Robert Craft
Tar Heels To Step On Seminoles?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida State hosts number 5)North Carolina on Saturday evening at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Seminoles enter the game with a 1-3 record, including an ugly 0-3 record against their Atlantic Coast Conference foes.
The Tar Heels are at an undefeated, 3-0, with all three victories coming in conference play. North Carolina enters the game on a six-game winning streak.
The Tar Heels’ offense is led by sophomore quarterback Sam Howell (fun fact: He was at one time an FSU commit).
Howell leads the ACC with passes over 10 yards and greater (154), 30 yards and greater (30) and 40 yards and greater (17). After three games, Howell is 57 of 83 for 777 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Howell isn’t the only weapon on offense, Michael Carter and Javonte Williams have created arguably the best running back tandem in today’s college football.
The duo has a combined average of 232 rushing yards per game.
Carter is averaging 10.3 yards per carry and has two rushing touchdowns so far.
Williams is averaging 6.3 yard per rush and has seven total touchdowns.
Both are very capable receivers as well; Carter has 8 receptions for 81 yards and Williams has 6 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Watch out for junior receiver Dyami Brown, he leads the Tar Heels with 13 receptions for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball the Tar Heels are led by sophomore defensive end Tomari Fox. Fox leads the team with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. North Carolina has 20 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hurries.
Florida State enters this game with one certainty, Jordan Travis will be the starting quarterback.
Travis was one of few bright spots in the 16 point beat down last week by Notre Dame. He showcased some play making abilities that were really impressive.
Jordan Travis, a transfer from Louisville, was 13- 24 for 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
He also rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown. Travis’s 48-yard bomb to Tamorrion Terry late in the first quarter showed his play making potential.
The Seminoles still have a problem protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the running backs.
All the sacks and pressures from the first three games can be placed into one of three categories: missed assignments, linemen getting beat, and poor quarterback play.
After last Saturday night, those categories have shrunk to two. But without a supporting cast on the front line, will it make a difference?
Freshman Robert Scott, getting his second career start at right tackle, showed some flashes and impressed me. The other four starters on the line couldn’t bust a grape!
Here’s a stat: No defense in the country allows more first downs than Florida State. The Seminole’s defense has been pounded on the ground and through the air. Playing defense has become a trending problem for every team in the entire state of Florida.
North Carolina opens as an eight-point favorite. This one will be close for the first half, then I see the Tar Heels wearing down the Noles. Final score: UNC 48 FSU 27.
FSU took another loss on Tuesday when their top linebacker recruit Branden Jenning decommitted. FSU currently has 16 commits and ranks 25 overall.
Georgia Bulldogs v. Auburn Tigers Preview
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Georgia Bulldog’s season got off to a bummy but ultimately successful start on Saturday with a 37-1 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Auburn Tigers took care of business by beating the Kentucky Wildcats 29-13 to open the SEC football season.
Now the Bulldogs and Tigers will renew one of the oldest rivalries in the SEC on Saturday in Athens.
The top 10 matchup provides a steep test for both teams and plenty of questions after the season opener.
Georgia opens as a 7-point favorite.
There is no question who will be the starting quarterback for Auburn.
Since he arrived on campus, as a star-studded true freshman, Bo Nix has been the starter for the Tigers.
To kick off his second season as Auburn’s leader under center, Nix completed 16-27 for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Nix will need a similarly stellar showing this Saturday at #4 Georgia if the Tigers are going to have a chance to beat the Bulldogs.
Saturday’s season opener provided little clarity in Georgia’s quarterback situation.
Redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis got the start but he struggled early and was benched for junior Stetson Bennett IV.
Bennett played well in relief completing 20-29 passes for 211 and 2 touchdowns. Bennett showed an understanding of the offense and delivered the ball to his playmakers.
Georgia doesn’t have a quarterback controversy right now. It is more like a quarterback muddle with prize transfer JT Daniels being cleared to play this Saturday.
Daniels, a five-star transfer from USC who was granted immediate eligibility, will throw his helmet into the ring.
Once Kirby Smart made the announcement on Monday, the reaction of Georgia fans was ”We have a new starter!”
Auburn’s Offense vs Georgia’s Defense: The Tigers had their struggles moving the ball against a stout Kentucky defense on Saturday.
Auburn’s weapons on the offensive side of the ball are receivers Seth Williams, Eli Stove and Anthony Schwartz.
