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There are six or seven spots left in Florida's 2013 class and a few needs to fill. Some of the top prospects in the nation are considering the Gators, and it would be difficult to turn them away. So GatorNation is ranking the top 12 uncommitted prospects for Florida this week, with two-a-days. Today, the top two: No. 2 and No. 1

Derek Tyson writes : Four-star WR Alvin Bailey all but says he will not choose Florida, a program that has cooled its pursuit of him in recent months.

The first batch of big uglies are on the ranking slab Monday. No offense can operate without offensive linemen and the SEC has its share of talented big men.

Here's a look at our preseason rankings when it came to offensive lines. Let's just say we overestimated when it came to a couple of groups.

Here's what we though of after the 2011 season:

1. Alabama: The Crimson Tide line pushed around its opponents all year long. Alabama was first in the SEC in rushing (and had the Doak Walker winner in Trent Richardson) and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Alabama was equipped with Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones, who played just about every position up front and the top SEC in William Vlachos. Alabama got tremendous play out of D.J. Fluker and got a pleasant surprise out of Alfred McCullough. Alabama ranked first in the league by allowing just 17 sacks.

2. LSU: The Tigers' offense went as its running game went. And for 13 games the running game was great. The offensive line should take a lot of credit for that. With two Associated Press All-SEC members -- Will Blackwell and Chris Faulk -- LSU averaged 200.9 rushing yards against conference foes. Alex Hurst should also become a more familiar name in 2012. LSU allowed just 18 sacks and totaled only 234 negative rushing yards.

3: South Carolina: South Carolina put only one player on the All-SEC list, in Rokevious Watkins, but the Gamecocks' line had a pretty good season. Even after losing top running back Marcus Lattimore midway through the season, South Carolina finished the season third in the SEC in total rushing and rushing against conference opponents. South Carolina had to deal with Kyle Nunn's absence for most of the year as well, but found a budding star in A.J. Cann. Pass protection dipped, as South Carolina allowed 30 sacks.

4. Georgia: Before the season, the offensive line seemed to be held together by tape, but this line stayed together nicely through 14 games. The Bulldogs were fifth in the conference in rushing against SEC foes and had two All-SEC performers in Cordy Glenn, who might be a first-round draft pick, and center Ben Jones. Where Georgia's line came up short was in pass protection, as the Bulldogs were 11th in the league allowing 33 sacks.

5. Vanderbilt: The Commodores didn't put anyone on the All-SEC teams, but there's no question that this was the most improved line in 2011. Wesley Johnson proved to be one of the most underrated linemen in the league and the Commodores' offense was much more explosive than past years. Vandy was sixth in the league in rushing and had the league's No. 3 rusher in Zac Stacy. The Commodores gave up 18 sacks in SEC games.

6. Arkansas: The Razorbacks were dealing with a young line, but saw improvements as the season went on. Without Knile Davis in the lineup, the running backs were pretty inconsistent individually, but the Hogs averaged 134.3 yards in conference games. In each of Arkansas' two losses, the Razorbacks averaged just 32 rushing yards. Alvin Bailey was a second-team All-SEC member and should be star in 2012. Arkansas allowed 28 sacks, but also allowed quarterback Tyler Wilson take some punishing hits throughout the year.

7. Auburn: The Tigers could run the ball for most of the year. Auburn was fourth in the league in rushing and averaged 4.1 yards per carry against SEC play. Michael Dyer finished the year second in the league with 1,242 yards. Brandon Mosley was the only returning starter, but the Tigers got solid play out of freshman center Reese Dismukes and saw the reemergence of A.J. Greene after injury cut his 2010 season short. However, Auburn's passing game and pass protection struggled. The Tigers gave up 32 sacks in 2011 and were overwhelmed by more athletic defensive lines.

8. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs had to deal with a rash of injuries along their offensive line in 2011. Tobias Smith went out early and the Bulldogs watched as Quentin Saulsberry and James Carmon deal with injuries toward the beginning of the season. The Bulldogs were able to deliver a 1,000-yard running back in Vick Ballard, but ranked ninth in the league in rushing against SEC teams. Mississippi State gave up just under two sacks a game.

9. Tennessee: This was supposed to be a strong point for the Vols last fall, but Tennessee struggled all year to run the ball. The Vols ranked 116th nationally in rushing and averaged just 63.5 yards per game in SEC play. While Tennessee never generated much of a running game last season, its pass protection was one of the best in the league. The Vols gave up just 18 sacks on the season, despite playing three different quarterbacks.

10. Florida: The Gators experienced another year of sub par line play in 2011. With a relatively young group up front, Florida really struggled to provide much comfort in the pocket for its quarterbacks and rarely outplayed opposing SEC defensive lines. Florida's line was also flagged a bunch last fall. Florida gave up just 23 sacks, but 21 came in SEC play and Florida averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and scored nine rushing touchdowns against SEC defenses.

