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As the NFL combine concluded Tuesday with the defensive backs working out, the general feeling was Tennessee safety Eric Berry solidified himself as a top 10 pick, possibly a top 5 pick, and Florida cornerback Joe Haden might have gone the other way.

Berry ran an official 4.47 in the 40-yard dash, which was second among safeties to USC’s Taylor Mays’ 4.43. And at 211 pounds, Berry had a 10-10 broad jump, which was second overall at the combine, and recorded a 43-inch vertical leap, which was third overall. He also did 19 reps on the bench-press.

Haden, meanwhile, ran a disappointing 4.58 in the 40 (official time), and there’s now concern about how vulnerable he might be to getting beat over the top in the NFL. Everybody is looking for fast 40 times and all the other other measurables. But I'd say the game tape counts for something, and Haden was rarely torched in the SEC the last two seasons.

Haden’s teammate at Florida, safety Major Wright, helped himself by running an official 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. It was the third fastest time among the safeties.

Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson may also be moving up the charts. He turned in an official 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. The same goes for Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis, whose official 40 time was 4.48.

Some of the other 40 times that I’ve been able to find for former SEC defensive backs were:

LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins -- 4.49

South Carolina safety Darian Stewart -- 4.51

Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas -- 4.53

Kentucky cornerback Trevard Lindley -- 4.56

LSU safety Chad Jones -- 4.56

Georgia safety Reshad Jones -- 4.56

Alabama safety Justin Woodall -- 4.62

Ole Miss cornerback Marshay Green -- 4.64

Tennessee safety Dennis Rogan -- 4.70

Ole Miss safety Kendrick Lewis -- 4.75

OK, here's one more top 30 list from this past season, this one coming from Scott in Upstate New York.

He has Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis on his list, and as I've said, Lewis was really difficult for me to leave off. Scott also has LSU offensive tackle Ciron Black. I considered Black, but just didn't think he had a great senior season. Scott also included Florida receiver Riley Cooper, who had a big season and played his way into probably being drafted.

Another name that was thrown out there recently was Arkansas receiver Greg Childs, and Childs was another one I considered. I like all those Arkansas receivers. Here's betting a few of them show up in my pre-2010 season countdown this summer.

Thanks again for all your input.

Scott's top 30

No. 1: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

No. 2: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

No. 3: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

No. 4: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

No. 5: Dexter McCluster RB/WR, Ole Miss

No. 6: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

No. 7: Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State

No. 8: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas

No. 9: Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina

No. 10: Javier Arenas, CB/RS, Alabama

No. 11: Antonio Coleman, DE, Auburn

No. 12: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

No. 13: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

No. 14: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

No. 15: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

No. 16: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama

No. 17: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

No. 18: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn

No. 19: Randall Cobb, QB/WR, Kentucky

No. 20: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

No. 21: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

No. 22: Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia

No. 23: Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss

No. 24: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

No. 25: Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State

No. 26: Ciron Black, OT, LSU

No. 27: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

No. 28: Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

No. 29: Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt

No. 30: Terrence Cody, NG, Alabama

The NFL combine wraps up on Tuesday, and a flood of former SEC players have left their mark -- both good and bad.

The defensive backs were the last to run the 40-yard dash, and a lot of eyes were on Tennessee safety Eric Berry.

Unofficially, his two 40-yard dash times were 4.46 and 4.40. Earlier, the 5-11, 211-pound Berry did 19 reps on the bench-press, so he certainly didn’t do anything to hurt himself and figures to be a top 10 pick.

Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas tweaked his hamstring running the 40 and didn’t go a second time. He ran a 4.52 unofficially on the first one.

Florida cornerback Joe Haden turned in a disappointing 4.57 in the 40. Again, these are unofficial times, and we’ll try to get you the official times once they’re posted later Tuesday.

Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis helped himself with a 4.45 in the 40 and also weighed in at more than 200 pounds. The NFL loves big corners who can cover.

LSU safety Chad Jones ran a 4.54, but only did nine reps on the bench-press.

Georgia safety Reshad Jones was second among the safeties with 24 reps.

Mississippi State’s Jamar Chaney posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among linebackers, a 4.54. He also did 26 reps on the bench-press and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump. Chaney solidified himself as a solid mid-round pick, possibly as high as the third or fourth round.

