"Best of the Best" SEC Player Rankings: The Top Three at Each Position

So far into this season, most things are still unclear, but one thing that is clear is that the SEC is the premier conference of college football.

When your conference boasts the past three national champions, about six of the 12 teams in the conference are ranked in the Top 25 week in and out, and your conference has three of the top four teams in the rankings for most of the season, you deserve to brag a lil', don't you think?

In this article I am going to offer you my opinion on who the best players are in the SEC at every position.

Unlike most other player rankings that base their rankings on the players' statistics, I, on the other hand, am basing these rankings on how the player helps his team succeed on the field, although I am also taking statistics into consideration.

Please comment, and I will do my best to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing your opinions.

Quarterback

1. Tim Tebow, Florida
Tebow earns this spot because he not only is the Gators' offense, but he also is the emotional leader of the Gator nation.

2. Greg McElroy, Alabama
McElroy is the surprise player of the SEC this season in his first season as a starter. Despite his mid-level performance against Ole Miss, Greg is still among the leaders in passing efficiency in the nation.

3. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Mallett has brought a spark to the Arkansas program that has been missing since the days of the "Wild Hog." Ryan is a complete player who has a future in the pros.

Running Back

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama
Ingram is making his statement for MVP of the SEC, week in and week out grinding out 100-yard games in the crowded backfield of the Crimson Tide. If anyone can lead his team to a title, Ingram is the guy.

2. Charles Scott, LSU
Scott is the Tigers' offense this season with his workhorse ability earning a rough 327 yards.

3. Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Locke is a steady go-to back that can get the job done between the tackles, as well as take it to the perimeter.

Wide Receiver

1. Julio Jones, Alabama
I know everyone is like, "Where's A.J. Green?" Well, although Green has the better stats, Jones is my pick because every time he lines up he's got double coverage or even triple coverage, which opens up the other receivers for the Tide.

2. A.J. Green, Georgia
Green has been the Georgia Bulldogs this season. The go-to guy makes plays when they need him to.

3. Riley Cooper, Florida
Cooper is Tebow's steadiest target this season for an offense that still is very potent, just not as much as past years.

Offensive Line

1. Ciron Black, LSU
Black has been a starter from day one in the bayou and paves the way for rRB Charles Scott to pound out some yardage.

2. Mike Johnson, Alabama
The 300-lb. senior is the leader of an O-line that lost two All-Americans last year.

3. Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Leads the way for the Gators' running attack, which is among the best in the nation.

Defensive Line

1. Terrence Cody, Alabama
His ability to draw double and triple teams is the reason this Alabama defense is so dominating.

2. Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss
Powe anchors a defense that is the only bright spot for this Ole Miss team.

3. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss
A speed rusher with the strength to just plow right through you.

Linebacker

1. Rolando McClain, Alabama
McClain looks like an All-American week in and week out while being the leader of this ferocious defense.

2. Brandon Spikes, Florida
The Tim Tebow of the Florida defense backs up his strong words with strong and relentless play.

3. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
Leads an underrated Carolina defense with his hard-hitting ability.

**Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower was going to be No. 3 until his season-ending MCL tear.

Cornerback

1. Joe Haden, Florida
Haden is lightning-quick and is the leader of quite possibly the best defensive back group in the nation.

2. Javier Arenas, Alabama
Makes up for his lack of size with his hard hitting and quickness.

3. Walter McFadden, Auburn
Usually among the quickest players on the field, letting him cover anyone.

Safety

1. Eric Berry, Tennessee
The best at his position in the nation—all over the field in DC Monte Kiffin's new scheme.

2. Mark Barron, Alabama
Barron is extremely quick and loves to hit. What more could you ask for?

3. Justin Woodall, Alabama
Probably the most "stout" safety in football, but he can read a QB like a book.

I know what you're saying...Bama with two safeties? Both are so good at what they do, the coaching staff uses both of them in different opportunities.

Kicker

1. Leigh Tiffin, Alabama
Nailed all five field goals he was called upon for against Ole Miss, putting him third on the Tide's all-time scoring list. Also very good in the clutch (except against Arkansas in '06).

2. Wes Byrum, Auburn
After a sophomore slump, Byrum is coming on strong this season. VERY good in game winning situations (just ask Florida).

3. Blair Walsh, Georgia
Star for UGA and is as consistent as it gets.

Punter

1. P.J. Fitzgerald, Alabama
Booming leg with plenty of experience to deal with pressure.

2. Drew Butler, Georgia
Second in the SEC in yards behind Vandy, who has punted almost twice as much.

3 Derek Helton, LSU
Bails out the Tigers' offense when they sputter, which seems to be a lot.

Returner

1. Javier Arenas, Alabama
Lightning-quick and extremely hard to bring down. He gives his offense great field position every time he doesn't fair catch the ball.

2. Brandon James, Florida
A fast and strong return man. He's a threat to take it all the way every time he touches the rock.

3. Trindon Holliday, LSU
Fastest man in the nation. Just give him a seam and he's gone.

Top Players in the SEC

1. Eric Berry
2. Tim Tebow
3. Rolando McClain
4. Ciron Black
5. Javier Arenas
6. Mark Ingram
7. Joe Haden
8. Leigh Tiffin
9. Terrence Cody
10. Julio Jones
11. P.J. Fitzgerald

It's easy to see why Florida and Alabama are the class of the SEC.