A quick look at the big picture for programs in the SEC East:
Florida
Head coach: Jim McElwain (2nd year; 10-4)
Coordinators: OC Doug Nussmeier (2nd year); DC Geoff Collins (2nd year)
QB situation: Will Grier, who would’ve been suspended for the first half of the year anyhow after testing positive for PEDs last season, is transferring out, leaving the athletic, but inconsistent Treon Harris as the only quarterback on the roster with any experience. Big-time recruit Feleipe Franks has already enrolled and will push for the position in addition to a few other options on the roster. There’s some raw talent, but McElwain will need to develop it.
Last five finishes in the SEC recruiting rankings, per 247Sports Composite rankings:
2016 (current): 3rd
2015: 10th
2014: 7th
2013: 2nd
2012: 2nd
Approximate number of returning starters in 2016: Offense (7); Defense (8)
Tennessee
Head coach: Butch Jones (4th year; 21-17)
Coordinators: OC Mike DeBord (2nd year); DC Bob Shoop (1st year)
QB situation: Joshua Dobbs, despite some shaky moments in the passing game in 2015, is the returning starter and he’s likely the most feared running quarterback in the SEC. If his passing can take another step, he could be an All-SEC candidate. Sophomore Quinten Dormady and incoming freshman Jarrett Guarantano are waiting behind him.
Last five SEC recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 8th
2015: 2nd
2014: 5th
2013: 10th
2012: 8th
Approximate number of returning starters in 2016: Offense (9); Defense (8)
Georgia
Head coach: Kirby Smart (1st year)
Coordinators: OC Jim Chaney (1st year); DC Mel Tucker (1st year)
QB situation: It looks like it will be a battle between the more experienced redshirt senior Greyson Lambert, who did some good things as a part-time starter in 2015 but was overall inconsistent, and star newcomer Jacob Eason, one of the top prospects in the nation. Brice Ramsey, who saw some action in 2015, will probably be on the outside looking in.
Last five SEC recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 4th
2015: 4th
2014: 6th
2013: 7th
2012: 3rd
Approximate returning starters in 2016: Offense (7); Defense (6)
Missouri
Head coach: Barry Odom (1st year)
Coordinators: OC Josh Heupel (1st year); DC DeMontie Cross (1st year)
QB situation: Freshman Drew Lock took over in 2015 after two suspensions for Maty Mauk. Mauk’s future remains unknown and Lock, though highly-regarded in recruiting, led one of the most inept offenses in the nation last year. Eddie Printz is the only other quarterback of note on the roster for now.
Last five recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 14
2015: 12th
2014: 13th
2013: 14th
2012: 11th
Approximate returning starters in 2016: Offense (5); Defense (8)
Kentucky
Head coach: Mark Stoops (4th year, 12-24)
Coordinators: (OC) Eddie Gran (1st year); DC D.J. Eliot (4th year)
QB situation: The always-talented, but always inconsistent Patrick Towles is transferring to Boston College, leaving talented rising redshirt sophomore Drew Barker as the presumed starter in 2016 for the Wildcats. Reese Phillips is the only other scholarship quarterback on the roster with the pair of commitments Gunner Hoak and Stephen Johnson II coming in to provide depth and competition as well.
Last five SEC recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 11
2015: 13th
2014: 10th
2013: 13th
2012: 14th
Approximate returning starters in 2016: Offense (10); Defense (6)
South Carolina
Head coach: Will Muschamp (1st year)
Coordinators: OCs Kurt Roper/Bryan McClendon (1st year); DC Travaris Robinson (1st year)
QB situation: The Gamecocks aren’t short on options, but have few proven commodities. Connor Mitch and Perry Orth represent the older guys who have had an opportunity and not performed at a high level for various reasons. Lorenzo Nunez and Brandon McIlwain are a couple younger guys who are unproven, but could step up.
Last five SEC recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 10th
2015: 9th
2014: 9th
2013: 8th
2012: 7th
Approximate returning starters in 2016: Offense (6); Defense (9)
Vanderbilt
Head coach: Derek Mason (3rd year, 7-17)
Coordinators: OC Andy Ludwig (2nd year); Mason serves as DC
QB situation: There weren’t a ton of bright spots for Vanderbilt last year, but Kyle Shurmur did some good things as a true freshman and might be ready to stabilize that position a bit. Former starter Johnny McCrary is transferring out, leaving Wade Freebeck as the only other guy with experience in the mix.
Last five SEC recruiting rankings:
2016 (current): 13th
2015: 14th
2014: 14th
2013: 12th
2012: 13th
Approximate returning starters in 2016: Offense (8); Defense (9)
