Five SEC Players I Would Pay To See
People have often told me that if I had to pay to watch college football, like most folks do, I would view the game differently. That may or may not be true. But I do know this: There are certain players that I would happily pay to see on a weekly basis. Here are just five from the SEC:
1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida: Tebow’s numbers in his first three seasons are staggering. He has run for 43 touchdowns, a Florida record and only six shy of the SEC career record set by Georgia’s Herschel Walker (1980-82). He has thrown for 67 touchdown passes. He had 30 touchdown passes last season and 32 in 2007. If he throws 32 touchdown passes this season, Tebow will be tied with Peyton Manning for No. 2 on the all-time SEC list. (Florida’s Danny Wuerffel holds the SEC record with 114 career touchdown passes).
But here is the Tim Tebow stat that blows my mind: He has thrown 681 passes in his career with only 11 interceptions. That’s one interception for every 61.9 passes he has thrown. That is by far the best interception to pass attempt ratio in SEC history. Kentucky’s Andre Woodson is a distant second with one interception for every 51.1 passes thrown.
2. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: I’ve been following SEC football for a long time and this guy could be the best defensive back in the history of this league. Consider this: It took Florida State’s Terrell Buckley three seasons (1989-91) and 36 games to set the NCAA career record for interception return yardage (501). If Berry picks off a pass and returns it 15 yards against Western Kentucky on Sept. 5, he will have broken Buckley’s record in just 27 games. He led the nation with 265 return yards on seven interceptions last season. In 2008 he was the first Tennessee player to be a unanimous All-America pick since 1990 (OL Antone Davis). He has started every single game of his college career. Not even Herschel Walker or Bo Jackson can make that claim. Enjoy him now because it’s a pretty good bet that he won’t be back for his senior season.
3. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: There are certain players who have a “presence” when they take the field. You know the first time you see them play that they are going to be special. When I saw Rolando McClain start his first game against Western Carolina two years ago, I knew he was one of those players. Playing middle linebacker in the SEC is a job for grown men and McClain has excelled at the position in his first two years with 169 total tackles. This season, with the departure of safety Rashad Johnson, McClain is going to have to take on an additional role as the leader of the Crimson Tide defense. I picked Alabama to win the SEC West because of its defense. McClain is the best player on that defense and one of the best in the country.
4. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia; Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: You may think that picking both these guys is a copout. I stand guilty as charged. But the comparisons started when they signed and both showed up wearing No. 8 as true freshmen starters. Last season Green had 56 catches for 963 yards and eight touchdowns. Jones had 58 catches for 924 yards and four touchdowns. Both are 6-4 and weigh right around 210 pounds. Both are strong enough to break away from a DB who is trying to muscle them out of position. Both catch everything in sight. Both have a chance, if they stay healthy, to be the best receiver in the history of their respective schools. We will still be making these comparisons when both are stars in the NFL. What Ali and Frazier were to boxing, these guys are to receiving in college football.
5. Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky: You really have to watch this guy closely to appreciate how really good he is. Lindley, from Hiram, arrived at the Kentucky campus three years ago and started in his very first college game. He has now started 39 games at corner for the Wildcats. He’s the best cover corner in the SEC (along with Florida’s Joe Haden). He has incredible instincts for the ball and has a knack for making big plays when the game is on the line. Six of his nine career interceptions have been key plays in Kentucky victories. An interception against No. 1 LSU in 2007 set up a tying field goal and sent the game into overtime. Kentucky upset the Tigers in three overtimes. “I’ve coached a long time and he’s the best I’ve ever been around,” said Kentucky coach Rich Brooks. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is the best cornerback in the country.”
Of course, there are a bunch of great players that I left out. Who would be on your list?
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162 comments Add your comment
Spike
August 26th, 2009
6:49 am
First, boys. Tony.. Rennie Curran.