Todd McShay of ESPN’s Scouts Inc. also felt like South Carolina outside linebacker Eric Norwood helped himself by running a 4.71 40-yard dash. At 245 pounds, Norwood also showed good lateral movement, quick feet and demonstrated all the qualities that make him an explosive pass-rusher.

A pair of former SEC linebackers that didn’t impress McShay were Kentucky’s Micah Johnson and Florida’s Brandon Spikes. Johnson (258 pounds) ran a 4.99 and didn’t change directions very well. Spikes didn’t run the 40, but looked stiff in drills.

Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap turned in a fast 40 time (4.71), but according to scouts McShay talked with, Dunlap didn’t come across well in interviews and was characterized as lazy.

Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams continues to look like a first-round pick. Weighing 326 pounds, he ran a 5.17 40-yard dash and did 26 reps on the bench. He also moved fluidly during drills.

McShay thinks Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody will probably be a second-rounder. Cody shed some pounds and was down to 354, but ran a 5.68 40, the slowest among the defensive linemen.

I’m still waiting on some of your lists counting down the top 30 players from this past season in the SEC.

While I haven’t received any complete lists, I have received plenty of feedback from you and some second-guessing. I’m sure you find that hard to believe.

Nah, seriously, there were several good points raised, and just like the preseason list I did, there were some players I probably should have included. Then again, I could have listed 50 players, and there still would have been some debate about those players who didn't make it.

Welcome to SEC football.

The one who sticks out is Auburn receiver Darvin Adams, clearly one of the breakthrough players of the year last season in the SEC. I didn’t forget about him. He was one of about three or four guys that I was trying to decide among for those last couple of spots.

And in retrospect, he probably deserved to be in there somewhere when you look at his numbers. He was second in the league to LSU’s Brandon LaFell with 10 touchdown catches and just missed 1,000 yards receiving (997).

So, I completely understand the heat I’m catching from the Plains about that one. But ultimately, I went with Alabama’s Julio Jones, even though Jones’ numbers were down this past season. Once he got a little healthier, he was much closer to his old self the second half of the season and was one of the best blocking receivers in the SEC.

Some of the other names that have been tossed out there by fans that weren’t on the list were Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus, Vanderbilt running back/return specialist Warren Norman, LSU safety Chad Jones, Georgia defensive end Justin Houston, Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton and Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham.

I could see an argument for most of those players. But over and above Adams, the two guys I had the hardest time leaving off the list were Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis and Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters.

I realize neither player is a household name, but they both had terrific seasons.

I also had some Alabama fans disagree with the order of the top two. Several thought I had it transposed and that Rolando McClain should have been No. 1 and Mark Ingram No. 2. Indeed, that was a hard call, and I did go back and forth.

But my Heisman Trophy vote went to Ingram, and I wasn’t going to deviate from that.

Once again, let’s see some of your top 30 lists (name and where you live), and I’ll run some of them in the SEC blog.

Matt Hayes of The Sporting News plays the underrated and overrated game with a few departing college players as they take their shot at pro football.

A couple of SEC players are on his list.

With the NFL combine scheduled for Feb. 24, we're certain to get a few more "underrated/overrated" reports.

But Hayes has Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton as his overrated quarterback and cites Crompton's accuracy problems and all the interceptions he threw during his career (22) as the big reason.

Crompton had no chance to be drafted before his senior season, but blossomed under Lane Kiffin and passed for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2009. For what it's worth, Kiffin was adamant even before Crompton's senior season that he could go as high as the third or fourth round in the draft.

Two other SEC players who were bracketed into the underrated category by Hayes were Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty and Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson.

Hardesty's a punishing runner with great moves. If he can stay healthy like he did during his senior season, he has a chance to be a very effective NFL runner. Johnson is one of those guys who'll play 12 years in the league. He's smart, tough, physical and plenty athletic for a guard.

Another guy I'd put on the underrated list from the SEC is Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis.

I don't know when he' ll be drafted or what kind of time he'll run at the combine, but he's a big, physical corner who can cover and has great ball skills. His coaches at Vanderbilt felt like he was a better overall pro prospect than D.J. Moore, who went in the fourth round last year to the Chicago Bears.

Here’s a look at the SEC seniors invited to participate in the NFL scouting combine Feb. 24-March 2 in Indianapolis. There will also be some underclassmen invited once the deadline passes for early entry into the draft.

