SEC Football: All-Conference Team for September
It seems like only yesterday when the assembled members of the media voted on the predicted order of finish for the 2015 SEC season at media days in Hoover, Alabama.
Yet here we are with four weeks in the books and the month of October looming this weekend.
Several stars broke out during the first month of the season, many of whom came seemingly out of nowhere.
We pick the SEC's September all-conference team based on performance during the first month of the season in this slideshow.
Quarterback
1 of 9
Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly
While Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen has been solid during the first month of the season, nobody has had more success in September than Ole Miss' Chad Kelly.
The junior college transfer leads the SEC with 304.8 passing yards per game, is second in touchdown passes with 10, third in passer rating at 174.26 and has rushed for 57 yards and three touchdowns. He led his team into Bryant-Denny Stadium and upset No. 2 Alabama in Week 3, establishing the Rebels as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC West.
Not bad for a guy who was still in a "battle" for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart heading into Week 2 of the season.
Kelly has been everything head coach Hugh Freeze hoped he'd be and more through the first month of the season.
Running Back
2 of 9
LSU RB Leonard Fournette
All LSU running back Leonard Fournette has done during the first three games of the season is lead the nation with 210.33 yards per game, score eight touchdowns and elevate himself to the top spot in virtually every conversation regarding the Heisman Trophy.
"All it takes is one guy out of his gap and another guy not fitting and replacing for a great football player like him to make a big play, and he did," Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer said following Fournette's 244-yard performance Saturday, according to quotes released by Syracuse.
He runs like former Oklahoma star Adrian Peterson and has moves that rival those of former Oklahoma State great Barry Sanders. That's a dangerous combination.
Georgia RB Nick Chubb
Not far behind Fournette in the SEC running back pecking order is Georgia sophomore Nick Chubb.
The 5'10", 220-pound former hurdler is averaging 149.75 rushing yards per game, has six touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and has rushed for more than 100 yards in 12 straight games—tied with Herschel Walker for the program record.
"It is truly an honor to be mentioned with him," Chubb said after last week's game vs. Southern, according to quotes released by Georgia. "Herschel Walker—that's what you hear about when you think Georgia football."
Georgia has been searching for "the next Herschel" for three decades, and Chubb is as close it gets.
Wide Receiver
3 of 9
Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk
Can you have a better breakout freshman campaign than the one Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk has put together through four games?
Nope.
All Kirk has done is lead the SEC in receiving yards per game (110.5), post the second-most receiving touchdowns in the conference (four) and haul in the game-winner in overtime of Texas A&M's 28-21 thriller last weekend at AT&T Stadium.
On a team loaded with wide receivers, Kirk has emerged as the very best in Aggieland. That speaks volumes.
Ole Miss WR Quincy Adeboyejo
No, Ole Miss' Quincy Adeboyejo isn't near the top of the SEC in terms of total receiving yards or yards per game. But when it comes to big plays, he's one of the best.
Adeboyejo leads the SEC with five receiving touchdowns, is second behind teammate Cody Core with 22.40 yards per reception and has proved to be a fine complement to stud Rebels receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Plus, he provided one of the highlights of the year—the "tip six" vs. Alabama—after not giving up on a play that looked doomed from the start.
"Ole Miss miracle TD pass https://t.co/QoAeh1EiUW
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 20, 2015"
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Tight End
4 of 9
Arkansas TE Hunter Henry
There hasn't been much to brag about at Arkansas this month, but tight end Hunter Henry has been one of the bright spots in Fayetteville.
The junior has 17 catches for 206 yards and a score for the 1-3 Razorbacks and has continued to prove he's one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country.
He also went out of his way to honor Hogs running back Jonathan Williams—who is out for the year—during Arkansas' most recent game
"Hunter Henry will wear Jonathan Williams number 32 today and is a captain for this game.
— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) September 26, 2015"
The Hogs have thrown way too much this year, but Henry doesn't mind. He's one of the best in the nation, provides a fantastic deep threat for quarterback Brandon Allen up the seam and is an amazing safety valve.
Offensive Line
5 of 9
Georgia OT John Theus
It's widely known Georgia's offensive line is one of the best run-blocking units in the country thanks to the success running back Nick Chubb had in a pinch last year and as a starter so far in 2015.
It's not too shabby in the pass-blocking department, either, and offensive tackle John Theus is a big reason why.
The 6'6", 303-pound senior has anchored the left side of a Bulldogs offensive line that has given up just three sacks—second-fewest in the conference.
Alabama OT Cam Robinson
Much like Theus, Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson has locked down his side of the line.
