The No. 7 player in our countdown is one who has rewritten some SEC records and was one of the best players at his position nationally.
No. 7: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
2013 summary: A Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, Matthews led the SEC in receptions (112) and receiving yards (1,477) in the 2014 season. That was good enough to earn him first-team All-SEC honors and numerous All-American honors.
Most recent ranking: Ranked No. 14 in the 2013 preseason countdown.
Making the case for Matthews: The senior was as consistent as they come all season long, never having fewer than five receptions in a game. Matthews had nine games of more than 100 receiving yards. He leaves Vanderbilt as the most prolific receiver statistically in SEC history, holding the conference record in receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759). He also holds virtually every single-season and career receiving record in Vanderbilt history. He started the season with a stellar 10-catch, 178-yard performance and finished the year strong with 41 receptions for 542 yards and two scores in his final four games.
No. 8: Michael Sam, DE, Missouri, Sr.
No. 9: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M, Sr.
No. 10: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia, Sr.
No. 11: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn, So.
No. 12: Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU, So.
No. 13: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn, Sr.
No. 14: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia, So.
No. 15: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, Jr.
No. 16: Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, LSU, Jr.
No. 17: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri, Jr.
No. 18: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama, So.
No. 19: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU, Jr.
No. 20: Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss, Jr.
No. 21: Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn, Jr.
No. 22: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama, Jr.
No. 23: Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State, Sr.
No. 24: Kenny Ladler, S, Vanderbilt, Sr.
No. 25: E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri, Jr.