SEC Football history: 50 best players of all time

44. Best SEC football players of all time: Carnell Williams, Auburn football

Playing for Attalla (AL) Etowah High School, Carnell Williams was named Mr. Football in the State of Alabama. Taking his talents to Auburn, it did not take him long to establish himself at the college level, getting his opportunity as a true freshman for the Tigers.

“Cadillac” would take that opportunity and never look back, and while injuries did derail part of his collegiate career, when he was on the field, he was a sight to be seen. Williams had bright moments as a true freshman, including running for nearly 180 yards against Arkansas, and also toting the rock a school-record 41 times against Georgia.

In year two, Williams saw a promising season end with a broken fibula but still finished with 10 touchdowns in only seven games. As a junior, he really began to show out, scoring a school single-season record 17 rushing touchdowns, while averaging over five yards per carry. Instead of turning pro, he returned for his senior season, and the Tigers were happy he did.

He played a key role in the team winning the SEC title that year, going 13-0 overall, and finishing No. 2 in the country. He would go on to be a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning the AP Rookie of the Year honor, played seven seasons in the NFL, and is now the running back coach at his alma mater.