LSU had the most players invited in the SEC with 11. Alabama was second with eight:

ALABAMA

CB Javier Arenas

NG Terrence Cody

DE Brandon Deaderick

OL Mike Johnson

TE Colin Peek

K Leigh Tiffin

DE Lorenzo Washington

S Justin Woodall

ARKANSAS

OL Mitch Petrus

DT Malcolm Sheppard

AUBURN

RB Ben Tate

FLORIDA

WR Riley Cooper

DE Jermaine Cunningham

RB/RS Brandon James

LB Brandon Spikes

QB Tim Tebow

GEORGIA

DT Geno Atkins

KENTUCKY

FB John Conner

LB Micah Johnson

CB Trevard Lindley

LB Sam Maxwell

DT Corey Peters

LSU

DE Rahim Alem

DT Charles Alexander

OT Ciron Black

LB Harry Coleman

CB Chris Hawkins

RS Trindon Holliday

WR Brandon LaFell

LB Perry Riley

RB Charles Scott

RB Keiland Williams

DT Al Woods

MISSISSIPPI STATE

RB Anthony Dixon

OLE MISS

CB Marshay Green

DE Greg Hardy

WR Shay Hodge

OL John Jerry

S Kendrick Lewis

RB Dexter McCluster

SOUTH CAROLINA

LB Eric Norwood

S Darian Stewart

TENNESSEE

RB Montario Hardesty

OT Chris Scott

DT Dan Williams

VANDERBILT

CB Myron Lewis

OT Thomas Welch

There are enough All-America and All-SEC teams out there right now to make your head spin.

Why not one more?

This one has a twist, though. This All-SEC team includes only those players who had not been honored in previous years as postseason All-SEC selections (first or second team) by either the Associated Press or coaches.

So here goes:

OFFENSE

QB Ryan Mallett, So., Arkansas

RB Mark Ingram, So., Alabama

RB Anthony Dixon, Sr., Mississippi State

WR Shay Hodge, Sr., Ole Miss

WR Darvin Adams, So., Auburn

AP Randall Cobb, So., Kentucky

TE Aaron Hernandez, Jr., Florida

OL Chris Scott, Sr., Tennessee

OL Derek Sherrod, Jr., Mississippi State

OL Barrett Jones, Fr., Alabama

OL Lee Ziemba, Jr., Auburn

C Maurkice Pouncey, Jr., Florida

DEFENSE

DE Pernell McPhee, Jr., Mississippi State

DE Cliff Matthews, Jr., South Carolina

DT Dan Williams, Sr., Tennessee

DT Jerrell Powe, Jr., Ole Miss

LB Chris Marve, So., Vanderbilt

LB Patrick Trahan, Sr., Ole Miss

LB Kelvin Sheppard, Jr., LSU

DB Patrick Peterson, So., LSU

DB Myron Lewis, Sr., Vanderbilt

DB Mark Barron, So., Alabama

DB Corey Broomfield, Fr., Mississippi State

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Leigh Tiffin, Sr., Alabama

P Drew Butler, So., Georgia

RS Warren Norman, Fr., Vanderbilt

Of note: The offense looks a lot like our regular All-SEC team last week. The only new players are Auburn receiver Darvin Adams and offensive linemen Barrett Jones of Alabama, Lee Ziemba of Auburn and Derek Sherrod of Mississippi State.

It's just the opposite on defense. Eight of the 11 are new faces. The only three defenders who were also named to the regular All-SEC team last week were Tennessee tackle Dan Williams, Mississippi State end Pernell McPhee and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

We roll out our Super Seniors All-SEC team today.

With the final regular-season games being played this week, this is our tribute to the top seniors in the league.

And, no, I didn’t forget about Alabama’s Terrence Cody. He’s a very good player and obviously had the memorable blocked kicks against Tennessee. But both Malcolm Sheppard and Dan Williams had better seasons on defense and are also every-down players.

OFFENSE

QB Tim Tebow, Florida

RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State

RB Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss

WR Shay Hodge, Ole Miss

WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

TE Richard Dickson, LSU

OL Mike Johnson, Alabama

OL John Jerry, Ole Miss

OL Chris Scott, Tennessee

OL Mitch Petrus, Arkansas

C Daverin Geralds, Ole Miss

DEFENSE

DE Jermaine Cunningham, Florida

DE Antonio Coleman, Auburn

DT Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas

DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

LB Eric Norwood, South Carolina

LB Brandon Spikes, Florida

LB Rico McCoy, Tennessee

DB Javier Arenas, Alabama

DB Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt

DB Walter McFadden, Auburn

DB Kendrick Lewis, Ole Miss

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Leigh Tiffin, Alabama

P Brett Upson, Vanderbilt

KR Brandon James, Florida

PR Javier Arenas, Alabama

Vanderbilt, which has been riddled with injuries all season, will be without senior cornerback Myron Lewis when the Commodores close out their season Saturday at Tennessee.

