SEC Football: John Brantley and the Top 5 Players Who Have Something to Prove

We are only 44 days away from the 2011 college football season and SEC Media Days are under way this week.

Last year, the SEC featured some of the best talent in all of college football with players like Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and Ryan Mallett.

But a new year means players like John Brantley have a chance to start over and gain the trust of his coaches and fans.

Brantley is not alone in this sentiment.

Several other players had a down year in 2010 and are looking to bounce back in this upcoming season.

Here are the five best players in the SEC who all have something to prove in the 2011 college football season.

5. QB Morgan Newton: Kentucky

Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton quickly made a name for himself in the SEC after having an impact freshman season when Mike Hartline was lost for the season due to injury.

Newton was named to All-SEC Freshman Team.

Unfortunately, Newton was not able to compete with Hartline in 2010 and the senior regained his starting role as Kentucky's quarterback.

This season, Newton is the projected starter at quarterback and he looks to regain the confidence of his coaching staff.

He possesses dual-threat capabilities and could really be a bright spot for the Wildcats offense that lost its main playmaker, Randall Cobb, to the NFL.

Perhaps Newton's best attribute is his strong throwing arm. Sometimes it gets him in trouble because he forces too many passes.

But he'll have no competition for the job and he should feel a little more comfortable in the starting role in 2011.

He'll have to carry much of the load for Kentucky's offense, but he has the tools to get it done.

4. QB Jordan Jefferson: LSU

Although LSU posted an impressive 11-2 record in 2010, capping off the season with a victory over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl, quarterback Jordan Jefferson's numbers dropped drastically.  

2009: 2,166 passing yards, 61.5 completion percentage, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions

2010: 1,411 passing yards, 56.5 completion percentage, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions

Not to mention his quarterback rating dropped 23 points. 

Jefferson was one of the biggest question marks throughout the season for the Tigers and he had trouble performing well in the big games.

Against Tennessee, Auburn and Alabama, Jefferson threw for a combined 217 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Jefferson will be in his third year as starting quarterback for the Tigers and an offensive leader.

Thankfully, Jefferson has always had a tough LSU defense to bail him out during bad performances, but if the Tigers expect to return the BCS National Championship this season, Jefferson will have to perform much better.

If he can lower his interceptions and help take the defense's attention of the LSU's running game, the Tigers will be much improved in 2011.

3. RB Jeff Demps: Florida

Jeff Demps has made a name for himself with his electrifying speed in the open field. In fact, he is often regarded as the fastest college football player with his track times.

But in 2010, Demps' season was plagued by injuries and a poor Florida offensive line.

He only eclipsed 100 rushing yards once last season and missed three games due to injury. 

He rushed for 200 yards less than from his 2009 season and only scored three touchdowns in 2010.

But Demps will now be entering his final season of college football and will have only one more shot of making an impact on this Gator roster.

There is no denying Demps' talent and his speed alone will help him to make several big plays.

But Chris Rainey and Demps will be sharing much of the carries throughout the season, with both seniors trying to make a lasting impact in their final season.

If Demps can avoid the injury bug, he has the running skills and vision to be a big threat on a Gators offense that will be searching for its identity in 2011.

2. LB Shaq Wilson: South Carolina

Shaq Wilson missed all but one game in the 2010 season due to a nagging hamstring injury, which was a big blow to the South Carolina defense.

In his sophomore season, Wilson was the team's leading tackler with 85 tackles, including 47 solo tackles. 

This season, Wilson returns for the Gamecocks and will be an important part of the defense. He will be considered a leader on defense and he will have to return to his earlier form if the Gamecocks expect to hold their own on defense.

Perhaps Wilson's best attribute is how he steps up in the big games.

In 2009 against Alabama and Arkansas, Wilson combined for a total of 22 tackles, including an interception and a tackle for loss.

Wilson is expected to be the "quarterback of the defense" and as long as his hamstring holds up, he should expect to have another fantastic season. 

1. QB John Brantley: Florida

Perhaps the most under-performing player of the 2010 season was Florida quarterback John Brantley.

In his first season as starting quarterback, Brantley struggled mightily in the spread option offense.

He just never seemed to be in a rhythm and he eventually split time with both Trey Burton and Jordan Reed.

For the season, Brantley threw for only 2,061 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. And he quickly became the scape goat for Florida's offensive woes, receiving much of the blame from fans.

It was especially disappointing because expectations were high for Brantley because he was considered a better pure passer than Tebow. He was someone who had high pro potential with his attributes.

Thankfully, a new coaching staff and offensive system has been introduced at Florida and Brantley should thrive under Charlie Weis' pro-style offense. Both Jordan Reed and Trey Burton have been moved to other positions, so it seems as if the quarterback job is Brantley's. 

Brantley will be more comfortable under center and he should be able to develop more chemistry with the offense by seeing more snaps on the field.

Brantley could have a short leash in 2011, but I expect him to settle down and become more of a leader and efficient passer for the Florida Gators.