College Football: Top 5 SEC Players of the Decade

The SEC is one of most dominant conferences in the country. Since the BCS has started, the SEC is 7-0, while winning the championship the past five years. So while winning that many, they got to have some great talent going to these schools in that conference. 

Let's take a look at the top five players of this decade, 2000-2010.

Honorable Mentions

While this list is consists of many great players, it is hard to choose from all of them. So here are the players that didn't make the cut, but were close to it: A.J. Green, Georgia; Laron Landry, LSU; Greg McElroy, Alabama; Patrick Peterson, LSU; Justin Vincent, LSU; Darren McFadden; Arkansas, Glenn Dorsey, LSU; Jerod Mayo, Tennessee; Marcus McNeal, Auburn; David Greene, Georgia; John Parker Wilson, Alabama.

5. Eric Berry: SS Tennessee Volunteers 2008-2010

Berry was a standout player in college football. He was known for his unwillingness to back down and would go head on against another player. Berry recorded 86 tackles and five interception in his freshman season alone.

He was named the Freshman SEC Defensive player of the year in 2007, while also being named to National Defensive Freshman of the Year. In 2008, he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, as well winning the Vince Dooley Award & the Jack Tatum Award. In 2008 & 2009, Berry was named to First-Team All-SEC.  Berry was also awarded by being named to 2000s RivalsHigh.com Team Of The Decade First Team.

Career Stats: 241 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 1 FF, 14 INT.

4. Eli Manning: QB Ole Miss 2000-2003

Manning was one of Ole Miss’ best players to step into the position of quarterback. He passed for almost 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first starting season at Ole Miss. He received the 2002 Independence Bowl MVP and the 2003 Cotton Bowl Classic Offensive MVP in 2003.

He was also named the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner. Manning was also a two-time Conerly Trophy Winner.

Career Stats: 841/1383 for 10,286 yards, and 84 touchdowns.

3. Mark Ingram: HB Alabama Crimson Tide 2008-2010

Ingram caught the nation’s attention in 2009 when he rushed for over 1,500 yards and led the Crimson Tide to a BCS National Title. He was named to the Consensus First Team All-American Team in 2009, and was also named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

He was the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, the first Crimson Tide player to win it. While winning all these awards, he was also the cover athlete for NCAA 12.

Career Stats:  3,324 yards for 572 carries, rushed for 42 touchdowns.

2. Cameron Newton: QB Auburn Tigers 2010 (Florida Gators 2007-2008)

Newton made the nation’s jaw drop when he showed off his skill in the 2010 season for the Auburn Tigers. He became a superstar in his first and only year at Auburn.

He rushed for almost 1,500 yards, while passing for almost 3,000. He led the Tigers to a BCS National Championship, their first since 1957. Newton was the winner of these awards: Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award, Maxwell Award and the Heisman Trophy Winner. Newton was also named the 2010 AP Player of the Year.

*Career Stats:

Passing-  191/292 for 2,908 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Rushing-  1,586 yards on 285, carries, and 24 touchdowns.

*Only including the stats when he played in the SEC, not at junior college.

1. Tim Tebow: QB Florida Gators 2006-2009

Tim Tebow was remarkably one of the best college football players in the nation, let alone the SEC. He rushed for almost 3,000 yards while playing for Florida, and threw for a little over 9,000.

He led the Gators to two BCS National Championships, 2006 & 2008. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and was a finalist in 2008 and 2009. Along with these awards, he was the cover athlete for NCAA 11. He was also a two time SEC Offensive player of the year. He was one of the best dual threat quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Career Stats:

Passing- 661/995, 9,285 yards and 88 touchdowns.

Rushing- 2,947 yards for 692 carries, rushed for 57 touchdowns.