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SDS talent evaluators Jon Cooper and Brad Crawford spent several months breaking down last year’s highlights, incoming talent and projected 2014 impact following spring practice to compile a list of the SEC’s Top 100 players heading into fall. Athletes were selected by position then ranked overall counting down to No. 1.
Stick with SDS throughout summer and get in on the action using the hashtag #SDSTop100 as we unveil a new player daily leading up to opening night on Aug. 28.
25. Bo Wallace, Sr., QB, Mississippi
Experience-laden with sizable expectations, can Wallace handle the pressure in Oxford this season?
One of the few returning SEC quarterbacks with snaps in big games, this long-haired senior opens our final 25 as a player capable of impressive numbers in his third year as a starter in Hugh Freeze’s offense. Wallace, who added nearly 20 pounds to his frame to boost strength, altered his throwing motion with quarterback guru Tom House in the offseason to become more consistent from the pocket.
RELATED: Projecting 2014 SEC stat leaders — Quarterbacks
Fully recovered from 2013 shoulder surgery that played a role in a numbers dive at the tail end of his junior season, Wallace’s confidence level has never been higher as a collegian and the hype surrounding the Rebels’ season has been felt nationwide. Ole Miss’ success this season will hinge on Wallace’s decision-making and being able to produce touchdowns in the red zone. Twenty-seven interceptions over the last two seasons is a reason for doubt since, at times, Wallace has shown a tendency to force throws into coverage.
We’re expecting the Tennessee native to be amongst the SEC’s leaders in touchdown passes and yardage this fall and it that happens, the Rebels will be in the mix for a Western Division crown.
2013 statistics: 3,346 yards, 18 TD, 10 INT
2014 projection: 3,852 yards, 30 TD, 8 INT
