Editor’s note: SDS is ranking the 25 best SEC players — at any position — of the last decade. Alabama WR Amari Cooper is next up in a 25-part daily series.

11.) ALABAMA WR AMARI COOPER (2012-14)

The most productive pass-catcher in program history, Cooper exits college football as one of the SEC’s all-time greats at the position following a historic, record-setting 124-catch, 1,727-yard junior season as the Biletnikoff winner, the league’s offensive player of the year and Heisman finalist accolades.

One of the rare players to register 1,000 yards receiving in the SEC as a true freshman, Cooper battled through injuries during his sophomore campaign and came back stronger than ever for his final curtain call, a 16-touchdown masterpiece on his second league championship squad.

A finesse wideout built on precise route-running and above average speed, Cooper rarely lost a 1-on-1 battle during his career and was a tough cover in Lane Kiffin’s quick passing game as a junior, blossoming into the SEC’s most-feared option in the passing game. His 31 career touchdown receptions is tied for the most in SEC history with Florida’s Chris Doering.

Cooper’s 2014 season was so dominant that he averaged 36 more yards per game and caught 47 more passes than his next closest competitors in the SEC. He leaves Alabama as the program’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns with two conference titles and a BCS National Championship under his belt.

Career numbers: 228 catches, 3,463 yards, 31 TD (all program records)
Individual superlatives: Biletnikoff Award (2014) Heisman Finalist (2014); Consensus All-American (2014); SEC Off. POTY (2014); Freshman All-American (2012)
NFL Draft: Awaiting first-round selection in 2015
Defining moment: In addition to several career receiving records at Alabama, Cooper also set the single-game high for yards last season with 224 against Tennessee and Auburn.