SEC's best players — No. 16 Jasper Brinkley

No. 16 — Jasper Brinkley

South Carolina senior linebacker

Why he's No. 16: Although his season was cut short in 2007, Brinkley has demonstrated his ability as an impact defensive player throughout his career in South Carolina. Playing a full season in 2006, Brinkley led the Gamecocks in tackles with 107, including 85 solo. South Carolina's defense wasn't the same after Brinkley went down last September with a season-ending right knee injury.

Key number: 275. That's Brinkley's weight this season, up from 262 pounds a year ago and 250 pounds as a high school senior. That size at the inside linebacker spot will present a challenge for opposing teams looking to run the football.

Fun fact: Brinkley went to Thomson (Ga.) High School, a tradition-rich program that has produced seven NFL players. One renowned player was former Oakland Raiders punter Ray Guy, a seven-time Pro Bowler who was the first pure punter ever taken in the first-round of the NFL Draft.