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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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Oct 17, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half between Vanderbilt and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. Final score South Carolina 19 – Vanderbilt 10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half between Vanderbilt and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. Final score South Carolina 19 – Vanderbilt 10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore missed all of 2016 with a herniated disc in his neck. Moore was entering his senior season but redshirted this past year after the injury.

Moore has led the Gamecocks in tackles the past three seasons before the injury. In 2015, Moore recorded 110 total tackles (68 solo, 42 assisted), 6.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, four passbreakups, three forced fumbles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He ranked fourth in the SEC in tackles, fourth in interceptions and fourth in fumbles forced that season.

Moore’s return is inevitable and considering South Carolina went 6-7 in 2016, he’s a much-needed force on the Gamecocks’ defense. Their scoring defense ranked 51st in FBS, allowing 26.5 points per game. Their leading tackler last season was junior defensive back D.J. Smith, who had 80 tackles. With Moore on the field at linebacker, guys will be able to do what they do best. They’ll have some experience to go with Moore’s return. SEC teams will recognize when Moore is on the field in 2017, starting this spring with their annual Spring Game.

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