The Great American Sport (College Football) doesn't need to be compromised because of politics and other social agendas. I don't mean to mix
politics in your college football thread Clover (too much respect for you, your input, and the Forum) but I just had to vent a little after I drifted-off on to the subject regarding Mizzou's football program). Better days are coming, opening day kick-off is only (5) months away.
politics in your college football thread Clover (too much respect for you, your input, and the Forum) but I just had to vent a little after I drifted-off on to the subject regarding Mizzou's football program). Better days are coming, opening day kick-off is only (5) months away.
LSU: Per NOLA.com, here are the LSU salaries for 2016: offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Cam Cameron ($1.2 million), defensive coordinator Dave Aranda ($1.2 million), defensive line coach / recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron ($600,000), wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig ($550,000), offensive line coach Jeff Grimes ($525,000), linebackers coach / special teams coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto ($400,000), defensive backs coach Corey Raymond ($375,000), tight ends coach Steve Ensminger ($300,000) and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke ($265,000). Aranda, Cameron and Orgeron have three-year deals, Ensminger and Peveto have two-year deals, and the rest are one-year deals. Les Miles will earn $4.3 million and is signed through 2019.
Florida: UCF offensive graduate assistant Josh Linam has joined the Florida staff as a defensive graduate assistant. Linam spent one season on the UCF staff and was a former UCF player.
Florida just fired DB coach Kirk Callahan a few months ago. He came via UCF as well. Curious hire here (although just as a GA).
Florida just fired DB coach Kirk Callahan a few months ago. He came via UCF as well. Curious hire here (although just as a GA).
Best SEC Secondaries 2016:
[h=3]5. TENNESSEE[/h]
Cameron Sutton’s decision to return to Knoxville for his senior season keeps this group in the top five. Sutton, Justin Martin and Emmanuel Moseley are back to man the corner spots for the Volunteers. However, LaDarrell McNeil and Brian Randolph both depart, leaving two holes at the starting safety spots.
Evan Berry, who’s dealing with an injury this spring, and Todd Kelly Jr. saw plenty of time at safety in reserve roles last fall and should be up to the challenge of becoming full-time starters.
Like at Tennessee, the return of a standout corner bolsters LSU’s secondary. Tre’Davious White and Kevin Tolliver II (out for spring after shoulder surgery) bring talent and starting experience to the corner back spots, while Jamal Adams had 67 tackles and four interceptions from his strong safety spot.
Corey Thompson and Rickey Jefferson are the top contenders for the starting free safety spot, and both gained valuable experience last season. Newcomer Saivion Smith could compete for playing time as well.
Vernon Hargreaves III may have left early for the NFL, but Florida may still have the league’s best corner in Jalen Tabor. Tabor picked off four passes last fall and brought two of them back for scores. He’ll start opposite Quincy Wilson, while Duke Dawson could serve as the nickel back.
Marcus Maye recorded 82 tackles and five forced fumbles last season as a starter at safety. Marcell Harris figures to get the firs
t crack at replacing Keanu Neal, who joined Hargreaves in declaring early for the draft.
The nation’s top-rated pass defense (by yards per game allowed) returns every starter from its secondary, led by standout safety Dominick Sanders. Sanders tied for the league lead with six interceptions and lines up along side Quincy Mauger, who was fifth on the team with 58 tackles.
Aaron Davis and Malkom Parrish return as the starting corners, and three of the four backups on last year’s two-deep will also be back.
Georgia may have the better statistics, but Alabama arguably has more potential NFL talent in its back four. Safety Eddie Jackson, who’s out for spring with a leg injury, shared the league’s interception lead with Sanders and returned two of them for touchdowns. Ronnie Harrison may get the first shot at the other safety spot vacated by Geno Matias-Smith.
