The 2022-2023 college football season is shaping up to be exciting and fascinating as many SEC teams have undergone changes during the offseason.
The SEC features new faces like LSU head coach Brian Kelly and Florida head coach Billy Napier. Both Kelly and Napier hope to rebuild their respective programs and prove they belong in college football’s most competitive conference.
Not only will we see new faces at the SEC this season, but the conference has an abundance of young talent looking to make a mark. Many teams in the SEC are returning veteran players hoping to lead their respective teams to a successful 2022 campaign.
Elite talent like Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr., Stetson Bennett, Will Levis, Hendon Hooker and Will Rogers are all names catching mainstream attention. However, there are plenty of underrated players across the conference looking to make some noise on the gridiron this season.
Here’s a list of underrated players on each SEC team who could have a breakout year in 2022.
Jordan Battle, DB, Alabama
Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have many influential and talented athletes. As his senior season begins, Jordan Battle returns as one of the most experienced players on a hugely talented defensive line for Alabama. Battle has played 41 games from 32 starts in his career. The Crimson Tide has many players returning to high school, but his leadership and big game experience will help the Crimson Tide defense this season.
Last season, Battle recorded 85 total tackles with three interceptions – two of which he brought on for touchdowns. He finished fourth on the team in tackles and tied first in interceptions in 2022. One of the sportiest but most underrated corners in college football, Battle will look to continue his success this season by leading Alabama to yet another national championship.
Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks have an opportunity to compete at the top of the SEC West this season. Head coach Sam Pittman has rebuilt the Hogs into a powerhouse in the SEC. The Razorbacks will also have an elite and experienced signal caller leading the offense in KJ Jefferson. For Jefferson to have a successful 2022 season, his offensive line must provide excellent pocket protection.
One of the most impressive returns on the Razorbacks’ forward is center Ricky Stromberg. The senior offensive lineman brings leadership and experience to his team. Stromberg, with his excellent upper body strength and intelligence, will be a huge key to the Pig’s success on offense this season.
Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
There are many unknowns surrounding the Auburn Tigers in 2022, but one known factor in The Plains is senior defensive end Derick Hall. Hall will be a key contributor to Auburn’s defense force and brings much-needed experience.
Last season, Hall had 52 total tackles — 33 of them solo tackles — and nine sacks with two forced fumbles. He will be a force to be reckoned with this season and is a nightmare for opposing attacks. His ability off the edge is among the best in the country. As one of the most athletic returning defensemen in college football, Hall is looking to keep building his draft record.
O’Cyrus Torrence G (Florida)
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound senior O’Cyrus Torrence will play a key role on the Florida Gators offense this season. Torrence began his college career with Billy Napier at the University of Louisiana. He’s played at both right and left guard positions, so he brings much-needed experience and versatility to the Gators.
Torrence received FWAA-Shaun Alexander Freshman All-American Team Honors in his freshman year and was named to the 2020 second-team All-Sun belt and 2021 first-team All-Sun belt. According to Pro Football Focus, Torrence has not allowed a layoff in his career. Coach Napier certainly brought an imposing power to The Swamp.
Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs lost many elite defensive players in the 2021 NFL draft. The Georgia defensive unit needs players to step up so the Dawgs don’t take a step back this season. With the leadership and athletic ability of Nolan Smith, the Bulldogs’ defense is in good hands.
In 2021, Smith recorded 55 total tackles with three forced fumbles and one interception. Last season was a historic one for Georgia and most of the success came from outstanding performances on the defensive side of the ball. With many Bulldogs from last season now in the NFL, Smith will play a key role in determining the defensive unit’s continued success.
Eli Cox, G, Kentucky
The Kentucky Wildcats are one of many teams in the SEC bringing back elite offensive talent this season. For the Wildcats to light up the scoreboard, the offensive line needs to be reinforced and protect star quarterback Levis.
Eli Cox is a strong and explosive center who appears to be having a successful junior year. After suffering a hand injury late last season, he’s working to get back on his feet and be an offensive leader again. Cox didn’t allow any sacks in the nine games he played in 2021. Interestingly, the big man even scored a touchdown.
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Myles Brennan, QB, LSU
The Auburn Tigers aren’t the only Tigers to have unknowns, particularly as far as quarterback position goes. Brian Kelly will be coaching his first season in the SEC and will try to get LSU back on track. If Kelly is to be successful, the Tigers need an experienced leader like Myles Brennan at the helm.