The Crimson Tide have given up just five sacks on the season and have been punishing in the running game—all while figuring out their quarterback situation and offensive identity on the fly.
"Saban reminds fans how old his players are, including Cam Robinson: "He looks like a guy that could go to the Pro Bowl, he's 19 years old."
— Alex Byington (@abyingtonTD) September 25, 2015"
High praise from head coach Nick Saban, but Robinson has earned it. He's as complete of an offensive tackle as there is in the game.
Arkansas OG Sebastian Tretola
Arkansas' Sebastian Tretola is best known for his touchdown pass last year, but the 6'5", 334-pounder has been a big reason Arkansas has had success on the ground over the last few seasons.
His power is obvious, but the California native is light on his feet, routinely gets downfield after pulling and, as Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus noted earlier this month, got off to a hot start this season.
"Sebastian Tretola has been the best offensive lineman in college football through two weeks, according to PFF. https://t.co/xrTaqiWqH5
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) September 18, 2015"
Georgia OG Greg Pyke
All those holes Georgia running backs run through?
Yeah, Greg Pyke is a big reason for that.
The 6'6", 313-pounder from Maryland is a monster in the running game, as evidenced by this video from UGASports.com's Radi Nabulsi of Sony Michel's touchdown run vs. Vanderbilt.
"Great blocks by John Theus, Greg Pyke (2 players) and Terry godwin on this Sony Michel TD. http://t.co/juwPcDT8SC pic.twitter.com/Nl1PgrjTYK
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) September 18, 2015"
The big men up front don't get enough credit for the success of Georgia's running backs over the last two seasons. Pyke deserves a ton of it.
Alabama C Ryan Kelly
While Alabama's offense has been a work in progress this season, it's just fine up front.
Ryan Kelly is to thank for that.
The senior center for the Crimson Tide is one of the more undervalued players in the game. His ability to not only be a force in the running game but adjust protections at the line has been a tremendous asset to quarterbacks Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman.
Defensive Line
6 of 9
Alabama DL A'Shawn Robinson
A'Shawn Robinson has established himself as one of the most feared defensive linemen in college football.
The 6'4", 312-pound junior is big enough to play nose at times but quick enough to thrive at defensive end in head coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart's 3-4 scheme. He has nine tackles, one for loss, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries on the season.
That might not seem like an overwhelming stat line, but whether he's making tackles or just clogging the middle, his impact on the Crimson Tide front seven is enormous.
Ole Miss DL Robert Nkemdiche
If you weren't a believer in Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche before the season, are you there yet?
You should be.
All Nkemdiche has done this year for the undefeated Rebels is notch 15 tackles, 4.5 for loss, posted a half-sack, blocked a kick and had two quarterback hurries. This is on top of his work on offense, where he's scored three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving).
"#FeedNkemdiche Robert Nkemdiche is @OleMissFB's defensive tackle and he just scored his 3rd TD of the year » http://t.co/54ijL8FEWT
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 27, 2015"
Simply put, Nkemdiche makes life a bit easier for everybody associated with Ole Miss football.
Florida DL Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard came back to help keep the Florida defense at an elite level, up his draft stock and become a better pass-rusher.
So far, so good.
Bullard is tied for second in the SEC in sacks with four, tied for fifth nationally with eight tackles for loss and has come up big in key spots for the 4-0 Gators.
He came up with a key sack on the next-to-last play of the Kentucky game as the Wildcats were hoping to drive for the game-winning score and helped the Gators get a big win on the road in their SEC opener.
Texas A&M DL Myles Garrett
Sophomore slump? Not for Texas A&M's Myles Garrett.
The 6'5", 262-pound defensive end for the Aggies is tied for second in the nation with 6.5 sacks, tied for eighth with 7.5 tackles for loss and has picked up right where he left off last year when he set the SEC freshman sack record with 11.5.
As TexAgs noted after the Arkansas game, one-on-one matchups are few and far between for the Arlington, Texas, native.
"Myles Garrett on his big sack/fumble: “I got my one-on-one finally, and just made a play."
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) September 27, 2015"
Teams are paying extra attention to Garrett, and it just doesn't matter.
Linebackers
7 of 9
Missouri LB Kentrell Brothers
Nobody talks about Missouri despite the back-to-back SEC East titles head coach Gary Pinkel has in his back pocket, so not many have noticed just how good linebacker Kentrell Brothers has been.
He's been excellent.
The senior leads the nation with 52 tackles, set his single-game best with 16 in each of the first two, has three tackles for loss and has picked off two passes through four games.