Cyrus Jones’ departure leaves a hole at corner opposite rising sophomore Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick spent last season covering slot receivers and looked like one of the best young corners in the country. Tony Brown faces team suspensions but should contribute. Young players like Hootie Jones, Maurice Smith and Kendall Sheffield all are pushing to contribute as well.
[h=3]5. TENNESSEE[/h]
Cameron Sutton’s decision to return to Knoxville for his senior season keeps this group in the top five. Sutton, Justin Martin and Emmanuel Moseley are back to man the corner spots for the Volunteers. However, LaDarrell McNeil and Brian Randolph both depart, leaving two holes at the starting safety spots.
Evan Berry, who’s dealing with an injury this spring, and Todd Kelly Jr. saw plenty of time at safety in reserve roles last fall and should be up to the challenge of becoming full-time starters.
- Star player: CB Cameron Sutton
Like at Tennessee, the return of a standout corner bolsters LSU’s secondary. Tre’Davious White and Kevin Tolliver II (out for spring after shoulder surgery) bring talent and starting experience to the corner back spots, while Jamal Adams had 67 tackles and four interceptions from his strong safety spot.
Corey Thompson and Rickey Jefferson are the top contenders for the starting free safety spot, and both gained valuable experience last season. Newcomer Saivion Smith could compete for playing time as well.
- Star player: CB Tre’Davious White
Vernon Hargreaves III may have left early for the NFL, but Florida may still have the league’s best corner in Jalen Tabor. Tabor picked off four passes last fall and brought two of them back for scores. He’ll start opposite Quincy Wilson, while Duke Dawson could serve as the nickel back.
Marcus Maye recorded 82 tackles and five forced fumbles last season as a starter at safety. Marcell Harris figures to get the firs
t crack at replacing Keanu Neal, who joined Hargreaves in declaring early for the draft.
- Star player: CB Jalen Tabor
The nation’s top-rated pass defense (by yards per game allowed) returns every starter from its secondary, led by standout safety Dominick Sanders. Sanders tied for the league lead with six interceptions and lines up along side Quincy Mauger, who was fifth on the team with 58 tackles.
Aaron Davis and Malkom Parrish return as the starting corners, and three of the four backups on last year’s two-deep will also be back.
- Star player: S Dominick Sanders
Georgia may have the better statistics, but Alabama arguably has more potential NFL talent in its back four. Safety Eddie Jackson, who’s out for spring with a leg injury, shared the league’s interception lead with Sanders and returned two of them for touchdowns. Ronnie Harrison may get the first shot at the other safety spot vacated by Geno Matias-Smith.
Cyrus Jones’ departure leaves a hole at corner opposite rising sophomore Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick spent last season covering slot receivers and looked like one of the best young corners in the country. Tony Brown faces team suspensions but should contribute. Young players like Hootie Jones, Maurice Smith and Kendall Sheffield all are pushing to contribute as well.
- Star player: S Eddie Jackson
Thanks Coach.....you are a true RX football trooper.
You, RunLeeRun, Mack, GoSooners and others love RX College Football and it is
maybe time to start focusing on news, tips, injuries, etc....in that world.
Sorry I caused a distraction but I despise two post fruit loops and mod who fucks up
this fine fourm.
College Football is around the corner. Call me homer No. 1 but I love Bama to repeat.
You, RunLeeRun, Mack, GoSooners and others love RX College Football and it is
maybe time to start focusing on news, tips, injuries, etc....in that world.
Sorry I caused a distraction but I despise two post fruit loops and mod who fucks up
this fine fourm.
College Football is around the corner. Call me homer No. 1 but I love Bama to repeat.
Georgia Quarterbacks
Jacob Eason, the five-star recruit has worked with the third team most of the spring,
only occasionally moving up to the second unit. Reports are he has done well but not
enough to jump past Greyson Lambert or Brice Ramsey just yet. None of this should
be surprising, as Eason should be preparing for his high school prom in Lake Stevens,
Washington. Lambert, who started last year would probably still be the quarterback
if Georgia had a real game this week. He's impressed Kirby Smart with his command
of the offense and the huddle. (Got to remember who Smart coached under at Alabama
and LSU) Ramsey and Eason still need improvement in those areas. But, the first game
isn't for another five months, so there's plenty of time for Ramsey or Eason to catch up.
