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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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Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and safety Jamal Adams (33) play defense against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. LSU won 56 to 27. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and safety Jamal Adams (33) play defense against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. LSU won 56 to 27. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Arden Key 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 12
  • Tackles: 41
  • Tackles for Loss: 6.5
  • Sacks: 5
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Pass Breakups: 1
  • Forced Fumbles: 0
  • Fumble Recoveries: 1
  • Notable: Named a True Freshman All-American by 247Sports.

LSU defensive end Arden Key made arguably the biggest impact among freshmen SEC football players in 2015, and appears poised for a huge season in 2016.

A four-star recruit in the 2015 recruiting class, Key wasn’t expected to make an immediate contribution for the Tigers because of his slender build. However, the 6-foot-6 Georgia native bulked up to 230-pounds, yet still managed to maintain his elite speed off the edge. The result was a spot in the starting lineup for nine games as a true freshman, on which Key capitalized with 41 tackles, 6.5 TFLs and five sacks.

His impact also extended beyond his own statistics. Against Eastern Michigan, Key’s pressure forced a bad throw that Deion Jones intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Key also tipped a pass against Syracuse that Jones intercepted.

With a full off-season in the weight room and in the dining halls in Baton Rouge, expect Key to continue to fill out physically, and to increase his strength. However, given his range and athleticism, don’t expect Key to lose his pass-rushing ability.

Next: Jamal Adams

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