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SEC football 2018 preview: Breakout stars, biggest games, predictions

By Jeremy Morris

Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide, Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide, Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

SEC Defensive Player of the Year

Five games into the 2017 season, LSU was 3-2, coming off of a loss to Troy with their season already lost in the minds of most. They went on the road to upset Florida 17-16 and the following week beat Auburn at home despite trailing 20-0 in the first half. As they went on to finish 9-4, no two games were more important to LSU last season.

Truly great players are at their best when the stakes are highest and against the best competition. In addition to leading LSU in tackles for the season, Devin White turned in two of the best individual performances (of any player on any team) against Florida and Auburn, combining for 28 tackles, three tackles for losses and two sacks in back to back weeks.

As a sophomore at inside linebacker, White was the heart and soul of LSU’s defense. His team-leading 133 tackles were good for second in the SEC and top-ten in all of college football. He added 4.5 sacks and a team-leading 13.5 tackles for a loss and registered double-digit tackles eight times in his 13 starts.

He does everything on LSU’s defense as a force in the running game, rushing the passer and dropping back into coverage.

Most importantly, White impacts games with plays that might not always stand out plays or he might not even make. He’ll chase down a running back on the sideline to turn a potential 10-yard gain into three yards. He’ll close on a receiver in the flats or a back out of the backfield and break up a pass, stop the play for no gain or completely eliminate the outlet pass as an option.

White will likely lead LSU and be among the leading tacklers in the SEC again in 2018. Even if he doesn’t, as long as he’s healthy all season, he’ll be the best defensive player in the conference.

Others to watch: Mack Wilson (LB, Alabama), Raekwon Davis (DL, Alabama), Greedy Williams (DB, LSU), Cece Jefferson (DL, Florida)