SEC Football: Daniels, Turner headline 2023 season awards

Announced on Wednesday, here is a look at the winners of the 2023 SEC football season awards, a list that was dominated by conference champion Alabama.

Daniels, Turner headline 2023 SEC football season awards

Offensive Player of the Year – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers

We begin with the Heisman Trophy finalist in Daniels, as the LSU quarterback was named the 2023 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Daniels would throw for a 72.2 CMP% with 3,812 yards and a 40:4 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on 135 attempts, as well as lead both the SEC and NCAA in multiple statistical categories.

Defensive Player of the Year – OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide

The first-of-three Alabama players to win an award, Turner was named the 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Ranking top five in the SEC in TFL, sacks, and FF, Turner would compile 50 tackles, 13.5 TFL, nine sacks, two FF, and one PD for the SEC champions.

Freshman of the Year – S Caleb Downs, Alabama Crimson Tide

After leading the Alabama defense in tackles during the regular season, Downs was named the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year. Also one of the top tacklers in the SEC, the freshman safety had 99 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two INT, three PD, one FR, and one FF this season, while also returning four punts for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Special Teams Player of the Year – K Will Reichard, Alabama Crimson Tide

The third Alabama player to win an award was Reichard, who was named the 2023 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. Reichard has enjoyed a phenomenal season for the Crimson Tide in which he is a perfect 53-of-53 on extra points, as well as 20-of-23 on field goals.

Coach of the Year – Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers

Coming off what was the best season of his four-year tenure in Columbia, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz was named the 2023 SEC Coach of the Year. Drinkwitz led the Tigers to a 10-2 regular season in which they held a 6-2 mark in SEC play, with this being the first year Missouri has won double-digit games since 2014.

Scholar-Athlete of the Year – QB Brady Cook, Missouri Tigers

The 2023 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year also comes from Missouri in quarterback Brady Cook. Cook completed 66.4% of passes this season for 3,189 yards and a 20:6 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 253 yards and eight touchdowns on 94 attempts.

Jacobs Blocking Trophy – OL Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia Bulldogs

Concluding here, the Jacobs Blocking Trophy went to Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran. Van Pran was one of the top offensive linemen for a Georgia offense that ranked No. 9 nationally with an average of 38.4 PPG.