Tops in SEC? Can it be anyone but Tebow?

COLUMBIA — The choice for the top returning offensive player in the Southeastern Conference isn't exactly a toughie.

In fact, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is arguably the best returning player in the game. Some might go with Heisman winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, but Tebow followed up his sophomore Heisman season with a national title in his junior year.

Which do you think Bradford would rather have?

With Tebow's quarterbacks coach, Dan Mullen, now the head coach at Mississippi State, everyone's curious to see how Tebow responds to a new way of thinking.

Scot Loeffler comes from Michigan with a big-time reputation of grooming quarterbacks, but he's never had a pupil quite like Tebow.

Florida wants to engage in more under-center work with Tebow, a pretty stark departure from the shotgun sets he's run since his high school days. Something tells us that, in the end, Tebow will still wind up doing what he does best: Beating teams with his arms and legs.

Here's a look at the rest of the best returning offensive players in the SEC:

2. Ciron Black, LSU, OT

Big uglies don't often get a lot of credit, but it seems as if the Tigers always have a future pro somewhere along the line. Black qualifies this year.

He'll lead a group that needs to keep young quarterback Jordan Jefferson's jersey clean.

3. A.J. Green, Georgia, WR

Green was sensational last year, stepping in as a freshman and giving Matt Stafford the home-run threat he'd been missing. The Summerville native lived up to his potential, and that's tough to do on such a big stage. But now what? With Stafford in the NFL, will Joe Cox be able to get him the ball?

4. Jevan Snead, Ole Miss, QB

Certainly the best pure passer — and pro prospect — in the league. Snead worked well in Houston Nutt's system, in Nutt's first year on the Grove.

Snead was up and down most of the year, but settled in to help the Rebels get past Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. He's a big reason why pundits are thinking Ole Miss could win the West.

5. Charles Scott, LSU, RB

The SEC's most durable, tough runner, without question. The Tigers typically go with two or three backs, to keep everyone fresh.

But Scott just kept getting carries last year. He rushed for 18 touchdowns. The next Tiger on that list had two.

6. Julio Jones, Alabama, WR

Was just as good as everyone, including coach Nick Saban, said he'd be in his first year.

7. Michael Smith, Arkansas, RB

Little guy doesn't have pizzazz of Darren McFadden or Felix Jones, but his yardage wasn't far off their pace.

8. Mike Johnson, Alabama, G

You better believe Bama will be running the ball this year.

You better believe Johnson will be involved.

9. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss, WR

Versatility gets the senior up this high in the list. He rushed for 655 yards last year, to go with 625 receiving yards.

10. Jordan Jefferson, LSU, QB

Not yet a proven guy, but you sure had to like how he looked in the Peach Bowl. He could be the league's breakout player.

11. D.J. Williams, Arkansas, TE

Dynamite target will be a big help for new quarterback Ryan Mallett.

12. Anthony Dixon, Miss. St., RB

You really don't want to get in Dixon's way. He's a load.

13. Jarriel King, S. Carolina, OT

Look for this to be the year that King, a North Charleston native, makes a big jump.

14. Caleb King, Georgia, RB

A wild card here. Lot of talent, but didn't get a lot of carries behind Knowshon Moreno.

15. Brandon LaFell, LSU, WR

Steady, but still has more in the tank for his senior season.

16. Jordan Jefferson, LSU, QB

17. Randall Cobb, Kent., QB/WR

18. Ben Tate, Auburn, RB

19. Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB

20. Tyson Lee, Miss. State, QB

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com