KidRay
August 26th, 2009
6:50 am
So…..then I guess it’s really 6 SEC players you would pay to see.
chris o bomb
August 26th, 2009
6:52 am
AL’s Cody is one too.
thwg
ATL
August 26th, 2009
7:10 am
Good job Tony. You managed to slip a UGA player in. Shocking. Julio is way better than AJ. We’ll see what AJ does without the #1 draft pick throwing to him. Also, I guess the SEC West, your East bias is so evident, doesn’t have anyone you would pay to see. You are a homer joke Tony.
George G.
August 26th, 2009
7:13 am
Antonio Coleman, DE, Auburn
VolsnGoBlue
August 26th, 2009
7:39 am
Jarrett Lee gets my vote…. but only against the Vols (so I could laugh while Eric Berry takes a pick to the house)
Fat Phil
August 26th, 2009
7:39 am
Tony….you are such a UGA homer. At least you did not slight UT this time as you usually do. Eric Berry is the BEST DB in the history of this league. Thank you for at least pointing that out. It saddens me that this will probably be his last season at UT. He will be a multi-millionaire this time next year without doubt. Here is to a 9-3 season for the Vols. Trust me, one of the 3 L’s will not be to the Bullpups. UT by 6 in Knoxville. Gooo Vols!!
gator mike sucks
August 26th, 2009
7:42 am
Homer tony. One sec west player and he had to share with an inferior counter part. Typical tony.
VolsnGoBlue
August 26th, 2009
7:44 am
also… in defense of tony, who else is there in the west to watch besides the coaches?? nobody has done anything worthy of any press besides Julio
Atlanta Gator
August 26th, 2009
8:03 am
Comments in response to Tony —-
(1) I think all SEC fans will be able to appreciate Tebow’s career statistics after the 2009 season is done and his days of playing other SEC fans’ favorite teams are over. As a two-year starter, his numbers are already staggering; if he stays healthy, his stats will be truly legendary, placing him in the company of Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Danny Wuerffel and Peyton Manning. Tough to compare across positions and eras, but I believe Tebow will be on everyone’s short list of truly great SEC players. Anything beyond that is a matter of conjecture and personal opinion.
(2) Given Tennessee’s nose dive last year, I can’t recall watching any Volunteer games other than the early season Florida-Tennessee match-up. I have read a LOT about Eric Berry since then. I’m ready to watch some Vols games just to see Berry play.
(3) The four-year university cycle of college football is one of the things that makes it a great sport. There is a built-in opportunity for every player to mature as a person, grow as a player, improve and become a leader. McClain has had all-everything potential since his first down in college ball. All-SEC freshman team, first-team All-SEC linebacker and honorable mention All-American as a sophomore . . . and he was in the running for the Butkus Award, too. With several Tide starting positions in flux, McClain has the potential to step up and become the anchor on his side of the ball. He will be fun to watch.
(4) Not sure why some folks are trying to run one of these talented young receivers down to the benefit of the other. Both were highly touted recruits and their freshman numbers are comparable. If they stay healthy, All-SEC and All-American honors will accrue to both. As a college football fan, you can’t help but appreciate their talent. The both had over 900 yards receiving as freshmen—-that’s outrageous!
(5) This is an example of why I love to read Tony’s column. As a Gators fan, I watch precisely one Kentucky game a year. Tony knows all 12 SEC teams like I know the Gators. (Better, in fact, but Tony gets paid to follow CFB. Am I jealous? You betcha.) I will now be watching for Lindley’s #32 in the UF-UK game . . you can’t fully appreciate your own team unless you know how good the opposition’s guys are. Thanks, TB.
jablonski
August 26th, 2009
8:06 am
ATL,
In what other regard is JJ “way better than AJ”. You had a crappy QB with a great line. UGA had a good QB with a depleted line. Their #s are almost identical, and this season we will see who the better one is. Good Luck this year, without Smith and Caldwell you are going to need it.
Bama fans never cease to amaze.
