The 10 SEC seniors I'd love to see return with this free year of eligibility (even though they probably won't)
I’m selfish.
Well, at least as a fan of college football. Selfishly, I want a bunch of SEC players to stay in college forever. It bums me out when talented players leave for the NFL to pursue their dreams and make millions and blah, blah, blah. What about me, future millionaire? Did you not consider how valuable you are to my Saturday entertainment?
OK, jokes aside, I would love to see so many of these current seniors return for another season.
Yes, I realize all of them are likely gone to the NFL. I don’t blame them. Some have already celebrated their senior days and have done everything to suggest that they won’t take advantage of this free, COVID year of eligibility.
So who can make this list? Well, it’s seniors only (redshirt seniors or just regular seniors). That means no redshirt juniors like Mac Jones. These are players who in a normal year, would have exhausted all of their eligibility. You know that if any of these guys told their coaches they love college so much that they want to run it back in Year 5, they’d be welcomed back with open arms.
These are the types of players who would get “let’s goooooooooo” reactions from all of their fans on Twitter if they surprisingly announced that they’d come back. Again, I’m not saying that any of these guys will come back. I’m assuming that they’re all off to the NFL.
But yes, if any of these 10 SEC seniors returned for 2021, you’d get a big “let’s goooooooo” from me.
Kyle Trask, Florida QB
Isn’t it crazy that Trask is in Year 5 at Florida? He’s only 10 months younger than Lamar Jackson. I know, I know. Trask is likely set to cash in on his monstrous 2020 season. I don’t blame him. But can you think of all the records he’d break if he came back for another full season? The guy just passed Johnny Manziel on the SEC career TD passes leaderboard despite the fact that he didn’t get a full season last year, and he’s not going to get a full season this year.
Trask is currently 50 touchdown passes from Danny Wuerffel’s Florida record, and he’s 57 away from Aaron Murray’s all-time SEC-leading mark. Assuming Trask gets 3 more games this year, he could realistically be 45 touchdown passes away from becoming the SEC’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
I know, I know. He’s gone. Still fun to talk about.
Kadarius Toney, Florida WR
Man, am I glad that Toney came back for 2020. What a player he’s become. Nobody in the SEC is more fun to watch in the open field, and I think that includes a healthy Jaylen Waddle. Toney has turned himself into an All-SEC player who is worth the price of admission. I still can’t believe he threw Nick Bolton off him like that. Toney is a machine, and he’s only getting better.
Kadarius Toney. Mercy. pic.twitter.com/bFwKSqH3rC
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) November 1, 2020
Again, he’d be foolish not to cash in on this season. Toney is going to have an NFL future as a special teams player, and if he continues to improve his route-running, he’ll have a long career as a starting wideout. But Toney would likely be the most electrifying player in America if he stunningly decided to return.
DeVonta Smith, Alabama WR
I’d say 0.0%. Those are the odds of Smith returning another season. I couldn’t believe he came back in 2020 after he led Alabama in receiving last year. Pound for pound, there’s not a better player in college football. He should be in the Heisman Trophy consideration for having one of the best single seasons we’ve ever seen from a Power 5 receiver.
Smith coming back for a Year 5 in Steve Sarkisian’s offense would be a cheat code. Like, teams should have the right to protest the game. Smith would be like the Danny Almonte of college football. Everyone would know that he’s too old and that he should’ve been playing at the next level years ago.
Najee Harris, Alabama RB
Speaking of Alabama players who I thought were adios post-2019, Harris has been everything that Alabama fans could’ve hoped for. He’s having a banner season not only as a runner but also as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He’s a lock to be one of the first running backs off the board in today’s NFL.
In some bizarro world in which Harris returned to college, he’d probably be something like 1,500 rushing yards away from breaking Herschel Walker’s career rushing record, and he’d probably be about 12-14 rushing scores away from breaking Tim Tebow’s SEC rushing touchdowns record. Harris would have a chance to end his career as one of the best SEC running backs ever.
