By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Pre-spring picks for the 2011 season for the SEC East.

1. South Carolina – Steve Spurrier’s team is led by a pair of skill position playmakers: running back Marcus Lattimore and receiver Alshon Jeffrey. Both are legitimate All-American candidates. The defense should continue to be strong. Quarterback Stephen Garcia must be consistent for this team to get to the next level.

2. Georgia – Sophomore Aaron Murray steps into the spotlight as the premier signal caller in the SEC. He will lead a team that will be looking to contend after a major letdown a year ago. The defense should be much-improved, now comfortable in the 3-4 scheme. Newcomers John Jenkins and Jarvis Jones will have major impacts right away.

3. Florida – Don’t sleep on the Gators. Head coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will look to work their magic on an attack that lacked efficiency in 2010. Quarterback John Brantley, an obvious non-fit for the spread, could thrive in Weis’ pro-set system. As usual, there is talent everywhere on the roster.

4. Tennessee – The Volunteers have found a centerpiece in Tyler Bray. The sophomore played exceptionally well down the stretch last season to get Derek Dooley’s team into the postseason. With the quarterback situation figured out, the rest of the depth chart needs fine-tuning. The secondary will be young and inexperienced.

5. Kentucky – The spring theme this year will be finding offensive playmakers. Experienced Morgan Newton steps in under center and has solid potential. Skill position players must step up and the defense has to find a pass rush if they hope to make strides.

6. Vanderbilt – There is excitement around new head coach James Franklin and step one will be establishing an offensive identity. The former Maryland offensive coordinator needs to settle on a quarterback and find some skill position players with speed and quickness.