SEC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

LSU – Arden Key

Arden Key just had the best defensive season in the history of the LSU program. No, I’m not being sarcastic. Key, 21, racked up 12 sacks for LSU which was the most in a single season in the program’s history. He also added 12.5 tackles for loss and 55 tackles showing up well in the run game. Key looks like a potential star in the NFL, but there’s one problem. He’s not healthy, yet. In addition to not being healthy, Key also took a leave of absence from the program which he has since returned from.

Key, at 6-foot-6 and 238 pounds, has a chance to be a top 10 pick in 2018. Coming back from shoulder surgery is no joke as he may not be the same guy right out of the gates. Key will likely add more strength and get into the 260-pound range for the upcoming season turning into the prototypical edge rusher. 3-4 teams are going to love this guy heading into the draft process a year from now. Let’s just hope that his head is in the right place.

Key is an obvious x-factor for LSU. The Tigers lost Jamal Adams and Tre’Davious White is the secondary making the pass rush so important heading into 2017. LSU still has a solid secondary with Kevin Toliver and company but losing a guy like Adams, who covers up a lot of mistakes, is definitely a blow to the defense. It will important for Key to create constant pressure to combat the losses in the backend. If LSU wants to pull an upset over Alabama this year, Key will have to force a sack fumble to turn the tide in their favor.