College Football Predictions 2011: Aaron Murray and the SEC's Top 5 QBs

The glorified SEC is in dire need of a quarterback to break out this season.

With Cam Newton and Ryan Mallet both leaving for the NFL and the overrated Jeremiah Masoli graduated, this years SEC quarterbacks are flying under the radar.

If the SEC wants to retain their crown and win a 6th straight national title, one of these six quarterbacks is going to have to step up.

6. AJ McCarron, Alabama

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This sophomore quarterback is in line to start this year for Alabama. 

He sat behind Greg McElroy for a year and refined his throwing motion.  As a backup last year he passed for 389 yards, three touchdowns and a 62.5 percent completion percentage. 

He has the height to see over the offensive line at 6'4'' and he should be able to continue Alabama’s winning ways next season.

5. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Tyler Wilson #8 of the Arkansas Razorbacks drops back and looks downfield for receiver during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbac

Tyler Wilson sat behind Ryan Mallet for two years.  He passed for 453 yards as a backup as well as completing 67 percent of his passes. 

His performance against Auburn last year tells me he will succeed this season.  He went 25 for 34 (74 percent), threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns against the number one team in the nation. 

If he has the poise to stand in the pocket with Nick Fairley in his face, he has the ability to lead Arkansas to a SEC title.  

4. Jordan Jefferson, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This five star quarterback out of high school has proven that success at the high school level does not always translate into college victories.

In 2009, Jefferson threw for over 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns, but this past year he struggled and threw for a mediocre 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Jordan Jefferson has the talent to become a very good dual threat quarterback.  He just needs to set his feet before he throws the football, to trust his arm to make the throws and to not be careless with the ball. 

If he executes those three things, LSU will have a great season.

3. John Brantley, Florida

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback John Brantley #12 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Florida native John Brantley is in need of a breakout season.  The Gators finished at a pathetic 8-5 and Brantley was a large part of the problem last year. 

He threw for only nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  With all of the talent that Florida recruits, Brantley is set for a big season.

If he does not prove in the first few games that he is their best quarterback, Will Muschamp will have no problem finding a talented quarterback to replace him. 

2. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass during the 2010 SEC Championship against the Auburn Tigers at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Image

Stephen Garcia has the toughness to win in the SEC.  He is a very tough player and will stand in the pocket with extreme confidence. 

He threw for over 3,000 yards last year and led the Game Cocks to the SEC title game against the best team in the nation—Auburn. 

Garcia threw for 20 touchdowns last year and with his star wide receiver Alshon Jeffery returning, he is set to have a very solid season.

1. Aaron Murray, Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Aaron Murray is the best quarterback in the SEC.

He threw for over 3,000 yards last season and had a three to one ratio of touchdowns to interceptions.

He needs to improve his completion percentage, but other than that, Murray will become the next star quarterback in the SEC. 

He was only a freshman last year which means he still has at least two more years as a starter for the Bulldogs.