For some former SEC players, the AAF has been a chance to hit the reset button.

The opportunity to do more than just fill an NFL practice squad spot has been an ideal showcase their skills, and possibly even get back into the league.

We don’t know what the future holds for that. We do know, however, that these former SEC players are shining brightest in the first month of the AAF:

1. Zac Stacy, Memphis RB

The former Vanderbilt star became the first 100-yard rusher in AAF history, which has to be worth something. Stacy, who was one of the feel-good stories of the 2013 NFL season, is still making people miss 6 years later. He ranks 4th in the league in rushing (232) and third in carries (62).

He might not have that breakaway speed, but Stacy is still capable of breaking off the big runs:

That looks a lot like the guy who helped James Franklin’s Vandy squad make some history back in 2012. For someone who looked like another NFL running back casualty a few years ago, Stacy has shown that he’s still got something left in the tank.

2. Earl Okine, Orlando LB

The former Gator has bounced around a ton since he was undrafted in 2013. The Apollos are his 9th team and the AAF is his 5th pro football league. So far, he’s making the most of that chance.

The edge-rusher is tied for 2nd in the league with 3 sacks, and he’s been a menace in opposing backfields. Even when he hasn’t gotten to the quarterback, he’s been able to impact throws. Apparently it helps to be 6-7 and super athletic.

The “Sun ‘N Gun” offense is all the rage in Orlando, but the defense allowed just 16 points per game in the first month, and Okine is a big part of that.

3. Shaan Washington, San Antonio LB

The former Texas A&M linebacker deserved to make the cut for this hit alone:

Goodness.

That was the first viral moment in AAF history, and for good reason. In many ways, that play set the tone for the surpassed expectations that opening night brought.

Washington’s production didn’t slow down after that hit, either. He has 3 sacks on the season, and that’s despite the fact that he missed Week 3 with an injury and he was limited in Week 4.

Here’s hoping Washington has a few more viral moments in his future.

4. Trent Richardson, Birmingham RB

I know, I know, I know. You’re going to look at the yards per carry average and think to yourself, “what are you talking about? How is Richardson shining?”

That’s a fair point. Usually guys who average 2.4 yards per carry aren’t worthy of praise. I’m not saying that Richardson is earning another chance in the NFL with his play, and that he’s changed his reputation as one of the biggest draft busts of the 21st century. But I am saying that someone with 7 rushing touchdowns — 4 more than the next-closest player — is making a significant impact.

Richardson has essentially become a glorified fullback who can catch passes out of the backfield (he’s 4th in the AAF in receptions). Part of that could be because of Birmingham’s offensive line struggles, and part of it could just be because the former Alabama star just doesn’t have that next-level burst anymore.

Whatever the case, Richardson still seems like a good bet to lead the league in scoring in its inaugural season.

5. Beniquez Brown, Birmingham LB

Should Brown have left Mississippi State early? No, but does he look like someone who should get a second look from the NFL? Absolutely.

In the first month of the season, you could make a case that Brown is the league’s defensive MVP. He’s second in the AAF in tackles, he’s got a pair of sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery playing in the middle of what’s easily been the best defense in the league. That’s big-time production any way you slice it up. He’s always been a tackling machine, but his play-making skills are what stand out in his first month.

If you don’t know Brown’s backstory, it makes it all that much more incredible (he was away from the game for 3 years and he worked at his high school coach’s landscaping company). He’s clearly taking his second opportunity seriously, and at just 25 years old, he could be the perfect candidate for an NFL redemption story.

Perhaps Brown will become the poster child for the AAF’s mission of being a true developmental league for the NFL.