So, which SEC players showed us enough in 2010 that we might consider this 2011 season to be their year? Here are five guys whom I think are almost there:
1. Stephon Gilmore (CB), South Carolina: The junior cornerback was an All-SEC selection in 2011 and is atop many lists coming into 2011 as he is expected to do even greater things. Todd McShay has already penciled him in as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and he's been named to the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List for the coming college football season. Gilmore (79 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and three interceptions) led the Gamecocks in tackles last season. He's got enough talent to play just about anywhere Steve Spurrier might want him (he's already played a little quarterback and done some work on special teams) but he makes his living locking down his side of the field—making quarterbacks think twice about challenging him.
2. Devin Taylor (DE), South Carolina: One of the more unheralded parts of the South Carolina defensive line last season (you can find a great profile of Mr. Taylor here), this junior defensive end completed his 2010 campaign with 46 tackles (13 for loss), 7.5 sacks, and eight pass breakups (There's a guy who knows how to use his 6'7" frame and long arms to his advantage). Look for him to step into a bigger role this season and make some serious noise in the SEC.
3. Danny Trevathan (LB), Kentucky: It's quite perplexing why Trevathan decided to play one more year for the Wildcats. I mean, how on earth can he do much better than his 2010 line of 144 tackles (16 for loss), two sacks, and four forced fumbles? Seriously, he would have been one of the top linebacker prospects in this past years draft had he left. However, his decision to stay means the Wildcats will still have a strong leadership presence on their defense in 2011—even if their offense is full of holes. Look for Travathan to be the new focal point of a team that no longer has a Derrick Locke or a Randall Cobb. The added media spotlight could prove beneficial as long as Trevathan keeps his head and plays good football.
4. Malik Jackson, (DE/DT), Tennessee: Jackson transferred to the Vols from USC—taking advantage of the NCAA's g generosity in allowing players from USC to explore playing options elsewhere in light of sanctions imposed on the program after the Reggie Bush investigation—and upped his profile tremendously in the process. Last season, the 6'5" playmaker from Cali tallied 48 tackles (11 for loss), five sacks, and one interception on a Tennessee defensive line that had a ton of potential but was still feeling its way under new head coach Derek Dooley. Look for Jackson to garner a lot more attention from offensive lines this season, making the work of his linemates a lot easier, while making his case as one of the best defensive players in the SEC.
5. Alec Ogletree, (LB), Georgia: Georgia has a few guys who are poised to make their presence felt this season—Kwame Geathers, Bacarri Rambo, and Brandon Boykin to name a few—but the spring move of sophomore Alec Ogletree from safety to linebacker bears watching. The talented in-state product is a natural off the edge and coach Grantham's decision to get him around the ball more should tighten up Georgia's defensive front. Paired up with USC transfer, Jarvis Jones, many expect to see Ogletree break out in a big way this season.
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