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.

30. Dak Prescott, Jr., QB, Mississippi St.

The Bulldogs believe they have a star in the making under center, a quarterback who is prepared to meet — and perhaps exceed — expectations the program welcomes with open arms going into Dan Mullen’s sixth season. SEC Media Days was said to have lacked star power, but Prescott impressed the horde of reporters in Hoover with an attitude reserved for winners as he steps into his new leadership role at Mississippi St.

RELATED: Projecting SEC stat leaders for quarterbacks

Prescott spent much of the offseason improving his footwork with Bulldogs quarterback coach Brian Johnson and feels better prepared heading into August than he did the previous season as a second-team passer. He’s only made seven career starts, but has showcased dual-threat capabilities in most of those opportunities.

Last season, Prescott went over the 100-yard rushing barrier four different times and scored 13 touchdowns on the ground. You’d expect defenses to know what they’re in for this fall, but Prescott’s playmaking ability out of the pocket will continue with a noticeable improvement in passing totals as well. The Bulldogs’ schedule is likely too challenging to post Heisman-caliber statistics, but he’ll certainly get his shot.

2013 statistics: 1,940 yards passing 10 TD/7 INT; 829 rushing yards, 13 TD
2014 projection: 3,002 yards passing, 22 TD/10 INT; 899 rushing yards, 13 TD