But Georgia has the best secondary in the country with Richard LeCounte, Eric Stokes, Lewis Cine and Tyson Campbell.
Players to watch: Anthony Schwartz vs Tyson Campbell (former high school teammates).
Georgia’s offense vs Auburn’s Defense: The Bulldogs must get the ball in the hands of George Pickens. Pickens is the Bulldogs’ most explosive weapon on offense.
Last Saturday, he was targeted just six times with four catches and one touchdown.
Rewatching the game, Pickens had separation on a number of plays but the quarterback could not get him the ball.
My biggest concern for the Bulldogs is the players on their offensive line.
The line got little to no push against an undersized Arkansas defensive line and Trey Hill, All-SEC center, struggled with his snapping. Auburn’s defensive line is nursing some injuries with Big Kat Bryant playing just a couple plays in the second half, Jay Hardy and Dre Butler did not dress due to injuries.
Players to watch: Whoever Georgia runs out at quarterback vs Roger McCreary.
Georgia has won the past three meetings, dating back to Auburn’s regular season win in 2017 and has won eight of the past 10 meetings.
A sold-out limited capacity crowd of some 23,000 on hand, so I can throw home field out the window.
This game comes down to quarterback play. Can Bo Nix handle the Georgia defense? Can Georgia get a full game of quality quarterback play?
Georgia will get game management quarterback play out of Bennett and the JUNKYARD DAWGS DEFENSE will smother Bo Nix! Georgia 31 Auburn 13
Saturday’s Buzzing Chant
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Mike Norvell era begins on Saturday September 12, 2020 against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
It’s game week for FSU football, which means it’s time for Coach Norvell to unveil his plan to get FSU back to relevancy.
After four seasons as the head coach at Memphis, Coach Norvell was hired to replace Willie Taggart.
FSU comes into the game week as a 12.5 point favorite against Georgia Tech.
One of the biggest questions going into the contest is Mike Norvell; is he the right person to lead FSU back to prominence?
The past two seasons FSU has struggled with costly penalties, turnovers, personnel, alongside other detailed issues.
The first offseason at a new school is always a challenge for a head coach, as they set out to install their offensive and defensive schemes. FSU’s culture and expectations for the program remains high.
This offseason has been even more complicated by COVID-19, Norvell was attempting to operate the offseason remotely. The trying nature of this offseason has taken the anticipation to perhaps an even higher level ahead of Saturday’s kickoff.
Saturday is a great opportunity for the FSU football team and Mike Norvell to show their fans, alumni and supporters that the program is in good hands and is heading in the right direction.
Watching Coach Norvell’s press conference on Monday, Coach Norvell never stopped smiling. He beams confidence and leadership. His job is to rebuild one of the most dominant college football programs from a deflating down period.
Don’t get me wrong, FSU is not competing for a National Championship or even an ACC Championship this season, but Coach Norvell must show positive results on the field. He will be playing his home games on Bobby Bowden Field.
Norvell will be facing a program in Georgia Tech with second year head coach Geoff Collins.
Georgia Tech coming off a very disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2019. The Yellow Jackets look to rebound in 2020.
Saturday’s game is a big game for both teams as the Jackets look to take a big step forward in year two of the Geoff Collins era, while FSU looks to get the Mike Norvell era off to a good start in his first game as the Seminoles head coach.
With both programs having plenty to prove, I expect things to be sloppy at times with missed tackles, blown assignments, and penalties on both teams.
I think it will be a fairly high scoring game, but we do have to take into account the lack of practice time.
The Seminoles biggest problem on offense last year was their offensive line which allowed a whopping 48 sacks, that’s a weakness that Georgia Tech must exploit to win.
Look for James Blackmon to stay upright and FSU’s team speed will be the difference in this matchup, as Florida State simply has too many talented weapons at their disposal and that leads tips the game heavily in favor of the Seminoles.
Final Score Prediction: FSU 34 Georgia Tech 13
Tanking For Trevor
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NFL season is scheduled to kickoff next week.
Thirty-one teams cut down their rosters to field the best team for the 2020 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing the opposite.
The Jaguars traded their best defensive player in Yannick Ngakoue and on Monday they released their best offensive player Leonard Fournette (who was the fourth overall draft pick in 2017).
Dave Caldwell is in his eighth year as the general manager of the Jaguars. Caldwell has drafted six Pro Bowl players during his tenure with the Jags, including DE Josh Allen and DJ Chark Jr.
