Every year, we wonder who could emerge and take that next, crucial step in their development before the upcoming season. Who are those breakout players who jump start their careers or save them?

As we continue to fully dive into the 2016 spring season in the SEC, we're taking a look at 10 potential breakout candidates before summer school starts. No freshman early enrollees are eligible, but junior college transfers are:

Austin Allen , QB, Arkansas, Jr.: Yeah, he's played a little in his career (188 career yards with a touchdown and an interception), but did you see what Dan Enos did for Brandon Allen 's game? He threw for a career-high 3,440 yards and 30 touchdowns and was one of the nation's most efficient passers. His younger brother has a nice battle on his hands, but he's the most experienced in this competition and has a chance to fill right in where his older brother left off.

Chris Black, WR, Missouri, Sr.: The Alabama transfer didn't do much during his time in Tuscaloosa (25 catches for 290 yards in three seasons), but he gets a chance to totally remake himself in Columbia. Word out of Mizzou is that new coach Barry Odom and offensive coordinator Josh Heupel are changing a ton on offense to make quarterback Drew Lock more comfortable. Black has impressed in early workouts and is probably the team's most athletic and explosive receiving option.

Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida, RJr.: Brantley has shown flashes here and there during his Florida career and has come close to putting it all together. He registered three sacks and six tackles for loss last season. Now, he's expected to be a very athletic 6-foot-2, 300-pound anchor in the middle of Florida's defensive line. Some think that with the improvements he made last year and the work he put in during the offseason, Brantley has a chance to be one of those next-great-type players in Gainesville.

Jason Croom, TE, Tennessee, RSr.: Even with 37 career catches for 574 yards, Croom lands on this list because he's moving to tight end, and has a chance to be an even bigger piece of Tennessee's offense in 2016. He's also on this list because injuries have eaten into his career, and this move could give him a fresh start ... even if it means more contact. The 6-5, 245-pound receiving target already has good size for his new position and it sounds like he still has his speed an athleticism, making him a mismatch for both linebackers and safeties.

John Franklin III, ATH, Auburn, JUCO: It's no secret that Auburn needs to find the right quarterback if Gus Malzahn's offense is going to run properly. Of course, he needs someone who can sling the ball around, but he also needs a dynamic, fast runner. Nick Marshall wasn't the greatest passer, but helped lead Auburn to the BCS national championship game in 2013 largely in part because of how shifty he was with his legs. Franklin is built in the same mold. He isn't the biggest guy around, but he's explosive and can run left to right well, giving Auburn a whole new element in the read option.

DaMarkus Lodge, WR, Ole Miss, So.: Someone has to replace Laquon Treadwell, and Lodge will get his chance. Though he played in eight games last year, Lodge caught just one pass for 12 yards. People around Ole Miss' program have been very impressed with Lodge so far this year, and the thought is that if he continues on this path, he'll be a top target for Chad Kelly this fall. He has a ton of upside with his speed and athleticism.

Koda Martin, OT, Texas A&M, RSo.: Martin is the favorite to replace the departed Germain Ifedi at right tackle. While right tackle isn't exactly the sexiest offensive line position, but you must consider how truly athletic Martin is. He's already 6-6, 305 pounds, but he also played both defensive end and tight end in high school. He even played some tight end for the Aggies last season.

Duke Riley, LB, LSU, Sr.: While Riley has played in nearly 40 career games, he has just one start and 51 tackles to his name. But with open spots at linebacker, Riley will have a very good chance of leaving spring a starter, and he'll also have a chance to play both outside and inside for the Tigers. Riley will play more outside and will be almost like a defensive end in a 5-2 look.

Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama, So.: All he has to do is try and replace record-breaking, Heisman Trophy-winning Derrick Henry. Oh, yeah, no pressure. But Scarbrough is a freak talent and kinda looks like Henry with his hulking 6-3, 240-pound frame. His teammates are already comparing him to Henry with his size and style. He ran for 104 yards and a touchdown last year.