With the loss of nearly half the conference’s quarterbacks, the 2014 season looks to be a rebuilding year at this position around the league. There league lost the infamous Johnny Manziel from Texas A&M; Georgia’s Aaron Murray, the SEC’s all-time leading passer; Alabama’s A.J. McCarron, a three time national champion; LSU’s Zach Mettenberger; Missouri’s James Franklin, and South Carolina’s Connor Shaw. Although these guys leave large shoes to fill, each team has substantial and intriguing replacements ready to go.
Although the SEC lost nearly half its star quarterbacks, there are eight returning starters including Bo Wallace, Nick Marshall, Maty Mauk, and Dak Prescott — all poised for big seasons. Here is the first half of my preseason rankings, 10-6:
10. Kyle Allen, Texas A&M (Fr.)
Starting a freshman quarterback is never easy, especially the first game being away at South Carolina. However, Kyle Allen, who was No. 10 overall in the 247Sports Composite, will be given the opportunity to compete from day one in his college career. Allen is a dynamic player who has fallen into the starting position with Matt Joeckel’s transfer and Kenny Hill’s suspension. This pro-style quarterback has an inexperienced receiving corps to work with, and recent NFL draftees Mike Evans and Derel Walker will surely be missed. But that also means Allen has the chance to grow as these receivers do, and for a guy with his fundamentals and natural pocket presence that can be a nightmare for opposing teams.
9. Justin Worley, Tennessee (Sr.)
Worley’s senior season is promised to be the best yet. He is the safest QB Tennessee has to offer right now after producing 1,239 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Although Worley has had a rocky career on Rocky Top, his experience in high-pressure games combined with his calm attitude and senior leadership will give him the starting position in 2014.
8. Jacob Coker, Alabama (R-Jr.)
When Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher claimed Coker will be the most talented quarterback Alabama has had yet, you can be sure it struck a chord with media critics and fans around the league, setting a high bar for Coker in his first year with full reins. Coker could be the quarterback that arises from the shadows and has a huge year, just as Marshall did last year, and Manziel the year before that. Coker is praised for his ability to send the long ball, and his footwork in the pocket. Although he does not have the starting position locked in yet, he has shown his worth in the first few days of camp. If he does not perform, Blake Sims (Sr.) will likely start — he is the only other quarterback on Alabama’s roster who has thrown a pass in college.
7. Dylan Thompson, South Carolina (R-Sr.)
Thompson is at his absolute best throwing from the pocket. He is an old school gunslinger who doesn’t crumble under pressure. He may not be as much of a runner as his predecessor, but he is a natural passing talent, one who won’t need to rely on his legs as much to move the chains downfield. Thompson offers a more conservative football approach, and a more “Spurrier-style” offense than last year’s team did.
6. Hutson Mason, Georgia (R-Sr.)
Mason is the undisputed starter going into the 2014 season between the hedges. With the return of stellar receivers such as Michael Bennett, Chris Conley, Malcom Mitchell, and other familiar faces, Mason should be completely comfortable on the field for his one and only full season as a starter. Mason only has 968 yards and five touchdowns under his belt from last season, but those numbers will surely boom with Mason under center for majority of the snaps.