Lewis suffered meniscus damage to his knee last week in the Kentucky game and won’t play against the Vols, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said Wednesday following practice. Lewis has been unable to practice this week and will undergo surgery sometime in the next week.

One of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, Lewis ends his Vanderbilt career with 10 interceptions. His 10 picks tie him for second among active players in the league along with Kentucky’s Trevard Lindley.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Lewis probably didn't get the publicity that he deserved this season, in part because the Commodores had such a tough season on the field. But he's a terrific talent and will be heard from at the next level. He has great size and speed, and the coaches on Vanderbilt's staff think he's an even better NFL prospect than D.J. Moore, who was taken in the fourth round of the draft last year.

Lewis, who had four interceptions this season, is just the latest in a long line of Vanderbilt players to go down with an injury.

The Commodores (2-9, 0-7) have been without senior safety and team captain Ryan Hamilton since the second game of the season when he tore a pectoral muscle.

Quarterback Larry Smith, defensive end Steven Stone, running back Jared Hawkins, running back Zac Stacy and offensive tackle James Williams are among the other starters who’ve either been lost for the season or have missed multiple games.

And during the spring, Vanderbilt lost its leading returning wide receiver, Justin Wheeler, to a knee injury.

Linebacker Patrick Benoist, the second leading tackler on the team, is also in question for the Tennessee game. He suffered a concussion last week against Kentucky.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low


The breakthrough season of a year ago probably seems like it was ages ago for Vanderbilt, which has struggled miserably on offense this season and heads into Saturday’s game against South Carolina on a three-game losing streak. The Commodores (2-5, 0-4) simply haven’t been able to get anything going on offense, particularly in the passing game. In their five losses this season, they’ve scored a total of 42 points and have scored 10 or fewer points in four of those five losses. Sophomore quarterback Larry Smith hasn’t played well, completing just 45.8 percent of his passes to go along with seven interceptions and three touchdowns. But it’s not like he’s had a bunch of receivers getting open and making plays for him, either. Vanderbilt’s defense has been solid and deserves a lot better. But when your offense isn’t scoring any points, sooner or later you wear down.

Offensive MVP: RB Warren Norman. Quietly, Norman has put together one of the best freshman seasons in the league. He’s rushed for 450 yards and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He’s also second to Alabama’s Mark Ingram in the SEC with 1,074 all-purpose yards. Norman returns kickoffs for the Commodores and has already taken one back for a touchdown this season.

Defensive MVP: LB Chris Marve. Several guys on Vanderbilt’s defense deserve mention, namely cornerback Myron Lewis, by Marve has been in the middle of everything defensively for the Commodores. He’s second in the SEC with 65 total tackles and is second on Vanderbilt’s team with five tackles for loss and has also forced three fumbles.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

The SEC has some outstanding players in the secondary, but there are also a few holes to fill around the league:


1. Florida: The real question with the Gators is how many of their second-team players could start for other teams in the league. They have eight or nine players who are SEC-ready. Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins are the best cornerback combo in the country, and safety Ahmad Black had seven interceptions last season.


2. LSU: First-year defensive coordinator John Chavis loves what he inherited in the secondary, which should be the strength of the LSU defense. Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC. Chad Jones has settled in at free safety where he belongs, and cornerback Jai Eugene is one of the most improved players on the team.


3. Tennessee: Any secondary that includes Eric Berry has to be ranked pretty high. But the Vols return four of their top six defensive backs from a year ago, and all four have multiple starts. Brent Vinson and Dennis Rogan are premier athletes, and freshman Janzen Jackson may end up starting somewhere before the season is over.


4. Alabama: The Crimson Tide were a little shaky last season with their cornerback depth opposite Javier Arenas, who's developed into one of the league's best lockdown corners. Safety Rashad Johnson was a huge part of the 2008 defense and will be missed, but the Tide have seven of their top eight DBs back plus talented freshman Dre Kirkpatrick.


