SEC Spring Football 2015: Top 5 Position Battles

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) tries to juggle citrus fruit as defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) watches after their win during the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri Tigers: Defensive End

The defensive end position may not be as attractive to you as the quarterback or wide receiver position, but being able to wreak havoc on the opponent’s quarterback will definitely dictate many games. The Missouri Tigers rely on this position heavily.

Missouri has made a living getting to the quarterback the past two seasons as they ranked ninth in the country with 42 sacks in 2014, and fourth in the country in the 2013 season with 41 sacks. See why it is such a key position now?

Pinkel has produced elite talent at this position and it needs to happen in 2015 due to the departure of both Shane Ray and Markus Golden. Both of them played the majority of the snaps and leave the position with a slight question mark as we head into the spring. So who is available to compete?

Marcus Loud and Charles Harris may be the guys penciled in before we get in the full swing of things, but look out for young guys Spencer Williams, Walter Brady,and Rocel McWilliams who all red-shirted last season to sneak their way into a starting role.

Then there is junior Rickey Hatley who also subbed in at times last season. As mentioned earlier, both Harris and Loud played sparingly last season. Marcus Loud also made the move from defensive tackle to defensive end, and will need to refine his skill-set to suit his new position.

If neither of the guys penciled in work out, I would expect Hatley to make the most of his opportunity.

This will certainly be an interesting battle to watch, as any player who snags a starting spot has a great chance to have success not only at the college level, but a shot to make a splash at the NFL level judging by their predecessors.

My Prediction: Marcus Loud and Rickey Hatley become the next pass rushing combo for the Tigers.

Next: Is it finally Jake Coker's time?