The SEC has only one Heisman Trophy candidate this season in Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Most of the time, however, the only players that receive any Heisman Trophy consideration are quarterbacks, running backs or wide receivers. Even then, it’s tough to be at the top if you aren’t a quarterback.

So we wondered if the Heisman Trophy wasn’t biased toward these offensive skill positions, what kind of candidates could the SEC have produced this season?

Here are three SEC Heisman Trophy candidates outside of the usual positions represented in college football’s most prestigious individual award.

DB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss

Why: A defensive back winning the Heisman Trophy isn’t undprecendented since Charles Woodson won it in 1997. But he was a factor in the return game game and occasionally on offense as well as a full-timer on defense. Senquez Golson didn’t have that versatility, but no player made bigger plays this season for Ole Miss than Golson.

He led the SEC with nine interceptions and played his best against the top competition with six of his interceptions coming against SEC opponents. Golson’s Heisman moment came against Alabama when he picked off Blake Sims in the back of the end zone to seal historical upset for Ole Miss.

Arguably no defensive back was more impactful than Golson this season.

DE Shane Ray, Missouri

Why: Speaking of impact, Shane Ray was a game-changer at defensive end. He led the SEC in sacks and is now the Missouri record-holder for sacks in a season.

Aside from his 12.5 sacks, Ray was consistent throughout the entire season. There was only one game where he didn’t record a tackle for loss, despite often having to fight through double teams just to get in the backfield. His speed is unmatched at the defensive line and it’s one of the biggest reasons why he projects to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

SEC fans were unable to see him really make an impact in the SEC Championship due to his ejection, but Ray’s ability to affect opposing quarterbacks was a sight to behold.

OG Arie Kouandjio, Alabama

Why: Offensive lineman will never be Heisman candidates, simply because it’s not a skill position. Often times, linemen get overlooked despite holding a huge part in the success of the offense.

No offensive line in the SEC may have been as impressive as Alabama’s this season. The Crimson Tide allowed a SEC-low 13.0 sacks this season and it was guard Arie Kouandjio who anchored that offensive line. Kouandjio was rewarded for his efforts with multiple All-America selections, and deservingly so.

Kouandjio started all 13 games for the Tide and was a reliable presence along the trenches. His performance this season played a huge role in giving Blake Sims ample time in the backfield to hit Amari Cooper downfield. Without Kouandjio, I don’t believe Alabama has as much offensive production in 2014.