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SEC Football: Every Team’s Top Returning Player Heading into 2023

By Elliot Reeder

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes with the ball after a reception as Zamari Walton #7 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defends in the second half at Sanford Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes with the ball after a reception as Zamari Walton #7 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defends in the second half at Sanford Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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SEC Football
Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

With the start of the 2023 college football season just day’s away, we are in full-on hype train mode. Most fanbases have more hype now than they will for most the season coming up. As fans are getting ready for a new SEC Football season to begin, I decided to take a look at who I feel is each SEC team’s best returning player heading into 2023 (teams are listed in alphabetical order).

Who is every SEC football team’s top returning player in 2023?

Alabama – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the best corners in college football and is one of the best returning players in the SEC regardless of position. In 2022, McKinstry made 35 tackles, 1 INT, 15 PBU’s, 2 TFL, and 1 sack. McKinstry also returned 21 punts for 332 yards (15.8 average yards per return). He was a First Team All-SEC selection a year ago at corner, and also earned Second Team All-SEC honors as a returner in 2022 as well. McKinstry was a Third Team AP All-American in 2022 as well. McKinstry edged out the likes of JC Latham and Dallas Turner.

Arkansas – RB Raheim Sanders

Raheim “Rocket” Sanders had a breakout 2022 season to the tune of 222 carries, 1,443 rushing yards, 28 receptions, 271 receiving yards, and 12 total TD’s. Overall for his career, Sanders has 336 carries, 2,021 rushing yards, 39 receptions, 380 receiving yards, and 18 total TD’s. Sanders was a Second Team All-SEC selection in 2022. This was a tough choice as well as I heavily considered QB KJ Jefferson, but ultimately went with Sanders who will be in the running for being the best running back in the conference (and the nation) in 2023.

Auburn – RB Jarquez Hunter

Jarquez Hunter now steps into the role of workhorse running back at Auburn after splitting carries with Tank Bigsby the last two seasons. In 2022, Hunter had 104 carries, 668 rushing yards, 17 receptions, 224 receiving yards, and 9 total TD’s. For his career, Hunter has 193 carries, 1,261 rushing yards, 29 receptions, 285 receiving yards, and 13 total TD’s. Hunter taking carries away from a back as good as Tank shows just how talented he is. He will now get his chance to be “the guy” this season.

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