This article covers some of the players on each SEC team that I believe are underrated heading into next year.
Alabama – Kobe Prentice WR
Kobe Prentice is an underrated wide receiver at Alabama. You always hear about Burton, Brooks, Holden, Earle, and even Gibbs when talking about pass catchers in Tuscaloosa. What if I told you that Prentice had more receiving yards than Traeshon Holden, Jojo Earle, Isaiah Bond, and Tyler Harrell? Look for his role to increase in 2023.
Bryce Young ➡️ Kobe Prentice
Alabama strikes first in Fayetteville ?pic.twitter.com/BxO3cYim5p
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 1, 2022
Arkansas – Dwight McGlothern DB
Dwight McGlothern recently announced his decision to return to Arkansas next season and that is big news for the Hogs. He is a key defensive player for them and accumulated 43 tackles, 4 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
SPOTTED: Dwight McGlothern with the FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/TYHTFmnSOQ
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) November 20, 2022
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Auburn – Jarquez Hunter RB
Jarquez Hunter was in Tank Bigsby‘s shadow last season, but it’s his time now. The running back went for 668 yards on 104 attempts and added 7 touchdowns. I see him becoming a 1,000-yard rusher next season.
Jarquez Hunter showed off some awesome moves on this @AuburnFootball touchdown. pic.twitter.com/ISsdsN8Wad
— CBS Sports College Football ? (@CBSSportsCFB) October 8, 2022
Florida – Montrell Johnson Jr. RB
Last season, everybody was talking about Richardson and Ettiene’s rushing abilities, but it seemed like nobody was talking about Montrell Johnson Jr. He had more rushing yards and touchdowns than both of the aforementioned players. He should be the feature back for the Gators in 2023.
Anthony Richardson to Montrell Johnson Jr for the 3 yard TD! #Gators pic.twitter.com/0ux1CAqH4g
— CFB Country (@_CFBCountry) November 19, 2022
Georgia – Javon Bullard DB
Javon Bullard is a great player who lost on a great defense. He really turned up during the second half of last season and was even named CFP Semi-finals Defensive MVP. His stats were 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
JAVON BULLARD WITH THE PICK https://t.co/MBgh0UOaJo
— Barstool UGA (@ugabarstool) January 10, 2023
Kentucky – Jutahn McClain RB
For the Wildcats to be successful, their run game must be successful. Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Kavosiay Smoke did a good job of that last season, but so did Jutahn McClain. He ran for 278 yards on 59 attempts. He will need to increase all his numbers next season as Kentucky will look to him to carry the load at running back.
LSU – Mason Taylor TE
Mason Taylor was a Freshman last season and did very well. He had 38 receptions for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did that while averaging 10.9 yards per reception. He will be a big part of the passing game in 2023 with the loss of some key receivers.
Mississippi State – Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin WR
Tulu Griffin is an electric player. He returns kicks as well as playing receiver. Last season, he got overlooked because of guys like Thomas and Harvey. His role is going to be increased in 2023. Last season, he accumulated 40 receptions for 449 yards and 4 touchdowns.
TULU GRIFFIN 92-YD HOUSE CALL ⚡️ @HailStateFB pic.twitter.com/FgFcjnODf3
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 6, 2022
Missouri – Jaylon Carlies DB
Davies is a huge key to success on defense for the Missouri Tigers. He’s coming back and is set for a huge season. Last season, he had 60 solo tackles, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Look for all those numbers to increase in 2023.
Ole Miss – Jordan Watkins WR
Ole Miss is known for its passing offense under Lane Kiffin, but for some reason, Jordan Watkins seems to always be overlooked. I know they have some other receivers but this kid is really good. His numbers will certainly go up next season, but in 2022 he had 40 receptions for 449 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11.2 yards per catch.
“The seas part for the Louisville transfer!”
Jordan Watkins 61-yard TD scamper.
(4 catches, 97 yards at halftime) pic.twitter.com/aBNW3lQjUh— ⚜️Alan Thomas⚜️ (@CardN_AL) October 8, 2022
South Carolina – DQ Smith DB
South Carolina is a team on the rise in the SEC, and DQ Smith was an underrated part of this team last season. He will be back and leading the Gamecock secondary. In 2022, he racked up 40 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles as a freshman.
Tennessee – Squirrel White WR
Thanks to guys like Hyatt, McCoy, Keyton, and even Tillman, Squirrel White has been overlooked. He had 30 receptions for 481 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 yards per catch as a freshman in 2022. With some other receivers gone, he could be next up in Knoxville.
https://twitter.com/TheHQNerd/status/1637953548477407233
Texas A&M – Moose Muhammed III WR
Moose Muhammed III was one of the bright spots for A&M last season. He is overlooked because of players like Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith, but he had a solid season last year and will be good again in 2023. He had 38 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 16.1 yards per reception.
Vanderbilt – CJ Taylor LB
I feel like every player at Vanderbilt is underrated. They see the name on the front of the jersey and think nobody from there can really be that good. That’s where they’re wrong, linebacker CJ Taylor is a beast and will be next season too. In 2022, he had 33 solo tackles, a sack, an interception, and 2 fumble recoveries, both returned for touchdowns.
Incredible play by Vanderbilt's CJ Taylor to help cause the strip-sack TD ?✈️pic.twitter.com/7Vl3ZrUOgh
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 22, 2022