Atlanta Gator
August 26th, 2009
8:09 am
Fat Phil—-”Best ever?” That’s strong medicine, my friend. Until you have personally done the year-by-year comparison across the thousands of players, 76 seasons, and 15 teams of SEC football, you might want to dial back your criticism. I think you will find that there have been many great players, many of whom are largely forgotten because they didn’t play on a championship team. Accept Tony’s compliment to Berry, as it was intended, and go buy yourself a book about SEC football history. You’ll have more to add to the conversation.
Dink
August 26th, 2009
8:16 am
Pretty good Tony but I would also pay to see Snead at Mississippi. Spikes may be in the mix also.
Go Dawgs!
BIG UGLIES WIN GAMES!!!
August 26th, 2009
8:17 am
Tony!! can Rennie Curran get some love???
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
August 26th, 2009
8:25 am
I pay to see every SEC player that I get to see. That said, Spikes and Curran, AJ and JJ, Tebow and Snead. I get to pick six also. No, I’ll pick seven…Berry
Gen Neyland
August 26th, 2009
8:26 am
This should disspell the theory that TB is a UGA Homer…On another note, Tennessee Sr. center Josh McNeil (from Mississippi) is under the knife today with a possible career ending bum knee. Extent of injury ranges from what’s left of cartilage to fracture.
Ole Missus
August 26th, 2009
8:26 am
Where’s Snead? Did you omit him because he plays in the West and isn’t on your beloved Dogs schedule ???
FactuAll
August 26th, 2009
8:30 am
what SEC East bias? I count two of six from Alabama.
but….I think I’d squeeze Jevan Snead in there somewhere
FactuAll
August 26th, 2009
8:31 am
Enter your comments here
Gator Growl
August 26th, 2009
8:34 am
Just to add to the list: Jevon Snead, Ole Miss>>>Can he perform under the spotlight??…Trindon Holliday, LSU>>>Is he the fastest of the fast??…Terrence Cody, Bama>>>Leaner and meaner??…Ryan Mallet, Arky>>>Hog wildcard???…Brandon Spikes, Carlos Dunlap, Florida>>>Monsters of the gridiron??…Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee>>>Yes, but just to see him crushed at the Swamp.
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
August 26th, 2009
8:36 am
[...] Barnhart’s 5 SEC players he’d pay to see. [AJC] [...]
Bill in Sandy Springs
August 26th, 2009
8:37 am
Returning players- Tim Tebow, AJ Green, Eric Berry, Terrance Cody, Jevan Snead, Richard Samuel, and Caleb King.
New players- Marlon Brown, Trent Richardson(Bama), Rantavious Wooten, Russell Sheppard(LSU), Andre Debose(UF), Matt Barkley(SC)
G
August 26th, 2009
8:40 am
Orson Charles #7 will be one you’ll want to watch aftet this year.
KR
August 26th, 2009
8:41 am
I can’t really argue with the picks and you can probably name a half dozen more as well.
Does anyone else think Urban Meyer is going to do everything he can to make sure Tebow takes down Walker’s touchdown record? Possibly even at the GA-FL game…
Just over a week to kickoff. WAR EAGLE!
G
August 26th, 2009
8:42 am
Barkley plays in Cali
G
August 26th, 2009
8:44 am
Auburn going to wish they had Tub for years bad call he’s a good coach.
Tide4u2c
August 26th, 2009
8:45 am
Not only was Julio Jones awesome last year as a true freshmen but it must also be pointed out that for almost the whole season he played with a sports hernia,sprained wrist and a sprained shoulder and yet still made an impact, in big games too where you would think nerves would kinda get to a true freshman.I will not forget how he dragged about 4-5 LSU defenders on his back gaining first downs and even more.Just imagine this year if he remains injury free.
Roll Tide!
