Alabama, SEC trying to climb back to college football summit

SEC offensive player of the year, gives Saban a returning starter at quarterback for the first time since 2013. He heads a group of promising young passers including Georgia's Jacob Eason, Mississippi's Shea Patterson and South Carolina's Jake Bentley.

Not to mention transfers Jarrett Stidham at Auburn and Malik Zaire at Florida .

In the SEC West, teams like LSU, Texas A&M and Auburn are trying to play catch up to the Tide. Georgia, Florida and Tennessee are among the East Division teams hoping to close the gap with their West counterparts, who have held an eight-year monopoly on SEC titles .

The Gators have won the East crown in each of coach Jim McElwain's first two seasons but are aiming higher.

"Getting that taste of nine wins, we now want to get more than that," Florida defensive back Duke Dawson said. play either safety or cornerback.

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU. Leonard Fournette's backfield mate has center stage to himself.

Hurts. The Tide is expecting him to be a better passer after an impressive freshman season somewhat marred by late-season struggles, especially in the playoffs.

Arden Key, LB, LSU. Had 12 sacks last season. Missed spring practice for unspecified personal reasons.

Christian Kirk, WR/ RS, Texas A&M. Led the nation with three punt returns for touchdowns. His 83 catches topped the SEC, producing 928 yards and nine touchdowns.

Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas. Hasn't allowed a sack the past two seasons and has started 26 straight games.