Let’s look at Caldwell first round draft choices:
2012: Justin Blackmon (suspended for substance abuse, has not played since 2013
2013: Luke Joeckel no longer in the league last played with Seahawks 2017
2014: Blake Bortles cut after five seasons; currently a free agent
2015: Dante Fowler Jr traded to the Rams in 2018; now with the Falcons
2016: Jalen Ramsey traded to the Rams in 2019
2017: Leonard Fournette released after three seasons
Just three short years ago in 2017, the Jags were ten minutes away from the Super Bowl but Tom Brady comeback ended those Jags’ dreams.
Caldwell had the NFL world by the tail, with an AFC Championship Game and a team loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball.
Jag fans, Dave Caldwell isn’t going anywhere, his job is not at risk. After unloading Calais Campbell, AJ Bouye, Marcell Dareus, Yannick Ngakoue and Leonard Fournette, it is clear that the Jags are in complete rebuild mode.
Since Shad Khan bought the team the Jags are 38-90. Do you think Jerry Jones or Robert Kraft would allow this? HELL NO, they would clean house!
The direction of this franchise comes straight from the top. If it was a playoffs or bust directive from Khan after the 2019 end of season, Caldwell would be addressing the team’s needs. Instead, he is gaining draft capital and salary cap relief.
Let’s look at the brightside, Caldwell is one of the best talent evaluators in the business. The Jaguars are stockpiling 2021 draft picks. They currently have 11, including four in the first two rounds.
With the Jags projected to win three or four games, they should be in perfect position to draft a franchise quarterback. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields could be the quarterback the Jags have been searching for since Mark Brunell.
Also, Caldwell deserves credit for putting together the 2017 team that went 10-6. He either drafted or signed six defensive players who made the Pro Bowl or were All-Pro that season.
It is hard to win in the NFL when a team loses so much talent and doesn’t replace it. The Jag’s are on the “Tanking for Trevor” train. This team will be lucky to win 3 games in 2020.
The Jaguars have 11 picks in the 2021 draft.
Rabbit Out Of A Hat
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The first thing the NBA had to do to return in the midst of a pandemic was figure out how to deal with the pandemic.
The NBA created a bubble, routine testing protocols for what would happen if a player got sick and a competitive format to seed teams for the playoffs.
The Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks were not invited to Disney.
The Orlando Magic expect to be back in the playoffs this season. The team has openly admitted they do not want to risk the franchise’s long-term future for short term gain.
With three key young players recovering from injury, what can Magic fans expect when the team tips off the new season?
Every one of the Magic’s eight upcoming seeding games will be important, but none of them figure to be as crucial as Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Orlando won both of its games over Brooklyn earlier in the season, but Brooklyn (30-34) owns a half game lead over Orlando (30-35) in the standings.
The Nets will be without Spencer Dinwiddie, Wilson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan and Taurean Prince as well as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Orlando is going to be managing the desire and importance of winning with protecting Mohamed Bama, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz. It is important to see progress in these players, but the Magic roster without these players should be able to secure a playoff spot.
Coach Steve Clifford should rely on veterans such as Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, D.J. Augustin, Evan Fournier and Michael Carter Williams. Clifford has readily stated that he has no idea how the upcoming games will play out.
The X-factors for the Magic are Fultz and Isaac. Isaac hasn’t played since he severely sprained his left knee in January, but he is set to play under a minute restriction. Isaac might give the Magic an enormous boost on the defensive end of the floor.
Fultz has enhanced his reputation in his first full season with the Magic. He’s averaged 12 points a game and 5 assists for the Magic prior to the pandemic. Fultz creates serious concerns for opponents with his inside-out playstyle and ability to finish at the rim.
Fultz arrived a week late to the Disney bubble and is lagging behind everyone else in terms of conditioning. He must be able to maneuver the team into their offensive set at a brisk pace.
Fultz was asked how long he would need to regain his form, “I really don’t know. I feel good right now. I actually feel better than I did after the All-Star break.”
Fultz’s first full season with the Magic has been an exercise in defying expectations. If he continues to do so, Orlando will have a chance to surpass their playoff expectations.
The young Orlando Magic are looking to hit their stride at a critical time and gain valuable playoff experience. Nobody knows how this is going to turn out, but it might be the excitement or mystery surrounding the Restart Season.
