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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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Nov 27, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) is tackled by Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Brooks Ellis (51) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Missouri 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) is tackled by Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Brooks Ellis (51) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Missouri 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooks Ellis 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 13
  • Tackles: 102
  • Tackles for Loss: 8
  • Sacks: 1.5
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Pass Breakups: 3
  • Forced Fumbles: 0
  • Fumble Recoveries: 1
  • Notable: One of three starting linebackers returning for the Razorbacks in 2015.

The Arkansas Razorbacks lost a lot of offensive firepower following the 2015 season, including record-setting quarterback Brandon Allen and three-time 1,000-yard rusher Alex Collins. However, the defense – led by rising senior Brooks Ellis – is in very good shape.

Ellis, who led the team and ranked No. 8 in the SEC with 102 total tackles and also contributed eight TFLs, 1.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery as a junior, is one of ten defensive starters expected to return for the Razorbacks in 2016. A key contributor since he was a freshman, Ellis has made 28 career starts, which makes him one of the unit’s veteran leaders.

Hopefully another season together will help the Hogs move into the upper echelon of the conference defensively. Arkansas ranked No. 2 in the SEC in rush defense (116.5) in 2015. However, the Razorbacks struggled mightily against the pass and finished dead last by allowing an average of 275.2 passing yards per contest. In SEC play, the Hogs surrendered 292.0 passing yards per game.

Next: Marlon Humphrey

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