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SEC football: Each team’s most important player in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a pass during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a pass during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Missouri: Drew Lock

Drew Lock ranks in the middle of the conference in terms of quarterback rating. His 55 percent completion rating isn’t very impressive. That said, Lock puts up video game type of numbers because of Missouri’s offense. Lock’s 434 pass attempts were far and away the most in the SEC in 2016. He and Arkansas’ Austin Allen were the only SEC quarterbacks to throw for more than 3,000 yards in 2016.

Missouri should put up big numbers offensively and Lock should have the biggest numbers of all.

Ole Miss: Shea Patterson

Ole Miss is in a self-imposed bowl ban this season, so the season is a bit of a letdown before the first game is even played. That said, what better way to break in Shea Patterson. Last season, fans got a glimpse of the raw talent of Shea Patterson and the frustrating growing pains of an inexperienced freshman. Ole Miss fans will need to continue to be patient, but Patterson is likely to have more of the ‘wow’ moments this season.

South Carolina: Hayden Hurst

The SEC had a wide array of good tight ends in 2016, including South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst. In fact, among those returning to school, Hurst had the strongest season statistically. He caught 48 receptions for 616 receiving yards. Jake Bentley performed well enough last season to earn the starting job, but the supporting talent around him is thin. Hurst is the security blanket receiver to help get him out of a jam.

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