5. Georgia: Had cornerback Asher Allen not left early for the NFL, the Bulldogs would really be set this season in the secondary. Senior cornerback Prince Miller and junior safety Reshad Jones are two of the top players at their positions in the league. Freshman cornerback Brandon Smith is also pushing to crack the rotation.


6. Vanderbilt: Some might be surprised to see the Commodores this high after losing a player the caliber of D.J. Moore early to the NFL. But Myron Lewis might be a better all-around corner than Moore, and senior free safety Ryan Hamilton is a three-year starter who intercepted four passes a year ago. Vanderbilt is also getting Jamie Graham on defense.


7. South Carolina: Talent isn't the problem for the Gamecocks, especially their young talent. Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman are future stars. But any time you have true freshmen playing such key roles in this league, it's trouble. Just ask Florida two years ago. Senior strong safety Darian Stewart has All-SEC potential.


8. Ole Miss: There aren't many question marks concerning the Rebels' front seven on defense, but the secondary isn't especially deep. Cornerbacks Marshay Green and Cassius Vaughn improved during the second half of last season, and senior safety Kendrick Lewis is a big hitter and a strong leader. All three were starters a year ago.


9. Auburn: Losing two experienced players like Aairon Savage and Mike McNeil is always a blow. Savage tore his Achilles during the offseason and is out for the season, and there's no timetable on when McNeil might return from a broken leg. The Tigers really like sophomore cornerback Neiko Thorpe, and senior safety Zac Etheridge returns after leading the team in tackles last season.


10. Kentucky: The Wildcats get a few extra props because senior cornerback Trevard Lindley is roaming around back there. He's the best corner in the league and a playmaking machine. But there's not much experience around him. Cornerback Paul Warford returns after being academically ineligible last season.


11. Arkansas: The Razorbacks brought in a couple of junior college players to help after giving up 22 touchdown passes last season. Anthony Leon and Rudell Crim will play big roles, but the loss of starting cornerback Isaac Madison to a season-ending knee injury in the preseason may be tough to overcome.


12. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs lost three starters in the secondary, with senior Marcus Washington being the lone returning starter. They struggled against the pass a year ago and will be leaning on several younger players in 2009. That said, sophomore safety Charles Mitchell is one of the league's brightest up-and-coming players.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Biggest reason for hope: Experience, coaching and belief

Take a look at the depth chart, and you'll see that the Commodores have experience in key spots. On defense, Patrick Benoist, Myron Lewis, Chris Marve, Greg Billinger, Broderick Stewart and Ryan Hamilton have all played a lot of football, while everybody is back on the offensive line along with a healthy Jared Hawkins at tailback. It also goes without saying that Bobby Johnson has proven he can coach them up pretty well. Does any other staff in the SEC get as much out of their talent as the Commodores? There's also a belief on this team now that it can compete in the SEC, and much of that goes back to Johnson and the way he's elevated the program and elevated the talent level. Remember, Vanderbilt won four games in the SEC last season, and only Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Ole Miss won more.

Biggest reason for concern: Not enough punch on offense

There's still the matter of sorting out who's going to be the quarterback, and the reality is that Larry Smith and Mackenzi Adams are both going to play. There wasn't enough separation in the spring to name a starter. A bigger question is: Who are they going to throw to? Justin Wheeler blew out his knee during spring practice, and talented transfer Terence Jeffers is still working to be eligible this fall. On paper anyway, there just doesn't seem to be a lot of big-play capability on this offense, and having to drive the field all the time for touchdowns is risky business against SEC defenses. The Commodores should be a little better at running the ball this season and controlling the clock, but they're going to have to find a way to score more points if they want to get back to a bowl game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Who are the emerging stars in the SEC?

The spring provided a few clues, although they don't hand out All-America honors for what you do in March and April.

But based on my own observations, evaluations from coaches and talking to those close to each program, here are my picks for the emerging offensive and defensive stars on all 12 teams in the SEC:

Alabama

Offense
Colin Peek, TE, Sr.: The 6-7, 255-pound transfer from Georgia Tech could end up being Greg McElroy's best friend on key downs.

Defense
Dont'a Hightower, LB, So.: He started as a freshman last season at will linebacker, but may get more chances as a pass-rusher in the jack linebacker role in 2009.

Arkansas

Offense
Joe Adams, WR, So.: Bobby Petrino loves Adams' ability to make things happen after the catch. He was a touchdown machine in the spring.

