Outside of quarterback, there may not be a more impactful position in football than defensive end. Some of the game’s premier pass rushers occupy the position, and more than a few have played in the SEC.

The conference has had one of the best collection of defensive ends in recent seasons, but with the likes of Myles Garrett and Derek Barnett heading to the NFL, it’s time for some young players to take their place.

As the game has evolved, it’s become more common to see pass rushers have a breakout sophomore campaign. Some of the best seasons from second-year players have come in recent years. With the 2017 season still off in the distance, we’ve compiled the best sophomore seasons by defensive ends in SEC history. Since there were 11 players with at least 10 sacks, we’ve included an additional player on the list. Consider it a bonus.

For clarification, this list is based on sack totals from a player’s second season, and only players who primarily operated in a traditional defensive end role or put their hand in the dirt more often than not were considered. Defensive stats were also not recorded as meticulously as offensive stats until recently, so some information on select players could not be found.

If you want to check out our sophomore rankings for offensive positions, you can click on the following links. (Quarterback) (Running back) (Wide receiver)

No. 11: Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss (2015)

Sophomore stats: 43 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 3 FF

Haynes announced after the 2016 season that he will return for one final year at Ole Miss. This is good news for the Rebels, especially if Haynes can recapture the production from his sophomore year. With several well-known pass rushers moving on to the NFL, Haynes has the opportunity to fill that void and make a name for himself in the SEC.

No. 10: Greg Hardy, Ole Miss (2007)

Sophomore stats: 64 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 10 sacks

Off-field issues aside, Hardy was a standout edge rusher for Ole Miss. Hardy paced the SEC with 10 sacks in 2007, which was a great accomplishment for the former 3-star prospect. He finished his Rebels career with 26.5 sacks.

No. 9: Derek Barnett, Tennessee (2015)

Sophomore stats: 69 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 1 FF

Part of a renewed renaissance of pass rushers in the SEC, Barnett was simply fantastic at Tennessee. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end recorded double-digit sacks in each of his three seasons with the Vols and finished his college career with a half sack more than Myles Garrett.

No. 8: Leonard Little, Tennessee (1995)

Sophomore stats: 62 tackles, 14 TFL, 11 sacks, 2 FF

When Little’s career with the Vols drew to a close, he was second only to Reggie White on the school’s all-time sack list. Eleven of his 28 sacks came during his sophomore season in 1995. Little was a versatile defender who split time between middle linebacker and defensive end, but he always found a way to reach the quarterback.

No. 7: Derrick Harvey, Florida (2006)

Sophomore stats: 35 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks, 3 FR

Harvey’s sophomore season was memorable for a few reasons. Not only did he record the fifth-most sacks in school history, but he was a driving force in helping the Gators win the national championship. With a three-sack effort against Ohio State in the BCS title game, Harvey earned MVP honors.

No. 6: Arden Key, LSU (2016)

Sophomore stats: 56 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 12 sacks, 3 FF

As the most recent entry on this list, Key’s ability to rush the passer is well known among SEC fans. He exploded onto the scene last season in Dave Aranda’s scheme at LSU. Although some list Key as a linebacker, he is brutally effective with his hand in the dirt. While Key’s status for the 2017 season remains unknown, he will undoubtedly be the conference’s top pass rusher if he does return.

No. 5: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M (2015)

Sophomore stats: 59 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 5 FF

The consensus favorite to become the top overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, Garrett reached his college peak in 2015. Possessing a rare blend of size and athleticism, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end was a whirlwind for the Aggies. Garrett’s 31 career sacks are among the most any SEC player has ever compiled over a three-year period.

No. 4: Alex Brown, Florida (1999)

Sophomore stats: 13 sacks

Brown inherited the impossible task of replacing “The Freak” Javon Kearse at Florida, but he excelled as part of a talented sophomore corps for the Gators in 1999. Although there are some discrepancies regarding Brown’s entire stat line, his 13 sacks are remembered well. Five of those sacks came on one dominant afternoon against No. 2 Tennessee, a game which No. 4 Florida won 23-21.

No. 3: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina (2012)

Sophomore stats: 54 tackles, 23.5 TFL, 13 sacks, 3 FF

Clowney struck fear into opposing tackles during his run at South Carolina, and his reputation was solidified after his incredible sophomore year. While his 13 sacks were more than enough to raise some eyebrows, it’s Clowney’s 23.5 tackles for loss that truly impressed. When he was locked in, few possessed more game-changing potential than Clowney.

No. 2: David Pollack, Georgia (2002)

Sophomore stats: 102 tackles, 23 TFL, 14 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 TD

One of the top pass rushers in SEC history, Pollack’s sophomore season was his best at Georgia. The defensive end showed an incredible knack for being around the ball, and he made plays all over the field. Pollack remains the Bulldogs’ all-time leader with 36 sacks, and he is remembered among the best defenders in school history.

No. 1: Billy Jackson, Mississippi State (1981)

Sophomore stats: 16 TFL, 15 sacks

As time passes, Jackson’s incredible run at Mississippi State sadly continues to fade out of memory. The explosive defensive end broke onto the scene with 17 sacks in his freshman season and a crucial fumble recovery to seal a 6-3 victory over No. 1 Alabama. Jackson followed up his freshman campaign with another 15 sacks, making him one of the best pass rushers of his time. He accrued an astounding 49 sacks in his four seasons with the Bulldogs, and nobody has come close to reaching that mark.