11. Kentucky: Before the season, we thought the Wildcats would be much higher on this list, especially considering the fact that they returned four starters. However, injuries ruined Kentucky up front. Larry Warford was Kentucky's best lineman, but for the first part of the season, the Wildcats failed to play its five original starters because of injuries. Kentucky gave up 21 sacks through the first five games and gave up a league-high 35 sacks on the year. The Wildcats also ranked 11th in the league in rushing.

12. Ole Miss: Here's another line that returned so much but did so little last fall. We look pretty silly now after ranking Ole Miss' line second in our preseason rankings because the Rebels' line didn't do much protecting all year. Ole Miss' line didn't have the injury issues that Kentucky had and was still 10th in the SEC in rushing and scored just four rushing touchdowns in league play. The Rebels also gave up 31 sacks on the season, with a league-high 26 coming against SEC defenses.

Even as we turn our attention to the 2012 football season, there's always time to check back with the past from time to time.

The SEC released its last set of notes from the 2011 season this week, so we thought we'd take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures from the previous season.

For starters, how about a look at the SEC players of the week?

Week 1 (Games of Sept. 1-3): Offense - Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Rokevious Watkins, OT, South Carolina; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Luke McDermott, DT, Kentucky; Co-Freshman - Trey Depriest, LB, Alabama; Tre Mason, RB/RS, Auburn.

Week 2 (Games of Sept. 10): Offense - Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee; Defense - Mark Barron, S, Alabama; Special Teams - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Offensive Lineman - Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas; Defensive Lineman - Rob Lohr, DT, Vanderbilt; Co-Freshman - Josh Clemons, RB, Kentucky; Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 3 (Games of Sept. 15-17): Co-Offense - Chris Rainey, RB, Florida; Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina; Defense -Trey Wilson, DB, Vanderbilt; Special Teams - Caleb Sturgis, PK, Florida; Offensive Lineman - Wesley Johnson, C, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Bennie Logan, DT, LSU; Freshman- Odell Beckham, WR, LSU.

Week 4 (Games of Sept. 24): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Defense -Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Freshman- Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 5 (Games of Oct. 1): Co-Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas; Defense - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia..

Week 6 (Games of Oct. 8): Offense - Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Mike Gilliard, ILB, Georgia; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Tevin Mitchel, CB, Arkansas.

Week 7 (Games of Oct. 15): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Co-Defense - Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn; D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - Chris Faulk, OT, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Co-Freshman - Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina; Ray Drew, OLB, Georgia.

Week 8 (Games of Oct. 22): Offense - Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Ryan Seymour, OG, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU; Freshman - A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee.

Week 9 (Games of Oct. 29): Offense - Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn; Co-Defense - Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas; Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia; Special Teams - Zach Hocker, K, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina.

Week 10 (Games of Nov. 5): Offense - Jeff Demps, RB, Florida; Defense - Eric Reid, S, LSU; Special Teams - Dennis Johnson, RS/RB, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas; Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Maxwell Smith, QB, Kentucky.

Week 11 (Games of Nov. 12): Offense - Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 12 (Games of Nov. 19): Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Co-Defense - Ron Brooks, DB, LSU; Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Co-Defensive Lineman - Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee; Abry Jones, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Curt Maggitt, LB, Tennessee.

Week 13 (Games of Nov. 25-26): Co-Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Ryan Tydlacka, P, Kentucky; Co-Offensive Lineman - Kyle Fischer, OT, Vanderbilt; William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Co-Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Garrison Smith, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU.

SEC Championship Game MVP: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

BCS (Yes, the SEC has won six straight)

• Since 2006, more than half of the slots in the BCS National Championship Game have been taken by SEC teams (7 of 12). The Big Ten and the Big 12 have two each and the Pac-12 has one.

• An SEC team has led or tied for the lead at the end of 20 of the last 24 quarters of BCS National Championship Game play.
• Since 2006, an SEC team has been ranked first in the weekly BCS standings in 26 of the 48 weeks, with four different teams holding the top spot. Florida was first for seven weeks, Alabama for six weeks, Auburn for three and LSU for 10 weeks, including all eight polls of this season.
• The SEC has had more teams ranked in the BCS standings for the most times than any other conference since 2006. The league has had 11 of its 12 teams ranked at one time or another since 2006 for a total of 238 times. The SEC breakdown: LSU (45), Alabama (35), Florida (33), Auburn (29), Georgia (23), Arkansas (23), South Carolina (21), Tennessee (14), Mississippi State (8), Kentucky (4) and Ole Miss (3).
• Since 2006, the SEC has posted a 9-3 record in BCS bowl games, more wins and a higher winning percentage (.750) than any other conference. The win total equals that of the next two highest conferences.

Bowls

• Since 2006, the SEC has accrued more bowl wins (36) and appearances (55) than any other conference. The conference’s .655 bowl winning percentage is third behind the Big East (23-10, .697) and Mountain West (20-9, .690) during that time.
• In January bowl games, the SEC is 22-10 (.688) against nonconference competition. Since 2008, the league is 16-6 (.727) against nonconference opponents in January bowls.
• In seven 2011-12 bowl games against nonconference teams, SEC defenses held opponents to less than its scoring average in five of those games. One of the two other games were in overtime (Michigan State-Georgia) and the other was Auburn holding Virginia to 24 points, when the Cavaliers season average was 23.2 points per game.

