The 2023 NFL Draft season is over and now people can shift their focus back to college football coming up in a few months. The season starts back up on August 26th for Week 0 and August 31st for Week 1. The first SEC football game will start on Saturday, August 26th as the Vanderbilt Commodores host the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. There’s going to be plenty of college football players to keep an eye on around the country, but here are three SEC football players to watch in 2023.
3 SEC Football players to watch for entering 2023 season
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Arguably the best cornerback and returner in college football coming back this season, but what’s not up for debate is that he has the best nickname in the SEC. The 6 ‘1, 194 lbs defensive back for the Crimson Tide had 35 total tackles, one sack, one interception, and 332 yards on punt returns in 2022. Kool-Aid looks to add to those numbers in 2023 and potentially lead Alabama’s defense to a good college football season.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn Tigers
With Tank Bigsby off to the NFL being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s Jarquez Hunter’s time. Coming into the 2023 season, Hunter looks to be a top ten running back in the SEC and in the country. This fall the Auburn Tigers should be strong in the running game because they picked up several offensive linemen in the transfer portal. Hunter has a blend of power and explosiveness running the ball that will be a strength for Auburn this year. Jarquez goes into the Tiger’s season with 1,261 yards rushing, 13 total touchdowns, and has a career yards per carry of 6.5. Hunter should continue to improve this coming fall and add to those numbers, especially against SEC competition.
Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee Volunteers
The former Michigan transfer is going to be what makes or breaks the 2023 season for the Tennessee Volunteers. Joe Milton came in for an injured Hendon Hooker, but now Milton is the QB1 for this fall. The 6 ‘5, 243 pound signal caller has one of the strongest arms in college football and could very well be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Milton finished 2022 with 53-of-82 passing (64.6%), 971 yards, 10 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and 77 rushing yards. If things fall in place for Joe Milton and the Volunteers, he could possibly put up Heisman numbers in 2023. He’s definitely a player to watch in the SEC this season.