players who have gone above and beyond during their NFL rookie campaign.
Here are the best NFL rookies from the SEC in 2015:
Amari Cooper: A prime candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year, Cooper has 920 yards and four touchdowns after 12 games and has helped revitalize an Oakland offense that has struggled for years. With 80 more receiving yards, the former Alabama receiver will become the first Raiders’ 1,000-yard pass catcher since Randy Moss 10 years ago.
Todd Gurley: Electrifying and explosive at Georgia, Gurley suffered an ACL tear against Auburn last season, and it was tough to predict how he would respond. He’s bounced back better than ever. In just 10 games, the former Bulldog has 835 yards rushing and six TDs.
T.J. Yeldon: He doesn’t play in a major market, so we often don’t hear as much about him. The former Alabama superstar has 678 yards rushing and two TDs for Jacksonville. He also has 278 yards receiving with another TD.
Kwon Alexander: He’s only at the bottom of the list because he just got suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. The former LSU star had 93 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions before the suspension.
Benardrick McKinney: He hasn’t been flashy, but he has remained productive on a weekly basis. The Mississippi State product has 42 tackles on the year and is part of an improved Texans defense.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
