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SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Marquis Haynes 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 13
  • Tackles: 43
  • Tackles for Loss: 16.5
  • Sacks: 10
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Pass Breakups: 2
  • Forced Fumbles: 3
  • Fumble Recoveries: 1
  • Notable: Ranked No. 4 among all SEC football players in sacks in 2015.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Marquis Haynes is one of the lightest defensive ends in the SEC. However, Haynes’ lack of ideal size has not hindered his ability to consistently get to the quarterback.

Haynes recorded 7.5 sacks in what was primarily a backup role as a true freshman in 2014, then ramped up his production as a sophomore starter last year. In 12 starts across 13 games, Haynes led the Rebels’ Landshark defense with 16.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.

While Haynes is sure to receive more attention from opposing offensive coordinators now that probably first round NFL Draft pick Robert Nkemdiche is gone, the rising junior is still quick enough to beat blockers to the edge and is sure to continue to make life difficult for QBs across the conference.

Ricky Seals-Jones 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 13
  • Receptions: 45
  • Receiving Yardage: 560
  • Yards Per Catch: 12.4
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 43.1
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 4
  • Notable: Posted a career-high 104 receiving yards with a touchdown in 41-23 loss to Alabama.

One of the most physically gifted wide receivers in the SEC, Ricky Seals-Jones has yet to live up to the full potential that made him the No. 1 receiver recruit in the nation in 2013. Seals-Jones played in two games as a true freshman, but suffered a season-ending injury and redshirted.

Healthy as a redshirt freshman, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound wideout posted 465 receiving yards and added 560 receiving yards last season, which ranked third on the team. He has nine career touchdown catches.

Looking ahead to 2016, Seals-Jones is very capable of improving upon his numbers, even with major uncertainty surrounding the Aggies at the quarterback position. With rising sophomore Christian Kirk returning along with Josh Reynolds and Speedy Noil, A&M has the league’s most gifted receiving corps. That means that opposing defenses can’t afford to overcommit themselves to one wideout, thereby creating opportunities for all four – and especially the hulking fourth-year junior – to shine.

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