Every season, teams and players emerge as championship contenders and stars.

During the 2014 campaign, the likes of Ole Miss and Mississippi State soared up the rankings with both schools attaining top-three rankings at point during the season. Players such as Alabama quarterback Blake Sims, Georgia tailback Nick Chubb and Mississippi State wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson emerged as faces of the SEC.

With several teams wrapping up their seasons this week, and as we begin to look toward 2015, Saturday Down South identifies both teams and players that could be awoken as sleeping giants next season.

Teams

Tennessee: The Volunteers seem to be a rather obvious choice, but year three could be Butch Jones’ best in Knoxville. Tennessee returns a wealth of talent on both sides of the football, and are set to bring in a consensus top-five recruiting class. With sophomore Joshua Dobbs expected to start under center in 2015, the Volunteers’ offense could have an extra dimension with his running ability. Coupled with tailback Jalen Hurd and skill on the outside, not only will Tennessee be able to put up points in 2015, but the Volunteers could compete for the SEC East title.

Arkansas: Another addition to the “that’s-so-obvious” camp is the Arkansas Razorbacks. Bret Bielema’s team is looking to secure its seventh win in the bowl game, and with core pieces on both sides of the ball returning, the Hogs are in position to win eight, nine or, perhaps with the luck of a bounce, 10 games in 2015. Bielema must replace key departures including defensive end Trey Flowers and linebacker Martrell Spaight, however, the Razorbacks are surging out West.

Players

Jalen Hurd, running back, Tennessee: The aforementioned Hurd put together a sensational freshman campaign, rushing for 777 yards and three touchdowns on 174 carries. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native added 217 receiving yards and two scores on 33 catches out of the backfield. At 6-foot-3, 221-pounds, Hurd has great size but also boasts the speed to breakaway at the second level. A strong bowl performance against Iowa would propel Hurd toward a breakout 2015.

Jeremy Johnson, quarterback, Auburn: The sophomore started the season-opener for the Tigers in the absence of Nick Marshall. All he did was go 12-of-16 for 243 yards and two scores. The former Mr. Football in the state of Alabama stands tall in the pocket and is as accurate a passer as there is in the SEC. He’s expected to start for head coach Gus Malzahn in 2015, and should have a great year in the hurry-up, no-huddle offense.

Reuben Foster, linebacker, Alabama: Everyone is waiting for this former five-star recruit. Foster has made his presence felt as a standout special teams performer for the Crimson Tide. Due to the depth of talent at linebacker, Foster hasn’t seen the field too often, but is expected to be a starter in 2015. The Auburn, Ala., native should realize his potential next season and become the next Alabama great.

Speedy Noil, wide receiver, Texas A&M: The true freshmen ranked second on the team in receiving and also had an impact on special teams. Noil is versatile, able to line up at multiple spots on the field and boasts great agility. With five-star QB Kyler Murray arriving in College Station this offseason, if the Aggies can find continuity under center, Noil will be poised for a monster season.

Lorenzo Carter, linebacker, Georgia: A heralded recruit, Carter had a solid first season in Athens, ranking eighth on the team in tackles with 33. He added 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one fumble recovery. At 6-foot-6, 237-pounds, Carter is long and rangy off the edge. With another year of maturing, Carter is on pace for a standout 2015 in Jeremy Pruitt’s defense.