Ever wondered how to become the common enemy of 14 factions of people who generally don’t like each other? Create a list that ranks the top 10 position groups in the SEC.

Luckily, I’ve taken that lovely task upon myself and become a human sacrifice of sorts.

Now that the spring is behind us and we’ve got a somewhat clearer picture of what each unit looks like, we can analyze which ones should be the best this fall. Although talent is an essential part of these rankings, depth is equally important.

Unfortunately, this focus on depth left a few interesting groups off the final cut. Most notably, Florida’s offensive line and Kentucky’s linebackers. If healthy, both units are extremely capable, but a couple of injuries could leave them reeling. Also, defensive lines typically dominate the SEC, but there’s been so much turnover and key losses, we need to let that play out a bit (though it’s probably safe to assume Alabama will be stout.)

Quarterbacks were also left off this list because there is often only one person expected to contribute for the season and many of the backups have too little production to evaluate.

All right, we’ve gotten that out of the way. Time to cast some stones!

No. 10: South Carolina – Wide receivers/tight ends

Returning contributors: 8

Returning production: 197 Rec., 2,438 YDs, 12.4 Avg., 10 TDs

With all due respect to Florida, which has a strong case for the most talented receiving corps, South Carolina has narrowly earned this spot. Why? Well, for starters, the inclusion of tight ends changes things. Hayden Hurst is the most productive tight end returning from last season, and he still has room to grow. At receiver, the Gamecocks have a proven playmaker in Deebo Samuel and a downfield threat in Bryan Edwards. Chavis Dawkins is capable of breaking out, and South Carolina added new weapons in freshmen OrTre and Shi Smith.

No. 9: Georgia – Secondary

Returning contributors: 7

Returning production: 188 Tkls, 9 INTs, 24 PBU

Georgia ended the 2015 season with the No. 1-rated pass defense in the SEC, but many believed those numbers were a little skewed by the opposing teams. Kirby Smart helped the Bulldogs improve in the secondary throughout his first season in 2016, and he has several impact players returning and a few key additions. Dominick Sanders, Deandre Baker, Malkom Parrish and Aaron Davis will be important veterans next season for Georgia. Smart also has two highly-touted freshmen in Deangelo Gibbs and Richard LeCounte III to work with.

No. 8: Missouri – Offensive line

Returning contributors: 7

Based purely on depth, there are few units that can equal Missouri’s offensive line. The Tigers lost just one player from last year’s group, and he was primarily a special teams player. Every starter returns from a unit that allowed an SEC-low 14 sacks and 36 tackles for a loss while also paving the way for over 200 yards per game on the ground last season. Tyler Howell, Kevin Pendleton and Paul Adams started every game in 2016, and they will lead a group that has experience and an incoming litter of young talent.

No. 7: Auburn – Running Backs

Returning contributors: 4

Returning production: 451 Att., 2,508 YDs, 5.5 Avg., 22 TDs

Those on the Plains who believe their duo of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson don’t get the attention they deserve have a legitimate gripe. Pettway led the SEC in yards per game last season and finished with over 1,200 yards and Johnson added nearly 900.

Behind those two starters is a nice third option in sophomore Kam Martin, who ran for 320 yards and three touchdowns while averaging over 7 yards per carry. Malik Miller will also be back for his second season after suffering an injury just three games into his freshman year.

No. 6: Alabama – Offensive line

Returning contributors: 9

Few teams are as consistently imposing in the trenches as Alabama. Despite losing left tackle Cam Robinson, the Crimson Tide are in good shape along the offensive line. Three starters return in Jonah Williams (who is moving to left tackle), Bradley Bozeman and Ross Pierschbacher. Whoever is tabbed to fill the remaining holes, they will be talented and have plenty of support.

No. 5: Missouri – Wide receivers/tight ends

Returning contributors: 9

Returning production: 185 Rec., 2,836 YDs, 15.3 Avg., 22 TDs

Had Missouri accomplished more last season, its wide receiver corps would be getting much more attention. As it stands, the Tigers have one of the deepest groups of receivers and tight ends in the SEC, if not the country.

Starting with the SEC’s returning leader in receiving yards, J’Mon Moore, who had 1,012 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016, Missouri has at least nine contributing players back. Rising sophomores Dimetrios Mason and Johnathon Johnson should make big strides in Year 2, and the return of Nate Brown from injury will be another added boost.

No. 4: Alabama – Secondary

Returning contributors: 10

Returning production: 283 Tkls, 10 INTs, 30 PBU

The Crimson Tide lost several key players on defense, yet they return easily one of the deepest and most talented secondaries in the country. Only Eddie Jackson and Marlon Humphrey have departed from last year’s unit, and while those are two important losses, Alabama is well positioned to survive. Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick will likely be the starting safeties, if that’s where Fitzpatrick lines up, and Anthony Averett and Tony Brown are back at corner. Add to that mix an incredible amount of talented youth, including Levi Wallace and Shyheim Carter, and it’s almost unfair.

No. 3: Georgia – Linebackers

Returning contributors: 7

Returning production: 317 Tkls, 29 TFL, 12 Sacks, 5 FF

Georgia’s linebacking corps is tops in the SEC and one of the best in the country. Nobody of consequence is gone from last season, and the Bulldogs gained several impact players in their 2017 recruiting class. Natrez Patrick and Roquan Smith are two emerging stars who combined for 154 tackles last year, while Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy came back for their senior seasons.

The fifth man in that rotation is proven veteran Reggie Carter, who could be a competent starter almost anywhere. Backing up those five is an impressive array of young talent that includes Monty Rice, Jaleel Laguins, Tae Crowder, Nate McBride and Jaden Hunter.

No. 2: Georgia – Running backs

Returning contributors: 4

Returning production: 445 Att., 2,362 YDs, 5.3 Avg., 15 TDs

An argument can be made that if Nick Chubb returns to his pre-injury form, the Bulldogs will have the best backfield in the SEC next season. Despite lacking his usual burst for much of last season and dealing with a woeful offensive line, Chubb still topped 1,000 yards. He’s back for one final year in Athens, and he will be joined by fellow senior Sony Michel, who is dangerous in his own right.

Depth is very much a plus for Georgia, as it has the sophomore duo of Brien Herrien and Elijah Holyfield waiting in the wings. Joining the Bulldogs this fall will be highly-touted freshman D’Andre Swift.

No. 1: Alabama – Running backs

Returning contributors: 4

Returning production:  391 Att., 2,589 YDs, 6.6 Avg., 18 TDs

Alabama has featured some of the best running backs in the SEC since Nick Saban’s arrival. Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough are two of the most dangerous backs the conference has to offer, and Josh Jacobs is an extremely capable complementary player. That trio accounted for over 2,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016. B.J. Emmons, a highly-rated prospect last year, will return from injury and he will be joined by No. 1 recruit Najee Harris, who showed he’s ready during Alabama’s annual A-Day game.