Cam Newton

Cam Newton:The Tigers, currently 7-0, have emerged as one of the nation's most surprising teams. An important part of that success is attributable to an optimistic attitude, which players consider the thrust behind comeback wins against Clemson, South Carolina, Kentucky and Arkansas.

The main source of optimism is Newton, who spends his game days alternating between the Southeastern Conference's most dominant offensive player and the league's most vocal cheerleader.

"He's having the time of his life out there," Auburn left tackle Lee Ziemba said. "That's what you have to remember. I've never seen anybody smile as much or laugh as much as I see from him on Saturdays in the stadium when he plays ball. It's awesome."

Newton's outlook wasn't always so rosy.

He left Florida in late 2008. A brush with law enforcement and a growing sense that playing opportunities behind Tim Tebow were limited caused Newton to leave Gainesville for Blinn College in rural Texas.

It was during a game with Blinn that Newton experienced an epiphany. His coach, Brad Franchione, noticed that his quarterback was gloomy because Blinn was losing.

Cam Newton