We all knew who the stars were in the SEC to begin the season.
Tim Tebow, Eric Berry, A.J. Green, Rolando McClain and Brandon Spikes all immediately come to mind.
But what about those guys who’ve crossed over into that stratosphere or are close to doing so based on the way they’ve played this season?
Here’s my ranking of the 10 players in the SEC I wasn’t sure were stars to begin the season, but have played their way into star material. This list does not include freshmen, but does include transfers:
1. Alabama running back Mark Ingram: What else can you say about the guy? He’s the Heisman Trophy front-runner right now and working on a season that may well include 1,500 rushing yards, 30 catches and 20 touchdowns. A year ago, he was splitting time with Glen Coffee.
2. LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson: After an OK freshman season, Peterson has emerged as one of the most complete cornerbacks in college football. He’s big, physical, can cover and has great closing speed. He’s exactly what you’re looking for at that position.
3. Florida cornerback Joe Haden: He was well on his way as a sophomore and garnered second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. But this season, he’s taken it to another level and is the best player on Florida’s defense right now, which is saying something when you look at the talent on that side of the ball.
4. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett: He’s obviously more than just a guy with a rocket arm. Mallett has already set the Arkansas single-season passing record with 2,882 yards and has 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions in his first tour through the SEC after transferring from Michigan.
5. Mississippi State defensive end Pernell McPhee: He might not be a household name around the SEC yet, but he will be. The NFL scouts have certainly noticed. The junior college transfer has been unblockable at times this season and is only going to get better.
6. Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams: He’d always been steady up front for the Vols, but Williams has become one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football this season. He’s played his way into first-round material. Lane Kiffin will tell you that Tennessee’s defense all starts with Williams.
7. Kentucky receiver Randall Cobb: As a freshman, Cobb certainly had his moments. Just ask Georgia. But he’s become the heart and soul of Kentucky’s team this season no matter where he lines up and now has 12 touchdowns – seven rushing, four receiving and one in the return game.
8. Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham: Even though he had 12.5 sacks over his last two seasons, Cunningham was frequently overshadowed by the Gators’ other end, Carlos Dunlap. Not this year, though. Cunningham is tied for second in the SEC with seven sacks and also ranks second with 11.5 tackles for loss.
9. Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus: The potential was obvious as a freshman even though Dareus didn’t play on every down, but he’s become a dominant player this season with his ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. He leads Alabama with 6.5 sacks.
10. Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty: He’d never rushed for more than 384 yards in a season and only had 76 carries as a junior. But Hardesty has put the sizzle back into Tennessee’s running game with a brilliant senior season and is on the doorstep of 1,000 yards.
Tim Tebow, Eric Berry, A.J. Green, Rolando McClain and Brandon Spikes all immediately come to mind.
But what about those guys who’ve crossed over into that stratosphere or are close to doing so based on the way they’ve played this season?
Here’s my ranking of the 10 players in the SEC I wasn’t sure were stars to begin the season, but have played their way into star material. This list does not include freshmen, but does include transfers:
1. Alabama running back Mark Ingram: What else can you say about the guy? He’s the Heisman Trophy front-runner right now and working on a season that may well include 1,500 rushing yards, 30 catches and 20 touchdowns. A year ago, he was splitting time with Glen Coffee.
2. LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson: After an OK freshman season, Peterson has emerged as one of the most complete cornerbacks in college football. He’s big, physical, can cover and has great closing speed. He’s exactly what you’re looking for at that position.
3. Florida cornerback Joe Haden: He was well on his way as a sophomore and garnered second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. But this season, he’s taken it to another level and is the best player on Florida’s defense right now, which is saying something when you look at the talent on that side of the ball.
4. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett: He’s obviously more than just a guy with a rocket arm. Mallett has already set the Arkansas single-season passing record with 2,882 yards and has 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions in his first tour through the SEC after transferring from Michigan.
5. Mississippi State defensive end Pernell McPhee: He might not be a household name around the SEC yet, but he will be. The NFL scouts have certainly noticed. The junior college transfer has been unblockable at times this season and is only going to get better.
6. Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams: He’d always been steady up front for the Vols, but Williams has become one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football this season. He’s played his way into first-round material. Lane Kiffin will tell you that Tennessee’s defense all starts with Williams.
7. Kentucky receiver Randall Cobb: As a freshman, Cobb certainly had his moments. Just ask Georgia. But he’s become the heart and soul of Kentucky’s team this season no matter where he lines up and now has 12 touchdowns – seven rushing, four receiving and one in the return game.
8. Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham: Even though he had 12.5 sacks over his last two seasons, Cunningham was frequently overshadowed by the Gators’ other end, Carlos Dunlap. Not this year, though. Cunningham is tied for second in the SEC with seven sacks and also ranks second with 11.5 tackles for loss.
9. Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus: The potential was obvious as a freshman even though Dareus didn’t play on every down, but he’s become a dominant player this season with his ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. He leads Alabama with 6.5 sacks.
10. Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty: He’d never rushed for more than 384 yards in a season and only had 76 carries as a junior. But Hardesty has put the sizzle back into Tennessee’s running game with a brilliant senior season and is on the doorstep of 1,000 yards.
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