Random

• Over the last five seasons, Alabama owns the SEC's best winning percentage with a 50-12 record (.806). LSU has the most wins with 53, while Vanderbilt owns the league's lowest winning percentage (.355). LSU owns the best winning percentage over the last 10 years (.795) with a 105-27.
• SEC teams were 20-28 on the road against SEC opponents last season. Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Vanderbilt failed to win on the road against conference opponents.
• LSU led the SEC with a touchdown efficiency on drives of 34.8. Alabama led in scoring efficiency (46.8). Ole Miss was last in scoring efficiency (20.1) and Kentucky was last in touchdown efficiency (13.2).
• LSU led the SEC with 129 fourth-quarter points and a fourth-quarter scoring margin of plus-95. Ole Miss was last with 41 points and a scoring margin of -36.
• Arkansas led the SEC in yards per scoring drive (61.9).

The votes have been tallied and we have a winner in the category of the SEC's top returning lineman.

It wasn't even close, as Alabama's Barrett Jones took home 52 percent of the vote with more than 7,500 votes being cast in last week's poll.

I'd like to say I'm shocked, but I'm not. Jones not only won the Outland Trophy in 2011, as the nation's top interior lineman, but he was one of the most versatile linemen in the country. He played just about every position on the offensive line last fall and never really saw any sort of drop off in his production.

Jones might be known as a scholar (and certified nerd) off of the field, but he's an animal on it. Don't let his very polite demeanor fool you. He isn't always so nice to opposing defensive linemen. Jones could have easily left for the NFL after his junior year, but decided to return to Tuscaloosa for one last season with the Crimson Tide.

Arkansas' Alvin Bailey came in second, earning 29 percent of the vote. Bailey was very impressive during his sophomore season. He had a solid freshman year in 2010, but really improved in 2011 and earned All-SEC second team honors. Bailey should enter the 2012 season as a first-team selection.

Kentucky's Larry Warford and Alabama's D.J. Fluker both grabbed single-digit percentages, while our "Other" category received 13 percent of the vote.

We said farewell to plenty of talented SEC offensive linemen after the 2011 season, but it's not like the conference will lack in line talent next year. There are a few big boys that will make sure all of your favorite quarterbacks are as comfy as they can be in 2012.

We're continuing to look at the future, as we take a glance at some of the big uglies returning in 2012.

The guys who get things started on offense and protect all those fragile quarterbacks deserve a little credit, don't ya think?

The SEC might be saying goodbye to a pretty good crop of offensive linemen, but next season won't lack much talent up front, either.

But who is the best one returning in 2012?

First, you have arguably the most versatile lineman in the country in Alabama's Barrett Jones, who found a way to play just about every position on the offensive line during Alabama's national championship run in 2011. Jones, who decided to return for his senior season, won the Outland Trophy last year as the nation's top interior lineman.

Jones is great, but one of his teammates might challenge him for the moniker of the SEC's top lineman. That lineman is tackle D.J. Fluker, who started 12 games at right tackle last season. At 6-6, 335 pounds, Fluker makes it hard for defensive linemen to get by him. Without Fluker anchoring the right side of the line, Alabama's offense wouldn't have had the success it did in 2011.

What about fellow SEC Western Division standout Alvin Bailey? Arkansas' young lineman really improved as the season went on. He was named to the All-SEC second team after a solid sophomore season with the Razorbacks and showed that he's one of the more athletic lineman around.

You also have Kentucky guard Larry Warford. The veteran has had a stellar career and was an All-SEC second team member in 2011. Kentucky's offense struggled mightily last season, but any team would love to have Warford blocking for it.

You also have youngster Chaz Green at Florida. The rising sophomore tackle was arguably Florida's most consistent lineman in 2011. While Florida's line struggled, Green made strides throughout the year and was named the No. 9 freshman overall by ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay.

With Alabama's William Vlachos and Georgia's Ben Jones departing, LSU center P.J. Lonergan will likely enter the year as the SEC's top center. He was banged up at times in 2011, but his teammates agreed that LSU's line is much better when he's in and healthy.

Then there's his teammate, rising junior Chris Faulk, who ranked third on the team with 73.5 knockdowns in 2011. He was a second team All-SEC member. He started 12 games at left tackle for the Tigers this season.

South Carolina guard A.J. Cann had a great freshman season for the Gamecocks and should become a bigger name among SEC offensive linemen during the offseason and next season.

And you also can't forget Vanderbilt's Wesley Johnson. He isn't the biggest lineman out there, but he certainly held his own on the Commodores' line in his second season. Johnson is another one of those youngsters who should really make some noise in 2012.

We're taking one last look at the SEC's postseason by putting together our All-SEC bowl team:

OFFENSE

QB: Connor Shaw, South Carolina: Shaw didn't seem to feel the pressure of a bowl game, completing 11 of 17 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 42 yards and another score in the Gamecocks' win against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. He even gave South Carolina the momentum going into the second half with a touchdown on a Hail Mary to end the first half.

