Link: The SEC's 10 best players nobody knew about (Barron, McElroy, Anders)

[silentsam74]

ESPN

2. Mark Barron, S, Alabama: A fixture on special teams as a freshman, Barron developed into a star in his first season as a starter on defense and led the SEC with seven interceptions.

5. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama: McElroy was about as unproven as it gets at the college level coming into the season. He’d never played a meaningful snap. That sure changed in a hurry.

10. Eryk Anders, LB, Alabama: One of the most overlooked players on Alabama’s vaunted defense, Anders has made his senior season a memorable one.

 

[eric1978]

This could...could be the best team Bama has ever put on the field.:BigA:

 

[CapstoneGrad06]

To think, Anders was an undersized DT from San Antonio that the prior coaching staff signed late. He has certainly turned into a fabulous LB. I wish we had him for another season.

 

[MRI4BAMA]

I am going to miss seeing Anders on the field next season

 

[Ark-Tider]

I get a feeling that Anders is going to be one of those that goes on and has a solid NFL career.

 

[dvldog]

I like that other LB. You know the no so big, not so fast guy that just makes plays. What's his name?

 

[time_4_the_TIDE]

I am going to miss seeing Anders on the field next season

As will I....he shut down that shovel pass option play to Hernandez twice in the SECCG. He refused to let Hernandez have a good game. He will be missed, by us and the younger more talented players that he has been mentoring.

 

[Trobinson97]

I get a feeling that Anders is going to be one of those that goes on and has a solid NFL career.

I agree.

 

[TIDE24]

Can't believe Barrett got left off that list. Really you could have picked any of the three first-year starters on the OL. One of them should have made the list.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Can't believe Barrett got left off that list. Really you could have picked any of the three first-year starters on the OL. One of them should have made the list.

Good point...

 

[pc2bama]

I was really worried about the Center position after the departure of AC, but WV has really stepped up. Great point about the OL guys. I was surprised when I learned that as far as sacks go they had given up 8-9 less than last year's line.

 

[time_4_the_TIDE]

Can't believe Barrett got left off that list. Really you could have picked any of the three first-year starters on the OL. One of them should have made the list.

And short of a few bad snaps, Vlachos(sp?) has been stellar IMO. Just seemed to always see him, in the replays, making blocks all season long.

 

[Get 15]

I agree one of my biggest worries was the line, but now there is no need to worry. Saban and Co. have definitely got things under control. Man it feels so good to have no worries!
Also Anders is a beast and I am glad to see him get some appreciation. As well as GMac and Barron. :BigA:

 

[Relayer]

I agree one of my biggest worries was the line, but now there is no need to worry. Saban and Co. have definitely got things under control. Man it feels so good to have no worries!
Also Anders is a beast and I am glad to see him get some appreciation. As well as GMac and Barron. :BigA:

I agree. I think Anders is probably the most under-appreciated (publicity-wise) player on the entire team.

 

[Hal Bennett]

Eric Anders on this Alabama defense is sort of like William Lee Golden on the Oak Ridge Boys' quartet.

I have tried to pick out the sound of Golden's alto voice in ANY record the Oak Ridge Boys have ever put out, and I can't hear it. But when he quit the quartet some years ago and they tried to replace him with a guy from their band, you could IMMEDIATELY tell that the magic was gone from their sound.

What was last year's biggest problem for Alabama;s defense? They didn't have enough sacks or pressures on the quarterback. This year we have led the league in that sort of thing, haven't we? Anders is a big reason for it. Without him, this defense would probably be lacking the magic.

 

[beb4bama]

Eryk Anders, reminds me a lot of Mark Anderson. DeMeco Ryans was a great LB and everyone overlooked Mark. Bothe Mark and DeMeco were Rookies of the Year in the NFL. Mark had 12 sacks his rookie season and of course DeMeco is still making a lot of noise.

 

[gamersfuel]

And short of a few bad snaps, Vlachos(sp?) has been stellar IMO. Just seemed to always see him, in the replays, making blocks all season long.

i actually had no concerns about the C position. just go back and watch any footage of Vlachos pre Alabama. He has a motor that just wont stop when run blocking.