SEC Football Top 150 Players: No. 88, E.J. Gaines, Missouri DB

The SEC Blog will be counting down the top 150 players in the SEC every day, concluding on Aug. 30, at the start of the college football regular season.

88. E.J. Gaines, No. 31, Missouri Defensive Back

2011 stats: 69 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, 18 passes defended, nine punt returns for 98 yards and one touchdown

Strengths

Gaines emerged as one of the Big 12's best cornerbacks a sophomore, when he finished fourth in FBS with 18 pass breakups en route to First-Team All-Big 12 honors. He has a nose for the football and can handle himself well in one-on-one coverage against even the biggest wide receivers.

Weaknesses

At 5'10", 190 pounds, Gaines is a bit on the short side, which is really his only concern. That hasn't hurt him in the past that much, but opposing offensive coordinators will look to exploit the size mismatch this season in the SEC.

2012 Prediction

Gaines may not be known to SEC fans now, but he will be once toe meets leather this fall. It shouldn't take him long to get acclimated to his new surroundings in the SEC, and he will be in the mix for First-Team All-SEC honors in 2012.

Follow @BarrettSallee