Jacob Eason, the five-star recruit has worked with the third team most of the spring,
only occasionally moving up to the second unit. Reports are he has done well but not
enough to jump past Greyson Lambert or Brice Ramsey just yet. None of this should
be surprising, as Eason should be preparing for his high school prom in Lake Stevens,
Washington. Lambert, who started last year would probably still be the quarterback
if Georgia had a real game this week. He's impressed Kirby Smart with his command
of the offense and the huddle. (Got to remember who Smart coached under at Alabama
and LSU) Ramsey and Eason still need improvement in those areas. But, the first game
isn't for another five months, so there's plenty of time for Ramsey or Eason to catch up.
Auburn Spring Game
Auburn's coaching staff left the annual A-Day game Saturday with the same problem they
had when spring season began over a month ago. None of the three quarterbacks did any-
thing to distinguished themselves in the A-Day spring game leaving Malzahn with a major
problem heading into the summer and fall. Auburn's frustrating offensive effort included nine
three-and-out drives, two turnovers and only two pass plays over 20 yards in the first half.
Auburn's kickers got an extreme workout Saturday as Daniel Carlson kicked five field goals
and the punters combined for 14 punts.
Field goal kicker Daniel Carlson is a good one. The junior who was a finalist for the Lou Groza
Award last season, connected on two field goals beyond 50 yards...one which was 55 yards right
down the middle. Carlson make 22 of 26 field goal attempts last season including a school
record 16 straight. He was the only Auburn player to make first team All-SEC last year.
From the looks of the offense yesterday...the Tigers are going to need him often!
Auburn's coaching staff left the annual A-Day game Saturday with the same problem they
had when spring season began over a month ago. None of the three quarterbacks did any-
thing to distinguished themselves in the A-Day spring game leaving Malzahn with a major
problem heading into the summer and fall. Auburn's frustrating offensive effort included nine
three-and-out drives, two turnovers and only two pass plays over 20 yards in the first half.
Auburn's kickers got an extreme workout Saturday as Daniel Carlson kicked five field goals
and the punters combined for 14 punts.
Field goal kicker Daniel Carlson is a good one. The junior who was a finalist for the Lou Groza
Award last season, connected on two field goals beyond 50 yards...one which was 55 yards right
down the middle. Carlson make 22 of 26 field goal attempts last season including a school
record 16 straight. He was the only Auburn player to make first team All-SEC last year.
From the looks of the offense yesterday...the Tigers are going to need him often!
Alabama Running Backs
One position where depth could be a serious concern is at running back, where rising
sophomores Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris appear to be turning heads , with
Scarbrough rushing for 100 yards for the second straight scrimmage with 111 and two
scores on just 12 carries and Harris adding 56 yards on his eight carries. Both have
been impressive this spring but Saban doesn't appear enthusiastic about the other back-
ups at tailback. The team is still awaiting the arrivals of 2016 signees like four-star B.J.
Emmons and Joshua Jacobs, both of whom could make an immediate impact behind
Scarbrough and Harris.
Offensive Line
Bama's offensive line has seen a lot of moving parts this spring as the coaches experiment
some in order to establish a clear pecking order up front. All the moving parts hasn't allowed
many players to establish continuity, with several regularly switching between tackle and
guard, or right or left side line. Still, a few players have done enough to be ahead of the pack
for a coveted starting spot in the fall. One of those appears to be sophomore Lester Cotton,
who has impressed this spring while practicing at both tackle and at left/right guard. Saban
has had high praise for Cotton's play during spring practice. Cotton will probably start at right
tackle opposite left tackle All-American Cam Robinson giving the offense two solid anchors on
each side of the line.