But yeah, let’s say 0.0% chance of returning on that one, too.
Feleipe Franks, Arkansas QB
The worst-kept secret at Florida heading into 2019 was that it would be Franks’ last season in Gainesville. Whether that was going to the NFL, pursuing an MLB career (he got drafted by the Red Sox) or leaving as a grad transfer, the writing was on the wall. In other words, no, I don’t expect Franks to still be in college for a 6th year in 2021. But Franks would be fun to watch on a variety of levels. I compared him to Jameis Winston coming into this season, which now looks outdated. The 2020 version of Franks was much more stable than that.
Even if you don’t think Franks has an NFL future, you can’t deny how pretty his deep throws are. A Feleipe dime is a sight to behold. That big arm will give him a shot at the next level, which is all anyone can ask for. Still, I’d love to see Feleipe dimes for the rest of my life:
FELEIPE FRANKS DEEP BALL 🚀 pic.twitter.com/4g2l90qtUQ
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 8, 2020
Goodness, I’m gonna miss that.
Drake Jackson, Kentucky C
The heart and soul of that smash-mouth Kentucky offensive line has already celebrated his senior day. In fact, he said that he was going to go home and sleep in his jersey after his last home game. I mean, you start 43 consecutive games, you earn the right to do that. Jackson has been a pleasure to watch during this rise that Kentucky has been on with Mark Stoops. How many times did he help clear a path for a Benny Snell/Lynn Bowden/Terry Wilson/Chris Rodriguez touchdown? Countless.
He’s a throwback player with a nastiness that’ll make him valuable at the next level. Why wouldn’t I want to see that at Kentucky for another season?
Richard LeCounte, Georgia S
I hate what happened to LeCounte in the middle of this season. The motorcycle accident that sidelined the Georgia star was another tough pill for the Dawgs to swallow in 2020. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad we at least got to see him at all in 2020 after his multi-interception game in the Sugar Bowl, but it still bums me out that we didn’t get a full season of LeCounte. His instincts are second to none. Few in all of college football can change a game from the safety position like the Georgia senior.
While I don’t blame anyone who does opt out, I appreciate that LeCounte was willing to come back for Georgia and sit out the rest of the season. It didn’t matter to him that the Dawgs already had 2 losses, and that this would be his first December without having Playoff aspirations. That’s what leaders do.
Don’t get me wrong. LeCounte has NFL riches in his future. But if there’s some miracle that results in him staying another year, Georgia fans would be over the moon.
Monty Rice, Georgia LB
Speaking of Georgia players who could already be playing on Sundays, Rice has been banged up throughout this season, as well. He’s going to the Senior Bowl, so Rice absolutely isn’t coming back. Georgia fans know this. All things considered, Rice has still had a solid year patrolling the middle of Kirby Smart’s defense. He’s No. 2 on the team in tackles, and he’s a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
Rice’s ability to blow up running plays has made him a staple of the Georgia defense for the last 3 years. He already feels like one of those “he’s been in college for 7 years” type of players, and with good reason. When you’re around the ball as much as Rice — he’s now over 200 tackles for his career — you become pretty familiar with SEC foes. Georgia fans will miss watching No. 32 make these types of plays:
Monty Rice, that’ll work. pic.twitter.com/UfxNYx4ZXv
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) October 10, 2020
KJ Britt, Auburn LB
The run-stuffing Auburn linebacker has been sidelined with a thumb injury for the last 2 months. That’s made for a much more inconsistent Auburn run defense in the post-Marlon Davidson/Derrick Brown era. Britt’s presence was invaluable on not just that defense, but the entire team. Like Rice, Britt is also going to the Senior Bowl so any chance of a return is gone. He confirmed as much Thursday night.
