In the SEC East, planning for the 2016 season begins with finding a capable quarterback. Only Tennessee, with Joshua Dobbs returning, is solid at the game’s most important position.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt will go into spring practice with clear No. 1 quarterbacks, but both are unproven. Missouri must decide between Maty Mauk, who led the Tigers to a division title in 2014, and rising sophomore Drew Lock, who replaced him this season. But those teams have big battles looming at other positions.

Here’s a look at the biggest spring battles anticipated at each East school:

2016 BIGGEST SEC EAST POSITION BATTLES

Quarterback, Florida

Treon Green won’t keep the job for next season. If he does, Jim McElwain better start looking for another job, or Green must experience an amazing transformation, including additional height and improved passing ability. The competition should include transfer walk-on Jake Del Rio and incoming freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask. Del Rio, who walked on at Alabama then served as the No. 2 quarterback at Oregon State under Mike Riley, has thrown only 18 passes in his college career, but should be the early favorite. Del Rio’s position coaches at Alabama and Oregon State, Doug Nussmeier and John Garrett, respectively, are both on McElwain’s staff. If Del Rio grabs the job, it would give Franks, the Gators’ apparent quarterback of the future, time to develop.

Quarterback, Georgia

Brice Ramsey will have one more chance to fulfill the promise expected when he arrived. If he can’t, 6-5 1/2 Jacob Eason, the nation’s No. 2 QB recruit, should have a clear path to starting as a freshman. Eason has enrolled for the winter semester, giving him spring and summer to take control. The 6-3 Ramsey hasn’t shown consistency throwing the ball, losing a battle last summer to Greyson Lambert.

Left tackle, Kentucky

Standout Jordan Swindle is gone, leaving QB Drew Barker without an important bodyguard. Cole Mosier, a fourth-year junior, was the backup to Swindle. Tate Leavitt, a 6-5, 305-pound junior college transfer, could challenge for the spot. Leavitt, who also received an offer from Alabama, has enrolled and will be at spring practice.

Running back, Missouri

Mizzou should have a capable quarterback, whether it’s Mauk or Lock. But finding a viable option at wide receiver and running back may be tough. Russell Hansbrough is gone at running back after an injury-plauged senior season. Candidates to replace him include tiny scatback Ish Witter, a better option as a receiver, and seniors Chase Abbington and Morgan Steward. But the most talented candidate is junior-college transfer Natereace Strong, a four-star recruit with breakaway speed.

Quarterback, South Carolina

It’s time for either Connor Mitch or Lorenzo Nunez to step up. Neither was successful last season for the Gamecocks. If they don’t, incoming freshman Brandon McIlwain, a four-star prospect from Pennsylvania, could grab the starting spot. But McIlwain, who was projected as a first-round choice in the MLB Draft, won’t arrive until summer practice. With a future in baseball, he may stay at South Carolina only three years.

Slot receiver, Tennessee

The Volunteers are solid at most positions, including quarterback. The loss of Von Pearson at slot receiver may be the toughest hole to fill. Rising sophomore Jauan Jennings was the backup on the depth chart last season. The most talented candidate may be Vincent Perry, a second-year player with breakaway speed, who appears healthy after recovering from a torn ACL.

Center, Vanderbilt

Kyle Shurmur seems to have a firm grip on the quarterback spot. But who will get the ball to him? Sean Auwae, rated No. 5 at the position by 247 Sports, chose the Commodores over several Pac-12 schools. The 6-4, 285-pound Hawaii native will eventually battle third-year sophomore Cole Hardin, the backup behind departing Spencer Pulley. Until then, Hardin must prove himself in the spring against unheralded competition.