Sting Rays
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As we get closer to the start of Major League Baseball season, I will dedicate some time to the Tampa Bay Rays.
In a Major League Baseball season, assuming players do play and get through 60 games, and the playoffs are without cancellation, the Rays are set up as well as any other team in baseball for this unprecedented 60 game season.
Opening Day is scheduled for July 24 versus Toronto at the Tropicana Field.
Manager Kevin Cash stated, “in a normal setting, generally, the first month is, let’s see, where we’re at. Let’s not make too many irrational decisions, but that might change a little bit simply because we’re playing 60 games.”
The Rays have three outstanding starting pictures, who could feasibly be not only the best Rays pitcher this season but the Rays have 3 legitimate Cy Young contenders.
Blake Snell, the 2018 Cy Young Award winner, is looking to rebound from an injury-riddled 2019 season. So far in workouts, Snell’s fastball appeared lively during simulated games with his velocity reaching 96 mph.
Kevin Cash named Charlie Morton the Opening Day starter. Morton established career bests in wins (16), ERA (3.05), strikeouts (240), and innings pitched (194 ⅔) in 2019 and finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting.
Tyler Glasnow, to me, looks like an ace in the making. He is a lanky 6 foot 8 and throws an upper 90’s fastball toward the plate. Glasnow might be the best bet to the Cy Young in 2020.
That’s three reasons to pick the Rays to make a run in the short 2020 season.
Then there’s the bullpen; one of the best bullpens in baseball.
There’s lefty Jose Alvardo, who slings a 98-mph sinker and a wipeout slider.
There’s Diego Castillo, who throws 100 mph fastball.
There’s Nick Anderson who throws a 97 mph like soft toss and Chaz Roe, who throws a slider that moves like a frisbee.
There’s no question, the Rays built baseball’s nastiest pitching staff in today’s game and I believe their dominant pitchers will give them a chance in each and every game in 2020.
Position players to watch: Kevin Kiermaier, the speedy center fielder who won his third Gold Glove last season. He is the main defensive star in the Rays’ outfield.
Ji-Man Choi is a left-handed hitting first baseman who hit .261 with 107 hits, 63 RBIs, and 19 home runs. He cut down his strikeout rate to a respectable 22% last season.
Two new additions to the Rays roster this season: Yoshi Tsutsugo and Hunter Renfroe. They seem to be ready to make an impact.
Tsutsugo smashed 139 home runs over the past four seasons with the Yokoham DeNA BayStars in Japan.
Hunter Renfroe hit a career best 33 home runs in 2019 with the San Diego Padres.
Excellent depth seems to be the recipe for success this MLB season. The Rays have an excellent farm system, with great MLB-ready middle infielders and outfielders ready to step up.
Making comparisons in pitching, no team in baseball boasts the depth the Rays have right now.
Look at the last three World Series champs, who’ve all had a strong trio of starters: 2019 Nationals; Strasburg, Scherzer and Corbin, 2018 Red Sox; Sales, Price and Eovaldi and 2017 Astros; Verlander, Keuchel and Morton.
The Rays can win it all in 2020. Let’s just pray they get the opportunity to do it.
Secondary To None
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The way Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Joe Burrow dissected defenses last season may lead some to think the secondary play in the SEC is on a downturn. I’m here to tell you otherwise.
The secondary in the SEC for 2020 is loaded with future NFL talent. While I’m not sure this class can match the number of players drafted in rounds one and two of the 2020 NFL draft, I do think the talent as a collective is overall stronger than the 2019 class.
Here is my top five defensive back on SEC rosters this season:
- Marco Wilson, Junior CB, Redshirt Sophomore Florida: Wilson started in all 13 games for the Gators last season.
After suffering an ACL tear early in the 2018, Wilson recorded 36 total defensive stops (23 solo), 3 interceptions, and 2 pass break-ups.
Wilson is one of only four true freshmen to start at cornerback on opening day for Florida. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman team by the coaches in 2017.
The 6-foot-0, 190 pounder can play both boundary and slot. Wilson has good size and speed and is sticky in man coverage. This season, look for Wilson to lock up top wide receivers on the opposing end.
- Richard Lecounte, Safety, Senior Georgia: Lecounte is the top safety in the SEC period.
