SEC's best players — No. 21 Ben Tate

Why he's No. 21: Tate is a tough, speedy and versatile back who has a chance to have a breakout season in 2008. As a true sophomore last fall, Tate was a major player in the AU offense, rushing for 961 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 144 yards. The coaches feel he will be a perfect fit in the Tigers' new spread offense.

Key number: 221.4 The number of yards rushing Tate averaged per game in his junior season at Snow Hill High School in Newark, Md.

Fun fact: Tate was an offensive machine in high school, setting the Maryland state records for yards rushing in a career (5,920) and season (2,886). For his career, he averaged 10.9 yards a carry and 160 yards a game.