2016 SEC Football All-Conference Team
For the third straight year, Alabama exited the Georgia Dome in early December with the SEC trophy in hand and a ticket to the College Football Playoff punched.
Unlike the previous two, it did it without a loss with a true freshman quarterback—Jalen Hurts—taking the majority of the snaps.
Was that enough for Hurts to take home first-team All-SEC honors?
Bleacher Report's All-SEC team, which is based on production, value to team and overall team success, is in this slideshow.
Quarterback
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Jalen Hurts, Alabama
No, Jalen Hurts didn't lead SEC quarterbacks in passing or rushing in 2016. Those titles belong to Missouri's Drew Lock (3,399 yards) and Mississippi State's Nick Fitzgerald (1,243 yards), respectively.
But when you put the entire puzzle together, nobody was better, more valuable or more impressive than the true freshman from Channelview, Texas.
He finished the year with 2,592 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, 841 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, revolutionized Alabama's offense into a new-age, zone-read machine and capped off a 13-0 season with an SEC title.
"You can't coach experience, and you can't coach maturity, but this guy has maturity beyond his years," head coach Nick Saban said. "Maybe it's because his dad was a coach or his coach or whatever, and the thing that I think has helped him persevere through the season and continue to improve through the season is he doesn't get down when things don't go well."
Hurts is still nowhere close to his ceiling and should benefit from 15 bowl practices as the unquestioned No. 1 starter in T-Town. So far, so good for the kid.
Running Backs
2 of 9
Kamryn Pettway, Auburn
He didn't start the season as Auburn's No. 1 running back, and injuries prevented him from being the guy down the stretch. In the middle, though, Kamryn Pettway proved that he was the best running back in the SEC in 2016.
The 220-pound bruiser from Montgomery, Alabama, gained 1,123 rushing yards in just eight games in which he logged carries, scored seven touchdowns and became head coach Gus Malzahn's 14th 1,000-yard rusher in 11 seasons as a college head or assistant coach.
When Pettway was healthy, Auburn's offense transformed into a true run, play-action force that thrived with tempo and helped lead the Tigers to a berth in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Hopefully for Auburn's sake, he returns at 100 percent against the Oklahoma Sooners and that Sugar Bowl becomes must-see TV.
Derrius Guice, LSU
LSU's offense was supposed to be the Leonard Fournette show this year. But a nagging ankle injury allowed sophomore Derrius Guice to establish himself nicely as a star in the SEC.
He finished second in the conference behind Pettway in rushing yards per game at 113.5, led the conference in yards per carry (7.96) for the second straight season and was a big part of LSU's run to the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.
In fact, according to SEC Country, Guice is in elite SEC company after his second season in the conference.
"LSU RB Derrius Guice’s sophomore season eerily similar to Bo Jackson’s https://t.co/AZMRBUg9e6 #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/cZANoRIlDj
— SEC Country LSU (@SECCountryLSU) November 30, 2016"
Not bad. Not bad at all.
Wide Receivers
3 of 9
J'Mon Moore, Missouri
Raise your hand if you knew that Missouri wide receiver J'Mon Moore finished the regular season as the SEC's top receiver.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
The Missouri City, Texas, native is the lone member of the conference to top the 1,000-yard mark during the regular season, finishing with 62 catches for 1,012 yards and eight touchdowns. He, along with quarterback Drew Lock, helped transform Missouri's offense from a joke to a power under first-year coordinator Josh Heupel.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama
Calvin Ridley might get the pub, but ArDarius Stewart is Alabama's best receiver.
He led the SEC in receiving yards per game at 85.2, had eight receiving touchdowns and added 33 rushing yards.
A dangerous weapon on bubble screens, jet sweep pop passes and deep downfield, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin used Stewart in a variety of ways, quarterback Jalen Hurts developed a great chemistry with him and he took a ton of pressure off an offense that entered the season without an identity.
"As Alabama looks to defend its title, redshirt junior WR ArDarius Stewart is the key to a title run pic.twitter.com/QVMGrxO3WS
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) November 29, 2016"
Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M
On a roster full of weapons downfield, Josh Reynolds was Texas A&M's best.
The senior caught 49 passes for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns for a whopping 18.06 yards per catch. The 6'4" former junior college player spent three seasons in College Station helping the Aggie offense overcome massive quarterback issues by being the one constant downfield threat.
A matchup problem on virtually every defensive back, he not only was a big-play receiver, but provided enough of a threat to demand double-teams and open up the field for his fellow receivers and the Aggie offense as a whole.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Tight End
4 of 9
Evan Engram, Ole Miss
On a loaded roster that had receiving options everywhere, Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram was the team's most prominent.
Because of that, he deserves to be recognized as the SEC's best tight end despite the Rebels' absence from the bowl schedule.
Engram capped off his career with a stellar senior season that included 65 catches for 926 yards and eight touchdowns. He was recently honored with the prestigious Conerly Trophy, awarded annually to the state of Mississippi's best college football player.
