Green tops SEC's best on offense

With the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner in Alabama's Mark Ingram and college football's top big-play threat in Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, the Southeastern Conference is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the football.

The college football season begins in less than two months, and The Post and Courier has compiled its list of the top 20 offensive players in the SEC. The top 20 defensive players in the SEC will be featured Thursday. Last week, The Post and Courier highlighted the ACC's top offensive and defensive players.

1. A.J. Green, WR, Jr., Georgia

OK, so this might be a bit of a homer call, but can you think of a player in the SEC that's more valuable to his team than the former Summerville High School star?

Green's numbers were down his sophomore season (53 catches, 808 yards, 6 touchdowns), but he didn't have Matthew Stafford throwing him the ball either. Green could be the top pick in the NFL draft next April.

2. Mark Ingram, RB, Jr., Alabama

The first Heisman Trophy winner in Alabama history returns to defend the Crimson Tide's national title. But with super sophomore Trent Richardson emerging as a star, will Ingram get 270 carries like he did in 2009? Probably not. Ingram's attempts and production will drop slightly in 2010.

3. Ryan Mallett, QB, Jr., Arkansas

Started his career at Michigan, but transferred to Arkansas when Rich Rodriguez arrived in Ann Arbor with

his spread offense. An NFL prototype QB with a huge arm, Mallett threw for 3,627 yards and 30 TDs for the Razorbacks in 2009. With a deep and talented receiving corps returning, look for even bigger numbers in 2010.

4. Julio Jones, WR, Jr., Alabama

Jones came to Alabama as the nation's top wide receiver prospect in 2008, but has been in Green's shadow thus far. Hasn't put up Green-like numbers, but hasn't been given the opportunities either in the Crimson Tide's run-oriented offense. Will Jones finally have a breakout season in 2010?

5. Derrick Locke, RB, Sr., Kentucky

Locke might be the best all-purpose running back in the SEC. His ability to return kicks and catch the ball out of the backfield make him one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the league. Locke had 907 rushing yards and 284 receiving yards in 2009.

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, So., South Carolina

When Jeffery picked South Carolina over the other USC as a senior at Calhoun County High School, Gamecocks fans were plenty psyched. He lived up to the hype with a superb freshman season, catching 46 passes for 763 yards and 6 TDs. Will Jeffery be another victim of the dreaded sophomore slump?

7. Jeff Demps, RB, Jr., Florida

Demps has just 177 carries during his first two seasons with the Gators. With the departure of Tim Tebow, expect to see the ball in Demps' hands more often. Demps has a tendency to disappear in games, but the defending NCAA 100-meter sprint champion is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

8. D.J. Williams. TE, Sr., Arkansas

Williams is among the top pass-catching tight ends in the country. He had a huge sophomore season (58 rec., 699 yds., 3 TDs), but saw his numbers dip in 2009 (32 rec., 411 yds., 3 TDs). He had a big game against the Gamecocks with seven catches for 137 yards.

9. Mike Pouncey, C, Sr., Florida

Mike Pouncey and twin brother Maurkice Pouncey -- the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round draft pick this past April -- were a major reason why the Gators led the SEC in total offense in 2009. Pouncey is widely regarded as the top guard prospect in the upcoming NFL draft.

10. Greg McElroy. QB, Sr., Alabama

Just win baby! That's all McElroy has done throughout his football career. He is 30-0 as a starter in high school and college. McElroy might not have the strongest arm or the quickest feet, but he manages the game as well as anyone in the country.

11. Darvin Adams. WR, Jr., Auburn

Adams set Auburn's single- season mark with 60 receptions and added 997 yards and 10 TDs in 2009. Imagine what he could with solid quarterback play.

12. Clint Boling, OT, Sr., Georgia

The best offensive lineman on perhaps the nation's top offensive line. Boling is also one of the Bulldogs' most versatile linemen, starting at both guard and tackle during his career.

13. Stephen Garcia, QB, Jr., South Carolina

Garcia was second in the SEC in passing (220.2 ypg) and third in total offense (234.5 ypg), while throwing 17 TDs in 2009. He returns in 2010 as the SEC active leader in total yards (4,078) and passing yards (3,694).

14. Trent Richardson. RB, Soph., Alabama

Richardson should be more of a factor in the Crimson Tide running game this season. Richardson had 751 yards and 8 TDs in part-time duty last season.

15. Terrance Tolliver, WR, Jr., LSU

Finally starting to live up to expectations after coming out of high school as the nation's top wide receiver prospect. He had a breakout year in 2009 with 47 receptions and 654 yards.

16. Warren Norman. RB, So., Vanderbilt

The 2009 SEC Freshman of the Year. He led the SEC in all-purpose yards with 1,941.

17. Washaun Ealey, RB, So., Georgia

One of the top freshman running backs in the country last season, rushing for 717 yards and 3 TDs.

18. Carl Johnson, OG, Sr., Florida

Johnson has started 22 straight games for the Gators at left guard and left tackle.

19. Gerald Jones. WR, Sr., Tennessee

Jones had his best season to date in 2009 with 46 receptions for 680 yards and 4 TDs.

20. Blair Walsh, K, Jr., Georgia

Why worry about the Red Zone when you've got a weapon like Walsh? Walsh was 20 of 22 on field goals, including four from more than 50 yards out.