RB: Vick Ballard, Mississippi State: Ballard ended his career with the Bulldogs with one of his best performances, as he rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries in Mississippi State's win against Wake Forest in the Music City Bowl. His touchdowns went for 72 and 60 yards.

RB: Onterio McCalebb, Auburn: As the Tigers' lead back in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, McCalebb had a game-high 109 rushing yards, including a long of 60. He also recorded a three-yard touchdown run and caught two passes for 53 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown in Auburn's win against Virginia.

WR: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina: Jeffery's day would have been even better if he hadn't been ejected. However, he still caught four passes for a game-high 148 yards and snagged Shaw's Hail Mary touchdown pass at the end of the first half. He also had a 78-yard reception.

WR: Tavarres King, Georgia: King tried his best to get Georgia a victory in the Outback Bowl against Michigan State. He was Aaron Murray's best friend, catching six passes for a career-high 205 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown pass that at one point stood as the longest play in Outback Bowl history.

TE: Brad Smelley, Alabama: The Crimson Tide got its passing game going with Smelley in Monday's Allstate BCS National Championship win against LSU. He was AJ McCarron's safety net when plays broke down, and the young quarterback also used Smelley on rollouts. Smelley finished the game with seven catches for 39 yards.

OL: Barrett Jones, Alabama: Behind one of the most versatile linemen in the entire country, Alabama's line held back LSU's defensive front for most of Monday night's game. Alabama ran for 150 yards against LSU's vaunted defense. He also kept McCarron safe, as the youngster was sacked only twice while throwing for 234 yards.

OL: Alvin Bailey, Arkansas: He just keeps looking better and better for the Razorbacks. In Arkansas' AT&T Cotton Bowl victory against Kansas State, he helped Arkansas churn out 129 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry and helped give quarterback Tyler Wilson enough time to pass for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

OL: Kyle Nunn, South Carolina: The Gamecocks' offensive line gave up four sacks to Nebraska, but Shaw was still able to throw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. With Nunn's help, the Gamecocks also rushed for 121 yards against the Cornhuskers.

OL: Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State: Ballard's outstanding performance for the Bulldogs wouldn't have been possible if not for some solid line play. Jackson had one of his best outings, as he helped Mississippi State rush for 253 yards and pass for another 129. Mississippi State gave up just one sack to Wake Forest.

C: William Vlachos, Alabama: Vlachos had his hands full with the interior of LSU's defensive line, but he more than held his own. He battled all night with LSU's Michael Brockers and allowed him to assist on just one tackle for loss. He provided a ton of protection in the passing game and helped Alabama rush for 150 yards on LSU's defense.

DEFENSE

DE: Jake Bequette, Arkansas: Bequette said before Arkansas' bowl game that the Hogs' defense needed to make a statement. Bequette certainly made a few in his final game with the Razorbacks, registering two sacks, forcing a fumble and totaling three tackles.

DE: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: The freshman put a nice bow on his first season with the Gamecocks. He put a ton of pressure on Nebraska's backfield with two sacks for a loss of 13 yards and finished the game with four tackles.

DT: Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State: Cox wanted to make a lasting impression in his final game with the Bulldogs, and he certainly did by disrupting Wake Forest's offensive line in the Music City Bowl. He finished the game with seven tackles, including two for loss and a sack, and blocked his fifth career kick, which is a Mississippi State record.

DT: Michael Brockers, LSU: Brockers had a tough time with Vlachos in the middle, but that didn't stop him from making plays. He did a tremendous job of clogging holes in the middle for the Tigers and finished the game with seven tackles, assisting on one for loss, and blocked a field goal attempt.

LB: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama: It came as no surprise that Upshaw was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game. He was nearly unblockable for LSU on Monday night. He put immense pressure on LSU's backfield and finished the game with six tackles, including a sack.

LB: Archibald Barnes, Vanderbilt: Barnes was a true rover for Vanderbilt against Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. He had a game-high 10 tackles, assisting on one for a loss, and blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter that gave Vandy some life late.

LB: Alec Ogletree, Georgia: Georgia might not have come up with the win in the Outback Bowl, but it wasn't because of how Ogletree played. He was all over the field for the Bulldogs, grabbing a game-high 13 tackles, including two for loss, breaking up two passes and getting a sack.

CB: Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt: Yet again, Hayward was tremendous in coverage for the Commodores. He grabbed two interceptions and broke up another pass. He was also second on the team with eight tackles, including one for loss. Cincinnati threw for just 80 yards against the Commodores.

CB: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina: Gilmore ended his South Carolina career on a high note. He recorded five tackles, including one for loss, and an interception. He also returned a blocked extra point for South Carolina's first points of the game. Nebraska threw for just 116 yards on the Gamecocks' secondary.

S: Mark Barron, Alabama: Barron recorded just two tackles, including a sack, but he was outstanding in coverage. He roamed the back part of the field for the Crimson Tide and didn't allow LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson to stretch the field at all because of his positioning. Jefferson threw for just 53 yards on Alabama.

