The SEC is loaded with freshmen who were stud recruits and other underclassmen who could leave early for the NFL, but here at Saturday Down South we don’t want to overlook the talented seniors who stuck around for a fourth season and are excelling for their teams. Here are five of the top performances from seniors during the sixth week of the SEC football season.

REGGIE RAGLAND

Ragland had what Nick Saban told reporters afterward was “one of his best games” in Alabama’s victory against Arkansas. The Crimson Tide shut down the Arkansas offense and the senior linebacker led the way with eight tackles. Seven of them were solo and one was a sack. He also had two quarterback hurries, a pass deflection and a forced fumble. In a game with great defense from both teams, Ragland star burned the brightest.

JAKE GANUS

The Georgia linebacker shouldn’t get any blame for the Bulldogs’ second loss in as many weeks. The UAB transfer had an amazing game, racking up 12 tackles with an interception. Ganus seems to be more of a force on defense each week as he adjusts to life in the SEC and if the Bulldogs can turn it around he’s going to be a big factor.

TRAE ELSTON

The Ole Miss defensive back is having one of the best seasons of any defender in the country and it continued Saturday as the Rebels cruised past New Mexico State. He finished with four tackles and also nabbed his fourth interception of the season.

MIKE HILTON

But Elston probably didn’t even have the best day among Ole Miss senior defensive backs. Hilton also had four tackles and an interception, but three of his tackles were for a loss and he also broke up another pass. With Hilton and Elston the Rebels have one of the best senior secondary pairs in the country.

MALCOLM MITCHELL

Mitchell was overshadowed a bit by his Georgia teammate Reggie Davis on Saturday, but he added another solid game to what is becoming a fine senior season. The wide receiver made five catches for 85 yards and had a touchdown for the Bulldogs, who couldn’t quite get enough offense going to get past Tennessee.