He has started 27 of 28 games over the past two seasons. The 5-foot-11, 190 pounder was third on the team with tackles with 61 (35 solo), led the SEC in fumbles recovered with three and second in interceptions with four.
Lecounte is the Alpha-Dog of the Georgia secondary. Playing alongside Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes and DJ Daniels makes Georgia the top secondary in the SEC.
Lecounte is a Preseason All-SEC first team defense selection.
- Israel Mukuamu, CB, Junior South Carolina: Mukuamu had arguably the best game by any defensive back in the SEC during the 2019 season, when he helped propel the Gamecocks to an upset win over Georgia.
Mukuamu picked off Georgia QB Jake Fromm three times en route to a 20-17 win. He returned the first interception 53 yards for a touchdown. The final interception came at the most important of times, overtime.
The 6-foot-4, 205 pounder earned second team All-SEC in 2019. Mukuama has been First Team All-SEC Academic Honor Roll for 2018 & 2019.
Mukuamu is a big corner who fights and competes and wins against big named receivers Saturday after Saturday.
- Patrick Surtain, CB, Junior Alabama: With Alabama consistently featuring a loaded secondary, it may be hard for a freshman to see the field.
However, Surtain was the exception. He played well in 2018 recording 28 tackles with an interception, seven passes deflected and one forced fumble.
As a sophomore, Surtain had 42 tackles with 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 8 passes broken up.
Surtain is a physical cornerback, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound corner routinely bullies receivers. With Josh Jobe, Daniel Wright and Jordan Battle playing with Surtain, Alabama will compete with Georgia on the top secondary in the SEC.
- Derek Stingley Jr, CB, Sophomore LSU: Stingley, a true freshman in 2019, was the top ranked cornerback in the country coming out of high school.
Now he is the top ranked cornerback in the SEC. During LSU’s national championship run, Stingley started every game.
The 6-foot-1, 195 pound corner earned a list of awards in 2019: Consensus All-American, First Team All-American (AFCA, AP, Athletic, CBS, ESPN, SI, Sporting News, USA Today), SEC Newcomer of the year (unanimous), first Team All-SEC, SEC All-Freshman Team & SEC Freshman of the Week.
He is, arguably, the most impactful freshmen in the SEC since Herschel Walker. He led the SEC in interceptions with 6 and passes deflected with 21.
He is the Grandson of the late Darryl Stingley, who’s NFL career was cut short after suffering a tragic injury in 1978.
In my opinion, Stingley is the best defensive player in the SEC.
Just outside the Top 5: Kary Vincent, LSU; Josh Jobe, Alabama; Eric Stokes, Georgia: Tyson Cambell, Georgia; DJ Daniels, Georgia; Kewin Joseph, Kentucky; Miles James, Texas A&M; Brandin Echols, Kentucky; Alontae Taylor, Tennessee; Elijah Blades, Texas A&M; Marcus Murphy, Mississippi; Jaycee Horn, South Carolina; JaCoby Stevens, LSU; Daniel Wright, Alabama
Breakout Player: Kaiir Elam Florida
The Generals
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Linebackers are the enforcers of the defenses.
It’s a position that is all about physicality and requires endless hours of film study.
However, in the SEC, linebackers must be relentless and have great instincts, speed, and a tenacity to intimidate opposing players.
These players know how to hunt down ball carriers, blitz the quarterback, or play zone coverage. They are the most active defenders on the field. I believe this is a very deep group of talented young men that will make a tremendous impact on the field this fall.
Here are my top five linebackers in the SEC for the 2020 season.
- Erroll Thompson, LB, Mississippi State: When Mike Leach was named head coach at Mississippi State, defensive captain Erroll Thompson decided to return for his senior season.
Thompson, a two-year starter at Mike linebacker led the Bulldogs with 84 tackles in 2019 and 217 career tackles.
The 6-foot 1, 250 pounder is a smart, instinctive, hard hitting senior; who is one of the best linebackers in the SEC.
The Bulldogs will have a new defensive coordinator in Zach Arnett, but the return of Thompson should help stabilize the unit, at least in the linebacker corps.
- Monty Rice, LB, Georgia: Monty Rice led the vaunted 2019 Georgia Bulldogs defense in tackles with 89.
He will return for a fourth year between the hedges, and the leadership and toughness of Kirby Smart’s defense will be as great as it has ever been.
The 6-foot-1, 235 pounder was a 2nd team All-SEC player in 2019. Rice was co-winner of the Vince Dooley Defensive MVP, given at the team’s postseason award gala.
