SDS talent evaluators Jon Cooper and Brad Crawford spent several months breaking down last year’s highlights, incoming talent and projected 2014 impact following spring practice to compile a list of the SEC’s Top 100 players heading into fall. Athletes were selected by position then ranked overall counting down to No. 1.

We’ve reached the final Top 25 and will unveil a new player daily leading up to opening night on Aug. 28.

20. Maty Mauk, RS-Soph., QB, Mizzou

The Tigers’ repeat division title hopes rest on Mauk’s shoulders, a third-year player who performed well in backup duty last fall to James Franklin. A fearless competitor, Mauk seems to play with a chip on his shoulder — a mental edge you can’t coach. Like several highly-rated passers, specifically Bo Wallace and Dak Prescott in our Top 100, there’s immense pressure to succeed as one of the leaders of the SEC’s next generation of dual-threat quarterbacks.

RELATED: Projecting SEC stat leaders — Quarterbacks

Mauk was ranked No. 3 in our top SEC quarterbacks list behind Nick Marshall and Bo Wallace, but is the second-highest rated player at his position in our Top 100 due to his overall value and the grittiness he’s shown as a gamer. Mauk’s underrated mobility and likelihood of going toe-to-toe with Florida’s Jeff Driskel in the Eastern Division for most rushing yards at his position gives him a total package that few sophomores possess.

2013 statistics: 1,071 yards passing, 11 TD/2 INT; 229 yards rushing, TD
2014 projection: 2,997 yards passing, 25 TD/8 INT; 508 yards rushing, 5 TD