Say goodbye to the "Honey Badger." One of the top playmakers in the country will no longer be found in the LSU secondary, having been booted from the team for a violation of team rules.

And while he is a player who can turn a game around with one play, a player who always seemed to be making something happen, LSU will survive the loss of Tyrann Mathieu.

But Mathieu's departure triggered an interesting question: What one player would create the biggest loss for each SEC team? Here's one man's opinion:

Alabama: It would be easy to suggest Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones or quarterback A.J. McCarron. Jones is so versatile and talented, but the offensive line is loaded. McCarron makes sense because of his leadership and the lack of experience behind him. But the vote goes to linebacker Nico Johnson. With so few returning starters on defense, Johnson's instincts and leadership skills make him the pick.

Auburn: The quarterback isn't decided yet, but whoever gets that job is going to have to lean on tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen in a big way. He's a blocker and big-play and big-target receiver. His leadership is unquestioned and invaluable. If he were lost, the same might be said of the Auburn offense.

Arkansas: The easy pick would be quarterback Tyler Wilson. But the choice is linebacker Alonzo Highsmith who had 41/2 sacks last year and is the team's top returning tackler. Arkansas has offensive playmakers. It must have defensive playmakers.

Florida: Even on a defense with several starters returning, linebacker Jon Bostic, who led Florida in tackles by almost 20 stops in 2011, is the guy the Gators need on the field every game.

Georgia: Sometimes the pick is obvious, as in the Dawgs' case. This team needs quarterback Aaron Murray. It has to have Aaron Murray. He makes the offense click, and his leadership skills are just as valuable.

Kentucky: A 5-7 team looking to turn things around has to stop the opponent. Safety Martavius Neloms is the Cats' top returning tackler by 22 stops. Kentucky is going to need a lot of big defensive plays, and he's going to have to make a lot of them.

LSU: I am tempted to name punter Brad Wing here. He was incredible last season in average and accuracy. But the pick is quarterback Zach Mettenberger. How important is he? Look at the BCS national title game to answer that one.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have two good candidates -- defensive back Johnthan Banks and receiver Chad Bumphis. The loss of either would hurt, but the pick is Banks because of MSU's need for him not only to lead the defense but to continue to make big plays.

Missouri: Simple. Quarterback James Franklin is everything to the Tigers' mojo. That will be especially true in Missouri's first year in the SEC.

Ole Miss: Receiver Donte Moncrief had four TD receptions last year as a freshman and provides true big-play potential -- if someone gets him the ball. This offense will need a big-play producer.

South Carolina: On a Steve Spurrier-coached team, the quarterback is everything, and Connor Shaw must play well for the Gamecocks. But the choice is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for his talent and presence.

Tennessee: The defense welcomes back seven starters. But Daniel Hood is the only defensive lineman in that group, and the Vols have to get better there. His loss would stymie that possibility.

Texas A&M: Linebacker Sean Porter wasn't the Aggies' leading tackler last year, but he was tops in sacks, and this defense must make big plays in its new league. Porter is the type of player who makes those plays. He had 17 tackles for a loss in 2011.

Vanderbilt: Coach James Franklin is the best pick. He has moved this program forward in just one year and made a big difference. On the field, though, it would be cornerback Trey Wilson, who leads the defense, the main area where the Commodores must get better.

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Contact Tommy Hicks at thicks@press-register.com and follow him on Twitter @TommyHicksPR.

His column appears Mondays and Fridays in the Press-Register.