SEC quarterback rankings

Ready or not, we’re nearing the start of college football season. That means it’s time for one of the most popular series in any sports blog: position rankings. ESPN’s resident Southeastern Conference expert Chris Low teamed up with Edward Aschoff and dropped the first set of these rankings for the conference, starting with the quarterback position. Arkansas' Tyler Wilson checks in atop the list. The senior Razorback threw for over 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, and could have been a lock for an NFL team had he opted for the draft. The conference is top-heavy in QB talent, but Wilson is one of the most gifted in the league — and maybe in the nation. So where is Kentucky’s Maxwell Smith? He makes the list in the top-10.

10. Maxwell Smith, So., Kentucky: Smith played in eight games last season, but proved to be a much more effective player than former starter Morgan Newton. Despite averaging just 102.4 passing yards per game, Smith earned SEC All-Freshmen honors last fall. Smith looked even better this spring, and it appears the Wildcats' starting quarterback spot is his to lose.

Maxwell Smith burst onto the scene much in the same way Morgan Newton entered the spotlight a hero. Remembering back to 2009 when Mike Hartline went down with a season-ending knee injury: Morgan Newton was still in line to redshirt his freshman season, but was forced into the starting role out of necessity. Newton would lead the Cats to a 5-2 record in its final seven games, and an appearance in the Music City Bowl. Fans couldn’t wait to get more Newton. Fast forward to 2011: Maxwell Smith saw brief appearances mid-season against some SEC heavyweights, coming in for a series or two, tossing a pass, but never filling up the stat lines. The indecisiveness of Joker and the staff was evident — but Newton had waited his turn and he still showed the most promise. That all changed on October 29th against Mississippi State when Smith showed everyone what he could do, completing 26-of-33 passes; relieving Morgan Newton of the starting duties the following game after he went down with an injury. Smith would start the next three games, throwing for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns. Fans can’t wait to get more Smith. The flip-flopping Joker Phillips had between Morgan Newton and Maxwell Smith a season ago is gone. Though he may suggest there is an ongoing position battle at quarterback, barring some unforeseen circumstance, Maxwell Smith will be your starting QB on September 2nd when the Wildcats play Louisville to kick off the season. Newton and Smith were both called upon when they least expected it and succeeded in their duties. Now as the starter, if Smith can channel that underdog role once again, playing like there is nothing to lose, maybe he can do something special. Because really, when you think about it, the only way to go is up.