S: Matt Elam, Florida: Elam was Florida's most consistent player during the regular season, and he was all over the field for the Gators in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl against Ohio State. He finished the game with six tackles, two for loss and a sack.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK: Jeremy Shelley, Alabama: Talk about redeeming the position that spoiled Alabama's first game against LSU. Shelley hit five of his seven field goal attempts against the Tigers and even rebounded to hit four of his final five after having his second attempt blocked in the second quarter.

P: Dylan Breeding, Arkansas: He punted four times for an average of 46.8 yards per kick. He had a long of 63 yards and dropped two inside the 20-yard line against Kansas State.

RS: Joe Adams, Arkansas: Surprise, surprise, Adams made another special teams unit look silly. Against Kansas State in the AT&T Cotton Bowl, Adams got things started for the Hogs with a nifty 51-yard punt return for a touchdown. His return sparked a 16-point second quarter for the Hogs.

AP: Brandon Boykin, Georgia: Boykin found a way to put points on the board three different ways in the Outback Bowl. He forced a safety when he stuffed Michigan State's Keshawn Martin on the Spartans' first offensive play, returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown and caught a 13-yard touchdown late. His punt return was the longest play in Outback Bowl history.

The list of talented sophomores in the SEC was mighty impressive a year ago.

It was headlined by the likes of South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina defensive end Devin Taylor, Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones, Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower, Arkansas running back Knile Davis, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, Ole Miss offensive lineman Bobby Massie and Auburn running back Onterio McCalebb.

All the above showed up somewhere on the preseason All-SEC lists.

If the early returns this season are any indication, the current sophomore class might be just as good, maybe even better.

Here’s an early look at the SEC’s Super Sophomores. They’re listed alphabetically:

Arkansas OG Alvin Bailey: He already has 15 career starts and was named as the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week coming out of last Saturday’s New Mexico game.

Tennessee QB Tyler Bray: One of college football’s hottest quarterbacks, Bray is ranked fifth nationally in passing efficiency and has thrown for 698 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions.

Auburn RB Mike Dyer: He was the star last week in the win over Mississippi State and just gets harder and harder to tackle. Dyer has rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns and is averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

Florida S Matt Elam: It’s an extremely young Florida secondary, and Elam is one of the anchors back there. A big-time hitter, Elam has 11 total tackles to lead a defense that’s yet to give up a touchdown.

Florida DE Sharrif Floyd: Yes, I know he’s yet to play this season, but there was no way I was leaving Floyd off. When it’s all said and done, he’ll be one of the more disruptive defensive linemen in the league this season and he makes his debut this week.

Tennessee WR Justin Hunter: He’s been a blur through the first two games and leads the SEC with 16 catches for 302 yards. Hunter is averaging 18.9 yards per catch and is quickly establishing himself as one of the top deep threats in the league.

Tennessee OT Ja’Wuan James: Already a veteran, James has been starting since he walked onto campus. The Vols start four talented sophomores on their offensive line, and James is the best of the bunch at right tackle.

Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones: The USC transfer has made a big difference for the Bulldogs and showed up several times last week against South Carolina. He has 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore: It’s hard to find a running back out there who does more things well than Lattimore. He rushed for 176 yards last week against Georgia and is truly a great football player.

LSU DB Tyrann Mathieu: Somewhere inside him Mathieu has to have a mechanism that takes him to the football on every play. The Tigers are letting him roam this season as a nickelback, and he’s a big play waiting to happen on defense.

LSU DE Sam Montgomery: No team in the SEC has more talented players in the freshman and sophomore classes than LSU. Montgomery is another one. He can rush the passer, and he’s also a force against the run.

Alabama LB C.J. Mosley: Even as a freshman, Mosley had a nose for the ball, and that hasn't changed through two games this season. He's tied for second on Alabama's team with 11 total tackles and has also broken up two passes.

Georgia QB Aaron Murray: He’s thrown a few passes he’d like to have back this season, but Murray is still one of the best young quarterbacks in college football. He’s thrown for 484 yards with six touchdown passes and two interceptions.

Tennessee WR Da'Rick Rogers: It’s a tough call on who’s been better this season: Hunter or Rogers? Easily one of the Vols’ most improved players, Rogers has three touchdown catches and is a physical, menacing presence over the middle.

LSU CB Tharold Simon: He has the size of a safety (6-foot-3, 187 pounds), but plays cornerback for the Tigers. Simon is tied for the SEC lead with four passes defended and also has an interception.

The SEC announced the top performers from Week 2. Here is a look at them:

SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

• QB TYLER BRAY (Tennessee) -- Bray threw for a career-high 405 yards and had four touchdowns, while completing 34 of 41 passes for a school-record 82.9 percent in Tennessee’s 45-23 win over Cincinnati. His 34 completions were the sixth-most in school history and he extended his school-record and current SEC-best streak of consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes to eight. He also rushed for a touchdown against the Bearcats, giving him the only five-touchdown effort in the SEC this season.

SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

• S MARK BARRON (Alabama) -- Barron recorded seven total tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in Alabama’s 27-11 win at Penn State. His interception ended a Penn State drive at Alabama's 9-yard line in the third quarter and the fumble recovery stopped the Nittany Lions at the Alabama 35-yard line.

SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

• DE MELVIN INGRAM (South Carolina) -- Yes, you're reading this correctly. Ingram took a direct snap on a fake punt and ran 68 yards for a touchdown and also caught an onside kick at end of game to seal South Carolina’s 45-42 win at Georgia. On defense, Ingram recovered fumble and ran it 5 yards for a touchdown late in fourth quarter to put the Gamecocks up by 10.

SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK

• OG ALVIN BAILEY (Arkansas) -- Bailey and the Arkansas offensive line helped the Razorbacks' offense total 632 yards of offense, the sixth-highest total in school history, in Arkansas’ 52-3 win against New Mexico. The Razorbacks recorded 34 first downs, which tied for the second-highest total in school history. Arkansas quarterbacks completed 26 of 39 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns. Arkansas also rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns against the Lobos.

SEC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK

• DT ROB LOHR (Vanderbilt) -- Lohr collected four total tackles, all for losses, and a pass deflection, in Vanderbilt’s 24-21 win against Connecticut. His four tackles totaled 13 yards of losses and also included a 1-yard sack. Vanderbilt’s defense held the Huskies to just 89 rushing yards on 36 carries, an average of 2.5 yards per attempt.

SEC Co-FRESHMEN OF THE WEEK

• RB JOSH CLEMONS (Kentucky) -- Clemons rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. His touchdown as a school freshman record 87-yarder, in Kentucky’s 27-13 win against Central Michigan.
• RB ISAIAH CROWELL (Georgia) -- Crowell rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown and had two catches for 40 yards and another score in Georgia’s 45-42 loss to South Carolina.

OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES FROM WEEK 2:

• OL WILLIAM VLACHOS (Alabama) -- Received the top grade on the Alabama offensive line against Penn State. Allowed no sacks, no pressures and did not get called for any penalties.
• WR COBI HAMILTON(Arkansas) -- Caught five passes for 132 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico.
• RB MICHAEL DYER (Auburn) -- Rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns against Mississippi State.
• P STEVEN CLARK (Auburn) -- Punted six times for a 45.7 yard average, including four punts inside the 20, two of which were inside the 10, against Mississippi State.
• RB CHRIS RAINEY (Florida) -- Registered 162 yards of total offense, including 119 on the ground and a touchdown, against UAB.
• K CALEB STURGIS (Florida) -- Went 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points against UAB.
• CB/RS BRANDON BOYKIN (Georgia) -- Set school record with seven kickoff returns for 184 yards and also had two tackles and interception against South Carolina.
  LB DANNY TREVATHAN (Kentucky) -- Totaled 13 tackles, three for losses, an interception and pass deflection against Central Michigan.
• WR RUEBEN RANDLE(LSU) -- Caught five passes for 121 yards against Northwestern State.
• RB/RS JEFF SCOTT (Ole Miss) -- Totaled 210 all-purpose yards (118 rushing yards)and a career-high four touchdowns against Southern Illinois.
• DE WAYNE DORSEY (Ole Miss) -- Had three solo stops, two for losses, a sack, interception and pass deflection against Southern Illinois.
• LB CAMERON LAWRENCE (Mississippi State) -- Credited with 14 total tackles, 12 solos, with 3.5 for losses, a sack and forced fumble against Auburn.
• RB MARCUS LATTIMORE (South Carolina) -- Had 176 rushing yards on 27 carries and a touchdown against Georgia.
• OT DALLAS THOMAS (Tennessee) -- Part of an offensive line that saw Vols tally 531 yards of total offense against Cincinnati.
• CB CASEY HAYWARD(Vanderbilt) -- Had four tackles, one for loss, and returned interception 50 yards for a touchdown against Connecticut.

The fall watch list craze is in full swing and the SEC is getting a ton of love on each one that comes out.

Tuesday, the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list came out, with 16 SEC players making the list. The award is given annually to college football's best lineman. Eligibility for the award is limited to "down linemen, end-to-end, either on offense or defense, who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball, and linebackers who set up no farther than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage."

The high number of SEC contenders is a testament to the strength of the lines in this league. Many coaches outside of the SEC have repeatedly said that the main difference between the SEC and the rest of the country is the strength of the lines. The battles in the trenches are so key in the SEC.

The SEC has won the award twice in the last four years, with Auburn's Nick Fairley taking it home last year.

Alabama had the most representatives from the SEC with four -- Dont'a Hightower, Barrett Jones, Courtney Upshaw and William Vlachos. Arkansas was right behind the Tide with three players -- Alvin Bailey, Jake Bequette and Jerry Franklin.