Offensive Line
5 of 9
Cam Robinson, Alabama
Cam Robinson has been a known commodity ever since he stepped in as a freshman at left tackle and the Alabama offensive line didn't miss a beat.
Now a draft-eligible junior, Robinson has held the edge well over the course of the season, capping it off with SEC offensive lineman of the week honors during rivalry weekend when he shut down Auburn's defensive front led by end Carl Lawson.
Jonah Williams, Alabama
Speaking of Alabama tackles, Robinson got the spotlight, but freshman Jonah Williams might have been even better than the veteran.
Starting a right tackle right out of the gate, Williams routinely shut down opposing defensive fronts and plowed the road for quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Damien Harris.
Here's one example from the win over Tennessee that helped him earn SEC offensive lineman of the week honors in Week 7.
"Alabama tFr RT 73 Jonah Williams has a chance to be special. Clinic on accelerating your feet on contac... https://t.co/NbH2ba9qkF
— Aaron Taylor (@AaronTaylorCFB) December 5, 2016"
Braden Smith, Auburn
Auburn's rushing attacked kicked into overdrive in the middle of the season, and guard Braden Smith was a big reason why.
The junior fires off the ball as well as anybody, gets to the second level and is athletic enough to be a force when Auburn's offense calls for guards to pull and open lanes for its running backs.
Josh Boutte, LSU
Boutte's season started off slow after he was tossed late in the loss to Wisconsin for a cheap shot and suspended for the following week. But it's no coincidence that the Tiger offense got going when Boutte returned to action.
Whether it was for Leonard Fournette or Derrius Guice, the LSU running backs consistently found holes behind the best guard the SEC had to offer in 2016.
"Top graded SEC Guards this season:
— Vinnie Ronca (@PFF_Vinnie) December 3, 2016"
1. Josh Boutte
2. Braden Smith
3. Will Clapp
4. Nick Haynes
5. Zack Bailey
Ethan Pocic, LSU
A finalist for the Rimington Trophy given to the nation's top center, Pocic is much more than an anchor in the middle of LSU's offensive line.
The senior bounced all over the line when injuries ravaged it during the middle of the season but found his way back to center during a stretch run that included a big win over Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night and led to a berth in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.
Defensive Line
6 of 9
Derek Barnett, Tennessee
When you put your name alongside Reggie White in Tennessee football history, you're doing something right.
That's exactly what Derek Barnett did when he matched the Vol legend with 32 career sacks, 12 of which came in 2016—the highest mark in the conference.
How dominant was he? Check out this stat courtesy of Tennessee prior to the final game against Vanderbilt (in which he tied White).
"Derek Barnett vs. Power 5 🍊🏈💪🏿
— Tennessee Stats (@Vol_Stats) November 25, 2016"
30.0 of his 31.0 career sacks were vs. Power 5 ➡️ MOST IN THE NATION
2016: 11.0 sacks ➡️ 2nd in the nation pic.twitter.com/K6KOi1sXLV
Montravius Adams, Auburn
Adams was one of the primary reasons Auburn's defense transformed from a joke to a power in 2016.
He finished with 39 tackles, 8.5 for loss, notched four sacks, had a scoop and score vs. Mississippi State and picked a pass off for the Sugar Bowl-bound Tigers.
What's more, Adams routinely brought pressure up the middle, disrupted running plays behind the line of scrimmage and got quarterbacks on the move before they could let routes develop.
Jonathan Allen, Alabama
What more do you want from Allen? The senior had a pick-six vs. Ole Miss, scoop and score vs. Texas A&M, had 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks playing primarily at the end spot in defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt's 3-4 scheme.
He has the size to get penetration inside, speed to be a force off the edge and quickness to deal with exotic offenses that stress interior lineman with east-west action.
"Alabama's Defensive Player of the Year Award was given to Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson and Reuben Foster. Foster was also named team MVP.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 5, 2016"
Carl Lawson, Auburn
After an injury-riddled career, Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson finally broke through with a dominating redshirt junior season that saw him not only live up to his recruiting hype but solidify himself as one of the top ends in the game.
He finished the season with nine sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and a mind-boggling 24 quarterback hurries for the Tigers.
What's more, coordinator Kevin Steele moved him all over the field like a chess piece, which showed off his versatility and strength to NFL scouts and drove offensive coordinators up the wall as they tried to account for No. 55.
Linebackers
7 of 9
Arden Key, LSU
Key bounced around from end to linebacker at times this year. But for the sake of this All-SEC team, we'll include him as his listed position: linebacker.
He might be better-suited to be listed as "monster," though.
Key finished second in the SEC with 10 sacks, had 12.5 tackles for a loss and solidified himself as a sophomore as one of the SEC's best stars.
Tim Williams, Alabama
A draft-eligible player who came back to school this year, Williams blossomed into an all-around force at linebacker rather than just a pass-rushing specialist.