G
August 26th, 2009
8:47 am
Enter your comments here
CharlotteGator
August 26th, 2009
8:56 am
1. Went to the SECCG last year and out of the entire Bama defense, I’d specifically pay to watch Hightower again. He was absolutely incredible. McClain is similar to watching Spikes, Johnson was talented but not special, and Mt. Cody is well, a 300 lb DT, not necessarily a position or style I want to watch. Hightower was that hybrid kind of combo player you rarely see and had a big impact on the game as a freshman. If he’s not on the field, I don’t think the Bama defense would have held up as well as it did. He’s Bama’s personal matchup nightmare on defense that negates a lot of the advantages an offense would have.
2. Curran is another defender I really enjoy watching. From the throwback no wristbands/glove look to the way he flies around the field, he’s the one linebacker on the UGA defense I hate seeing get into a play. Dent and Ellerbe are specimens, but I feel good about Demps, Rainey, Dubose, etc. in space with them. With Curran, it’s like ‘dang, get what you can get and let’s go run another play).
3. I’d pay to see Dunlap at UF this year. Last year he showed flashes from time to time but never consistently put it together. All reports out of Gainesville are that he’s kicked the lazy practice habits and improved his work ethic/desire. He’s been coasting on talent and physical traits for 2 years now, so I’m excited to see what happens when you throw in the key football player ingredients of effort, hustle, and desire.
4. I’d pay to not have to see McCluster again. He reminded me of a Harvin type player and really brought home how opposing defenses/fans felt when Percy was running wild. When McCluster’s on and getting the ball in the right spot, it’s tough to feel like there’s an answer to stopping him.
5. Russell Sheppard/Andre Debose round out my top 5/6 on sheer potential and hype. So much has been said about these guys that I’d pay to see them play out of pure curiosity.
TommyJack
August 26th, 2009
8:57 am
Sounds about right. Why would Barnhart NOT be a homer?
Richt will continue to get less out of more.
Denver Dog
August 26th, 2009
8:58 am
I don’t know why you guys won’t just read and say yeah he is a great player. All of these young men are super players. I don’t think that Tony put them in to compare with others. AJ and Julio, are two great recievers and they should continue to grow.
I’ve seen all these guys play, and they are all worth watching.
I’d like to watch Curran, Garcia at USC, The VAndy O line, Moody at UF is fun to watch, and so is MT Cody. This year it will be good to see Sturdivant at left tackle again from UGA.
I really know that there will be some fun players to watch in this conference whom we have never heard of, that is indeed one of the great things about the SEC and all of college football.
dawgjammin
August 26th, 2009
8:58 am
Tide4u2c read the news and get educated AJ had a severely pulled groin muscle for 70% of the season last year and could barely run full speed much less cut with the ball in his hands or in his route running. I’ll take AJ’s higher yd per catch and 4 more touchdowns per year any day of the week.
Gen Neyland
August 26th, 2009
9:00 am
Funny header : Five SEC Players I Would Pay To See…Lucky you GETS PAID to see them play…
Phoneguy71
August 26th, 2009
9:08 am
Fat Phil: Berry, best DB ever… Haha. He’s not even the best Safety ever, much less DB. Champ Bailey is definitely in the conversation.
Pulpwood Smith
August 26th, 2009
9:17 am
No players from Mississipi State or Auburn? Man, those are two of the finest programs in the nation!!!! What a homer you are, Tony. G.A.T.A.!!!!!!!!!!!
Da truth
August 26th, 2009
9:28 am
I vote for Javy Arenas – Alabama. His punt returns often set the tempo for Bama.
Corrine Brown
August 26th, 2009
9:29 am
Crompton’s bounce pass?
LIR
August 26th, 2009
9:31 am
Julio Jones
SecIsFootball
August 26th, 2009
9:35 am
I think this is a pretty good look at some of the players in the league. I am glad you didnt list any freshman as I would find it hard “pay” to see them play when they have yet to prove anything as college football players.
For the whole Julio vs AJ thing…BAMA fans and UGA fans need to let it go. Both are great receivers bring something a little different to the table. Had AJ gone to BAMA and Julio to UGA, we all know BAMA fans would think AJ was better and UGA fans would think Julio was better.
rebelrebel
August 26th, 2009
9:37 am
Tony:
I always enjoy your work and like the list — but no Dexter McCluster? He is entertaining to watch at four different positions — runningback, wide receiver, Wild Rebel and kick returner.