Defense
Jerry Franklin, LB, So.: He came to Arkansas as a safety, but led the Hogs last season with 87 tackles playing both middle and weak side linebacker.

Auburn

Offense
Lee Ziemba, OT, Jr.: The 6-8, 304-pound Ziemba is one of the more underrated offensive linemen in the league. That's about to change, though.

Defense
Craig Stevens, LB, Jr.: Defensive coordinator Ted Roof couldn't quit talking about Stevens this spring. He's gotten bigger, stronger and faster.

Florida

Offense
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Jr.: He's an every-down tight end that has NFL written all over him. Look for the Gators to get Hernandez the ball even more next season.

Defense
Janoris Jenkins, CB, So.: Jenkins was one of the best freshman cornerbacks in the country last season and was versatile enough this spring to move inside to nickel when the Gators went to five defensive backs.

Georgia

Offense
Clint Boling, OT, Jr.: He can play anywhere on the offensive line and pretty much has for the Bulldogs. He ended the spring as the starting left tackle.

Defense
Justin Houston, DE, So.: His five sacks in the last two scrimmages of the spring illustrates what kind of pass-rusher he can be. But he'll be suspended for the first two games in 2009.

Kentucky

Offense
Randall Cobb, QB/WR, So.: Cobb showed what he could do in stretches last season at quarterback. Now it's time to turn it loose as a full-time receiver.

Defense
Winston Guy, S, So.: Rich Brooks has called Guy the most talented defensive back he's signed at Kentucky. Guy looked the part this spring at free safety.

LSU

Offense
Jordan Jefferson, QB, So.: He showed flashes in his two starts to end last season. Jefferson has the run/pass ability to be an outstanding quarterback in this league.

Defense
Patrick Peterson, CB, So.: Les Miles said it best this spring: Peterson is ready to play at a different level. He has great ball skills and is excellent in man coverage.

Mississippi State

Offense
Leon Berry, WR, Jr.: The Bulldogs need receivers, and Berry was the best of the bunch this spring after coming over from junior college. He caught eight passes for 125 yards in the spring game.

Defense
Pernell McPhee, DT, Jr.: McPhee is another junior college transfer who didn't take long to establish himself in the middle of the Bulldogs' defensive line. He's a real disrupter.

Ole Miss

Offense
Brandon Bolden, RB, So.: Bolden beat out several challengers and heads into the fall as the Rebels' starting tailback after a big spring. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season.

Defense
Patrick Trahan, LB, Sr.: He started at Auburn, made a detour through junior college and is now poised for a breakout senior season. Watch him take off in 2009.

South Carolina

Offense
Jarvis Giles, RB, Fr.: The Gamecocks needed to rev up their running game and did so with the speedy Giles, who showed in the spring just how explosive he can be.

Defense
Stephon Gilmore, CB, Fr.: How talented is Gilmore? He's going to start in the opener at cornerback and will also get some chances at quarterback in a special package.

Tennessee

Offense
Vladimir Richard, OG, Sr.: One of the most physically impressive players on Tennessee's roster, Richard has the tools to be a devastating run blocker.

Defense
Chris Walker, DE, Jr.: If the spring is any indication, then Walker is about to become one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league. Lane Kiffin called him "unblockable."

Vanderbilt

Offense
Terence Jeffers, WR, Jr.: The transfer from Connecticut is that big, physical playmaker the Commodores need on offense. He was the best player on the field for much of the spring.

Defense
Chris Marve, LB, So.: Quietly, Marve was one of the most productive freshmen in the league last season. He was fourth with 105 total tackles and led the SEC with four forced fumbles.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

All right SEC diehards: You want something to keep you stirred up while we thirst for the start of preseason practice in August?

I'm going to give you something over the next week or so.

Starting today, I will count down the 30 best players in the SEC.

Before I say anything else, I realize this is extremely subjective, and we can agree to disagree for the next year on my selections.

But in general, I endeavored to pick who I feel are truly the 30 best football players in this conference based on several factors: Their production to this point, how they've played in key games, how they project heading into next season, how they're viewed around the league by the coaches and how they impact the players around them.

This is not a mock NFL draft for next year or a rating of how I think they might fare at the next level, although several of the players on this list are no doubt destined for greatness in pro football.

Only players who've played in an SEC game are eligible. That eliminates incoming freshmen and transfers, and this is also a list that may change some once we get to August.

So sit back and second guess away.

