College Football 2011 Preseason Rankings: Top 5 Impact Players of the SEC

The Southeastern Conference is without a doubt the best in country. They have won five BCS National Championships, and multiple teams have a chance to make it six in a row for the SEC. 

Around this time every year, the SEC media days take place in Hoover, Alabama. Every team enters 2011 with many questions to answer, but most of them know they can easily rely on a player or two to carry them through the rigorous schedule of the SEC.

So who are these impact players of the SEC? These guys will be the leaders and difference-makers on their respective teams.

Here are the top five impact players of the SEC.   

Honorable Mention

Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn

Dyer just misses the top five, but that doesn't make him any less of an impact player for the Auburn Tigers. With Cam Newton gone, Dyer will be the offense for head coach Gene Chizik. 

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia

The Bulldogs have taken a number of hits to their backfield this offseason. They won't have an experienced running back on the depth chart for Week 1, which means Crowell is going to be the starter. The best running back recruit in the country last year, Crowell will have a lot of pressure place on him from the minute he walks on campus. 

John Brantley, QB, Florida

The Gators quarterback almost left the school, but with the addition of new head coach Will Muschamp and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss, Brantley decided to stay. He knew he would get better with the change of offense, and because of that he is a player to watch this year. If he falters, the Gators are in big trouble, but if he shines, they could win the SEC East. 

Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The best defensive player on the Crimson Tide will be all over the field in 2011. The head-hunting linebacker is the anchor of this defense, which will carry Alabama very far this season. He's a first-team defender on the coaches' preseason All-SEC team, and he was also named to the 2011 Butkus Award watch list.  

5. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

With a new quarterback under center, Bobby Petrino and the Arkansas Razorbacks will heavily rely on running back Knile Davis. 

Davis solidified himself as a legit back last year when he ran for over 1,300 yards, scored 13 touchdowns and averaged six-and-a-half yards per carry. His numbers were fantastic, and you shouldn't expect anything less from him in 2011.

Tyler Wilson takes over for Ryan Mallett, and with a ton of talent around him, he will transition well into the starting role. He has to feel great knowing Davis is in the backfield to bail him out.

With his ability to see the field, evade defenders and burst through the hole, the 6'0", 220-pound Davis will help this team compete for the SEC West title. 

4. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery was one of the best wideouts in the country in 2010, and that isn't going to change in 2011. He is a huge part of the Gamecocks offense, and with his ability to catch anything, Jeffery will help lead his team very far. 

Jeffery dominated last year with over 1,500 yards receiving on only 88 receptions, but he only scored nine touchdowns thanks to a sound running game. 

Whether it's Stephen Garcia or Connor Shaw throwing to him, Jeffery is going to bring it down and have outstanding stats once again. He is the best receiver in the SEC, and is a prime candidate to win the 2011 Biletnikoff Award. 

3. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Aaron Murray may only be a redshirt sophomore, but he is a fantastic quarterback. The best quarterback in the SEC, Murray is the only hope Georgia has this year of a good season. 

He calls the shots, and is the leader of this team. The 6'1", 209-pound quarterback had a phenomenal freshman year, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. 

The Bulldogs may have lost A.J. Green, but Murray is capable of putting the ball in the right place for guys like Tavarres King and Orson Charles to catch it. A lot rests on the arm of Aaron Murray this year, but Georgia believes he can take them far. 

2. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Marcus Lattimore broke on the scene in 2010 and stole the show. He ran all over teams as a freshman, and he will be one of the top running backs in 2011.

The 6'0", 218-pound running back will be expected to improve upon last year's stats of 249 carries, 1,197 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Don't worry though, Gamecock fans—Lattimore will not be the victim of a sophomore slump.

With the uncertainties at quarterback in South Carolina, the ground game will be used frequently. Lattimore was a difference-maker last year for the Gamecocks, and the game plan won't change for Steve Spurrier and South Carolina.  

1. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The best running back in the conference, Trent Richardson will be a huge star in the 2011. He finally takes over the starting role for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and it's going to be something special to watch.

A Heisman Trophy candidate, Richardson will double his stats from a year ago. In 2010, Richardson ran for 700 yards on 112 carries and scored six touchdowns. He began the year with five straight games with a run of 30 yards or more, and his longest run of the season was for 65 yards.

In 2011, he will carry the load for the Crimson Tide because he is the only sure thing they have. 

The departures of several key offensive players left Alabama hanging, but they have put all their faith in Richardson. We've seen flashes of this speedy back, and now that he is the starter, everyone will know what Richardson is fully capable of.