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In less than five weeks, hordes of the working press from television, print and online publications will converge on the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala for SEC Media Days, an offseason event like no other that has increased its reach in recent years, now televised on the SEC Network.
RELATED: 2015 SEC Media Days Schedule
Talking season, as Steve Spurrier so eloquently puts in, often features some friendly back-and-forth between coaches and a few outlandish guarantees and comparisons from players.
Players we want to see at SEC Media Days
ALABAMA
- Reggie Ragland, LB
- A’Shawn Robinson, DL
- Derrick Henry, RB
Notes: The Crimson Tide’s SEC Media Days picks are pretty cut and dry — three players capable of All-American seasons. Will Alabama repeat as league champs and avenge last season’s Playoff loss to Ohio State? These guys are likely awfully confident (but humble).
ARKANSAS
- Brandon Allen, QB
- Jonathan Williams, RB
- Brooks Ellis, LB
Notes: It would be foul for the Razorbacks to bring Williams to Hoover without backfield mate Alex Collins, but he could be the odd man out. Plus, we’d like to hear how Arkansas will replace three primary starters on defense from the man in the middle.
AUBURN
- Jeremy Johnson, QB
- Duke Williams, WR
- Carl Lawson, DL
Notes: Senior linebackers Cassanova McKinzy or Kris Frost are more likely selections on defense, but Lawson’s return from injury to be one of the SEC’s most important pass rushers under Will Muschamp is a storyline we can’t resist.
FLORIDA
- Vernon Hargreaves, DB
- Demarcus Robinson, WR
- Will Grier, QB
Notes: What better way to reveal this team’s 2015 starting quarterback than to invite Grier to this media circus? Jim McElwain’s smarter than that and keeping his pick close to the vest, but we can dream.
GEORGIA
- Nick Chubb, RB
- John Theus, OL
- Leonard Floyd, LB
Notes: ‘So, Nick, about that Lamborghini remark in June …’ One of the nation’s top ballcarriers will get his formal introduction to hundreds of talking heads surrounding his table. Floyd’s potentially the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year and a first-round 2016 pick. What will he have to say after missing spring practice?
KENTUCKY
- Boom Williams, RB
- Josh Forrest, LB
- Patrick Towles, QB
Notes: Towles could field questions on the quarterback competition between himself and heralded redshirt freshman Drew Barker while Williams talks expectations for a new-look offense under Shannon Dawson.
LSU
- Leonard Fournette, RB
- Tre’Davious White, DB
- Travin Dural, WR
Notes: With the quarterback issue unsolved, it’s unlikely the Tigers bring both Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris to Alabama. If one makes the trip, it’ll be the veteran Jennings. Can we just give Les Miles the mic all four days?
MISSISSIPPI
- Robert Nkemdiche, DL
- Laremy Tunsil, OL
- Laquon Treadwell, WR
Notes: Since Chad Kelly, Christian Russell and several others recently enjoyed a mission trip to Haiti in March, let’s give some others an opportunity to get out of Oxford for a few days. We’d love to hear how rehab’s going for Tunsil and Treadwell.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
- Dak Prescott, QB
- Will Redmond, DB
- De’Runnya Wilson, WR
Notes: Can the Bulldogs exceed preseason expectations and contend for a Western Division title like last year? We want to hear it from Dak, the SEC’s brightest returning star on offense.
MISSOURI
- Russell Hansbrough, RB
- Harold Brantley, DL
- Kentrell Brothers, LB
Notes: Maty Mauk’s missing here, but he was boring last summer in Hoover. Perhaps getting to know future All-American defensive tackle Brantley would be more rewarding.
SOUTH CAROLINA
- Pharoh Cooper, WR
- Skai Moore, LB
- Elliott Fry, K
Notes: Do you follow Fry on Twitter? He’s a likeable guy and a darn good kicker to boot. All-American wideout Cooper’s a no-brainer for Spurrier’s entourage.
TENNESSEE
- Derek Barnett, DL
- Cam Sutton, DB
- Joshua Dobbs, QB
Notes: Running back Jalen Hurd would be our fourth choice, but junior defensive back Sutton deserves a seat in the Vols’ caravan down south. He’s one of the outspoken leaders of the Tennessee defense and we’d like to get his thoughts on the Vols’ chances as an Eastern Division darkhorse.
TEXAS A&M
- Kyle Allen, QB
- Myles Garrett, DL
- Kyler Murray, QB
Notes: We know there’s an unwritten rule about carrying true freshmen to preseason events, but Murray’s a star. Listening to his vision for the future in College Station intrigues us. A future first-round pass rusher will have to suffice.
VANDERBILT
- Ralph Webb, RB
- Stephen Weatherly, LB
- Nigel Bowden, LB
Notes: We’re interested in hearing Derek Mason’s plan for a pivotal 2015 that will go a long way in determining his future. It starts with defense and the aforementioned linebackers are his two best players.
