SEC Spring Football 2015: Top 5 Position Battles

Dec 5, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Southeastern Conference logo is seen at midfield at the Georgia Dome. The Alabama Crimson Tide plays the Missouri Tigers in the SEC Championship on Saturday. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

SEC spring football is looming and there will be no shortage of position battles in the weeks ahead, but these are the five most important position battles.

As the warmer weather slowly creeps its way back into the south, so does SEC football. Some teams – like Ole Miss and Texas A&M – have already begun spring practice.

For others, it is right around the corner. With spring practice looming in the distance, so will the dreams of incoming freshmen, emerging sophomores, talented juniors, and veteran seniors battling for position on the depth chart start.

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Some teams know exactly who will fill voids of key offseason departures. Auburn fans know that Jeremy Johnson will be under center for Gus Malzahn’s dynamic Tiger offense, but who will replace the workhorse Cameron Artis-Payne at running back?

Is it Jake Coker’s time to shine in Tuscaloosa or will Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, or dark-horse David Cornwell keep the Florida State transfer from the starting spot for the second consecutive season?

What about in the SEC East?

Steve Spurrier will need to find his signal caller early on or it will be another long season for the Gamecocks. Can Gary Pinkel take his Missouri Tigers to a third consecutive SEC Championship? He will need another defensive end to step up like Shane Ray did last season.

Let’s get this party started and dive into what I believe will be the five biggest position battles in the SEC.

Next: Who starts at RB for Auburn?