10 Underrated SEC Players Set to Make an Impact in 2014

By Derrik Klassen on Monday, June 30th 2014
10 Underrated SEC Players Set to Make an Impact in 2014

Sammie Coates, Wide Receiver, Auburn

Through the national championship campaign, most of the Auburn offensive hype was around Nick Marshall, Greg Robinson, and Tre Mason. Coates, Auburn's best receiver, went relatively unnoticed. His phenomenal speed allowed him to be the receiver that sealed the deal against Georgia. With Auburn likely to pass a bit more next season, Coates should break out as a star. 

Montravius Adams, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Due to Gus Malzahn's power house offense, most of Auburn's defense was out of the spotlight. Soon, that will change. Adams was only a freshman last year, but his flashes of athletic dominance were a light of hope. If Adams can become more consistent and dominate throughout the game, he will be a force for Auburn. 

Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida

Until Antonio Morrison went down with a season ending injury, Davis rode the bench. Although, that was more about Will Muschamp favoring seniors. Once Davis got his shot, he was a stud. Davis covers massive amounts of ground in a short amount of time, allowing him to be a solid Will linebacker. Talent-wise, Davis will have no trouble overtaking Morrison. 

Alvin Dupree, Defensive End, Kentucky

During last year's draft process, Za'Darius Smith, Dupree's teammate, was getting plenty of hype, but Dupree may be the superior pass rusher. Dupree's burst off the line is top notch, as is his tenacity and relentlessness when attacking the quarterback. With the spotlight being taken off of both of them, Dupree will be able to thrive on the clean slate and prove that he is one of the SEC's best pass rushers despite going to a smaller school. 

Anthony Jennings, Quarterback, LSU

Jennings was not a starter last year because of Zach Mettenberger, but do not let that fool you. When Mettenberger went down with an injury against Arkansas, Jennings took over the game and lead LSU on a game winning drive. Jennings is an excellent athlete that has the tools to be a top notch passer. He will need to refine his passing ability, but Jennings will find early success. 

Benardrick McKinney, Linebacker, Mississippi State

Aside from the outstanding CJ Mosley, McKinney was the best middle linebacker in the SEC. He was a commander for the subpar Mississippi State defense and was a vital piece to them even having the success that they did. After one year of getting a bit of attention, McKinney should become a national name in due time. 

Shane Ray, Defensive End, Missouri

Kony Ealy and Michael Sam got the media's attention last year due to them being in the NFL draft, but the younger Ray is better than both of them. His explosiveness allowed him to be productive during his minuscule time on the field. Now that Ray will have a starting role, he will take the SEC by storm. 

CJ Johnson, Defensive End, Ole Miss

For two years, Johnson has quietly been one of the best edge rushers in the SEC. In Ole Miss' game against Alabama, Johnson lifted Cyrus Kouandjio off the ground on multiple ocassions. Obviosuly that was not the only time he succeeded, but it was a notable "win" against a notable opponent. After establishing himself for multiple years, Johnson is ready for the spotlight. 

Shaq Roland, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Though the passing attack of South Carolina takes a backseat to Mike Davis' running ability, Roland is a threat when South Carolina goes to the skies. Roland can stretch the field, as well as be an acrobat at the catch point. With a new quarterback in control, Roland will be the safety blanket for the passing attack. 

Germain Ifedi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

Ifedi played right guard last year, just like his predecessor Cedric Ogbuehi. With Ogbuehi making the traditional move to left tackle, Ifedi will take over at right tackle. At guard, Ifedi was a brick wall and the best interior lineman on the team. Ifedi should have no issue moving to the outside.

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