Miles
August 26th, 2009
9:39 am
Trevard Lindley…the most underrated player in the country!
Chamblee Dawg
August 26th, 2009
9:43 am
all of you hacks saying that TB is a homer amaze me. If he really is or isn’t…. YOU ARE READING AN ATLANTA NEWSPAPER!!!!! Don’t you think the majority of the readers are UGA or Tech fans? Shouldn’t a business try to appease their customers? Its not like he said to watch out for Caleb King… I think its safe to say that on 90% of major blogs (espn, si.com, rivals) would put AJ and Julio on this same list
The Ole Miss Blog
August 26th, 2009
9:47 am
If Dexter McCluster isn’t exciting I don’t know who is. I’d pay to watch him. Every time he gets in the Wild Rebel formation you can bet that something is going to happen. http://www.theolemissblog.com
Will
August 26th, 2009
9:48 am
Denver Dog,
The only thing I would pay to see Steve Garcia do is steal hubcaps. Which normally you can see for free if you hang out on the USC campus every Sat night. But C’Mon man, you can’t be serious about wanting to see this guy play football. That’s hilarious. Are you really serious?
As far as me, the only player I would pay to see is Marcus Washington. That’s right I said it. I have been to several practices and he is the standout player above all others on the UGA D. UGA fans are going to be shocked at this kids play-making ability in a few short weeks. MW main job against Okie State will be simple….put the qb on his ass as much as possible! Which will happen early and often. UGA 34-10.
Dawg Dominance
August 26th, 2009
9:49 am
Here’s a riddle. What happens when Jeff Owens gets his hands on Tim Tebow? Boom! Thud! Then a cloud of dust! WOOF!!!!
Bravo
August 26th, 2009
9:50 am
Mini and Mickey Mouse get my vote! With those big lips, they can catch just about anything. I, also, dig their uniforms.
Mac
August 26th, 2009
10:05 am
You had me at Tebow. You lost me at Lindley. You would pay money … every week … to watch a cornerback … at Kentucky? Yeah, I don’t think so.
JaxDawg
August 26th, 2009
10:11 am
ATL
August 26th, 2009
7:10 am
Good job Tony. You managed to slip a UGA player in. Shocking. Julio is way better than AJ. We’ll see what AJ does without the #1 draft pick throwing to him. Also, I guess the SEC West, your East bias is so evident, doesn’t have anyone you would pay to see. You are a homer joke Tony.
Pot meet kettle! ATL- for you to say Tony is biased because he is stating what everyone else can see in that AJ and Julio are both spectacular players with similar numbers and that Julio is “way better” is a bit biased on your part don’t you think?
Also, way to throw JPW under the bus. I guess what you’re really saying is JPW was a horrible QB vs Stafford, which is why J.Jones is “way better” than AJ.
AJ will smoke Jones in the stat book this season, mark it down!
ATL Steve
August 26th, 2009
10:24 am
Folks…Tony said that these are the players that HE would pay to see. It pays to read!
Stephen
August 26th, 2009
10:26 am
thats 6 players dude.
hugedawgfan
August 26th, 2009
10:30 am
Atlanta Gator-great comments and observations-looking forward to the WLOCP on Halloween. Do believe that UF is the only team that can stop UF-look for them to repeat-expect big things out of Tebow once again-Such a gamer.
Mac
August 26th, 2009
10:31 am
Yeah, but in his heart of hearts, Tony knows he would not pay money every week to watch Lindley.
Got 12 but none in quite a long long time ....
