Love it or hate it, the SEC has been the best conference in college football for the last decade. Since 2014, the conference has claimed six national titles. Three from Alabama, two from Georgia, and one from LSU. Those three teams will still be major players heading into the 2023 season. The rest of the conference will look to match their talent. Here are five players to watch in the SEC.
5. Deone Walker, DL – Kentucky
Kentucky’s Eli Cox, Deone Walker and J.J. Weaver have been named to the Preseason All-SEC team by the league’s coaches
Walker and Weaver – Second team
Cox- Third team
All three player were also selected to the media “all-sec” team as well!
graphic: UK Athletics pic.twitter.com/AZvSorAdti
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) August 22, 2023
With so much emphasis on the pass rush from the edge of the defense, interior defensive linemen are sometimes a forgotten position. Kentucky’s Deone Walker has a presence that can’t be forgotten. The true sophomore defensive standout has earned preseason honors after being announced as second-team All-SEC. Walker stands at 6’6 and nearly 350 pounds. Look for Walker to be any offensive line’s worst nightmare.
4. Harold Perkins, LB – LSU
Omar Speights and Harold Perkins are gonna be 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KEBB7rLMDp
— Drunk Brian Kelly (@FauxLes) August 17, 2023
With so much of the College Football Playoff conversation being surrounded by Alabama and Georgia, it’s easy to forget that LSU won the SEC West last season. Yes, the 50-30 defeat all but dashed a slight chance of the Tigers making a late push to the playoffs. However, the team has quickly built a foundation under Brian Kelly. One of those leading members of that foundation would be linebacker Harold Perkins. Perkins looked nothing like a true freshman last season, finishing with 72 total tackles. Look for Perkins to make a massive splash for the Tigers defense in 2023.
3. Raheim Sanders, RB – Arkansas
The most versatile back in the country 🚀
#️⃣5️⃣ is the ONLY returning player in the country who had over 1,400 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards last season @raheim_sanders pic.twitter.com/2dW8cOS6En
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 24, 2023
Arkansas is home to one of the most talented players in the country. Running back Raheim Sanders is looking to build off of an incredible sophomore season. Sanders finished last year with 1,443 yards on the ground while finding the endzone on ten occasions. The Razorbacks running back isn’t just a backfield threat. Sanders had 28 receptions last season that, included two receiving touchdowns.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB – Alabama
On3 has ranked Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry #8 in their Top 25 Preseason Players list.
Which other Alabama players should have been on the list? pic.twitter.com/FABGmSyhAJ
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) August 21, 2023
Not only does he have the best name in college football, but Kool-Aid McKinstry is arguably the best defensive player in the entire SEC. The Alabama defensive back enters his junior season in hopes of helping the Crimson Tide reach the College Football Playoffs after missing out in 2022. McKinstry isn’t just a talented defensive back. The Crimson Tide star ranked first in punt return yards in the SEC last season. McKinstry is a do-it-all athlete looking to leave a legacy in Alabama.
1. Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia
No Tight End has ever won the John Mackey Award twice
Will Brock Bowers become the first? pic.twitter.com/dvEkiA0cG8
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 18, 2023
The tight end position has evolved immensely over the last decade. The position has now become a staple to any offense that sees itself as one of the top in the country. For Georgia, they have the best tight end in the entire country with Brock Bowers. Bowers burst on the scene in his freshmen season and didn’t slow down during his sophomore campaign. The reigning John Mackey Award winner will be looking to add even more hardware to his collection after the 2023 season.