CFB: Top Five Players for the SEC in 2021
The SEC is arguably the most stacked conference in terms of just pure talent. From top to bottom, this conference is loaded with players who have flair, strength, and finesse. The conference has produced talent at the next level for many years and these guys will be no different. These players are ranked based on their skill level, statistics, and how they will contribute to putting their team in a position to accumulate wins. If you would like to check out the top five players in the Big Ten, click here.
5. Matt Corral - Ole Miss, Quarterback
Coming in at number five is Matt Corral, the junior is a gunslinger who is not afraid to air the ball out. Corral has the potential to be the best player in the SEC at the end of the year due to his play-making ability. In 2020, Corral came off a great year, he torched Alabama’s defense by throwing for 365 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, Corral threw for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. What alarms me and why he is number five is his interception rate. Throwing 14 picks in 10 games is a high rate but if he can clean the turnover up, Corral could be the best quarterback in the conference. Corral thrives on efficiency as he completed over 70% of his throws, hopefully, he can continue this trend into the 2021 season.
4. Evan Neal - Alabama, Offensive Lineman
Evan Neal is one of the most talented offensive linemen in the country due to his ability to play multiple positions on the line. Neal can play both left and right tackle, his versatility will serve as great protection for the new, experienced quarterback, Bryce Young. If not the first, he is projected to be one of the top three offensive linemen taken in the 2022 NFL draft. In 2020, Neal held down the right side of the line contributing to Alabama becoming the number one scoring offense in the nation. Neal’s 6 foot 7 inches and 360-pound body enables him to get to the second level and create blaring gaps in the running game. His size and physicality should contribute to Alabama’s hopes of going back-to-back.
3. Will Anderson Jr. - Alabama, Linebacker
Will Anderson Jr. is the anchor of the Alabama defense and he is the best linebacker in the conference. Anderson Jr. is everywhere on the field, his presence is unique as he pressures the quarterback at a high rate but also is a tackling machine. In 2020, the freshman had 52 tackles, seven sacks, and one fumble. 2021 will be Anderson Jr.’s second year at the collegiate level so his stock will only rise as he understands more regarding reading the game. Former Alabama quarterback, Mac Jones, gave Anderson Jr. the nickname “The Terminator”, his physicality and dominance represent qualities of termination.
2. JT Daniels - Georgia, Quarterback
JT Daniels is coming into the 2021 season with momentum and a little bit of swagger after he took over for the Bulldogs mid-season in 2020. In four games, Daniels threw for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns leading Georgia to four victories to end the season. After a peach bowl victory against Cincinnati, Daniels became a Heisman favorite and the best quarterback in the conference. Daniels is poised to have a huge year after he departed from USC, he wants to prove that he can lead a program to a title. Daniels has a brilliant touch on his deep ball and his quick release allows him to hit receivers in stride contributing to his accuracy. Daniels is looking to put together his best season and hopefully bring the Bulldogs to the top of the conference in 2021.
1. Derek Stingley Jr. - LSU, Cornerback
Derek Stingley Jr. is the most talented defensive back in the country and the best all-around player in the SEC. At 6 foot 1 inch and weighing 195 pounds, Stingley Jr. can out physical almost any receiver. As a freshman, Stingley Jr. accumulated 38 tackles and 6 interceptions, in 2020 he filled up the stat sheet as well. Stingley Jr. was a consensus All-American in 2019, this was one of many accolades he earned in bringing the championship back to Baton Rouge. Now a junior, Stingley Jr. has some of the best feet and hips that allow him to make plays in the secondary. He can flip his hips and stay in stride with any receiver which is why he will be a first-round draft pick in 2022. Stingley Jr. will be the captain of the Tigers defense and show why he is the best player in the conference in the 2021 campaign.
References Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/
Writer
-By: Justin Howard