The Tigers have seen some competition at the quarterback position, but with Brennan’s experience, he will most likely be QB1 for LSU this season. He has been with the team since 2017 but has suffered injuries over the past two seasons. With Brennan coming into the weight room and returning as a veteran pro, he’s likely to have a lot of offensive responsibilities this season.
Austin Williams, WR, Mississippi
The Mississippi State Bulldogs have many talented targets for quarterback Rogers this season, but fifth-year senior Austin Williams is one of college football’s most underrated wideouts. Williams has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the SEC throughout his career. Head coach Mike Leach’s air attack offense could put up some big numbers this season.
Last year, Williams rushed for 52 receptions for 617 yards with four touchdowns. He has the lowest drop rate among SEC wideouts since 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. The veteran is arguably one of the SEC’s most talented wide receivers and will continue to make an impact on the Air Raid offense.
Trajan Jeffcoat, DE, Missouri
Trajan Jeffcoat, one of the many talented edge rushers in the SEC this season, aims to lead the Mizzou defense. At 6-foot-4 and 277 pounds, he has the size and athletic ability to quickly become one of the top defensive ends in the country.
In his junior season, Jeffcoat recorded 34 total tackles with 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He started all 13 games in 2021 and was a big playmaker for the Tigers last season.
Dannis Jackson, WR, Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin’s rebels had one of the country’s most explosive offenses in 2021. Losing much of their production on offense during the offseason, Ole Miss will need talent like transfers Jaxson Dart and Zach Evans to hold his ground and show off. One of Ole Miss’s few returning players on offense, Dannis Jackson looks to be an impressive major threat in the SEC this season.
Last season, Jackson had 12 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged an impressive 20.3 yards per reception. While Jackson wasn’t former quarterback Matt Corral’s biggest target, his experience and talent could make him a real threat on SEC defense this season.
Jordan Burch, DE, South Carolina
Jordan Burch is one of the biggest and most athletic off-the-edge talents in the SEC this season. The 6-foot-6, 268-pound athlete appeared in all 13 games in 2021. The Gamecocks’ offense has garnered more mainstream attention with the addition of transfer quarterback Spencer Rattler during the offseason, but the defensive lineup for South Carolina is a 2022 to consider.
As a sophomore, Burch recorded 26 total tackles with a sack and a pick-six. He will play an important role for the Gamecocks this season as some Key Edge rushers depart. Burch has the speed, size and athletic ability to excel as an elite edge rusher this season.
Desmond Williams, DB, Tennessee
Desmond Williams, a junior transfer from East Central Community College, wants to make an immediate impact in Tennessee. Williams was ranked the No. 3 cornerback and No. 8 junior college player in the country by 247 Sports before being picked up by the Vols. He’s bringing much-needed depth to the team’s secondary this season.
Williams had seven interceptions and 14 pass breakups in his second season with ECCC. He led the NJCAA in picks and also ranked second in pass breakups overall. Williams has undeniable talent in secondary school, but he’s also a major threat as both a kick returner and a punt returner. Last year he averaged 29.7 yards per kick return and 50.7 yards per punt return. Williams could emerge as one of the SEC’s best defensemen this season because of his versatility.
Max Johnson, QB, Texas A&M
During the offseason, the Aggies saw a change at the helm with quarterback Zach Calzada moving to Auburn. However, the Aggies picked up a transfer signal caller of their own in LSU’s Max Johnson. Ironically, Johnson threw the game-winning touchdown for the Tigers against the Aggies last season. The Aggies’ offense could really pose a threat in the SEC West if a veteran leads the charge.
Johnson completed 225 passes on 373 attempts for 2,815 passing yards with 27 touchdowns in 2021. The Aggies will need him to live up to expectations if they want to be one of the top teams in SEC West this season.
Ethan Barr, LB, Vanderbilt
Although the Commodores will likely end up at the bottom of SEC East, Vandy has some talented players who could change the narrative in Nashville. Linebacker Ethan Barr could be one of the top five linebackers in the SEC by the end of the season. The returning Junior appears to be a leader for the struggling Commodores.
Barr had a stellar 2021 season, recording 85 total tackles and leading all SEC linebackers with three interceptions. He raises the bar for the Vanderbilt defense. The athletic ability that Barr possesses is impressive and makes him a player to watch heading into the season.