He left last week's loss to Kentucky with an ankle injury but still managed 10 tackles in roughly three quarters. He's the reason Missouri sits at 3-1 and has hope.
Tennessee LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Much like Brothers, not enough people talk about just how good Tennessee linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is.
Whether it's against the run or in coverage, the 6'0", 225-pound junior is as complete of a linebacker as there is in the SEC.
He has 41 tackles on the season, seven for loss, three sacks and forced a fumble through four games.
"JRM is just such a good football player. Will make an NFL team very happy one day despite being undersized.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 26, 2015"
South Carolina LB Skai Moore
Don't blame linebacker Skai Moore for South Carolina's struggles because he's done all he can to keep South Carolina competitive.
The junior—who has led the Gamecocks in tackles in each of his first two seasons—has 40 tackles, two for loss, three pass breakups and three interceptions on the year.
His two interceptions in the end zone against North Carolina in the opener saved the game. He's a huge reason the Gamecocks are 2-2 and have a little bit of postseason life left after a rough month.
Secondary
8 of 9
Ole Miss DB Trae Elston
In a secondary that's loaded with talented players, Ole Miss safety Trae Elston has shined the brightest.
The 5'11", 195-pounder has three interceptions on the year, returned two of those for touchdowns and has notched 19 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
For his work—and the Rebels'—Elston was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated following the team's 43-37 win over Alabama in Week 3.
Texas A&M DB Armani Watts
No, Texas A&M safety Armani Watts doesn't have an interception on the season yet, but there's no denying just how good the sophomore has been for the new-look defense under first-year coordinator John Chavis.
He has 32 tackles and one tackle for loss on the season and has proved to be a force both in coverage and in run support.
He also has a knack for big plays in big games. The sophomore had 14 tackles in the overtime win over Arkansas on Saturday night after posting 10 in the season opener vs. Arizona State in Houston.
Florida DB Vernon Hargreaves III
This one's obvious, but sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice.
Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III has been a superstar since the moment he stepped foot on campus, and that hasn't changed through four games of his junior season. He has two interceptions this year, including a 53-yard return off an interception that almost went for a score in Florida's first SEC road trip of the year—a 14-9 win over Kentucky in Week 3.
He was banged up prior to the matchup with Tennessee in Week 4 but managed to play virtually the entire game and was clearly a concern for Vols quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
Georgia DB Dominick Sanders
Georgia safety Dominick Sanders didn't come into the season with a ton of hype, but all he's done for the 4-0 Bulldogs is establish himself as one of the most consistent defensive backs in the SEC.
Sanders has two interceptions on the season—one of which went for a touchdown to close out the Vanderbilt win—has 20 tackles, 15 for a loss and has three pass breakups on the year.
"Richt on Dominick Sanders: "He is a very serious guy. He's a very determined guy" #UGA
— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) September 23, 2015"
His ability to find the football and stick his nose in on run support will be vital to Georgia's success for the final two months of the season.
Special Teams
9 of 9
LSU CB/PR Tre'Davious White
Tre'Davious White is a tremendous defensive back for the LSU Tigers, but he might be an even better punt returner.
White has returned five punts for 100 yards and a touchdown on the season, with that score coming last week against Syracuse.
"Tre'Davious White to the house! White gives LSU a boost with a 69-yard punt return for a TD. #LSUvsCUSE http://t.co/t4cFq3MZYl
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) September 26, 2015"
It's been the "Leonard Fournette Show" for the LSU offense, with quarterback Brandon Harris acting more as a game manger than anything else. White is averaging 20 yards per punt return, and giving a one-dimensional offense an average of two first downs before taking a snap is a huge advantage for the Tigers.
Kentucky PK Austin MacGinnis
It's been a while since Kentucky was a threat in the SEC East, but at 3-1 and 2-1 in the SEC, that's exactly where head coach Mark Stoops' crew is as we head to October.
Place-kicker Austin MacGinnis is a big reason why.
The sophomore is 6-of-7 on the year, has a long of 45 and has hit two of his three attempts between 40 and 49 yards.
Texas A&M P Drew Kaser
JK Scott's surprising punting struggles at Alabama have been one of the most shocking developments of the 2015 season.
Alabama's loss is Texas A&M's gain.
Punter Drew Kaser has elevated himself into the conference's top punter. His 51.57-yards-per-punt average leads the SEC and is second nationally. He has dropped six punts inside the 20-yard line, boomed nine over 50 yards and has a long of 68.
Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports. Statistics are courtesy of CFBStats.com. Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and national college football video analyst for Bleacher Report as well as a host on Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM 83. Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