Thank you Auburn, Always WDE! Now Next Chapter pic.twitter.com/enRNoxOm9h
— Kj Britt (@K_Britt10) December 11, 2020
It’s a shame that he didn’t get the swan song that he deserved after making the somewhat surprising decision to return for 2020. I’m not sure Britt would’ve put Auburn in contention for a West title had he been healthy for the whole season — he was out there against Georgia — but I don’t think the Tigers would’ve had such major defensive lapses with him on the field.
Larry Rountree III, Mizzou RB
What a bounce-back season it’s been for Rountree in Year 1 of the Eli Drinkwitz era. After a season in which he was held to 3 yards per carry in SEC play, Rountree has gotten back to his workhorse back ways. He’s got 69 carries in the last 3 games alone, which went for 403 yards and 7 touchdowns. On the year, he’s No. 7 in FBS in carries and he’s No. 4 in the SEC in rushing. Somewhat quietly, Rountree totally eliminated that timeshare he had with Tyler Badie last year.
Rountree is gone at Mizzou, but he’d be a fun guy to watch with a full offseason and another year in Drinkwitz’s offense. The guy played with 3 different offensive coordinators in his career, yet he’s still got a shot to finish his career with 4,000 rushing yards, which only 9 SEC backs have ever reached. Rountree is still underrated, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a steal at the next level.
Still, what a way to go out:
Watch: #Mizzou RB Larry Rountree dances his way off the field on senior day. He finished with 185 yards and III TDs. pic.twitter.com/AARGrloKZh
— Andrew Kauffman (@AndrewABC17) December 5, 2020
And 1 more … Jarrett Guarantano
Just kidding, Tennessee fans. Y’all have been through enough.
Pruitt is begging Guarantanomto come back with his mad skills and game winning ways. He’s just sure the next start will be the one when he puts it all together.
Jesus Christ don’t scare me like that
Our entire O-Line, please!
I was going to say ANY of the four senior O-linemen.
Hey Battered, scare me. Nothing but respect for those guys…
Tigers couldn’t get close to Mond, yet they rattled Trask allnight.
Tough call, stay & work on a masters degree or leave, get drafted & make a boat load of cash…
Also not to mention the likelihood of injury ruining your chances of being drafted.
It’s not really a tough call. Most of these guys went to college to prepare for the NFL If they feel they are ready, they will declare. The thought of a Masters will not enter into the equation.
Still, like to see Jabril Cox and Deculus return. Stevens too, if they moved him to LB.
I really don’t think Trask’ll come back, but a guy can hope, right?
KJ Costello!
Pretty sure Connor is paid by how many times he writes, “I know, I know”.
I know, I know, that was a cheap shot.
I know, I know, I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed the same.
I’d take Franks back in a heartbeat, but I also feel a lot better about where the Hogs’ QB room is after seeing KJ on Saturday.
Franks is a big reason why we’ve started to turn things around, and I’d think every one of our fans would welcome him back with open arms. Obviously, he’s probably headed to the draft and I’m excited for KJ, but you couldn’t ask for a better player and leader for Ark this year.
Most of these guys on this list are 100% going pro after this season, so this seems silly. He could have made a much better and more realistic list.
Agree.
The linebackers (Rice and Britt) aren’t going to improve their draft stock with another year.
Running backs have wear and tear and a relatively high injury risk, so it’s best for them to leave if their draftable. Harris is a high draft pick (first two rounds) and he’s gone. Rountree looks draftable but he only has 11 receptions on the season so far. He might help his draft stock by spending another year with Drinkwitz and working on his pass catching.
Toney made noises like he might declare after last year but clearly, Coach Mullen sat him down, told him he probably wouldn’t be drafted and gave him a roadmap to get better. And to Toney’s everlasting credit, he listened. He’s probably a late round draft choice, but I think he’s helped himself immensely by putting in the work and staying the extra year. … And while Smith and Waddle have more straight-line speed, Toney is already the most electrifying player in college football.
