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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 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) runs after a catch in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) runs after a catch in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Fred Ross 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 13
  • Receptions: 88
  • Receiving Yardage: 1,007
  • Yards Per Catch: 11.4
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 77.5
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 5
  • Notable: Ranked No. 4 in the SEC in receiving yardage and receiving yards per game in 2015.

At first glance, No. 17 may seem high for Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross, but it’s impossible to ignore Ross’ production in 2015. In his first season as a full-time starter for the Bulldogs, Ross led the SEC with 6.8 receptions per game and finished second in the league with 88 catches. His 1,007 receiving yards ranked fourth in the conference, as did his 77.5-yard average.

Ross also got stronger as the season progressed and put up his best numbers against State’s toughest competition. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound rising senior finished the regular season with four consecutive 100-yard receiving games against Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Alabama and Missouri ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the SEC, respectively, in total defense. Ross also surpassed 100 yards against Texas A&M earlier in the season, and the Aggies were the second best team in the SEC against the pass.

Of course, two big reasons for Ross’ emergence were record-setting quarterback Dak Prescott and 6-foot-5, 230-pound receiver De’Runnya Wilson. Prescott was arguably the SEC’s best signal caller, and defenses often chose to focus their schemes on Wilson, which allowed Ross room to maneuver through opposing secondaries. Both Prescott and Wilson are off to the NFL, but Ross remains and will be a key player as Dan Mullen aims to rebuilds the Bulldog offense in 2016.

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