5 SEC Quarterbacks to Watch in Week 3

Quarterback play should elevate in Week 3 as sign-callers strive for breakout performances.

The quarterback position is arguably the most demanding role on the gridiron. If the offense is stagnant, the blame is instinctively laid upon the guy handling the snaps. And in big-time match-ups, he’s the one expected to consistently drive his team down the field and score points at will.

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But in recent history, the Southeastern Conference has lacked elite talent under center. Just this offseason, the SEC had over half of its teams trying to fill QB vacancies (reference Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt). The lack of returning talent has been a topic in SEC country since January.

Though some teams are still undecided, we should expect to see some guys develop into consistent signal-callers as we get deeper into the schedule.

Whether it’s securing a spot atop the depth chart or earning credibility against a stalwart opponent, Week 3 should be a key Saturday for quarterbacks looking to make a statement.

Here are the five SEC quarterbacks with the most to prove this week.

1. Will Grier, Florida (at Kentucky)

Three weeks into the season and first year coach Jim McElwain still hasn’t seen any separation between his two

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quarterbacks. Treon Harris started in the Gators’ season-opener against New Mexico State, while Will Grier was the go-to guy in last week’s meeting with East Carolina. Both quarterbacks have looked sharp at times, but who will eventually emerge as a leader for this young Florida offense? The Wildcats’ secondary is inexperienced and has already given up nearly 430 yards of passing to the likes of Louisiana Lafayette and South Carolina. So, much like last week, Grier can make his claim for the starting spot by taking advantage of a relatively unproven Kentucky team in Lexington this Saturday. Can the redshirt freshman finally deliver, or will the quarterback competition carry over into the Gators’ Week 4 match-up against Tennessee?

2. Chad Kelly, Ole Miss (at Alabama)

Kelly has been a machine for Ole Miss offensively in his two lopsided season-openers, but this week he faces his toughest opposition yet in the Alabama Crimson Tide — in Tuscaloosa. The junior spent all offseason competing with teammates Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade, but his debut performance against Tennessee-Martin (9-of-15 for 211 yards, two touchdowns and an interception) solidified his role as the Rebels’ starting quarterback. He followed that up with an even better showing against Fresno State in Week 2, completing 20-of-25 throws for 346 yards, four touchdowns and a rushing score.

Kelly boasts a 94.3 quarterback rating thanks to a superb 72.5 completion percentage for 2015. The explosiveness Kelly adds to this offense makes Ole Miss a legitimate challenger for the SEC West. But first, the Rebels need to take care of business on the road against an emphatic Alabama team — which is no small task.

3. Jake Coker, Alabama (vs. Ole Miss)

Alabama boasts one of the nation’s top defenses and pass-rushing attacks, so an elite playmaker at quarterback isn’t

mandatory — but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. With so much offensive firepower, Alabama just needs a quarterback who can avoid unwarranted turnovers (last year’s starter Blake Sims knows all about those). After a strong debut against Wisconsin in Arlington (15-of-21 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown), Coker looked less-than-stellar in the following week against Middle Tennessee State. He disappointed against lesser competition, completing just 57 percent of his passes for 214 yards, a touchdown and an interception. There’s certainly room for the senior to improve, but he’ll be tasked to do so against the league’s best defense. Still, Coker can reaffirm Saban’s decision with a strong performance against the Rebels’ “Landshark” defense on Saturday night.

4. Jeremy Johnson, Auburn (at LSU)

Johnson was a preseason favorite to contend for the Heisman trophy, but the junior has struggled mightily to start the 2015 season.

Oct 26, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) looks to pass against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Owls 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Through two outings, Johnson is completing just over 60 percent of his throws for 373 yards and nearly twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes (five INTs, three TDs). Additionally, the junior doesn’t pose as the elusive scrambler that last year’s starter Nick Marshall did — totaling only 18 yards on the ground this season. And, in a Gus Malzahn offense that’s not opposed to taking deep shots regularly, Johnson has completed just two passes of 30-plus yards and a single pass connection of 40 yards or more.

Needless to say, Johnson’s development at quarterback is going to be a longer process than anticipated. And a trip to Death Valley this week won’t help matters. Johnson still can make a name for himself against LSU this Saturday, but it won’t be easy.

5. Brandon Harris, LSU (vs. Auburn)

Harris was verbally torched all offseason by fans and the media alike; the steadfast defense and imposing rushing attack could only mask so much lackluster quarterback play. If the Tigers wish to compete in the top tier of the division, they need to get better in the passing game. In his start against Mississippi State last week, Harris showed some promise by completing 9-of-14 passes for 71 yards through the air and rushing for an additional 48 yards on five carries — not too shabby. But what stood out the most was the sophomore’s ability to take care of the football by not tossing a single pick against the Bulldogs. It’s still undetermined just how far along Harris has come, but after facing Auburn’s defense this Saturday — highlighted by rush end Carl Lawson — we should certainly have a better idea, nonetheless.

Next: Top 3 SEC Games: Week Three Edition

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