Franks is a late round development project. He just has too much raw talent for a team not to take a flyer on him. He might choose to stay another season, but after the Missouri game he might also choose to just move on.
Trask is a complete unknown. He’s making up for so much lost time, in terms of just plain fun playing football, and this is a very quarterback rich draft. He might be the fifth quarterback picked in 2021, but he could potentially be the first quarterback picked in 2022, which would be well worth the extra year. Florida almost certainly loses Pitts (he has to be a first round pick) but is still stacked at the receiver positions next year. Trask staying would be a bad break for Emory Jones, who would probably transfer, especially with talented younger guys starting to stack up behind him in the quarterback room.
If Trask is smart he will go and fullfill a childhood dream. In todays football enviroment it is always “What have you done for me lately?” Also the chance of injury is to great. He must strike while the iron is hot. On top of that, it is Emory’s time next year. He has been patient and a model QB in waiting. There is a lot of unknown with Jones but this is how Mullen’s program is designed. Mullen will be a big proponent of Trask leaving for the NFL. Although Trask returning would make us the pre season favorite in the east and give us the best shot at another SEC run, Mullen would rather have another another NFL QB success story under his belt. Especially one that includes a guy that was willing to wait and develop. This will give him tons of clout with recruiting and future QB’s being patient. It will help control the transfer portal for the Gators as well. Trask’s story and success will postitively affect the next ten years of gator football as long as Mullen hangs around.
2Bits, I agree with you on Trask. He should leave this year. But the guy has a had a very unusual path, to say the least. I also wouldn’t be surprised if — given his unique experience — he left in part to give Emory his shot.
And because of Mullen on the sidelines, Emory Jones will be much better than fans of other programs may expect him to be when and if he becomes the Gator starting quarterback.
It isn’t that Jones is not going to be good, it is more of a “big shoes to fill” thing. Admittedly I don’t follow you guys’ recruiting as closely as my own team, but just from the outside looking in it is tough to see the offense not taking a bit of a step back next season given the departing personnel. Who knows though…some said the same about Bama and it didn’t go down like that.
I think Britt could improve his draft position. I imagine he is going to be around a 4th rounder. It is nice to fantasize about some of these players coming back, like Trask. But a player going in the first round, as Trask and others will, will make more money in their firs contract than they will with a degree. There are a few exceptions, but very few. Najee will go second round I am guessing.
Emory Jones has not impressed. His lack of playing time and limited use last year and this year – e.g., never throws in tight situations – tells me he has a “learning the offense” problem. Treon Harris, anyone?
As for “Mullen’s system”, that’s a load of dung. Trask, supposedly not a “Mullen’s system” quarterback, stepped right in to “Mullen’s system” at Kentucky last year and totally outplayed “Mullen’s system” quarterback Franks. And has possibly outplayed every quarterback in UF history.
I would love to see Rice and LaCounte return but wishful thinking. The Qbs, RBs and WRs should all leave. Risk of injury is too great. Get while getting is good. You can get Masters later. You can only play ball for limited time.
I still can not make any sense of this. If you played, why would you not lose a year of eligibility? I understand if your school did not play, played limited games or you decided to opt out. We don’t need 24 and 25 year olds hanging around, playing against teenagers.
I agree. It doesn’t make sense and really is not fair to the underclassmen.
Agreed. I do not understand how it is not going to wreak havoc with the 85 scholarship limit and roster management, to say nothing of scholarship funding for some programs.
I agree with Rice, especially after his big nomination this week. LeCounte I thing will be the interesting one. Without the accident he would be gone, interested to see what the “experts” have to say of any impact that has on when he will go. I’d love to have him back for his PT but also for helping developing some of the youngsters before being thrown into the fire. Oh yeah, Semper Fi!
Yeah. That too. Give someone else a chance
Jarrett Guarantano, Man that is just cold and wrong on so many levels.
Y’all had to say Guarantano