ESPN names the SEC’s biggest X-factors for 2016

The SEC has a ton of star power, but what are some of the conference’s biggest X-factors entering the 2016 college football season?

ESPN went through all 14 teams and named one under-the-radar player or coach that will rise from the unknown to play a huge part this fall. From Kentucky offensive coordinator Eddie Gran to LSU’s entire linebacker corps, here are the SEC’s biggest X-factors for this year:

SEC East

Tennessee: Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop

Georgia: DT Trenton Thompson

Florida: DT Caleb Brantley

South Carolina: DE Darius English

Missouri: WR Chris Black

Kentucky: Offensive coordinator Eddie Gran

Vanderbilt: WR C.J. Duncan

SEC West

LSU: The linebackers

Alabama: Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt

Ole Miss: LB Rommel Mageo

Texas A&M: The offensive line

Mississippi State: Defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon

Auburn: LB Tre’ Williams

Arkansas: The running backs

Tyler Waddell

Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).