Here is the complete list of SEC players on the Lombardi watch list:

• OG Alvin Bailey, Arkansas
• DE Jake Bequette, Arkansas
• LB Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
• OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia
• LB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama
• DT Jaye Howard, Florida
• DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee
• OL Barrett Jones, Alabama
• C Ben Jones, Georgia
• OL Quentin Saulsberry, Mississippi State
• OT Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss
• DE Devin Taylor, South Carolina
• LB Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
• LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
• C William Vlachos, Alabama
• OG Larry Warford, Kentucky

Today, the Rimington Trophy watch list was announced. The award is given annually to the nation's best center and the SEC had the most candidates on the list with seven. The Big Ten checked in second with six players.

Here are the SEC representatives:

• A.J. Hawkins, Ole Miss
• T.J. Johnson, South Carolina
• Ben Jones, Georgia
• P.J. Lonergan, LSU
• Matt Smith, Kentucky
• Travis Swanson, Arkansas
• William Vlachos, Alabama

In a league that is won and lost at the line of scrimmage, teams have to have quality big men up front. The SEC doesn’t lack talent – or size and intimidation – in this category and returns a handful of quality linemen.

The thing about his league is that the youngsters and veterans seem to play at an equally high level up front at times. It feels like the talent around the SEC is maturing at much younger ages on the offensive line.

Here are some of the top performers we came up with on the offensive side the SEC trenches:

1. Barrett Jones, Alabama, Jr.: The junior has started 25 games at right guard for the Crimson Tide and is arguably the best run-blocker in the league. He’s also one of the team’s top leaders. The coaches trust him so much that with the vacancy left by James Carpenter at left tackle, Jones took snaps there this spring and could end up playing there permanently this fall.

2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Sr.: Glenn moved from guard and was competing with Trinton Sturdivant at both tackle spots. Even before Sturdivant’s devastating knee injury, he was poised to take the left tackle spot. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder enters the season with 36 starts under his belt.

3. Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss, Sr.: Sowell looks primed to be an All-SEC performer this season. He’s started 24 of 25 games and has been an instrumental part in both Ole Miss’ passing and rushing game. He’s one of the more athletic tackles in the league and shouldn’t have an issue protecting the blind side of Ole Miss’ new quarterback.

4. Larry Warford, Kentucky, Jr.: He’s the best of a veteran group in Lexington. Warford, who was an All-SEC second team selection in 2010, has ideal athleticism to play inside and started every game for the Wildcats at right guard. He also led the team with 43 knockdowns.

5. William Vlachos, Alabama, Sr.: Vlachos is not only tops at the center position in the SEC, but he’s one of the best in the nation. He’s become one of the most vocal leaders for the Tide and brings a bit of an edge to the offensive line. He has started 27 straight games at center and could be a leading candidate for the Rimington Trophy.

6. Bobby Massie, Ole Miss, Jr.: He’s another candidate for All-SEC honors this fall. The athletic lineman has started 17 games at right tackle and should continue to be a chore for defensive ends and linebackers to get by. He’s starting to develop as more of a leader, which will be key for the Rebels as they break in a new quarterback.

7. Josh Dworaczky, LSU, Sr.: He started in all 13 games last season at left guard for the Tigers and has competed in 752 plays with 53 knockdowns. Dworaczky also played every offensive snap in nine games in 2010. For his career, he’s started in 26 of the 38 games he’s played in.

8. Alvin Bailey, Arkansas, So.: Bailey was a hit for the Razorbacks very early. He started as a true freshman and showed that he’ll be a star among the league's linemen because of the way he utilizes his size and strength. He’s one of only two starters returning on Arkansas’ line, but should be key in the Razorbacks’ inside running game.

9. Ja’Wuan James, Tennessee, So.: He’s another youngster who impressed during his first year on campus. The right tackle missed most of spring because of an illness, but he’ll be back to normal this fall. James was one of 10 Volunteers to start in every game and one of just four to see action in every single quarter

10. Brandon Mosley, Auburn, Sr.: Mosley arrived last season with more experience at defensive end and tight end before moving to right tackle. He was solid for the Tigers after a stint in junior college, playing in 14 games and starting 11. He is Auburn’s lone returning starter on the offensive line.

The big uglies up front on the offensive side are our focus today. There are some quality veterans out there, but teams all across the league are looking to replace some quality linemen in the trenches.

Here's how we see the league stacking up:

1. Alabama: Four of Alabama’s five linemen from a year ago return, making this one of the team’s strongest units. The returners have combined for more than 70 starts at Alabama. Barrett Jones is the star of the show. The junior has been the Tide’s starting right guard each of the past two seasons, but took reps at left tackle and could be asked to move. William Vlachos is back at center and could be the best at his position in the league. Fellow starters D.J. Fluker and Chance Warmack are back and took reps at left tackle this spring.

2. Ole Miss: The Rebels’ offense isn’t getting much respect this offseason, but its offensive line returns All-SEC candidates in tackles Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie. Seven of Ole Miss’ linemen started two or more games each on the offensive line in 2010. Last season, the Rebels were first in the league in sacks allowed, giving up just 14. Alex Washington should stay at left guard after starting eight games there and A.J. Hawkins will likely get the nod at center after playing eight games there as well. Arkansas transfer Matt Hall will compete for time at center.

