This article dives into the SEC and predicts which young players could step up to replace the production of departing stars for their respective teams.
Stetson Bennett -> Carson Beck – Georgia QB
Stetson Bennett is leaving Athens with two national championships. If I would have told you that back in 2017 when he was a walk-on freshman, you would have called me crazy. There might not be bigger shoes to fill in the whole country, and Carson Beck is the one who will have to do it. He is a strong-arm quarterback with a good frame. He played sparingly in 2022 and put up 310 yards and 4 touchdowns. I believe it is his time to shine now.
Hendon Hooker -> Joe Milton – Tennessee QB
Hooker was a huge part of Tennessee’s turnaround and he will now be leaving for the NFL. Michigan transfer, Joe Milton, will come in and start next season. He struggled at Michigan but looks to have improved. He has a super strong arm and can be a real threat if he can get his accuracy improved. He looked great in Tennessee’s blowout Orange Bowl win vs Clemson. He had 251 yards and 3 touchdown passes. Is that the new Joe, or was it a one-time thing? Only time will tell.
Will Anderson Jr. -> Dallas Turner – Alabama EDGE
Dallas Turner has been a beast for a while now, but now he doesn’t have Will Anderson Jr. lining up next to him to relieve some of the pressure. This is his defense now, and one where he is the best player. He will be looked at as the guy who will keep this Alabama defense elite. He accumulated 16 solo tackles and 4 sacks in 2022. Look for those numbers to increase significantly.
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Bryce Young -> Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson – Alabama QB
Staying in Tuscaloosa, their quarterback and former Heisman winner, Bryce Young is also leaving. There are two kids who could take his place. Jalen Milroe, who got some time last season and looked average at best, and Ty Simpson, the redshirt freshman who hasn’t played much at all, but has all the hype from the Alabama fans. Maybe it’s because they didn’t like what they saw from Milroe, or maybe Simpson is the real deal. We’ll know a lot more after spring ball and through the summer.
Kayshon Boutte -> Malik Nabers – LSU WR
Kayshon Boutte is heading to the draft and Malik Nabers looks like he’s next up in Baton Rouge. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returning should help out Nabers a lot next season. Nabers had 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022 and was the MVP of their bowl game domination vs Purdue, with Boutte not playing I might add. He caught 9 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception was 75 yards. If he can produce like that next season, watch out.
