SEC football has plenty of talented players, and these five defensive stalwarts have the chance to truly breakout in 2024.
Collegiate defensive players must seize every opportunity to maximize their potential for a breakout season. Consistently demonstrating their skills and strategic maneuvers not only helps their team, but also catches scouts’ eyes. A standout season can transform a player’s prospects, turning them from an under-the-radar talent into a highly sought-after draft pick. They must prove they can perform under pressure against top competition. Every tackle, interception, and snap is an opportunity to showcase their talent. These five SEC football players could unleash their defensive potential to seize those moments, creating a breakout season.
Alabama – Edge – Keon Keeley
Keon Keeley, the former overall to edge rusher of the 2023 recruiting class via 247 sports, is poised to have a breakout season for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The departure of star defenders Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell to the NFL has created a void in Alabama’s defensive front. This presents Keeley with a prime opportunity to step up.
Turner and Braswell were integral parts of the defense, known for their pass-rushing abilities and leadership. Keeley’s ability to fill this gap will be crucial for Alabama to maintain its defensive dominance. His high school career showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, consistently getting into the backfield and applying pressure on quarterbacks.
With a year of development under the guidance of Alabama’s renowned coaching staff, Keeley is ready to translate his raw talent into significant on-field production.
Keeley has remarkable agility with explosive speed at the snap. His quickness off the edge, coupled with his strength and tactical awareness, positions him to become a disruptive force in the SEC. Additionally, his relentless work ethic and commitment to consistently improve his technique have set the stage for him to become a key piece to the defensive unit. Moreover, Keeley’s adaptability and football IQ will allow him to exploit weaknesses in opposing offensive lines. The opportunity is present for Keeley to have his breakout season.
Ole Miss – Linebacker – Suntarine Perkins
Suntarine Perkins will use his mixture of speed, agility, and smart instincts to become one of many breakout players in SEC football in 2024. Perkins reacts swiftly while reading plays, allowing him effectively disrupt the passing and running game. His versatility enables him to cover tight ends or running backs in the passing game. In addition, his strength and tackling ability make him a formidable presence in run defense.
The natural athleticism and relentless motor that Perkins possesses ensure that he is always around the ball. As he continues to develop his skills and understanding of the game, Perkins is set to become a vital piece to the Rebel defense.
Suntarine Perkins flashing that closing speed pic.twitter.com/Ocb22uSZDp
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) June 4, 2024
On another hand, the addition of former Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen is a significant boost to Perkins’ breakout potential. Umanmielen’s presence on the edge will draw attention from opposing offensive lines. This could create more opportunities for Perkins to make plays.
With Umanmielen applying pressure from the outside, Perkins will have more freedom to roam exploiting gaps across the offensive line. This dynamic duo has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The combination of Umanmielen’s experience and Perkins’ emerging talent could transform the Ole Miss defense into a bigger threat in the SEC.
Texas A&M – Linebacker – Taurean York
Sophomore linebacker Taurean York is ready to cultivate his breakout season becoming an impact player for the Aggie defense. York brings natural leadership with versatility that stems from his great football intelligence. As a freshman, York showcased his potential with several impressive performances.
On multiple occasions, York displayed the ability to read plays, react quickly, and make decisive tackles. His natural instincts and understanding of the game allow him to be in the right place at the right time. He understands his purpose on the field is to disrupt every offense and create opportunities for turnovers. With a full season under his belt and an off-season dedicated to refining his skills, York is set to elevate his game to new heights.
York’s potential to take over as the defensive captain is rooted in his leadership qualities and work ethic. He has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches through dedication and discipline. As a vocal leader on the field, York has the ability to communicate effectively with his fellow defenders, ensuring that everyone is aligned when executing assignments. His leadership, combined with his on-field performance, positions him perfectly to step into the role of defensive captain.
Texas – Cornerback – Malik Muhammad
Cornerback Malik Muhammad is primed for a breakout season with the Texas Longhorns. His unique blend of length and playmaking abilities will be crucial for the team’s defensive success as they transition into the SEC.
Muhammad’s length and quickness allow him to effectively cover taller receivers and disrupt passing lanes. His agility and speed enable him to keep up with some of the faster wideouts in the conference. This allows him to break down on the ball quickly or shadow a receiver in man-to-man coverage. Additionally, Muhammad’s ball-hawking instincts and ability to read quarterback’s eyes position him to make critical plays on the ball. He alone will provide a much-needed boost to the Texas secondary.
Malik Muhammad!🤘
That’s a playmaker making big time plays! The freshman corner comes up with a big INT for the Texas defense! pic.twitter.com/jnEx24T3cD
— TFB Texas (@TFB_Texas) November 25, 2023
Entering the highly competitive SEC, Muhammad’s presence on the defensive unit becomes even more significant. The SEC is known for its high-octane offenses and elite level receivers. Texas will enjoy having a cornerback that can match up physically and athletically with top-tier talent.
Muhammad will jam receivers at the line with his physicality and use his length to disrupt their routes and timing. This could throw the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks off. Furthermore, Muhammad’s versatility and ability to play both outside and in the slot give the Longhorns flexibility in their defensive schemes. Muhammad’s breakout season could be a key factor for the Longhorns to establish a formidable defense in the SEC.
Alabama – Safety – Keon Sabb
Former Michigan safety Keon Sabb will be taking his talents to the SEC to join the Alabama Crimson Tide. With the departure of standout safety Caleb Downs to Ohio State, Sabb has big shoes to fill. His talent and potential make him will-suited for the challenge.
Sabb brings a mixture of size, speed, and versatility to the Alabama secondary. He can cover any position on the offensive side of the ball. Plus, he anticipates plays well making him a natural playmaker, capable of creating turnovers and making game-changing stops. Sabb’s physicality and tackling techniques will also be crucial in run support scenarios.
His transition to Alabama provides him with the perfect platform to showcase his skills and make an immediate impact. The Crimson Tide’s defensive system, known for its complexity and emphasis on versatility, aligns well with Sabb’s strengths.
Sabb will have the opportunity to refine his technique and football IQ under the Alabama’s coaching staff. Additionally, the leadership vacuum left by Downs’ departure opens the door for Sabb to emerge as a key figure in the secondary. As Alabama aims to maintain its defensive dominance in the SEC, Sabb’s breakout season could be instrumental in solidifying the team’s secondary.
In closing, the SEC is filled with talented athletes on both sides of the ball. Each player must seize every opportunity to become a standout athlete on their team! These five players are only a few of many that can potentially breakout in SEC football this upcoming season.
Be sure to check out my five offensive SEC breakout candidates article here. Stay up to date with all our league winning articles by bookmarking our site. Follow me on X (formerly Twitter)Â for more Devy IDP news!
SC Romero
Hello, I'm SC Romero, a fantasy football enthusiast for more than a decade. I personally enjoy the IDP format and the devy world! You can find me on X @ThePPRShow sharing all my knowledge to help you win your leagues! I hope to bring new insight to you through League Winners expanding your knowledge on the devy community! Have a question? Just ask, I'm here for you.