3. LSU: Joseph Barksdale might be gone, but the Tigers have a very talented group of linemen returning. Tackle Alex Hurst seems primed to be a star in the league and senior Josh Dworaczky is arguably the Tigers’ top lineman with 25 career starts. Patrick Lonergan is solid at center, while T-Bob Hebert is valuable at both center and guard. Sophomore Chris Faulk has the tough assignment of replacing Barksdale, but made quite the impression on his coaches this spring.

4. Kentucky: The Wildcats return four starters on their line. Right guard Larry Warford headlines the group after gaining second-team All-SEC honors a year ago. Kentucky also returns two-year starter Stuart Hines at left guard and Matt Smith at center, who was solid in his first year there. Left tackle Chandler Burden missed spring practice, but is expected back by fall practice. Finding a suitable right tackle is the next step for Kentucky.

5. Tennessee: This group could be one of the most impressive units for the Volunteers this season. It’s deeper and more experienced in Derek Dooley’s second year and he was very pleased with its performance this spring. Junior Dallas Thomas is solid at left tackle, and sophomore Ja’Wuan James really came on strong in his first year and is one of the top linemen in the SEC. James Stone also returns at center. The surprise of the group was true freshman Marcus Jackson, who held down the left guard spot for most of the spring.

6. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs must replace All-American left tackle Derek Sherrod, but most of the line is somewhat on point. Center Quentin Saulsberry will anchor the line and is versatile enough to play just about every position on the line. Left guard Gabe Jackson and right tackle Addison Lawrence return and the Bulldogs will have junior Tobias Smith lining up at right guard. Blaine Clausell and James Carmon, who moved from defensive tackle, will compete at left tackle.

7. Georgia: This was supposed to be one of the strongest offensive line units in the league, but the Bulldogs lost tackle Trinton Sturdivant to a season-ending knee injury this spring and fellow tackle A.J. Harmon transferred. Georgia’s most-reliable options are Cordy Glenn, who moved from guard to left tackle and Ben Jones at center. Kenarious Gates is at left guard, but he’s athletic enough to play tackle if needed. Former defensive lineman Justin Anderson will start off at right tackle. Right guard is the next area of business and the depth all around is a problem.

8. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have questions here, but there is talent across the line. Rokevious Watkins is one of the most talented guards in the league and he’ll be assisted by returning starter at center T.J. Johnson. Senior Kyle Nunn has made strides at left tackle and redshirt freshman A.J. Cann took over duties at left guard this spring. Still, the younger linemen will be counted on to contribute this fall.

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks must replace three starters on the offensive line. Center Travis Swanson and left guard Alvin Bailey are the only returning starters. Just a sophomore, Bailey impressed his coaches last season and will be one of the top linemen in the league this fall. After that, the Hogs will have to turn to youth for help. True freshman Brey Cook could be thrust into the starting role at right tackle, while sophomore Anthony Oden could get the job at left tackle.

10. Florida: Florida’s offensive line struggled throughout the 2010 season -- and that was with a senior-laden group. This fall, the Gators will start over with a ton of inexperience. Right guard Jon Halapio and right tackle Xavier Nixon are the only returning starters. Halapio struggled at times last season and Nixon battled injuries. Florida’s line spent most of the spring in the infirmary, so little is known about the overall talent. Freshman Chaz Green left spring as the starter at left tackle, Jonotthan Harrison will battle former Notre Dame lineman Dan Wenger at center. He transferred in after spring, but has health concerns.

11. Auburn: The Tigers will go from having one of the top offensive line groups in the country to having a major work in progress in 2011. Senior Brandon Mosley is the lone returning starter, and while he was solid on Auburn’s line last season, he came from junior college as a defensive end/tight end. The good news is that tackle A.J. Greene should be fine this fall after sustaining a season-ending leg injury last year. The rest of Auburn’s linemen are very young and inexperienced. Don’t expect many redshirts from this group.

12. Vanderbilt: The Commodores might return all five starters, but this unit had trouble keeping things together last year. The offense needs this group to improve mightily. Wesley Johnson is Vanderbilt’s best option, despite only being a sophomore at left tackle. There will be size on the right side, with 300-plus pounders Kyle Fischer and Ryan Seymour over there. Simply put, this unit has the experience, but it requires a lot of improvement.

The SEC landed six players on the Rivals.com Freshman All-America team, including a pair of offensive line starters at Arkansas.

Center Travis Swanson and guard Alvin Bailey, a pair of redshirt freshmen, both made first team. South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, who led all SEC running backs in rushing with 1,198 yards, was also selected to the first team on offense.

On defense, Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley and LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu were named to the first team. Both are true freshmen. Florida's Andre Debose was selected as the kick returner. Debose, a redshirt freshman, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this season.

The SEC players making second team included Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, Auburn running back Mike Dyer, Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, Tennessee center James Stone, Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins and Mississippi State safety Nickoe Whitley.