He had 15.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown for a Crimson Tide defense that consistently pounced on opponent's mistakes.
"Sweet Lord, Tim Williams, that man has a family! pic.twitter.com/I0KMAMt8cR
— Justin King (@JustinKing) November 27, 2016"
Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
As a junior, Cunningham finally got the credit he deserved with a conference-best 119 tackles in 2016.
The most notable of which was his fourth-down stop of Georgia wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie that sealed the win over Georgia. He followed that up with a blocked field goal for the ages against Auburn that gave the Commodores a chance at springing an upset late in that loss.
"Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham went for that ball like it were a Koopa Troopa 🍄 https://t.co/LZQCQjtaGS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 6, 2016"
Reuben Foster, Alabama
Foster capped off his regular-season MVP honors in the SEC Championship Game win over Florida in which he notched 11 tackles, 2.5 for loss and sacked Austin Appleby twice in a game in which Florida jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.
"Man, it was a rough start at first, but we had to overcome it, show mental toughness and really just dominate for real," he said. "Like we don't like that. We don't like giving up points. We don't like giving up first downs. We hate that. So we had to overcome that and step up."
Third in the conference in tackles with 94, Foster slid into more of a leadership role for the Crimson Tide this year and led them all the way to a third straight College Football Playoff berth.
Secondary
8 of 9
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
A ball-hawking sophomore from New Jersey, Fitzpatrick has asserted himself as one of the best defensive backs in the entire country.
With five picks on the year, he capped off a stellar season with a pick-six in the SEC Championship Game win over Florida. It was one of two scores he had on the season—the other being a 100-yard scamper vs. Arkansas.
"Minkah Fitzpatrick is now first in Alabama history with the four career pick-sixes. Even more impressive considering he's only a sophomore
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 3, 2016"
Teez Tabor, Florida
Tabor is the talker of the Florida secondary, but he backs it up with results.
The junior had four interceptions on the season, returned one for a touchdown and broke up five passes for the two-time SEC East champs. Combined with Quincy Wilson, the Florida secondary navigated through the loss of Vernon Hargreaves with relative ease and made a strong case to be known as "DBU."
Justin Evans, Texas A&M
Quietly, Evans put together a season that's comparable to some of the best safeties in the country.
Alongside Armani Watts, Evans notched 85 tackles, picked off four passes, had five tackles for loss and broke up six passes for a defense that had its ups and downs in 2016.
Watts got plenty of the publicity, but one look at Texas A&M game film will tell you that Evans was the best safety on the field no matter who the Aggies lined up against.
Mike Edwards, Kentucky
What, you don't know who Edwards is? You should, because all he did was lead all SEC defensive backs with 93 tackles, pick off three passes including two in the rivalry game win over Lamar Jackson's Louisville Cardinals and break up eight passes for the TaxSlayer Bowl-bound Kentucky Wildcats.
Kentucky's defense wasn't consistently great, but head coach Mark Stoops knew he could count on Edwards as one of the most complete safeties in the country all year long.
"Congrats to safety Mike Edwards, who was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after picking off two passes in win over Louisville! pic.twitter.com/alDrsfkRnn
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 28, 2016"
Specialists
9 of 9
Christian Kirk, PR, Texas A&M
Kirk is one of the best wide receivers in the country. But when he's not catching passes, he moonlights as the best punt returner in the SEC.
The sophomore from Scottsdale, Arizona, returned three punts for touchdowns in 2016, averaged 24.55 per return and totaled 270 yards for the season.
Think about that for a second. He gave the offense nearly two-and-a-half first downs before that offense even took the field for drives.
Evan Berry, KR, Tennessee
Much like Kirk, Berry added more beef to his stellar special teams resume in 2016 by again proving to be one of the nation's best kick returners.
The junior led the conference with 32.86 yards per return, scored once and gained 460 yards on kickoff returns on the season.
The younger brother of Vol legend Eric Berry could always be counted on to provide a spark, even when the inconsistent Tennessee offense went through rough patches this year.
Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn
Carlson is a finalist for the Lou Groza Award for good reason—the guy is a kicking machine.
He connected on 26 of his 30 field goal attempts this season, two of his misses were blocked on plays that weren't his fault, had a long of 53 yards according to the school, hit all 43 extra points and scored a touchdown from 20 yards out on a fake.
"Let me get out front and congratulate Daniel Carlson on a long, successful NFL career.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) November 26, 2016"
Johnny Townsend, P, Florida
When a team struggles offensively, it better have a great punter. Florida did in 2016.
Townsend led the SEC by averaging 48.05 yards per punt, had a long of 62 yards according to the school, boomed 28 kicks 50 or more yards, dropped 25 inside the 20-yard line and made life difficult for opposing offenses against this stout Gator defense.
Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Statistics courtesy of cfbstats unless otherwise noted.
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")
