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Ranking the most exciting SEC football players of all-time

In this article, I rank the top 10 most exciting SEC players in the 91 years of its existence

By Peter Bartell

Nov 26, 1983; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee senior Reggie White, a candidate for the prestigious Lombardi Trophy that goes to the nation's outstanding lineman, rests on the sidelines during the Vols 34-24 victory over Vanderbilt before 93,426 fans at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Mandatory Credit: Ricky Rogers-USA TODAY NETWORK
Nov 26, 1983; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee senior Reggie White, a candidate for the prestigious Lombardi Trophy that goes to the nation's outstanding lineman, rests on the sidelines during the Vols 34-24 victory over Vanderbilt before 93,426 fans at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Mandatory Credit: Ricky Rogers-USA TODAY NETWORK / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
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6. Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)

Newton could take over a game whether it was on the Plains or on the road. One of his most memorable moments was “The Camback” where he led the Auburn Tigers back from a 24-0 deficit to beat the rival Alabama Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl.

The Tigers would go on to defeat the Oregon Ducks for the National Championship that season, and Newton would win the Heisman Trophy throwing for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns through the air. Newton would pitch in another 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground electrifying the crowd each week.

Although he only spent one season as a starting quarterback in college after transferring from the University of Florida where he spent his first two seasons behind Tim Tebow and Chris Leak, Newton is undoubtedly one of the most exciting SEC players to have ever taken the field.

5. Peyton Manning (QB, Tennessee)

“The Sherrif” as he is known in Knoxville and beyond. Peyton Manning was in a league of his own during his time in Knoxville. Opting to come back for his senior year indebted him forever to the Volunteer fan base who praises him to this day, and rightfully so.

In his final two seasons in Knoxville, Manning would throw for over 3,000 yards. His senior year was his biggest highlight where he threw for 3,819 yards, 36 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He would be robbed of the Heisman Trophy which went to Michigan’s Charles Woodson, but is revered as one of the best to ever do it in the SEC from the quarterback position.

Although a pocket passing quarterback, his precision was such that passes seem to always be on target entertaining the crowd like no other. In fact, Manning had such great command of his throws and the offense that he was one of very few SEC quarterbacks that had been given the autonomy to call his own plays at the line of scrimmage.

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