Auburn Football: Pre-Spring SEC Quarterback Power Rankings

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) looks to pass during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most underrated players in the SEC is Arkansas starting quarterback Brandon Alen. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Fayetteville, Arkansas native quietly put together a solid junior season in which he completed 190 of 339 passing attempts (56%) for 2,285 yards, 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

The performance, in addition to one of the league’s best rushing attacks and a very good defense, helped the Hogs catch fire in the second half of 2014 to sub four of their last six games, including a 31-7 victory over Texas in the Texas Bowl, with the losses coming to a Mississippi State squad ranked No. 1 in the nation and SEC East champs Missouri.

Allen enters 2015 as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the SEC, and he is the unquestioned starter and a team leader. He’ll also be able to rely on two 1,100-yard running backs in Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams again next season as well as one of the nation’s top tight ends in Hunter Henry and the team’s leading receiver from last year, Keon Hatcher. That combination makes the Razorbacks a very dangerous team next season and a trendy pick to begin the year ranked in the top 25, if not the top ten.

Rising sophomore Austin Allen will serve as his brother’s primary backup, though talented redshirt freshman Rafe Peavey may be the quarterback of the future.

Next: 6. Alabama