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SEC Football Power Rankings: 10 best quarterbacks entering 2016

By Collin Wieder

Sep 19, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) throws a touchdown pass to Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) throws a touchdown pass to Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chad Kelly
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to throw a pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC football returns multiple solid quarterbacks in 2016 including a Heisman Trophy candidate. But, where do they rank in the conference?

SEC football doesn’t typically have a lot of success at the quarterback position. Normally, the old-fashioned conference relies on a heavy dose of power running and defense. This makes quarterbacks game managers for the most part.

However, in 2016, the conference features two studs at the top and some solid contributors elsewhere. It should be an interesting season for SEC’s passing games.

For instance, Ole Miss returns one of the nation’s top passing offenses. Chad Kelly‘s passing game averaged 334.7 passing yards per game. The dual-threat star was also the second-leading rusher on the team.

These quarterbacks don’t just know how to air-it-out. They also know how to successfully run the football. Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs rushed for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those are impressive numbers considering sacks decrease rushing yards.

There are multiple diverse quarterbacks in the SEC now. The conference has adapted to the offensive, spread-heavy era. However, beyond the top three quarterbacks, a lot of question marks remain.

Furthermore, some of the quarterbacks play for solid squads with a sketchy, recent quarterback lineage. For example, Florida has fallen on hard times in terms of quarterbacks. Since Tim Tebow’s departure, there are few teams in quarterback disarray like them.

The program has managed to record two 10-plus win seasons since his departure. But, they can’t settle on a quarterback. 10 quarterbacks have seen time in the last six years. John Brantley, Jordan Reed, Jacoby Brissett, Trey Burton, Jeff Driskel, Tyler Murphy, Skyler Mornhinweg, Treon Harris and Will Grier quarterbacked the Gators.

This year, they are hoping transfer Luke Del Rio can revive the program’s offense. In terms of traditional powers, the SEC has seen some solid offensive squads trend down. It should be an interesting upcoming year for SEC quarterbacks.

Next: 10. Luke Del Rio Florida

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