SEC Football:  The West’s Most Important Defensive Players in 2015

Oct 25, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Beniquez Brown (42) and defensive back Kivon Coman (11) celebrate during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mississippi State defeated Kentucky 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Beniquez Brown is undoubtedly the most important player defensively for Mississippi State in 2015.  With the loss of Benardrick McKinney for the NFL and Geoff Collins making a ‘lateral move’ to Florida, the brain power behind Mississippi State’s defense is in need of replenishing.

Mississippi State dipped back into the well and hired former MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to replace Collins.  Beniquez Brown will be key in replacing McKinney.  While McKinney may not have been great in pass coverage, he was the heart and soul of Mississippi State’s defense in 2015.  Brown has big shoes to fill and his ability to do so will impact the entire team.

Brown has a reputation for being a smart player and being able to diagnose plays prior to the snap.  That holding up as truth and Brown performing well will be key if MSU is to have a solid defense in 2015.

Next: Texas A&M