August 26th, 2009
10:32 am
I would pay to see Saban yell at his players and coaches….aka UTAH
Tower of Bammer » Blog Archive » Happy Trails to you, Dan
August 26th, 2009
10:34 am
[...] Splatter: Tony Barnhart apparently would pay to see Rolando McClain According to NewOrleans.com Alabama’s presence means the Gators are no lock Football [...]
hugedawgfan
August 26th, 2009
10:35 am
also comparing A.J. to Julio is crazy. They are practically identical in stats and stature. Would love to have them both on my team. Think Brandon Spikes is great to watch. Also The punt returner for the Tide(can’t place the name right now) but reminds me of the deuce is loose kind of runner. Wish Eric Berry had chosen the Dawgs instead of Vols-exciting to watch him roam the secondary-also can lay some wood. He is the best DB ever in the SEC-This year will solidify that statement.
The Realist
August 26th, 2009
10:36 am
Tony,
Please admit that you have NEVER seen Julio Jones brought down by the first player that atttempts to tackle him.
Now, admit that you have seen A.J. Green get tackled by the first man MANY, MANY times.
There’s the difference in the two. AJ is a lanky, skinny boy. Julio is a MAN.
Please own up to this FACT Tony.
jsmitty
August 26th, 2009
10:36 am
Dexter McCluster running the wild reb
BCS Champs Again
August 26th, 2009
10:37 am
Trindan Holiday…the fastest player in CFB
Wartiger
August 26th, 2009
10:38 am
I will continue to pay to see Auburn O linemen chop block Cody and Co.
Ryan
August 26th, 2009
10:42 am
I hate Bama but JJ is definately better than AJ.
boomer
August 26th, 2009
10:45 am
Ground Chuck….aka Charles Scott the leading returning rusher in the SEC
BigMike
August 26th, 2009
10:53 am
How about A.J. Green, Julio J(Ala), Brandon Spikes,(That took alot out of me to give a FLA Player credit) Eric Berry, and Rennie Curran. All five guaranteed to make it in the NFL. The only question is who will get ther and get stupid with there money. My money is on Spikes(Ah redemption) to mess up within 4 years in the league.
Frozen_Gator
August 26th, 2009
10:55 am
You don’t go for another refreshment when Brandon James and Holiday are recieving punts and kickoffs.
BigMike
August 26th, 2009
10:57 am
Hey Realist, You say J.J. is a man like you really know! Are you two secretly involved? Thats a little to much man love!!!!!!!
DamnGoodDawg
August 26th, 2009
10:59 am
By what measure other than personal prejudice do you say JJ is better than AJ? Once again: AJ in ‘08- 56 catches for 963 yards and eight touchdowns. Jones had 58 catches for 924 yards and four touchdowns. You can call that even if you like. Empirical data thus far says AJ. You Bama folks might need to google the word, “Empirical”.
Chris
August 26th, 2009
11:09 am
A.J. Green will leave Julio Jones behind this year. He gained about 20 pounds of muscle in the off season so Julio won’t have that strength favortism this year. Julio is a posession reciever while A.J. is a potential homerun threat at anytime. Julio had just four touchdowns to A.J.’s 8. I expect Green to double that output this year with at least 1200 yards receiving.
Herman Archie
August 26th, 2009
11:10 am
Eric Berry is GREAT. Best ever…? Naw, that’d be Champ Bailey.
pstone
August 26th, 2009
11:13 am
This is a terrible blog. The coverage is very minimal. The material that is posted is pretty thoughtless and uninformative. This would be a great time for the AJC to capitalize on the SEC spotlight and make this the SEC written coverage Mecca. Instead we have this garbage and the junkyard blawg.
Knuckle Sandwich
August 26th, 2009
11:14 am
ATL…explain to me how Julio Jones is better than AJ Green, and please don’t say ‘intangibles’
Green Jones
Catches 56 58
Yards 963 924
TD’s 8 4
So, Green outperformed Jones last year with two fewer catches. Green > Jones.
Eric
August 26th, 2009
11:19 am
Bo Jackson.
shards1967
August 26th, 2009
11:21 am
The guy that said he would pay to watch Sabin yell after the 2008 bowl game. Now, that is hillarious.
