ForumsBY ESPN’s Chris Low
I’m sure the suspense has been killing all of you about who’s No. 1 in our countdown of the SEC’s 25 best players. Well, here goes.
No. 1: Mark Ingram, RB, Jr., Alabama
Mark Ingram is the first Crimson Tide player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
2009 numbers: His 1,658 rushing yards led all SEC players, as did his 20 touchdowns. Averaged 6.1 yards per carry and also caught 32 passes for 334 yards.
Most recent ranking: No. 1 on the 2009 postseason countdown.
Making the case for Ingram: The Heisman Trophy is a pretty good place to start. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound Ingram became Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner in school history last season, but his value goes much deeper than just winning college football’s most prestigious individual award. To really appreciate Ingram, watch him after initial contact. The first guy never gets him, as evidenced by the fact that Ingram had an astonishing 1,075 yards after contact last season. Former Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson marveled at Ingram’s vision and his ability to hit any crease, no matter how small, at full speed. When he does get some daylight, he has the wheels to go the distance. More than 30 percent of his rushing attempts last season went for a first down or a touchdown. One of the things that sets Ingram apart is his versatility. He has excellent hands out of the backfield and is equally good in pass protection when it comes to picking up the blitz. Ingram was at his best against the best teams, averaging 156.8 yards against six Top 25 opponents. And you want dependable? Ingram handled the ball 303 times last season (271 rushing attempts and 32 catches) and lost just one fumble. He’s only put the ball on the ground twice during his career. When you think of a football player, and I’m talking about a guy who impacts the game in a variety of different ways, No. 22 is the measuring stick in this league.
The rundown
No. 2: A.J. Green, WR, Jr., Georgia
No. 3: Ryan Mallett, QB, Jr., Arkansas
No. 4: Patrick Peterson, CB, Jr., LSU
No. 5: Marcell Dareus, DE, Jr., Alabama
No. 6: Julio Jones, WR, Jr., Alabama
No. 7: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Jr., Alabama
No. 8: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Sr., Florida
No. 9: Pernell McPhee, DE, Sr., Mississippi State
No. 10: Jerrell Powe, NT, Sr., Ole Miss
No. 11: Trent Richardson, RB, So., Alabama
No. 12: Stephon Gilmore, CB, So., South Carolina
No. 13: Kelvin Sheppard, LB, Sr., LSU
No. 14: Randall Cobb, WR/QB, Jr., Kentucky
No. 15: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Jr., Florida
No. 16: Mark Barron, S, Jr., Alabama
No.17: Darvin Adams, WR, Jr., Auburn
No. 18: Alshon Jeffery, WR, So., South Carolina
No. 19: D.J. Williams, TE, Sr., Arkansas
No. 20: Cliff Matthews, DE, Sr., South Carolina
No. 21: Clint Boling, OT, Sr., Georgia
No. 22: Greg Childs, WR, Jr., Arkansas
No. 23: Washaun Ealey, RB, So., Georgia
No. 24: Chris Marve, LB, Jr., Vanderbilt
No. 25: Luke Stocker, TE, Sr., Tennessee
{ 5 comments }
No Jeff Demps? You’re right, I’d much rather have Washaun Ealey…
No Will Hill, AJ Jones??? should have known better than to go to a Vol site.
if you didnt notice that writeup is done by Chris Low of ESPN. Way to read the whole thing! Maybe you should just stay off this site. Only one Tennessee player even on the list and all you want on the list is Florida players.
gaytor….per Chris Low from ESPN!?
This is embarassing moment..UT should be ashamed to treat the Greatest Fans like Second Class Citizens..we deserve better.
It will be years before we recover. Phil Fulmer for Athletic Director.
well, I understand the rankings based on works and or accomplishments on the field. Its not where you start it’s where you finish. Some of these players may have a season ending injury on opening day, certainly I’m not wishing for that, but lets wait and let the VOL’S take field, GO VOL’S!
Comments on this entry are closed.