We'll kick it off with selections 30-26:

No. 30: Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt -- He was overshadowed by D.J. Moore, but the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Lewis is a big, physical cornerback who makes big plays every time you turn around. He can cover, and he can also hit. Lewis was the only defensive back in the SEC last season with at least five interceptions and five sacks.

No. 29: Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss -- If it's versatility you're looking for, then McCluster's your man. He and Percy Harvin were the only players in the league last season with more than 600 yards rushing and more than 600 yards receiving. McCluster has gained some weight and should be even more effective in the "Wild Rebel" formation next season.

No. 28: Micah Johnson, LB, Kentucky -- The SEC will be loaded with great linebackers next season, and the 6-2, 250-pound Johnson belongs right near the top. He led all SEC inside linebackers with 13 tackles for loss in 2008 despite a high ankle sprain that cost him two games and plagued him all season. His decision to return for his senior season was a coup for the Wildcats.

No. 27: Javier Arenas, CB/RS, Alabama -- Because he's such a dangerous punt returner, Arenas probably doesn't get the credit he deserves as a cornerback. He was fifth on Alabama's team in tackles last season and is an absolute terror as a return specialist. He returned three punts for touchdowns in 2008 and has taken six back for touchdowns during his career.

No. 26: Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State -- Having trimmed down to 235 pounds and moving better than he has in some time, Dixon figures to be a busy man for the Bulldogs next season. He's a bruising runner between the tackles and needs just 610 yards to pass Jerious Norwood as Mississippi State's all-time rushing leader.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Vanderbilt Commodores 2008 overall record: 7-6 2008 conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 8; Defense: 9; Kicker/punter: 1 Top returners QB Mackenzi Adams, QB Larry Smith, RB Jared Hawkins, C Bradley Vierling, DE Broderick Stewart, LB Patrick Benoist, LB Chris Marve, CB Myron Lewis, S Ryan Hamilton Key losses QB Chris Nickson, WR George Smith, WR Sean Walker, CB D.J. Moore, S Reshard Langford 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Jared Hawkins* (593 yards) Passing: Mackenzi Adams* (882 yards) Receiving: Sean Walker (520 yards) Tackles: Patrick Benoist* (109) Sacks: Broderick Stewart* and Myron Lewis* (5) Interceptions: D.J. Moore (6) 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Western Carolina Sept. 12 at LSU Sept. 19 Mississippi State Sept. 26 at Rice Oct. 3 Ole Miss Oct. 10 at Army Oct. 17 Georgia Oct. 24 at South Carolina Oct. 31 Georgia Tech Nov. 7 at Florida Nov. 14 Kentucky Nov. 21 at Tennessee Spring answers No contentment: As historic as last season was for the Commodores, nobody on West End is satisfied. In fact, senior center and team captain Bradley Vierling said this spring that Vanderbilt underachieved last year in his mind. Obviously, winning seven games (including a bowl game) was just a start for this bunch. Attacking defense: Don't look for Vanderbilt to change its style on defense. The Commodores were one of only two teams in the SEC last season (Florida was the other) to have 30 sacks and 20 interceptions. Speed is the name of their game on defense, and Vanderbilt will continue to pressure every chance it gets. Jeffers makes splash: Having led Connecticut in receiving two years ago, Terence Jeffers was exactly what Vanderbilt needed at wideout. Packing 225 pounds, he has the strength to break tackles and turn short passes into big gains and also has the speed to get deep. He was the Commodores' most consistent playmaker this spring. Fall questions Smith or Adams? For the second year in a row, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson wasn't ready to make a call on his starting quarterback situation coming out of the spring. Sophomore Larry Smith and senior Mackenzi Adams will continue their duel in the preseason. Smith is probably the better pure passer, but Adams led the Commodores to some key wins last season. Passing game: Regardless of who wins the quarterback job, the Commodores have to find a way to generate more of a passing game than they did a year ago. Much of that falls on the shoulders of the receivers. Alex Washington had a nice spring, but Justin Wheeler tore his ACL and will miss the 2009 season. The biggest key is making sure Jeffers passes enough credit hours to be eligible. New faces in secondary: D.J. Moore made so many plays for the Commodores the last few years, and Reshard Langford's leadership at safety was equally invaluable. Sophomores Casey Hayward and Sean Richardson are next in line to step in for those two and got plenty of work this spring. Jamie Graham is also making the move from receiver to defensive back.