Frankly, I am still laughing at how BAMA embarrased the SEC after that all time low for the conference. My Bama pals refuse to discuss it at lunch. Hillarious that was. WHUPPIN IT WAS.
Sort of like GAWGA blowing it vs WVA in the Sugar. Huge let downs for BOTh programs.
Goooooooooooooooooooo DAWGS. WOOF, WOOF
UGA 73
Kevin
August 26th, 2009
11:22 am
Tide4u2c might want to do his homework. AJ had a groin injury all last year. So using that JJ excuse is moot. Also, Juilo hasn’t scored a TD in HIS LAST NINE GAMES. how’s that for production
Dawgs Fan
August 26th, 2009
11:34 am
Great list, Berry is a player but after watching last years GA Tenn game a few days ago I came away with the feeling that Tenn was bunch of thugs. Most of their DB’s during the game were taking shots at recievers with the intention of injury rather than tackle. Then of course the lineman that punched Knowshon while he was on the ground was the final straw. I hope Tenn. has more class this year whle playing this great game of college football.
Got 12?
August 26th, 2009
11:36 am
Let’s end the AJ v Julio argument: Can we agree that the SEC’s head coaches know infinitely more about SEC football than the bloggers here? The coaches selected Julio as one of only four unanimous First Team All-SEC selections. The other unanimous selections were Tebow, Berry and Black. So, the coaches say Julio is better.
Lunchtime Grab Bag | MrSEC.com
August 26th, 2009
11:50 am
[...] SEC freshmen to keep an eye on this season.And finally, Tony Barnhart of The AJC says there are five SEC players he’d pay money to see… then he lists six (which is cool, ’cause he’s Tony Barnhart):1. Tim Tebow2. Eric [...]
Tide4u2c
August 26th, 2009
12:02 pm
No pun to Dawg fans cause AJ is a great reciever too.But you throw out stats which makes people think AJ is alittle better eventhough UGA threw the ball way more than Bama did so of course AJ will have alot of yards.But the fact is Julio showed up in big games and made an impact setting up touchdowns by getting first downs by dragging tacklers for extra yardage so that a running back,etc could run the ball into the end-zone for the touchdown,etc.And Julio was Bama’s star wide reciever as a true freshman. AJ caught balls that came his way but was not the star eventhough he might be now.
NEXT#13
August 26th, 2009
12:12 pm
LET ME SEE NOW….. J.J. 2009 PLAYBOY ALL AMERICAN AND a.j. is …..awannabe!!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
ChippersLoveChild
August 26th, 2009
12:12 pm
I’d pay to see Lane Kiffin’s wife.
Drew-G-A
August 26th, 2009
12:13 pm
I get so tired of people saying julio is better than A.J., Green had to share half of the passes last year with Massaquoi, plus he had a groin injury the whole season and still had more yards than Julio. Look at the facts.
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
12:13 pm
All of the neutrals on here pick Julio over AJ. As a gator fan I have to go with Julio. At least he showed up against us and had a good game. He also whupped AJ head to head, man to man when it counted. In AJ game against us and Bama he may have gotten some yardage but it was probably in garbage time. AJ had better overall stats but that’s because he had the no. 1 draft pick throwing to him while Julio had Sarah jessica parker tossin to him. Bama was also a smash mouth running team. They didn’t throw a whole lot. Any idiot can tell ya that. I woulda added bradon spikes to the list.
Drew-G-A
August 26th, 2009
12:16 pm
Oh also, Yes, UGA threw more than Bama, but again. Green SHARED half of the passes last year and still has the stats.
And the argument about Julio showing up in big games compared to Green is bogus. Look at the TD catch Green made against Auburn last year. I was there and saw it in person. To any other reciever that catch was impossible to make, Stafford overthrew it in to heavy coverage and Green still made the catch TO WIN THE GAME.
swampjacket
August 26th, 2009
12:18 pm
Dawgsfan, I can’t speak for the rest of the UT DB’s, but Berry is an outstanding young man! As good as any you’ll find in college football!
