We’ve reached the Top 5 of our Top 100 SEC players list and will unveil the remaining players daily leading up to opening night on Aug. 28.

2. Nick Marshall, Sr., QB, Auburn



Quick to dismiss the spotlight, this second-year starter has immense expectations as the leader of the defending SEC champions and nation’s top rushing offense. Repeatedly this offseason, Marshall has insisted that he’s not focused on a Heisman campaign and instead has worked on improving his production as a passer. The two go hand-in-hand. Marshall will take the stage seven times against nationally-ranked teams and impressive performances in those games would push him to the top of Heisman projections and as a result, likely keep the Tigers within striking distance of the College Football Playoff.

RELATED: Ranking the SEC’s 2014 Quarterbacks

Gus Malzahn says his senior quarterback has moved on from an off-the-field incident in July that temporarily derailed some of his preseason hype. Marshall’s numbers as a passer should soar with the addition of top-rated JUCO wideout Duke Williams along with a better understanding of Malzahn’s play-action attack.

2013 statistics: 3,044 yards of total offense; 14 passing TD, 12 rushing TD

2014 projection: 4,003 yards of total offense; 21 passing TD, 13 rushing TD