Rice can fly from sideline to sideline and has been a very productive middle linebacker for the Dawgs.
In 2020, Rice and the rest of their Senior class will attempt to finish the job and lead the Dawgs back to the College Football Playoffs.
- Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama: Dylan Moses’ knee injury that robbed him of his 2019 season was cruel, but instead of declaring for the NFL draft, the former All-American decided to return for one more ride at Alabama.
The 6-foot-3, 235 pounder is a freak athlete, who can play inside and outside linebacker.
Moses was a Butkus Award finalist as a sophomore, when he recorded 86 tackles.
Moses is scary fast running a sub 4.5 after knee surgery. If not for the health concerns, Moses would be the top linebacker in the nation. Alabama’s defense took a setback in 2019 without Moses, but 2020 Bama will be right there with Georgia as the top unit in the SEC.
- K.J. Britt, LB Auburn: K.J. Britt was First Team All-SEC in 2019. He finished with 69 tackles (10 for loss) and sacked the quarterback 2.5 times.
2019 was Britt’s first year as the full-time starter. In Auburn’s biggest games, Britt came up solid with 6 tackles against Florida, LSU, Georgia and Alabama. In the Outback Bowl against Minnesota, he led the team with eight tackles. I can’t wait to watch what Britt can do in only his second season.
- Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri: A consensus First Team All-SEC pick as a sophomore,
Bulton registered an astonishing 107 tackles (74 solo tackles) for the Tigers in 2019.
Bolton raked in plenty of awards in 2019: Third team All- American, SEC’s top Graded Linebacker (Pro Football Focus), and SEC All-Academic team.
The 6-foot, 232 pounder averaged 8.92 tackles in 2019. He is far and away the best mike linebacker in the SEC.
New Coach Eliah Drinkwitz will have the luxury of having the SEC’s best returning linebacker. Bolton is a dominant athlete, who is willing to mix it up in the trenches.
He possesses elite sideline to sideline speed and functions as a positive against both the run and pass.
Just outside the Top 5: Shane Lee, Alabama; Buddy Johnson, Texas A&M; James Houston, Florida; Henry To’o To’o, Tennessee; Lakca Henry, Ole Miss; Sherrod Greene, South Carolina; Jamin Davis, Kentucky.
Breakout player: Jabril Cox, LSU; Cox is a two-time FCS All American at North Dakota State and recent graduate transfer.
Rush Hour
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The defensive end is usually the most intimidating defender on the field. It takes great hand movement, flexibility, and a nonstop motor to be a successful pass rusher in the SEC.
Every defensive end wants to wreak havoc and there’s nothing like beating an offensive tackle and making a quarterback eat grass. These individuals display what it takes to be an effective edge rusher and they look to continue their relentless pursuit in the 2020 season.
Here are my top five defensive ends-edge rushers in the SEC.
- Brenton Cox Jr., Buck, Florida: Cox, a former five star and rising redshirt sophomore didn’t see the field for the Gators in 2019 after transferring from Georgia.
The 6-foot-4, 247 pounder will fill the spot of SEC sack leader Jonathan Greenard.
In Todd Grantham’s defense Cox will have to be flexible playing linebacker, strong side end, and buck.
Cox is an explosive player who will line up all over the field and will get after the quarterback from all angles. Cox is going to be one the most disruptive players in the SEC, and it doesn’t mean much that he hasn’t played a snap yet.
- DeMarvin Leal, DE, Texas A&M: Leal emerged as the starting edge rusher for the Aggies in his very first season.
As a former five-star prospect, Leal played in all 13 games in 2019 and started seven.
He recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
The 6-foot-4, 290 pounder showed some versatility lining up at both end and tackle. I expect Leal’s production to jump next season as he now has one year of experience under his belt.
- Aaron Sterling, DE, South Carolina: The senior defensive end, who is coming off his best season as a Gamecock, is Aaron Sterling.
He led the team with 10 tackles for loss and tied the team lead of 6 sacks. Sterling is shorter than most edge rushers, standing 6-foot-1, but at 250 pounds he gets the job done.
Sterling has a motor that does not stop, and with the loss of Kinlaw and Wonnum, the senior is more than capable to lead the Gamecock defense in 2020.
- Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant, Buck, Auburn: Auburn lost three starters on its defensive line but got a big boost when “Big Kat” announced he would return for his senior season.
