SEC Football: 10 Players under the Radar but Headed Towards Success in 2011

The 2011 college football season is nearly upon us, and once again, the SEC is well represented nationally heading into this upcoming football year. LSU and 'Bama seem to be the early favorites not only in the West but also in the conference and in the nation.

Arkansas returns arguably the best receiving core in the country along with one of the best backs in the SEC, Knile Davis. Mississippi State could just as easily be playing in Atlanta come December with all the talent they return in 2011.

And although the 2010 BCS Champion Auburn Tigers have to basically replace their entire team, they'll still be in the mix due to  offensive weapons such as Michael Dyer,Onterio McCalebb, Philip Lutzenkirchen, and Emory Blake. Not to mention defensive hard hitters Cory Lemonier, Nosa Eguae and Daren Bates.

Last season, South Carolina broke the Florida Gators' stranglehold on the SEC East and look to be the favorites to repeat as the Eastern Division champs. But the Gators bring in a re-tooled coaching staff lead by first-year head coach Will Muschamp which could be the shot in the sphincter Florida needs to shake them outa' their Urban Meyer/ spread option induced stupor.

With Mark Richt on the hot seat, UGA is in a "must win" situation which could be good or bad, all depending on how Richt and the Dawgs handle the pressure. The one thing that is for sure is the Bulldogs bring back one of the most gifted young quarterbacks in the country in redshirt sophomore Aaron Murray. Add to the mix a defense in its second year running the 3-4 and returning seven starters, UGA should position themselves to challenge USC and Florida for the East.

Look for Tennessee to improve under head coach Derek Dooley's second year. The Vol's were young and inexperienced at quite a few positions last season, and with returning players like true sophomores Tyler Bray, Ja'Wuan James, Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee's future looks bright. But this is a team that is still a year or two away from being a serious contender in the East.

Each teams success depends on a combination of things to happen, or in some cases, to not happen. Teams such as Alabama look towards their on-the-field leaders like Dont'a Hightower and Trent Richardson to lead the team to victory.

Arkansas will depend on their group of experienced wideouts to help stabalize incoming quarterback Tyler Wilson. Auburn will now turn to Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb to carry the exponentially heavy load left by 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton.

Almost every team in the SEC has it's so-called "star" or "stars," and we all know what's expected from those guys. Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery at South Carolina. Brandon Bolden at Ole Miss. Chris Relf at Mississippi State. Trent Richardson, Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower at 'Bama. Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb at Auburn. And Aaron Murray at Georgia.

But for any of the teams listed above to be successful and reach their goals in 2011, they'll need more than just stellar performances from their premier players. If a team wants to go from being good to great, they'll need the underachiever, the unknown or the up-and-comer to rise to the occasion and elevate not only themselves but those around them to be better players.

In the following pages are 10 players poised to have a breakout performance heading into the 2011 season. Some are first-year starters, players that ended the 2010 season strong and young players that are on the rise. While others are returning starters looking for redemption.

Either way, 2011 will be the year that these 10 players will have the opportunity to become impact players and to leave a lasting impression for years to come.

10. Kiehl Frazier: Auburn (Qb.)

When Russell Wilson chose Wisconsin over Auburn, it pretty much laid to rest any dreams of a repeat, SEC or otherwise. But don't think for a minute that this Auburn squad is just gonna roll over and die.

The Tigers are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and one of the most gifted young players in the country is none other than Auburn, true freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier.

At 6'3", 212 lbs. Frazier was the No. 1 prospect out of the state of Arkansas and was rated as the nation's fifth best dual-threat QB. Among dual-threat quarterbacks in his class, few, if any, have his overall abilities.

Frazier was a part of three consecutive state title teams during his tenure at Shiloh Christian. As a high school senior, he completed 63 percent of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards, 42 touchdowns versus only eight interceptions. Frazier also rushed for 1,164 yards and racked up 22 rushing TD's. An Under Armour All-American, named first-team All-USA and National Offensive Player of the Year by USA Today.

Frazier has spent the last three seasons running Gus Malzahn's fast-paced, no-huddle spread offense which should make his transition from high school to college easier than most incoming freshman players.

He will of course have to adjust to the speed of the game in the ultra competitive SEC and might not be the starter from day one but I'd be willing to bet the house that before mid-season arrives Frazier will already be well established as the Tigers starting Qb.

Over the next three years, Kiehl Frazier will make the Auburn faithful forget about the name Cam Newton.

9. Melvin Ingram: South Carolina (DE)

Melvin Ingram returns in 2011 as one of the best defensive tackles in the SEC. He leads all returning starters with nine sacks from 2010, and with help from fellow teammates Devin Taylor, Travian Robertson, and incoming freshman sensation Jadeveon Clowney, those numbers are surely to grow.

Ingram was by far one of the most improved players not only for the Gamecocks but in the entire SEC in 2010. He also played a big role in helping South Carolina reach its first SEC Eastern Division title since joining the SEC in 1991.

Ingram's breakthrough performance in 2010 was a two-sack game in an upset of then-No. 1 Alabama. His nine sacks led the Gamecocks in the catagory and was thrid in the SEC in 2010.

