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SEC Football: Game Balls: Top Performers from Week Seven

By Justin Melton

Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) carries the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) carries the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Bryce Lewis (30) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Bryce Lewis (30) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt

Zach Cunningham is perhaps the most underrated linebacker in the SEC. I guess that comes with the territory when you play for Vanderbilt. Against Georgia this weekend he was absolutely incredible. He had 19 tackles including the game-clinching stop of Isaiah McKenzie on fourth and one.

Currently, Cunningham is the leading tackler in the entire SEC. He has 81 tackles on the season, including 13 tackles for loss. In conference games, Cunningham is averaging just shy of 14 tackles per game. Cunningham is going to be an NFL draft pick one day.

Honorable Mentions:

Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Tennessee got whipped by Alabama, but Derek Barnett played as well as Volunteer fans could have hoped for. He recorded only three tackles, but that included two tackles for loss and a sack. Also, Barnett forced a fumble and intercepted a pass.

The fumble that Barnett forced set up Tennessee’s only touchdown of the game. His interception stopped an Alabama drive that looked sure to put up points. In short, Barnett was the only bright spot for Tennessee on the day. He will be a first round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU

Much like Zach Cunningham, Kendell Beckwith is a tackling machine. He totaled 15 tackles against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Beckwith, along with Reuben Foster, is one of the top-two inside linebackers in the SEC this season. I expect that each of them will make an NFL team happy this spring.

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