They are a rare phenomenon, especially in the unforgiving, big-boy world of the SEC.

Exceptional talent is a requirement. But it also takes being in a situation of need.

Dues, often painful, must be paid. The end product, however, is coveted.

In Erik Ainge, Tennessee has one of these rare birds, a four-year starter at that most critical of positions, quarterback.

“Game experience is the most important thing,’’ Ainge said recently.

“Getting reps in practice and scrimmages, making practice like a game, that’s important, but there is no simulation like an actual game.’’

Ainge opens the 2007 season with 29 games under his belt. He’s started 23 of them: 12 last year; five in 2005 when he juggled the job with Rick Clausen; six in 2004, when he and Brent Schaeffer were co-starters as true freshmen.

Head coach Phillip Fulmer and David Cutcliffe both underscore the significance of having faced live bullets on Saturdays.

“You can have all the knowledge in the world, but it’s got to be functional — not just doing it on a chalkboard,’’ said Cutcliffe, Ainge’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

“There’s no substitute for experience,’’ added Fulmer, “even if you’re a limited player.

“There’s been people that won championships with limited players that know what to do and can make plays. And Erik’s not a limited player.’’

Over the past 20 years, Tennessee ranks at or near the top of the SEC in benefiting from continuity in its quarterback play.

Peyton Manning and Casey Clausen were four-year starters. Counting Ainge, no other SEC program can boast three four-year starters in that time frame.

Then there’s Jeff Francis and Andy Kelly, who started three years. Heath Shuler forfeited a third year as starter to jump to the NFL.

Tee Martin went 22-3 in his two-year starting tenure, including the undefeated 1998 season.

“It can work both ways,’’ said Cutcliffe.

“If you do what Tee did, it enabled him to be a national-championship quarterback as a junior, and a very effective one.’’

That said, coaches will usually take their chances with a senior quarterback who has been battle-tested to the max.

Here are a few fourth-year starter highlights from the past two decades:

Manning led the Vols to an SEC title in ‘97. Clausen went 10-3 in 2003, notching road wins at Florida, Miami and (in five overtimes) Alabama.

What did Florida’s two national championship seasons have in common?

Fourth-year starters: Danny Wuerffel in 1996 and Chris Leak in 2006.

In 1993, Stan White quarterbacked Auburn to an 11-0 season.

Arkansas won the SEC West in ‘95 with Barry Lunney. Georgia won the East in 2003 behind David Greene. Two years ago, Vanderbilt ended a 22-year losing streak to Tennessee behind Jay Cutler’s leadership.

Going into 2007, Ainge has a comfort level no other current SEC quarterback can match.

“Erik’s a completely different player than he was two years ago or even last year,’’ said Cutcliffe. “I’ve got great confidence in him to fix things.

“Look at the NFL, when guys have got six or seven years in the same system. This was Peyton’s ninth year (with the Indianapolis Colts). He’s got a situation where he’s a master of what he’s doing.’’

To the extent that a college quarterback can, so does Ainge.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.