2013 SEC football preview: Who is going to be the best quarterback in the conference?

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel kisses the 2012 Heisman Trophy after a press conference at the Marriott Marquis in downtown New York City. (Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

Yes, defense wins championships, but having a superstar quarterback doesn’t hurt, either. In 2012, the SEC was absolutely littered with record-setters and game-changers. After decisions were made by a couple of them to stick around for yet another year on campus, the same can already be said about the conference’s 2013 signal callers.

In his first year under center, Johnny Football won a Heisman Trophy for himself and for Texas A&M. Alabama’s AJ McCarron took home his second consecutive national title while leading the nation in passer efficiency.

Aaron Murray decided to return to Georgia, and he has nearly every career conference passing record squarely in his sights. LSU’s Zach Mettenberger has one last shot to prove he can dominate in the nation’s strongest conference, while younger guys Jeff Driskel and Bo Wallace will have had an entire offseason as undisputed starters in order to improve.

[Read: Fourteen SEC players who will be stealing headlines in the 2013 season]

There are a handful of new faces taking over SEC programs as well. Would you prefer one of the new guys over the more experienced passers? Totally understandable, as they bring an element of surprise, pure athletic ability, and enthusiasm compared to the more calculating approach of the seasoned veterans.

Of course, having said that, perhaps that deliberate way of going about their business is what has made these guys so successful in the first place.

Some guys, such as Mississippi State’s Tyler Russell and Mizzou’s James Franklin, are out to prove they have what it takes to hang with the elite arms of the conference — and maybe they do.

We’re not sure, but if you are, then now’s the time to make your voice heard — vote, and let us know which quarterback you would trust most with the game on the line.

Which SEC quarterback is going to play at his very biggest when the brightest spotlights are zeroed in, directly upon him?

Which Southeastern Conference signal-caller is going to have the best year during the 2013 college football season?

There are, of course, a couple of programs that will be dealing with a quarterback battle throughout the offseason. That’s alright. If one of those guys are going to dominate in 2013, make that team your vote, and let your support of your program be seen.

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Who is going to be the best SEC QB in '13?