One position where depth could be a serious concern is at running back, where rising
sophomores Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris appear to be turning heads , with
Scarbrough rushing for 100 yards for the second straight scrimmage with 111 and two
scores on just 12 carries and Harris adding 56 yards on his eight carries. Both have
been impressive this spring but Saban doesn't appear enthusiastic about the other back-
ups at tailback. The team is still awaiting the arrivals of 2016 signees like four-star B.J.
Emmons and Joshua Jacobs, both of whom could make an immediate impact behind
Scarbrough and Harris.
Offensive Line
Bama's offensive line has seen a lot of moving parts this spring as the coaches experiment
some in order to establish a clear pecking order up front. All the moving parts hasn't allowed
many players to establish continuity, with several regularly switching between tackle and
guard, or right or left side line. Still, a few players have done enough to be ahead of the pack
for a coveted starting spot in the fall. One of those appears to be sophomore Lester Cotton,
who has impressed this spring while practicing at both tackle and at left/right guard. Saban
has had high praise for Cotton's play during spring practice. Cotton will probably start at right
tackle opposite left tackle All-American Cam Robinson giving the offense two solid anchors on
each side of the line.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M's 2015 season was full of promise. A 5-0 start gave way to three blowouts in the next
month and a humbling 8-5 season that ended with a loss to Louisville in the Music City Bowl. Making
matters worst, two of the Aggies top quarterbacks (both 5-star) bolted the team before the bowl
ever happened, leaving the team without a real answer at quarterback. Enter Oklahoma transfer
Trevor Knight who was just named the team's starting quarterback after spring drills. Knight may
not be the on-field answer that finally gets Sumlin and the Aggies back on track. But he will stabilize
the program, at least for the rest of the offseason and heading into fall camp. Now, if he can just
improve his consistency and accuracy issues. Sumlin has a lot riding on Mr. Knight's shoulders. We
shall see.................
Texas A&M's 2015 season was full of promise. A 5-0 start gave way to three blowouts in the next
month and a humbling 8-5 season that ended with a loss to Louisville in the Music City Bowl. Making
matters worst, two of the Aggies top quarterbacks (both 5-star) bolted the team before the bowl
ever happened, leaving the team without a real answer at quarterback. Enter Oklahoma transfer
Trevor Knight who was just named the team's starting quarterback after spring drills. Knight may
not be the on-field answer that finally gets Sumlin and the Aggies back on track. But he will stabilize
the program, at least for the rest of the offseason and heading into fall camp. Now, if he can just
improve his consistency and accuracy issues. Sumlin has a lot riding on Mr. Knight's shoulders. We
shall see.................
Alabama's First Opponent - Southern Cal
Junior Max Browne (former 5-star recruit) looks to be the new starting quarterback for the Trojans.
The rest of the offense is poised to prop up a first-time starting quarterback. Two 900-yard rushers,
Justin Davis and Ronald Jones, are back. JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the best receivers in the
country and the offensive line is loaded with returning starters. Overall, nine starters return on the
offensive side of the ball. On defense, USC should be pretty good with its back seven. The question
mark and a major one is the front four where Woods, Simmons and Townsend have graduated. The
Trojans will turn to youngsters Rasheem Green and Noal Jefferson along with some hold overs or new
recruits to man the front. Alabama will be ready and should win this matchup. Saban is 9-0 in openers
since coming to the Tide.
Junior Max Browne (former 5-star recruit) looks to be the new starting quarterback for the Trojans.
The rest of the offense is poised to prop up a first-time starting quarterback. Two 900-yard rushers,
Justin Davis and Ronald Jones, are back. JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the best receivers in the
country and the offensive line is loaded with returning starters. Overall, nine starters return on the
offensive side of the ball. On defense, USC should be pretty good with its back seven. The question
mark and a major one is the front four where Woods, Simmons and Townsend have graduated. The
Trojans will turn to youngsters Rasheem Green and Noal Jefferson along with some hold overs or new
recruits to man the front. Alabama will be ready and should win this matchup. Saban is 9-0 in openers
since coming to the Tide.
