SEC Position Breakdown: Top 5 Returning QBs

Thompson is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the league, believe it or not. He played in 10 of South Carolina's 13 games last season, completing just over 58% of his passes as he backed up Gamecock starter Connor Shaw. Under the guidance of the Head Ball Coach, Thompson should thrive and will lead South Carolina to their first SEC East division crown since 2010.

I know what you're thinking: "Jeff Driskel??? Really???" Yes, really. The guy is a solid quarterback, and had it not been for the injury bug last year, he would have led the Gators to a much better record than 4-8. He's coming back with more experience, more talent around him, and some freshman named Will Grier, the #3 dual-threat quarterback in last year's recruiting class, will be pushing him for playing time, so don't be shocked to see Driskel, the #1 quarterback recruit in 2011, step his game up to another level this year.

Dak Prescott is a special talent, and that is not the most common phrase to use when describing Mississippi State quarterbacks over the years. Head coach Dan Mullen finally has himself a stud under center (behind center, whatever the term is now), and he has placed pieces around him for them to be consistently successful now. Had Prescott not been injured last year, the Bulldogs could have pulled off a couple huge upsets that would have shaken up the entire landscape of college football, especially in the SEC.

First year starter, SEC champion. No big deal.

Nick Marshall is a great talent with exceptional athleticism. He is the perfect signal caller for Gus Malzahn's "hurry up, spread/power run" offensive system, but he has vastly improved as a passer from last year, and that just adds another dangerous element to an already lethal offense. If their A-Day game is any indication to his improvement, then don't be surprised if Auburn continues their success from last season.

It may be a stretch to some, but Mauk is the real deal. Named to the 2013 SEC All-Freshman Team (while only starting in four games!), he put up some great numbers and, more importantly, helped lead the Tigers to the SEC Championship after primary signal caller James Franklin went down to injury. This year, it's all Mauk's team, and he's going to keep Missouri on the path of success, and will keep the Tigers in contention for the SEC East with Georgia and South Carolina.