At 6'2", 271 lbs., he's not your prototypical defensive end but plays the position nearly flawlessly and will move inside occasionally on passing downs.

After starting his career at linebacker in 2007 then suffering through a foot injury that cost him the entire 2008 season, Melvin Ingram looks as if he has finally found a home on the defensive line.

8. Tauren Poole: Tennessee (RB)

After spending the last few seasons playing the role of backup, Tauren Poole made the most of the opportunity given to him by starting all 13 games at tailback and rushing for 1,034 yards along with 11 TD's.

Poole tied for an SEC best, six 100-yard games in 2010 and became the first back in 41 games to reach the 100-yard mark against the run stifling Alabama defense.

Even with all the accolades listed above, Poole isn't considered to be an "elite" back in the ultra-competitive SEC. As a matter of fact, Poole was listed by the majority of all the major sports annuals as the seventh best back in the SEC for 2011.

The so-called "experts" must love being proved wrong.

Keep in mind, that Poole had to run behind an offensive line chock full of true freshman, four to be exact, and still managed to put up big numbers.In 2011, Poole will not only have a talented offensive line up front but one with experience which will equal success for Poole and the Vols rushing attack this upcoming year.

7. Danny Trevathan: Kentucky (LB)

Danny Trevathan is one of six returning, senior starters coming back for Kentucky's 2011 season. And while this spot could just as easily belong to teammate Winston Guy, the Wildcats defense will be anchored by Trevathan.

Trevathan leads all returning starters in the SEC with 144 tackles from a year ago and is positioned to have an even bigger impact in 2011. Trevathan finished the 2010 campaign red hot with nine straight games with double-digit tackles.

Kentucky's biggest recruiting score of the offseason was getting Trevathan to return for his senior year as he was seriously considering the jump to the NFL. "I was gone" stated Trevathan. "But then I reconsidered and chose to return to earn a degree and play one last season of college football."

The above statement by Danny Trevathan just solidifies the already well-known fact that he is a phenomenal leader and team player.

Like many of the great linebackers that have came out of the SEC in the past, Trevathan leads by example. He not only wants success for himself but also for those that are playing around him. He doesn't want to be a star, just to simply be a great team player.

Look for Danny Trevathan to be one of the premier defenders in the SEC for 2011.

6. Ronald Powell: Florida (DE/LB)

 Ronald Powell was touted by some experts to be the most impressive athlete to come out of high school in over 20 years. At 6'4" and weighing in around 248 lbs., Powell has the speed of a running back, and Michelangelo, himself, couldn't have carved out a more perfect athletic, male specimen.

It has actually been stated by both coaches and peers that Powell has the athletic ability to play at any position on defense, and that includes the secondary. Powell saw limited action in 2010 as a true freshman and only managed 25 tackles—16 being solo and only one sack.

Look for those numbers to increase dramatically in 2011.

First-year head coach and defensive guru Will Muschamp has stated that he will use Powell in a position that he used during his stint as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins called the Buck position. Muschamp placed NFL great Jason Taylor in that position at Miami and hopes to achieve the same results at Florida using Powell there.

Florida really struggled last season on the defensive front with very little push up the middle and no pressure from the edges. Don't expect the same results this upcoming season as much emphasis has been placed on improving the line.

Powell will be used as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker. He'll be a rush end in the 4-3 and a linebacker in the 3-4 and will quickly become a nightmare for opposing qb's.

This kid was born to wreak havoc on a football field.

5.Vick Ballard: Mississippi State (RB)

Vick Ballard is one of the most impressive players entering into the 2011 season and not many outside the state of Mississippi even know who he is. Ballard is the biggest reason why the Bulldogs didn't miss a beat running the football after losing Anthony Dixon in 2009.

Ballard gained 968 yards and rushed for a school record 19 touchdowns to cap off one of the most successful seasons MSU has had since the days of Jackie Sherrill.

Ballard also rushed for at least one score in 10-of-12 games, including four games with three rushing scores.

And considering that he didn't really get started until the 2010 season was halfway over, I'd say that we've yet to see the full extent of Ballard's capabilities.

Dropping the two-quarterback system and settling with Ballard at running back and Relf at QB was one of the wisest decisions that Dan Mullen made last year. And now, heading into 2011, Ballard knows Mullens' offense and feels comfortable in his position.

If State wants to make a serious run at winning the West and getting to Atlanta, they'll need a healthy and productive Vick Ballard to do so.

4. Dre Kirkpatrick: Alabama (CB)

In 2010, Dre Kirkpatrick logged his first full year as the starting corner and grew into an outstanding player for the Crimson Tide defense. He finished with 53 tackles on the season to rank fourth on the team, had seven pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and made three interceptions that he returned for 30 yards.

Standing 6'3" and weighing in at 192 lbs., Kirkpatrick is a big, physical corner that will only continue to get better under Saban's tutelage throughout the 2011 season.

