SEC Football: 5 Game-Changers for the 2012 Season

One player doesn't make a team.  One player can't win the game.  One player can't do everything on his own.

All of that is true, but it sure doesn't hurt having one player who is so incredibly good that you can plan your defensive/offensive strategies around him.

The SEC is arguably the top conference in the nation in terms of game-changing, show-stopping players, and the following superstars are going to make the differences for their respective teams in 2012.

Tyrann Mathieu

Everyone in the nation knows who the Honey Badger is. 

CB Tyrann Mathieu has been ripping up offenses all year with his incredible speed and ability to react to plays. 

With junior CB Morris Claiborne likely heading off to the NFL, look for Mathieu to lead Louisiana State's defense in 2012.

Dont'a Hightower

Alabama MLB Dont'a Hightower is a force to be reckoned with. 

There were high expectations for him as he filled Rolando McClain's shoes, and he met and surpassed every one of them. 

With 66 tackles, 8.5 for losses and three sacks, Hightower was a perfect complement to Courtney Upshaw's ferocious pass rush. 

With Upshaw gone, Hightower looks to lead the Alabama defense in 2012.

Marcus Lattimore

Part of the Heisman talks early on in 2011, Marcus Lattimore was on track to have a great year, as he set the school record for most rushing yards in a game. 

Unfortunately, on October 15th Lattimore suffered a torn ligament in his knee and missed the rest of the season. 

Look for Lattimore to be fully healed and prepared to lead this Gamecock offense in the absence of Alshon Jeffery.

Aaron Murray

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray surprised many people after his slow start to the 2011 season.

After going 0-2, Georgia came back to win 10 straight, relying heavily on Murray's arm and playmaking ability.

With solid performances against LSU and Michigan St (even though GA lost both of those games), Aaron Murray is going to continue to grow and develop into a game-changing quarterback for the Bulldogs.

Da'Rick Rogers

Da'Rick Rogers makes the list because he's one of the few highlights on an otherwise weak Tennessee offense. 

Great hands, speed, size and athleticism will make Rogers a go-to guy on offense in 2012.