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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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Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) puts the pressure on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) puts the pressure on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

This may seem a little bold to put a team currently in a quarterback battle in the top half of the SEC quarterback rankings. It’s not, if you have seen what Lane Kiffin and the Alabama offense have done over the last few seasons.

In 2014, Kiffin took career backup quarterback in Blake Sims and turned him into a star in his final collegiate season. Kiffin didn’t have much time to develop him, but Sims managed to throw for 3,487 yards, 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. In 2015, he had to repeat the whole process again. Enter Jake Coker, all he did was lead Alabama to a national championship while throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Since Kiffin came to the SEC’s top team, the Tide has seen a rise in its passing game. Prior to his arrival, Saban’s quarterbacks were game managers. The only guy who really did anything above managing the offense was A.J. McCarron in his final two seasons under center. Greg McElroy and John Parker Wilson played smart and kept the ball out of the defense hands.

Now, I haven’t mentioned who will win this competition, and I don’t know who the Tide will pick. Either way, the team is going to win and put up numbers. The run game will continue its Heisman-level legacy, and the defense will be stout. As long as Saban is the head coach this position can’t be below the top half of the SEC.

A side-note, Barnett is a freshman and Bateman is a junior. So, we do know one thing in this competition whoever wins will be in Tuscaloosa for two years. That’ll be the first time in Kiffin’s tenure.

Next: 5. Georgia's Starting Quarterback

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