We all know how important the play in the trenches is and our next player enters his first year in the SEC as one of the league's best offensive tackles.

No. 20: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M, Jr.

2011 summary: As a sophomore, Joeckel earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was a key cog on an offensive line that allowed just nine sacks in 13 games last season. Texas A&M also set school records for total offense, passing and scoring offense in 2011. Last year, Joeckel started all 13 of Texas A&M's games at left tackle.

Most recent ranking: Not ranked in the 2011 postseason countdown.

Making the case for Joeckel: While this will be his first season in the SEC, Joeckel has the skill and talent to be not only an All-SEC performer but an All-American as well. He has good size, strength and football IQ. He's very imposing at the line's most important position and should hold his own against some of the SEC's top pass-rushers. He has also started in 26 consecutive games. Joeckel is already getting a lot of attention when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft, as many think he could be a first-round draft pick. Joeckel's importance on the Aggies' offensive line has dramatically increased this fall, with Texas A&M using young, inexperienced quarterbacks. He'll also have to anchor a line that enters a league that prides itself on its defensive lines. If he doesn't have a good year, chances are the Aggies' offense will suffer because of it. He faced some quality pass-rushers in the Big 12, but things are little different in this part of the country. Joeckel will get a taste of a little more speed and strength, but he insists that he's not only ready for the challenge, he welcomes it.

The rundown

• No. 25: Matt Elam, S, Florida, Jr.
• No. 24: Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee, Jr.
• No. 23: Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M, Sr.
• No. 22: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama, Jr.
• No. 21: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia, Jr.