Top 10 SEC Players

SI Staff | Aug 21, 2009

Top 10 SEC Players

Carlos Dunlap

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Local media have dubbed Dunlap "the sack master." Great size, athleticism and closing speed make Dunlap a nightmare for offensive linemen. Playing on a loaded Florida defense gives Dunlap more freedom, but he's talented enough to change games even when the opposition plans for him.

Ciron Black

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Black has been the model of consistency for LSU, logging 2,654 snaps from scrimmage and managing not to give up a sack since 2006. A vocal leader and committed player, Black passed on the NFL to return to LSU and erase the sour taste the Tigers' sub-par 2008 left in his mouth.

Jevan Snead

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An all-everything recruit out of high school, Snead struggled to find his comfort zone at Texas, but has excelled at Ole Miss. Tim Tebow casts a shadow over all other SEC quarterbacks, but Snead has generated preseason hype as a dark horse Heisman contender.

Terrence Cody

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Affectionately dubbed "Mount Cody" after bursting onto the scene as a 380-pound run-stuffer, Alabama's nose tackle shed some girth this offseason. Improved conditioning should help Cody continue to dominate and make him a more viable option for the Tide on all downs.

Trevard Lindley

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Kentucky got a huge boost when Lindley, one of the nation's best corners, passed on NFL riches. Lindley may be undersized, but his exceptional coverage skills and consistent play make that a non-factor.

Julio Jones

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Jones burst onto the scene as a freshman, leading Alabama with 58 catches for 924 yards and four scores despite nursing a sports hernia and a bum toe, shoulder and wrist. The 6-foot-4, 211-pounder possesses great field vision and rarely goes down on first contact.

Greg Hardy

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The knock on Hardy is he takes plays off, but when he's on, he's as good as any end in the country. Foot injuries plagued him in 2008 and this offseason, but if he's healthy his elite pass-rushing abilities should help Ole Miss challenge for the division title.

Brandon Spikes

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Florida returns all 11 defenders from its 2008 title team, and none more important than Spikes. The Gators' leading tackler was an NFL-ready talent last season, but decided to return to pursue a third title with the Gators.

Eric Berry

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One of the nation's top defensive players and a sure-fire top 10 draft pick, Berry makes an impact against the run (three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2008) and dominates against the pass. Great instincts helped him notch seven INTs and 72 tackles last season.

Tim Tebow

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Since arriving at Florida, Tebow's achievements have earned him acclaim as the greatest player of today, and arguably of all time. It's easy to see why. In three years with the Gators, he's passed for 6,390 yards and 67 TDs and rushed for 2,037 and 43 more, won the Heisman and two national titles and displayed relentless commitment and leadership.