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SEC Football: Top 10 players to watch this spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) react after a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) react after a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Jalen Hurts could be the best quarterback of the SEC by the time the season is over in 2017. And he’s certainly built for it.

With a new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, all eyes will be on Hurts. He’s already overcome so much, earning the starting job last season, becoming the first freshman to start at quarterback under Nick Saban. And for the most part, Hurts didn’t play like a freshman.

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Hurts threw for 2,780 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns and just nine interceptions last season for the Crimson Tide. He also ran for 954 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on the ground. The dual-threat quarterback used his legs sparingly however, averaging 63.6 rushing yards and 185.3 passing yards per game in 2016.

After finishing 13-1 as starter, Hurts earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year, SEC Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year and first team All-SEC honors for his play. He finished 2016 with a lot of accolades but in 2017, he could finish with a whole lot more than that. Look for him to make noise in Tuscaloosa this season as Alabama looks to return to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

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