Robert Ayers

Why.

After redshirting in 2004, Robert Ayers played in nine games in 2005. In 2006, he had two starts and played in 13 games, and he played in all 14 games in 2007. His best game prior to this year came in 2007 against Arkansas State when he led the team with six tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks.

Ayers represented the team at SEC Media Days over the summer and has started every game this season. He's had 43 tackles, 30 of which were solos, three sacks for 29 yards, five QBHs, and an interception and return for eight yards.

It's guys like Robert Ayers who are emblematic of the Phillip Fulmer Era. One of the things, the Traditionals, at which Fulmer never faltered was growing young boys into responsible men. Nobody really knew all of the factors that Fulmer considered when doling out discipline to his players, but then again nobody really knew the guys like Fulmer. Sometimes a player's continued bad choices forced The Papa's hand and that player had to be cast out for the good of the others, but enough of the time, Fulmer's patience paid off in the form of guys like Robert Ayers.