Getting past, through or around the next player in our countdown of the SEC's best 25 players isn't exactly easy or fun.
No. 13: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee, Jr.
2012 summary: Richardson started 12 games at left tackle last year and was an All-SEC second-teamer. He was part of an offensive line that helped the Vols average 475.9 yards per game and 315.6 passing yards per game. Tennessee's line also surrendered just eight sacks last year (0.67 per game).
Most recent ranking: Not ranked in the 2012 postseason countdown.
Making the case for Richardson: He's arguably the most talented player on what might be the nation's best offensive line. With a mammoth 6-6, 327-pound frame, moving Richardson around isn't easy to say and it certainly isn't easy to do. Richardson made it on the preseason Lombardi and Outland Trophy watch lists, and for good reason. He was one of the most consistent tackles in the league last year, and was able to hold his own while taking on two of the SEC's best pass-rushers: Jadeveon Clowney and Jarvis Jones. Jones was held without a sack against the Vols last year, while Clowney didn't make his way to the quarterback until late in the game. Richardson might be enormous, but he moves very well for a big fella. He's extremely athletic and agile, and it almost looks like he glides across the field when he's in the game. That movement makes him that much tougher to get around. Richardson is getting a ton of attention from pro scouts and should be playing for an early first-round spot in next year's draft.
The rundown
No. 13: Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida, Jr.
No. 14: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt, Sr.
No. 15: Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss, Jr.
No. 16: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida, Sr.
No. 17: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M, RSo.
No. 18: Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State, Sr.
No. 19: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama, Jr.
No. 20: Chris Smith, DE, Arkansas, Sr.
No. 21: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia, So.
No. 22: Craig Loston, S, LSU, Sr.
No. 23: Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, Sr.
No. 24: Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia, So.
No. 25: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida, Jr.
