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It's now or never.
There are just a handful of fifth-year seniors still in the Southeastern Conference who were highly touted recruits from the Class of 2007. Here's a rundown of SEC East seniors with one last chance to shine. We'll look at the SEC West on Tuesday.
FLORIDA
John Brantley, ESPN's No. 4 QB: The 2006 Gatorade National Player of the Year was thought to be in perfect position to succeed Tim Tebow but instead suffered a disastrous first season as the Gators' starting quarterback. With Charlie Weis taking over, the hope is that he can work his magic and add Brantley to his list of rehabilitated QBs.
Deonte Thompson, Scout's No. 3 WR: A consensus five-star prospect, Thompson was expected to be a do-it-all receiver for the Gators. He showed up with 4.28 speed and a reputation for being strong and physical. However, unreliable hands have prevented Thompson from being a consistent threat. He'll have one last chance in Weis' pro-style offense.
James Wilson, Rivals' No. 1 OG: Wilson has battled injuries his entire career and has struggled to make an impact on the field with just five career starts. He missed the last 10 games of the 2010 season and had surgery on his left knee. Florida appears desperate for healthy O-linemen in 2011.
Chris Rainey, Scout's No. 5 RB: Rainey has been an impact player throughout his career, but has run into trouble with a couple of key injuries. Rainey received a medical redshirt after his true freshman season was ended by a shoulder injury. He injured a leg during the 2008 BCS National Championship Game. Rainey also was kicked off the team after an aggravated stalking charge during the 2010 season. When he returned to the team late last year, he was its best offensive player.
Jaye Howard, ESPN's No. 9 DE: After redshirting his first season, Howard began to gradually improve and put on enough weight to move to defensive tackle. He now has the size, strength and skill to be an ideal fit for Will Muschamp's multiple-formation defense, as he can play inside and outside in a 4-3 defense as well as at end in a 3-4 defense.
GEORGIA
Aron White, Rivals' No. 1 TE: White has never lived up to his lofty status as a heralded recruit, instead settling in as a solid blocker who can catch the odd pass. He is behind Orson Charles on the depth chart and could lose time to true freshman Jay Rome.
Caleb King, Scout's No. 4 RB: Injuries, inconsistent play and some off-the-field issues have limited King to five starts in each of the last two seasons, but heading into this fall he is atop the depth chart. He'll have to hold off talented true freshman Isaiah Crowell.
Israel Troupe, ESPN's No. 6 WR: Troupe has flirted with pro baseball and the lack of focus on the football field is evidenced by 11 career receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown. Once again he's buried on the depth chart heading into 2011.
Trinton Sturdivant, ESPN's No. 8 OT: We'll give a special asterisk to this unlucky big fella. Sturdivant missed two full seasons with ACL tears in his left knee and will likely miss 2011 with an ACL tear in his right knee. He could apply for a medical hardship and go for a rare sixth season of college football. Stay tuned in 2012!
KENTUCKY
Stuart Hines, Rivals No. 25 OT: The best player in UK's Class of 2007, defensive end D.J. Stafford, didn't qualify or make it Kentucky. Hines has become a solid starter at guard in the last two years (24 starts in 36 games) and will do so again in 2011.
TENNESSEE
Ben Martin, Rivals' No. 2 DE: With a handful of transfers and Eric Berry leaving early for the NFL, Martin is the only player left from a distinguished class of 2007 for the Vols. After a torn left Achilles tendon cost Martin the entire 2010 season, he tore his right Achilles in February but hopes to return in time for the 2011 season.
VANDERBILT
Brandon Barden, Scout's No. 52 TE: The Commodores don't get too many blue-chippers, but Barden has been a solid starter for most of his career. He's started 30 games in three seasons and looks to continue the trend in 2011.
Larry Smith, Rivals' 25th dual-threat QB: The former Mr. Football in the state of Alabama, Smith has started 20 games in the last two seasons with uneven results. He'll have to fend off junior college transfer Jordan Rodgers, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
