SEC Football:  The East’s Most Important Defensive Players

Jan 3, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) makes a game saving interception against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half for the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. The Florida Gators defeated the East Carolina Pirates 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

We could try to get cute here and name someone other than the obvious, but Vernon Hargreaves III is both the Florida Gators’ most important defensive player and MVP.  If he is missing from the Gators, things could go sour quickly for first year coach Jim McElwain.

Hargreaves should be able to shutdown half the field against most of Florida’s opponents in 2015.  Hargreaves’ dominance will allow new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to focus on the rest of the field and toy with different schemes, which will aid the defensive unit.

Hargreaves III will be even more impactful against receivers like Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell and South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper.  If Hargreaves is able to dominate like many expect him to, don’t be surprised if the Gators surprise many in 2015 with their win total.

Next: South Carolina