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
12:19 pm
Another thing about Julio vs aj. aj played most of the year with a groin pull. Julio played not only with a sports hernia but also with a wrist and shoulder injury and had 3 offseason injuries. Now that is tough. Playing with 3 injuries vs 1. For this coming year AJ put on 20 lbs so he should now be able to muscle people the way Julio did last year. From the bammer side I read that Julio played only 1 receiver position last year the wideout, which is the easiest to double team. This year Satan is going to spread him out and use him at all 3 receiver positions including in the slot. Advantage Julio. Should be great to watch these 2 all year. AJ I aint worried about cause he doesn’t show up in the big games like against us and against Bammer. Julio I worry more about cause he does show up in the big games like against us and Georgia. Thats the biggest difference
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
12:21 pm
Drew,
Auburn wasn’t a big game last year for no one or haven’t you noticed?
G8R GRAD
August 26th, 2009
12:21 pm
Good article, Tony.
And thanks for the nod to Haden.
But, without revealing any predispostions, what about Moody, Demps, Rainey, James and DuBose?
GO GATORS!
Hal Bennett
August 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
It is to be expected, and I respect you for it, because our heroes deserve their plaudits — but your support for Eric Berry and A. J. Green falls on many deaf ears over here in the West.
MissP
August 26th, 2009
12:51 pm
Phoneguy71, watch your mouth and green does not look good on you. Why are are we not talking about your son?
Repeat Article
August 26th, 2009
1:01 pm
Nice Cut& Paste Tony. I have seen the 5 players we need to pay $$$ to see at least 10 times already. The only difference is you change out one player on “your” list.
Joe Haden is out and Lindley is in for this article. Real original – C’mon AJC editors!
Matt
August 26th, 2009
1:41 pm
1) Russell Shepard
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
2:14 pm
Russell Shepard????
How many downs of SEC football has this guy played to even merit discussion? We’re talking here about proven SEC caliber players. Not high school kids with potential who haven’t played a freaking down of SEC football. Jeeez!
Chris F
August 26th, 2009
2:23 pm
Denver Dog, go do what I said and jump off lookout mountain and land on your head. The drop should be more than enough to crush your thick skull.
Julio is miles better than AJ.
News Flash!
August 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Tony,
Kodi Burns announced he is transferring to USC, stating he felt that he could “at least beat out Mitch Mustain”.
boomer
August 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
Russell Shepard..again…..he a Percy Harvin at QB
Buddy El
August 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
Julio couldn’t carry water for AJ. He was playing several games earlier than AJ and still didn’t match AJ’s statistics. Only half the touchdowns. AJ be de bess receiver in da SEC. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooo DAWGSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
Got 12?
August 26th, 2009
2:43 pm
I think Matt’s on to something: Who do you guys think will be the 2009 Freshman of the Year in the SEC?
Since I’m sure each blogger will tout one of his school’s guys, I’ll start it off by saying Bama’s Dre Kilpatrick (DB) will make an immediate impact and be named the FOY. Unless there are injuries, Bama’s Trent Richardson (RB) will not get enough carries to become the FOY.
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
2:44 pm
boomer,
How many SEC plays has Russell Shepard had? Exactly! Zero! So why in hell is anyone wasting breath on a freaking high school kid?
Sooner Fan
August 26th, 2009
2:45 pm
um you forgot the number one player in the land, future first pick of the 2010 NFL draft. Sam Bradford, from the University of Oklahoma….
Its a gator world
August 26th, 2009
2:47 pm
Got12?
That would be a great discussion but we probably ought to leave it for another day. I’m certain Tony will probably bring it up between now and kickoff. Ya figure he’s got to be running out of material by now anyway.
Sooner Fan
August 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
oh my bad i thought this was top five players in the ncaa
Buddy El
August 26th, 2009
2:53 pm
Pstone: There are other blogs out there for your input and/or reading pleassure. Go there.