Missouri
Simply put, Missou's offense was terrible last year. Last in the SEC in total offense,
passing offense and rushing offense and points per game averaging just 13.5. The
2015 offense was awful due largely to an inability to run or pass block with even a
semblance of mediocrity. New coach Barry Odom has worked the O-Line hard this
spring for improvement in finishing blocks in the run game and not giving up on pass
blocks until the play is over. Last year's front folded like a tent when facing stout
defenses. The Tiger defense should be pretty good with eight starters back but for
the team to avoid another long year, the offense has to show a ton of improvement.
Sidenote: Back in 1968, Missouri ran the ball a school record 99 times in a 27-14
win over Colorado. The closet SEC team to 99 carries since the turn of the century
was Arkansas which ran 80 times in a seven overtime 58-56 win over Ole Miss.
Simply put, Missou's offense was terrible last year. Last in the SEC in total offense,
passing offense and rushing offense and points per game averaging just 13.5. The
2015 offense was awful due largely to an inability to run or pass block with even a
semblance of mediocrity. New coach Barry Odom has worked the O-Line hard this
spring for improvement in finishing blocks in the run game and not giving up on pass
blocks until the play is over. Last year's front folded like a tent when facing stout
defenses. The Tiger defense should be pretty good with eight starters back but for
the team to avoid another long year, the offense has to show a ton of improvement.
Sidenote: Back in 1968, Missouri ran the ball a school record 99 times in a 27-14
win over Colorado. The closet SEC team to 99 carries since the turn of the century
was Arkansas which ran 80 times in a seven overtime 58-56 win over Ole Miss.
Alabama Defense
The Bama defense this year has the potential to be better than the 2015 unit. Of course,
that's no guarantee the unit will be able to repeat, let alone exceed the elite level of play
last year when it was the nation's No. 1 ranked run defense (75 ypg), No. 2 scoring defense
(15 ppg) and No. 3 in total defense (276 ypg). Alabama has a group of six returners who
passed up the NFL draft to come back for their senior year. Defensive lineman Jonathan
Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson; safety Eddie Jackson; and linebackers Ruben Foster, Tim Williams
and Ryan Anderson. This group combined for 245 tackles and 30.5 of a nation leading 53
sacks last year. If rising junior linebacker Rashaan Evans is added to the mix, the Tide returns
its top four leaders in sacks from a year ago. Add former top rated recruits Da'Shawn Hand
and Daron Payne, the latter making a considerable impact as a true freshman in 2015. And
with a bevy of gifted signees set to arrive this summer...including a duo of 5-star linebackers
in Ben Davis and Mack Wilson...there's even more talent on the way. Beware of Bama's D!
The Bama defense this year has the potential to be better than the 2015 unit. Of course,
that's no guarantee the unit will be able to repeat, let alone exceed the elite level of play
last year when it was the nation's No. 1 ranked run defense (75 ypg), No. 2 scoring defense
(15 ppg) and No. 3 in total defense (276 ypg). Alabama has a group of six returners who
passed up the NFL draft to come back for their senior year. Defensive lineman Jonathan
Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson; safety Eddie Jackson; and linebackers Ruben Foster, Tim Williams
and Ryan Anderson. This group combined for 245 tackles and 30.5 of a nation leading 53
sacks last year. If rising junior linebacker Rashaan Evans is added to the mix, the Tide returns
its top four leaders in sacks from a year ago. Add former top rated recruits Da'Shawn Hand
and Daron Payne, the latter making a considerable impact as a true freshman in 2015. And
with a bevy of gifted signees set to arrive this summer...including a duo of 5-star linebackers
in Ben Davis and Mack Wilson...there's even more talent on the way. Beware of Bama's D!
