Thanks, Captain Obvious.
No disrespect to Sean White. And I'd be perfectly fine if I knew he'd stay healthy along with a healthy stable of running backs. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case the last two years. But, what worries me most is what's up and coming around this league. The SEC was as down overall this year as any in maybe the last 10. It was Bama and a huge drop off to who? Us? Florida? But something tells me that's all about to change in a hurry. Is Bama going to come back to the pack? I doubt it. But will the rest of the league raise its game to close the gap? Yep, it's coming! And you don't have to look any farther than the QB position to see why.
There was a lot of young talent that either progressed nicely as the season went on, or some guys that got their chance late in the season and gave notice to the league that they're going to have to be dealt with. Several of those are on traditional bottom dwellers or middle of the road at best teams.
Kyle Shurmer at Vanderbilt got better and better as the season went on. 6'4" 230. Not eye popping stats by any means. Threw for over 2,200 yards with 9 TD's and 7 Int's. The key there is learning to protect the guy. He was sacked 27 times. Keep him upright and play the same D as they did this year and Vandy is suddenly someone you don't look forward to playing anymore. Only a sophomore.
Jake Bentley at USCe got his playing time in the last few games of the season. The 6'3" freshman threw for over 1,000 with 6/2. From Opelika BTW.
Stephen Johnson and Kentucky turned it on late. He threw for 12 TD's and 6 Int's and can hurt you with the run.
What about Nick Fitzgerald at MSU? 6'5" 230 sophomore. 21 TD's through the air and 10 Int's. And unless I was looking at the wrong stats, the guy rushed for over 1,200 yards. Yeesh!
Then there are guys like Shea Patterson at Ole Miss. They took the redshirt off of him and let him start the last 3 games. Also had him throw it a minimum of 42 times in all 3 games. 6 TD's and 3 Int's.
Is Danny Etling the man at LSU? I thought he played well in spots but I believe he'll be a senior this upcoming year.
The one that scares me the most is Jacob Eason. 6'5" freshman that started virtually the entire season. Stats weren't anything to write home about either and he was very erratic at times. But now, he's been there, done that and he's only going to get better and better.
Of course, Bama has the POY in Hurts, who is only a freshman. The bottom line is this league is about to be inundated with damn fine quarterbacks throughout. I would love to think we were part of that arms race, but I don't see it right now. Had we taken the redshirt off Barrett and he showed real promise...or if we get a commit from Stidham, I'd like our chances. But, I really don't want to head into next season banking on SW staying healthy for us to contend.