Who was your favorite player from an opposing team last year? #FriendshipThread

What player(s) from the SEC not from your preferred school(s) of choice, do you love and potentially respect?

For me

1- Connor Shaw

He was a mix of Rudy's determination, Robert Horry's clutch and Charles Barkley ability to play bigger than his athletic measurements. People throw out the characteristic of 'true grit' way too much but Shaw may be one of the few who actually deserves the label. He sad he is looking at a military career if football falls through. How can you not love a winner in front of the fans (undefeated at home) who pisses America

2- CJ Mosley

The guy may be the least talked about /boring 1st round pick out of Alabama in a long time. It is a great thing that deserves respect. With freshman RBs getting new chargers out of nowhere and late rd QBs getting reality shows, CJ flys under the radar with his off the field behavior. Whispers of impropriety never seem to revolve around him either. For a guy who was a Butkus winner, 2x AA and SECDPOY , he has seemingly lived a humble life. Hard to find any scout from the NFL who disagreed with his character

3- Johnny Manziel

Almost for the exact opposite reason as CJ, I love me some Johnny Football. Not since Cam Newton have we seen a guy, with so many distractions around him, succeed at such a high level. The difference is that Cam's distractions were a product of those around him while JFF managed to do it all himself. Few people have the ability to create this exciting narrative for themselves then walk out under the lights and write a new chapter like JFF did against Duke. Kid was basically partying with strippers and getting plastered before 21 then set records the next day. It is impressive both to be able to do and to say fug all of you I really will do what I want.

Honorable Mention- Adam Griffith and Josh Harvey-Clemons

They gave us two of the greatest games in a generation in the same season with the "Kick 6" and "Prayer at Jordan-Hare." Some people call it luck but I think it is selling these two short. I believe they saw an opportunity to be a part of something legendary, something the rest of us will never have a shot at. Takes a big man to make the sacrifice for greatness