SEC Football: Top 5 Candidates to Win Offensive Player of the Year Award

Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) looks to pass against the LSU Tigers during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking the top five candidates to walk away as the winner of the SEC Offensive Player of the Year for the 2015 college football season.

History was made last year after Alabama’s Amari Cooper became the first wide receiver to win the SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award after he led the nation with 124 receptions and finished second with 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns.

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I wouldn’t bet on a receiver winning for a second year in a row, but if it happens, it’ll either be Auburn’s D’haquille Williams or Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell. But history tells us the award goes to a running back or a quarterback with five and six awards, respectively.

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Looking at this year’s group of candidates sees one of the deepest groups of running backs in league history, but there wasn’t enough room for the Arkansas duo of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins or Tennessee’s super sophomore Jalen Hurd.

A quarterback hasn’t won since Johnny Manziel in 2012, but one returning starter and a new starter look to end the abbreviated drought and join former winners, Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell and Eli Manning.

Without further ado, here are the top five candidates to win the SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2015. After reading through the list, please add your thoughts and continue the conversation with your reactions and your pick to win this year.

Next: Jeremy Johnson