Players make the game.  It doesn't matter what sport you're talking about.  However, football is the ultimate team game.  It's the one game where fans are fans regardless of who happens to be wearing the jersey at the time.  The SEC (the conference of choice here at XEA headquarters) has many explosive players to keep an eye on this upcoming year.  So here's a list of some players for your viewing pleasure as the SEC viewers guide rolls on.  We'll even break the list down for you by position.  If you like stars, you got 'em.

You know what games to watch!  Here's who to watch in the meantime:

1st Team XEA Pre-Season All-SEC Team (one player per position) -

QB - JaMarcus Russell, LSU - Although looking like Duante Culpepper doesn't make you a good QB, it sure does catch your eye watching a ball game.  Russell is the most physically imposing QB in the league.  At 6'6", 252 lbs., JaMarcus lookes like the most misplaced player in the SEC since Jared Lorenzen.  However, his arm and athleticism also resemble Culpepper to the point where Nick Saban even traded for Culpepper just to remember what it was like to have Russell in his backfield. 

RB - Darren McFadden, Arkansas - For those of you too young to have seen Eric Dickerson play football, this is the closest thing you'll see.  McFadden is destined for greatness (assuming he stays out of bar fights of course).  If you don't know what "explosive" means, it goes something like 1113 yards on 176 carries as a true freshman in the SEC.

WR - Sidney Rice, South Carolina - Please keep in mind that Rice may not even start if Spurrier gets a "burr" in his hind part for some reason, but this kid can flat out play.  Also, no system in college football makes stars out of their receivers like the "Fun-and-Gun".   Rice is coming back from a freshman season that saw 70 catches for 1143 yards and 13 TDs.   The future is now for Rice, Spurrier, and the football's only "Carolina".

TE - Cole Bennett, Auburn - QB Brandon Cox is a check-down saavy player, very much in a Drew Brees mold.  Bennett has just the skills to make that a successful third down option for the TIgers.  Bennett will be an imporvement over former tight end Cooper Wallace.  Bennett is a much better blocker and an adequate reciever.  He's the best of the lot.

OL - Aaron Sears, Tennessee - A 1st team all conference performer from a year ago, Sears is a 338 lbs. mountain of manhood.  Not to mention that he was one nasty cuss when he straps it up.  This left tackle will lead the way, both literally and figuratively, to the Vols rebound of last years disappointing season.

DL - Quentin Moses, Georgia - At 6'5", 250 lbs., he's got the ideal size for a speed defensive end.  Moses's 11 1/2 sacks last year says that he is just that.  As Georgia's sixth all-time sack man, you can expect one more great year from Moses before he parts the jersey and chases QBs on Sundays.

LB - Sam Olajabutu, Arkansas - The SEC has reverted back to smaller, faster linebackers in recent years.  Olajabutu epitomizes this new philosophy.  At only 5'9", 230, Olajabutu, like so many others in the past few year, will be seen as a "tweener" when he's poked and proded by NFL scouts.  However, this fall he'll be viewed as a straight playmaker.  His combination of speed, strength, and sure tackling will lead an aggressive Razorback defense back into bowl contention.

DB - Ramzee Robinson, Alabama - As the only returning starter from Alabama's feared secondary last year, Robinson will be looked to as a difference maker for Mike Shula this year.  His two interceptions and seven pass breakups of a year ago may not improve due to teams staying away from this guy.  Look for most teams to lineup their top recievers on the offensive left as Robinson plays defensive left corner.  Fresh off winning the "Mal Moore Leadership Award" (a prestigious leadership award given to an Alabama player after spring practice) Robinson is ready to be the "man" on the revamped Tide defense.

 Returner - Felix Jones, Arkansas - The all-American returner is back for his sophmore season of electrifying moves and explosive plays.  Simply put, Jones is the best returner in the country.  Also look for him to shine in the USC opener if McFadden can't go because of his foot.

Punter/Kicker - Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia and Kody Bliss, P, Auburn - They have strong legs.

There you have it.  You are now well on your way football the way it was meant to be played.  Great schools, great tradition, great rivalries, great athletes.  Southeastern Conference Football, Greatness Personified!