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Though the SEC is more known for producing NFL talent on the defensive side of the ball, there have been a handful of quarterbacks over the last decade to over-perform in what’s considered by many the most challenging conference in college football.
RELATED: Ranking the SEC’s 25 best players of last decade
ESPN writer David Ching began a new series on Tuesday that highlights the premier players at each position hailing from the SEC over the last decade, and he started with the quarterback position — and you’ll notice that most of them played with each other at the same time.
5. A.J. McCarron, Alabama (2010-13)
4. Aaron Murray, Georgia (2010-13)
3. Cam Newton, Auburn (2010)
2. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (2012-13)
1. Tim Tebow, Florida (2006-09)
“Regardless of whether you believe Tebow possesses a skill set that would work in the NFL, his status in the college football world is unquestionable,” wrote Ching. “He was one of the most successful quarterbacks who ever took a college snap, helping the Gators claim a BCS title as Chris Leak’s backup in 2006, winning a Heisman Trophy in 2007 (3,286 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, six interceptions, 895 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs), leading Florida to a BCS championship in 2008 and nearly taking them back there again the next year.
“Tebow is the SEC’s career leader for touchdowns (57) and passing efficiency (170.79), ranks second in league history in total offense (12,232 yards), is tied for fourth in completion percentage (66.43),” he continued. “Tebow finished in the top five in Heisman voting in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons and played in three SEC championship games.
“A better question than asking whether Tebow is the SEC’s best quarterback of the last decade is if he’s the conference’s best quarterback of all time. If he’s not at the very top of the list, he’s close.”
Just missing the cut Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott, South Carolina’s Connor Shaw, Georgia’s Matthew Stafford, Kentucky’s Andre Woodson, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet, LSU’s JaMarcus Russell, and Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly.
Speaking of Prescott, here’s where he stacks up among the SEC’s best dual-threat quarterbacks of the last decade.
What are your thoughts? How did he do?
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).