Offensive linemen have it tough in college football. They don’t have statistics that show up in the common box score like rushes, receptions, touchdowns or tackles. On highlight shows, great blocking might be shown, but the focus is likely to be on a large gain instead of the blocking or protection that made it happen.

Even if they’re not the most the popular players on the field, offensive lineman, including tackles, are recognized by close observers for their performance.

10. Brandon Shell, South Carolina

The Gamecocks’ season (3-9) didn’t go as planned, but QB Perry Orth was one of the least sacked SEC quarterbacks this season (17 times brought down behind the line of scrimmage). Shell was a mid-round draft projection a year ago in the middle of a solid career as a right tackle, and made the switch to the left side this season.

9. Fahn Cooper, Ole Miss

Cooper was honored as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after the Rebels defeated Vanderbilt 27-16 in Week 4. While not the most talked about Ole Miss offensive lineman, Cooper helped allow the Rebels offense to move the ball up and down the field with ease this season.

8. Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M

Ifedi struggled at left tackle, but at right tackle he is a potential early-round draft pick. Though his technique has room for improvement, his size and build alone make him an effective roadblock for pass rushers on their way to the backfield.

7. Jerald Hawkins, LSU

Hawkins had an impressive junior season moving from right tackle to left tackle. The LSU line did a solid job of blocking for RB Leonard Fournette (300 carries, 1,953 yards, 22 TD) and protecting QB Brandon Harris, who was only sacked 17 times.

6. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss

In terms of talent and performance, Tunsil is the No. 1 SEC tackle on any given Saturday, but he missed seven games this season due to suspension. The NFL-ready left tackle should be a high first-round draft pick, by all projections. In last week’s Sugar Bowl, the pass blocker got a rare opportunity to show off his hands and athleticism on a touchdown reception in Ole Miss’ 48-20 victory over Oklahoma State.

5. Dan Skipper, Arkansas

Skipper put together a decorated junior season in 2015. He was recognized as the conference’s top performing offensive lineman of Week 11 and made the Associated Press’ All-SEC second team. Skipper’s plans for where he’ll be playing next year – as a college senior or NFL rookie – are unknown at this point.

4. Kyler Kerbyson, Tennessee

The Volunteers might not be the first team SEC fans think of for strong offensive line, but Kerbyson was recognized by the league as the top offensive lineman for both Week 1 and Week 13. The AP selected Kerbyson to the All-SEC second team. When it came to sacks, UT QB Joshua Dobbs was brought down 21 times this season.

3. Cam Robinson, Alabama

In his sophomore season, Robinson joined three seniors as a first team All-SEC offensive lineman. A big reason Alabama is playing in next Monday’s playoff championship game is because it wins the battle upfront, and Robinson excels at blocking.

2. John Theus, Georgia

Georgia QB Greyson Lambert was the least-sacked SEC quarterback this season, brought down behind the line only nine times. Theus rightfully earned first team All-SEC honors for providing protection on the edge. He should be an early round draft pick this spring.

1. Vadal Alexander, LSU

Alexander is the only AP first team All-SEC offensive lineman to also be recognized as the conference’s top lineman of the week twice this season (Week 3 and Week 7). Many draft scouts see Alexander switching back to his old position of guard in the NFL.