Watching Kirkpatrick now, he looks a lot like current New York Jets corner Antonio Cromartie, and I'm sure he'll draw comparisons to Patrick Peterson throughout the season, but right now, Kirkpatrick isn't at  Peterson's level physically but will be close by the end of the year.

Kirkpatrick has the potential to be a Mel Blount type corner and is a classic "Revis-esque" cover corner with Rod Woodson's bump-and-run stuffing ability when stopping the run.

He did struggle against Alshon Jeffery in last year's loss to South Carolina but look for the few problems he had last year to be a non factor in 2011. As long as Kirkpatrick can avoid injury, the sky's the limit for this future NFL corner.

3. Tyler Wilson: Arkansas (QB)

By now, everyone's aware of Tyler Wilson's 332-yard, four-touchdown relief performance in three quarters at Auburn last year. So, does that alone lend credence to saying that Wilson will be a great quarterback in 2011?

In one word, no.

Calm down Razorback fans, he'll still be great but not just because he put up big numbers against an atrocious Auburn secondary. The one thing the 2010 Auburn game did show was that Wilson could come in off the bench, in a very hostile environment and perform at a high level.

Asking an unproven quarterback to do that in the SEC isn't easy, no matter how bad the opposing defense is. Wilson proved that he could run Petrino's offense, not perfectly, but he kept the Hogs within grasp of victory until two very costly fourth quarter ints. did them in.

One thing's for sure, Tyler Wilson will enter into this upcoming season surrounded by more weapons than any first year starting qb in college football. With the exception of replacing both offensive tackles and a Mackey Award winning tight end, this offense is loaded.

Personally, I think Wilson will be an upgrade at the position. While he doesn't have the arm Mallett has, he does however have a lot more mobility in and out of the pocket, and he throws great on the run. His accuracy could help the Hogs improve their 40.13 percent third down conversion percentage which ranked 56th in the nation and seventh in the SEC in 2010.

2. John Brantley: Florida (QB)

Watching John Brantley attempt to run Urban Meyer's spread-option offense last year was a lot like watching Betty White do the CatDaddy.

If it wasn't bad enough that he was forced into a system that he would never have the skills to run, but he was constantly walking in the tremendously large shadow left by Tim Tebow.

Simply put: 2006 thru 2009 was a four-year party and 2010 was the aftermath. It just so happened that the guy in charge of the clean-up process was one John Brantley; and Holy Jesus, did he have one hell of a mess left...

By the end of the year, rumors were flying all across cyberspace that Brantley was ready to call it quits and leave Florida. The 2010 season had left a really bad taste in the Ocala native's mouth.

But the second Will Muschamp was hired and made it clear that he would be ditching the spread for a pro-style attack, John Brantley's future immediately got a lot brighter. When Muschamp announced that offensive guru Charlie Weis would be bringing his skills to Gainsville to take over as offensive coordinator, Brantley had to be ecstatic!

After seeing Brantley's spring game performance, I haven't heard a lot of enthusiasm coming from the Florida fanbase but trust me, what Lane Kiffin did for Jonathan Crompton in 2009 Charlie Weis will do for John Brantley in 2011.

John Brantly will silence his harshest critics in 2011 and will lead the Gators back to the top of the SEC East.

1. Jordan Jefferson: LSU (QB)

There's not a more maligned three-year veteran in college football than LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson. There's also not a single player that deserves a more successful senior season than Jefferson. He has taken the majority of the blame for all of LSU's offensive woes the past few years no matter if he deserved it or not.

But, to borrow a quote from the oh so wise and immortal William Munny "deserve's got nuthin to do with it"  BLAM!!!  No Little Bill, we don't give a rat's ass about that new house you're building!

And while no one is standing over Jefferson about to perform a coup de grace with a Spencer rifle, a fire has definitely been lit under Jordan's backside due to the recent acquisition of Juco transfer and former Georgia Bulldog Zack Mettenberger.

As if the guy didn't have enough reasons to look over his shoulder already...

And just like John Brantley, Jefferson's spring game performance is not helping this argument. Jefferson completed only four of 14 passes with an interception, two fumbles and two sacks. But these spring games are nothing more than glorified practices and fans put way too much stock into what the players can or cannot do coming out of them.

One of the smartest moves Les Miles has made in the past few years was bringing in Steve Kragthorpe as the new offensive coordinator. This will be the best OC LSU fans have seen in Baton Rouge since the days of Jimbo Fisher

And just as John Brantley will benefit from Weis, so will Jefferson thrive under Kragthorpe. Kragthorpe might have failed miserably as Louisville's head coach, but the guy knows how to get the most from his quarterbacks and his receivers.

One of the biggest problems for the LSU offense last year was the absence of a running game. Look for Kragthorpe to design a lot of screen or short passing plays to substitute for the running game if it goes stale again this season. And there's a wealth of talent on the offensive side of the football for the Tigers so Kragthorpe will have a very large bag to dip into.

The bottom line is that Jefferson is a leader, and when September 3rd arrives and Jefferson leads the LSU Tigers to victory over the defending Pac-10/ Pac-12 champion, Oregon Ducks, all past sins will be forgiven.