SEC Spring Game Attendance
Seven SEC teams held their spring games on Saturday, and despite nice weather,
the games drew mixed results as far as attendance. Here's a list of spring games
so far:
Georgia 93.000
Alabama 76,212
Tennessee 67,027
Florida 46,000
Auburn 45,723
South Carolina 32,916
Kentucky 28,441
Texas A&M 27,412
Missouri 24,443
LSU 21,027
Mississippi State 15,717
Vanderbilt 3,500
Seven SEC teams held their spring games on Saturday, and despite nice weather,
the games drew mixed results as far as attendance. Here's a list of spring games
so far:
Georgia 93.000
Alabama 76,212
Tennessee 67,027
Florida 46,000
Auburn 45,723
South Carolina 32,916
Kentucky 28,441
Texas A&M 27,412
Missouri 24,443
LSU 21,027
Mississippi State 15,717
Vanderbilt 3,500
Kentucky
The Wildcats must adapt to a new offense, as new offensive coordinator
Eddie Gran (Cincinnati) scrapped Kentucky's "Air Raid" scheme in favor
of more of a pro-style attack. The Wildcats must retool a defense that
lost experience at linebacker and in the secondary. Kentucky also is seeking
a pass rusher after the offseason dismissal of Jason Hatcher. Stoops is
is entering his fourth season and needs to prove Kentucky can win in the
SEC.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tennessee
The Vols return Joshua Dobbs, who leads all active SEC quarterbacks with 22
career starts. But their receiving corps remains unsettled and was hindered
by injuries this spring. The only three scholarship wide outs who played in the
spring game were Preston Williams, Cody Blanc and junior college transfer George
Williams, a former five-star recruit, showed marked improvement this spring and
had three catches for 77 yards in the Orange & White game. He could help a
group that also returns Josh Malone and Josh Smith, who combined for 54 catches
last year. Many are picking Tennessee to win the SEC East.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vanderbilt
The Commodores must boost their passing attack to keep opposing defenses from
focusing on slowing down running back Ralph Webb. Kyle Shurmur completed 42
percent of his passes last season. Vandy needs receivers to team up with Trent
Sherfield who had 51 catches for 659 yards and three touchdowns last season. The
Doars hope to get a boost from the return of C.J. Duncan, who missed the 2015
season with a leg injury. Mason makes it through another losing season...his third
since replacing James Franklin.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Wildcats must adapt to a new offense, as new offensive coordinator
Eddie Gran (Cincinnati) scrapped Kentucky's "Air Raid" scheme in favor
of more of a pro-style attack. The Wildcats must retool a defense that
lost experience at linebacker and in the secondary. Kentucky also is seeking
a pass rusher after the offseason dismissal of Jason Hatcher. Stoops is
is entering his fourth season and needs to prove Kentucky can win in the
SEC.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tennessee
The Vols return Joshua Dobbs, who leads all active SEC quarterbacks with 22
career starts. But their receiving corps remains unsettled and was hindered
by injuries this spring. The only three scholarship wide outs who played in the
spring game were Preston Williams, Cody Blanc and junior college transfer George
Williams, a former five-star recruit, showed marked improvement this spring and
had three catches for 77 yards in the Orange & White game. He could help a
group that also returns Josh Malone and Josh Smith, who combined for 54 catches
last year. Many are picking Tennessee to win the SEC East.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vanderbilt
The Commodores must boost their passing attack to keep opposing defenses from
focusing on slowing down running back Ralph Webb. Kyle Shurmur completed 42
percent of his passes last season. Vandy needs receivers to team up with Trent
Sherfield who had 51 catches for 659 yards and three touchdowns last season. The
Doars hope to get a boost from the return of C.J. Duncan, who missed the 2015
season with a leg injury. Mason makes it through another losing season...his third
since replacing James Franklin.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
