10 SEC players to watch in 2014

Sports

10 SEC players to watch in 2014

Georgia's Todd Gurley leads a class of potential stars in the 2014 college football season.

Todd Gurley, running back, Georgia: After a freshman season in which he rushed for more than 1,000 yards (a first since Herschel Walker in 1980), injuries limited Gurley to just 10 games (989 rushing yards, 10 TDs). Gurley could be focal-point of the Bulldogs' offense and has the potential to be a Heisman hopeful.

Alex Collins, running back, Arkansas: Collins rushed for more than 100 yards in four of his first five games as a freshman. The Razorbacks were winless in the SEC last season and the 1,026-yard rusher will be a big spark on offense.

Landon Collins, safety, Alabama: Collins was second on the team with 70 tackles and 2 interceptions as a fill-in in 2013. The junior will see more playing time with the departures of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Vinnie Sunseri for the NFL Draft.

Dante Fowler, defensive lineman, Florida: The Gators' pass-rusher played in 13 games as a freshman, finishing with 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Last season, he was fifth on the team with 50 tackles (10.5 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks.

Carl Lawson, defensive lineman, Auburn: With Dee Ford off to the NFL, Lawson will have his chance to start. Lawson played in all 14 games in 2013, finishing with 20 tackles, 7.5 for loss and was second on the team with four sacks.

Maty Mauk, quarterback, Missouri: As a high school prospect, Mauk set national passing marks in yards (18,932), touchdown passes (219) and completions (1,353). In his first season subbing in for starter James Frankllin, passed for 910 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games. He's now the starter for the SEC East champs.

Robert Nkemdiche, defensive lineman, Mississippi: In 11 games, Nkemdiche made 34 tackles, including eight for a loss, and had two sacks. Nkemdiche moves to the inside from the defensive end spot.

Marquez North, wide receiver, Tennessee: As a freshman, North led the Volunteers with 496 yards on 38 catches.

Cedric Ogbuehi, offensive lineman, Texas A&M: Senior tackle Ogbuehi made the move from guard in his sophomore year. The starter at right tackle last season, Ogbuehi could become the third top-10 pick at offensive tackle - behind Luke Joeckel (Jaguars, 2013) and Jake Matthews (Falcons, 2014) - for the Aggies in three years.

Rashard Robinson, cornerback, LSU: Robinson had just two starts in 2013, but proved disruptive in an SEC that's put a larger emphasis on the passing game.

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Todd Gurley, running back, Georgia: After a freshman season in which he rushed for more than 1,000 yards (a first since Herschel Walker in 1980), injuries limited Gurley to just 10 games (989 rushing yards, 10 TDs). Gurley could be focal-point of the Bulldogs' offense and has the potential to be a Heisman hopeful.

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