SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

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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Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) runs after a catch against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) runs after a catch against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Malachi Dupre 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 12
  • Receptions: 43
  • Receiving Yardage: 698
  • Yards Per Catch: 16.2
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 58.2
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 6
  • Notable: Posted 100-yard receiving games against Florida (115 yards, 2 TD) and Arkansas (109 yards, 1 TD) in 2015.

In terms of raw talent, Malachi Dupre should probably rank ahead of at least two of the wide receivers listed ahead of him on this list. However, because LSU quarterback Brandon Harris and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have both fallen short of expectations, until that pair proves capable of improvement, it’s reasonable to expect that Dupre’s overall production will fall short of his elite potential in 2015.

Nevertheless, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound rising junior has the ability to make big plays himself. One of the most athletic wideouts in the SEC, Dupre is one of the league’s top leapers, which makes him a big-time target in the red zone. Dupre also has the speed to separate from defenders, or to turn a short pass into a long gain.

As a sophomore, Dupre led the Tigers in the three major receiving categories with 43 receptions, 698 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He posted his best game against Florida’s two-time All-American cornerback and potential first round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves III. Dupre caught four passes against the Gators – including a 50-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter – for 115 yards and two scores. He also had a 52-yard gain on a flea-flicker.

Dupre has all the tools to be the SEC’s best wide receiver, and if Travin Dural stays healthy and forces defenses to split their attention, and Harris improves as a passer, Dupre could put up All-American numbers in 2016.

Next: Tim Williams