We've reached the top 10 of our countdown of the SEC's best 25 players, and our next player has pro scouts drooling over his potential as an NFL left tackle.
No. 10: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama, Jr.
2012 summary: Kouandjio started all 14 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, blocking for 10 individual 100-yard rushing performances and allowing just 3.5 sacks as a first-year starter. He helped Alabama average 227.5 yards rushing yards and 445.5 total yards of offense per game last season. Kouandjio graded out at 90 percent or better in seven games, and finished the season with 24 pancakes.
Most recent ranking: Not ranked in the 2012 postseason countdown.
Making the case for Kouandjio: It took a little time for Kouandjio to adjust to the college game -- and it didn't help that he suffered a season-ending knee injury halfway through the 2011 season -- but he is now being viewed by many as one of the best offensive linemen in the country. When you think of an absolute freak athlete lining up along the offensive line, it's hard to not have an image of Kouandjio pop right up. He's extremely strong and agile, making him quite the load to handle with his 6-6, 310-pound frame. He's the centerpiece of Alabama's offensive line and is considered by many to be one of the top tackle prospects in next year's NFL draft. He's superb at blocking for the pass and run, so it's no surprise that Kouandjio made the preseason watch lists for the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award. Kouandjio is still growing and still learning. He just scratched the surface last season, and should be a very scary player to face as he develops and gets closer to reaching his potential.
The rundown
No. 11: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama, So.
No. 12: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee, Jr.
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. 24: Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia, So.
No. 25: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida, Jr.
