50 greatest SEC football players this century, ranked

Best SEC football players this century – 42. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, Offensive Tackle (2011-2013)

Jake Matthews is a massive human being. Almost 6’6 and north of 300 lbs, this player was built to be a superstar offensive tackle. When looking at him on the offensive line, he was just so good at the technical aspects of blocking. It wasn’t just about his brute strength. Matthews was so smart on the offensive line.

Matthews was just as good at pass blocking as he was at run blocking. It helped that Texas A&M implored a strategy where he never had to put his hand in the dirt. It helped him get the first step on his defensive counterparts. It helped him earn the consensus All-American in 2012 and unanimous All-American in 2013.  It also helped him become a top ten pick in the NFL Draft.

Best SEC football players this century – 41. Von Miller, Texas A&M, Defensive End (2007-2010)

Von Miller is one of the best defensive players of this era in the NFL. He just helped the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl, the second of his career. Before he joined the pros, he was a nightmare in the Southeastern Conference. Miller was a monster on the edge for Texas A&M, starting his career in 2007 and playing four full years as a pass rusher at College Station.

While not as decorated as his NFL career, Miller was still a star in college. He was a two-time All-American. He won the Butkus Award. He led the nation in sacks in 2009 with 17. There was no stopping Miller from getting to the quarterback. Especially when the Aggies moved him to the “jack” linebacker position, it put him in the best position to get in the backfield. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in 2010, so his numbers weren’t as good as they were in 2009, but he was still an All-American.