SEC Position Breakdown: Top 5 Returning Wide Receivers

Malcome Kennedy was often overshadowed last year by big time playmaker, and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Mike Evans. However, Kennedy is a star himself. Yes, he "only" caught seven touchdowns last year with "only" 658 yards, with Johnny Football throwing the ball all over the place, but the six foot receiver will be a nightmare to cover this year. With 5-star Speedy Noil getting some well deserved playing time, Kennedy could see a lot of one-on-one opportunities, and whoever starts at quarterback for the Aggies, be it freshman Kyle Allen or sophomore Kenny Hill, they'll have a safety net in Kennedy.

Unless your name is A.J. Green, it's not very common to be in the ranks of a top receivers' list in the SEC, but Conley is an exception. Unfortunately for Conley last season, quarterback Aaron Murray was a master at spreading the ball around equally to all his receivers, so Conley's numbers weren't exactly gaudy. But that doesn't mean the young man isn't good. First year starter Hutson Mason has a capable arm to get Conley the ball, and their ever dangerous run game with Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall should open up some one-on-one battles for Conley, and he has the talent to capitalize the opportunities.

It's difficult to be a star receiver if you share the edges with another really good receiver, as Treadwell did last season with Donte Moncrief. Moncrief was the leader of the squad in receiving yards, but Treadwell led the team in receptions. Moncrief now plays in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, so Treadwell is now undoubtedly the number one guy out wide for quarterback Bo Wallace. Head coach Hugh Freeze keeps fine tuning this offense so they play faster and faster, and if Treadwell stays in shape, he's set for a massive year in 2014.

He is most well known for the Hail Mary "Miracle at Jordan-Hare," but Sammie Coates is much more than that. He's in an offensive system that benefits the running backs much more that the receivers, but Coates still put up over 900 yards and seven touchdowns last season, with a 21.5 yards/catch average, ranking third in the nation in that category. He's a big time, big play guy that Gus Malzahn would be insane not to utilize, especially with darkhorse Heisman Trophy contender Nick Marshall returning at the quarterback position.

Did you really expect anyone else at number one? Amari Cooper is arguably the best receiver in the entire country, and that #9 looks very close to a recent #8 who played in a crimson jersey a few years ago under Nick Saban. Cooper's stats last season weren't "amazing" by any means, but his talent is undeniable. He's already amassed over 1700 yards and 15 touchdowns during his two year career at The Capstone, and will be the number one option, yet again, for whoever starts at quarterback for the Tide.