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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 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) carries the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) carries the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee: Micah Abernathy

Abernathy stepped up as one of the team’s leaders on defense in 2016, finishing tied for the team lead with two interceptions and six passes defended. He ranked second on the team with 69 tackles and led the team with three fumbles recovered. Additionally, Abernathy showed talent on special teams, returning six kickoffs with a 20.5 yard per return average.

Texas A&M: Christian Kirk

With a successful 2017 season, Kirk could be a potential first-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Kirk ranked fourth among SEC receivers with 928 receiving yards and was at the top in total receptions with 83. Regardless of who the Aggies put at quarterback, that player will need Kirk to lead the receiver corps this season.

Vanderbilt: Ralph Webb

Webb carried a heavy work load in 2016, receiving the most carries in the conference with 250 total. He posted 1,283 rushing yards with 13 rushing touchdowns. Vanderbilt’s offense relied heavily on him.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

Derek Mason has a defensive background, but he is established enough at this point that the defense isn’t much of a question. Vanderbilt’s offense is where things get tricky and Webb is the heart of the Commodores’ offense.

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