Bryant is strong off the edge for 6-foot-5, 247 pounds. He has waited his turn after splitting time in Auburn’s deep defensive line rotation and will be a key to the Tigers’ front seven’s success in 2020.
In Kevin Steele’s defense, look for Bryant to lead the Tigers in sacks.
- LaBryan Ray, DE, Alabama: Ray had his 2019 season cut short due to a devastating.
season ending foot injury.
Ray was a preseason All-SEC selection in 2019 and was figured to be a key piece of the Crimson Tide’s front seven.
As a sophomore, Ray had 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
The redshirt junior will be an important piece of the Alabama defense. Ray is a dominant force against the run and surprisingly explosive off the edge for a 6-foot-5, 292 pounder.
Ray is your prototypical strong side defensive end, but he needs to improve on his rip and swim moves, and he NEEDS to stay healthy. If he polishes his pass rushing skills, this could lead to a double-digit sack season.
Just outside the top five: Jamar Watson, Kentucky; Sam Williams, Ole Miss; Zachary Carter, Florida; Kobe Jones, Mississippi State; Malik Herring, Georgia;
Breakout Player: Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
In The Trenches
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Who are the defensive tackles who’ll make a key impact on the SEC 2020 season? There will be a changing of the guard in the defensive front across the SEC in 2020.
The SEC had a wealth of talent in the trenches this past season, but many of the conference’s top defensive tackles including Auburn tackle Derrick Brown, who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, are off to the NFL.
In fact, all the first and second team All SEC defensive tackles are headed to play on Sundays next season. This opens the door for the next group of athletes for fans to get excited about.
Here’s a look at my top five defensive tackles in the SEC for 2020.
- Tedarrell Slaton, Florida: Slaton is a 6 foot 5, 343 pounds, senior for the Gators.
Slaton recorded 29 tackles with 2 sacks and a pass defended in 2019.
He played well to close out the 2019 campaign. Slaton is a big nose tackle that caused a lot of disruption and plugged gaps at the point of attack.
I found him wise to come back for his senior year. Slaton needs to work on his pad level and hand strength.
- Christian Barmore, Alabama: Barmore was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
Barmore, a redshirt freshman, played in 12 games and started 2.
He emerged as a key backup for the Crimson Tide by recording 2 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 26 total tackles.
The 6 foot 5, 310 pounder made an impact in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan with two tackles, a pass breakup and quarterback hurry.
3.Tyler Shelvin, LSU: Shelvin is your prototypical nose tackle. He is one of the best nose guards in college football’s best conference, the SEC.
The 6 foot 3, 346 pounder was the Tigers’ most productive interior defensive lineman in 2019.
He posted 39 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Shelvin didn’t have any tackles against Oklahoma, but influenced the coaching by getting double teamed on 94% of the snaps he played.
Shelvin’s pass rushing has a long way to go, but he is the best run stopper returning for 2020.
- Tyrone Tuesdell, Auburn: Tuesdell started every game in 2019 alongside All-SEC Defensive Player of the Year Derrick Brown.
He racked up 31 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in 2019.
Tuesdell has been a critical part in the Tiger’s defense success but now serves as a leader on a line that lost two All- Americans.
The 6 foot 2, 310-pound junior has taken his game to a whole new level. It is no surprise to Auburn and SEC fans, now it just a matter of time before everyone else in college football knows Tyrone Tuesdell.
- Jordan Davis, Georgia: Jordan Davis is a massive starting nose guard and is a big
reason why the Dawgs only allowed 100 rushing yards in 4 of their 14 games.
He started eight of 14 of them and finished the season with 18 total stops and 2 sacks. In two games Davis missed with an ankle sprain, Georgia allowed 142 yards rushing to South Carolina and 163 yards to Kentucky.
He demanded a double team on basically every play. Which allowed Monty Rice and Tae Crowder to lead the team in tackles.
Even though his stats may not jump out at you, he is the most impactful player on the Bulldogs starting defense.
The 6 foot 6, 330 pounder will lead what I think will be the best defense in the SEC.
Just outside the top five: Xavier Kelly, Arkansas; Aubrey Solomon, Tennessee; Kobie Whiteside, Missouri; Glen Logan, LSU, Drew Birchmeier, Vanderbilt. Freshman Impact Player: Jordan Burch, South Carolina.
