SEC fans were spoiled last season with the crop of wide receivers at the top of the conference.

Players like Jordan Matthews, Mike Evans Odell Beckham Jr., and others reigned atop the SEC receivers in what was a huge season for wideouts.

This year doesn’t have the same big names, however.

Yes, there’s Amari Cooper and what he has done this season is nothing short of spectacular (103 rec., 1,573 yards and 14 touchdowns).

Of course, it’s tough for this year’s crop of receivers to match the production of whist last year’s group did. By the end of the season, four receivers had more than 1,000 receiving yards. Six more receivers had between 800 and 1,000 yards receiving and four different receivers had at least 10 receiving touchdowns.

The stats aren’t quite as extraordinary in 2014. While Cooper will likely surpass last year’s top receiver — Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews — by the end of the season statistically, the other guys are nearly as potent.

Cooper is the only current 1,000-yard receiver and two more are within striking distance at 966 and 904 yards, respectively. Touchdown-wise, only two players — Josh Reynolds and Cooper — have double-digit touchdowns.

Despite the stats lacking more in this season, the 2014 crop of wideouts are still helping their teams win games.

Take South Carolina’s Pharaoh Cooper for example. The sophomore does have the second-most receiving yards in the league, but he’s been able to provide much more than receptions for the Gamecocks this season. As a runner or even a quarterback at times, Cooper has been much more than just a receiver and his versatility was huge for South Carolina’s offense this season.

De’Runnya Wilson is a player who may not be putting up the numbers of top receivers, but I’d bet Mississippi State fans would argue he’s one of the most important pieces on their team this season.

Wilson could be a future star in the SEC. Despite playing football for just a few years, he’s already using that 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame of his to terrorize opposing defensive backs. Just ask LSU, Alabama or even Ole Miss. He was always making the big catches when his team needed it the most. No, he’s not a Mike Evans, but Wilson is still effective and a great weapon for the MSU offense.

One intriguing aspect in regard to the SEC’s best receivers this season is the potential for many of them to return next year. Cooper is a junior, but he’s likely gone to the NFL after the season.

With the exception of him, seven of the SEC’s top 10 receivers in 2014 are slated to return next year. So while the conference may lack the names and talent of 2013, this year’s group may not be far off that level.

Until then, let’s appreciate what this year’s SEC receivers have accomplished because while the numbers aren’t as impressive, these receivers’ ability to find ways to help their team win is.