Auburn
As the Auburn Tigers enter their 15 spring practices, here's a look at position battles.
Quarterback: Perhaps you didn't know, but last season's starter Nick Marshall didn't go through spring practice last year. This is the first time Gus Malzahn will have a returning signal caller as a college coach, so developing Marshall into a polished pocket passer and creating a more balanced offense starts now. Backing up Marshall is strong armed Jeremy Johnson and Tucker Tuberville (Cincy coach son).
Running Back: Who takes over as the load bearer with All-SEC Tre Mason gone likely won't be determined in the spring. Cameron Artis-Payne and Cory Grant (transfer from Alabama) will still compliment each other's different styles, where Peyton Barber and Johnathan Ford, should be move back from defense fit before 5-star recruit Roc Thomas arrives to enter the competition.
Receiver: With Trovon Reed moving to defense and Jaylon Denson still recovering from a torn patellar, someone was going to be getting a look at the outside. Once D'haquille Williams signed on, the question of who was answered. The top junior college player in the country comes in to much hype and expectations. Sammy Coates, Ricardo Louis, Quan Bray, Marcus Davis, Tony Stevens, Melvin Ray, Dimitri Reese and Dominic Walker will all be given an opportunity to shine.
Tigh End/H-Back: Who replaces big Jay Prosch is one of the more interesting questions on offense. The running game will likely be less zone read based so the H-back role will involve mostly pass blocking. Brandon Fulse can easily transition, and Ricky Parks, who returns as a walk-on after his dismissal last season, could also help fill the void.
Offensive Line: Four starters return for the second straight year up front, though All-American Greg Robinson's departure is a big one. Whether Avery Young or Patrick Miller slide over to the left side or Shon Coleman and Robert Leff simply move up in the pecking order will make for a good position battle. Dampeer will take over behind center Reece Dismukes, arguably the most irreplaceable player on the team.
Defense next..............
As the Auburn Tigers enter their 15 spring practices, here's a look at position battles.
Quarterback: Perhaps you didn't know, but last season's starter Nick Marshall didn't go through spring practice last year. This is the first time Gus Malzahn will have a returning signal caller as a college coach, so developing Marshall into a polished pocket passer and creating a more balanced offense starts now. Backing up Marshall is strong armed Jeremy Johnson and Tucker Tuberville (Cincy coach son).
Running Back: Who takes over as the load bearer with All-SEC Tre Mason gone likely won't be determined in the spring. Cameron Artis-Payne and Cory Grant (transfer from Alabama) will still compliment each other's different styles, where Peyton Barber and Johnathan Ford, should be move back from defense fit before 5-star recruit Roc Thomas arrives to enter the competition.
Receiver: With Trovon Reed moving to defense and Jaylon Denson still recovering from a torn patellar, someone was going to be getting a look at the outside. Once D'haquille Williams signed on, the question of who was answered. The top junior college player in the country comes in to much hype and expectations. Sammy Coates, Ricardo Louis, Quan Bray, Marcus Davis, Tony Stevens, Melvin Ray, Dimitri Reese and Dominic Walker will all be given an opportunity to shine.
Tigh End/H-Back: Who replaces big Jay Prosch is one of the more interesting questions on offense. The running game will likely be less zone read based so the H-back role will involve mostly pass blocking. Brandon Fulse can easily transition, and Ricky Parks, who returns as a walk-on after his dismissal last season, could also help fill the void.
Offensive Line: Four starters return for the second straight year up front, though All-American Greg Robinson's departure is a big one. Whether Avery Young or Patrick Miller slide over to the left side or Shon Coleman and Robert Leff simply move up in the pecking order will make for a good position battle. Dampeer will take over behind center Reece Dismukes, arguably the most irreplaceable player on the team.
Defense next..............
Defensive Line: Replacing Dee Ford is the biggest challenge the team faces heading into next season. His explosiveness and pass rush ability is unmatched. Carl Lawson will be looked at to pick up a lot of the load. With Jeff Whitaker back, the open spot at tackle is likely between the fith-year senior and Montravius Adams. Auburn has five seniors returning on the defensive line.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Linebacker: The Tigers return the bulk of their linebacking corp losing only senior Jake Holland. Kris Frost will move into the starting role as Mike LB, but his on-field communication will be the most important thing to improve on in the spring. The second line on the depth chart is open at both spots, particularly if junior Justin Garrett moves to a safety position. Malzahn did not bring in any linebacker recruits. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cornerback: Their are a lot of options for replenishing the secondary. Jonathon Mincy could move to boundary to allow Jonathan Jones to take over at field. Jonathan Ford may not be a factor if he moves back to offense. Former wide receiver Trovon Reed will likely provide depth at boundary. Josh Holsey could be back at corner but that won't be known until during spring practice. The main concern for the secondary coach is not to yell out "Hey Jonathon."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Safety: How defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson goes about refilling the boundary side of the secondary, primarily at safety, will be a big story line of the spring. Junior Josh Holsey will be out as he recovers from his torn ACL and can play safety or corner, so junior college rewcomer Derrick Moncrief will get a lot of reps in the spring. If Robenson Therezie is moved to corner, it could send Garrett back to "star" and Holsey returning at safety. Trent Fisher (son of SL Rams coach), Khari Harding, Brandon King and Mackenro Alexander will all get good looks.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Linebacker: The Tigers return the bulk of their linebacking corp losing only senior Jake Holland. Kris Frost will move into the starting role as Mike LB, but his on-field communication will be the most important thing to improve on in the spring. The second line on the depth chart is open at both spots, particularly if junior Justin Garrett moves to a safety position. Malzahn did not bring in any linebacker recruits. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cornerback: Their are a lot of options for replenishing the secondary. Jonathon Mincy could move to boundary to allow Jonathan Jones to take over at field. Jonathan Ford may not be a factor if he moves back to offense. Former wide receiver Trovon Reed will likely provide depth at boundary. Josh Holsey could be back at corner but that won't be known until during spring practice. The main concern for the secondary coach is not to yell out "Hey Jonathon."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Safety: How defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson goes about refilling the boundary side of the secondary, primarily at safety, will be a big story line of the spring. Junior Josh Holsey will be out as he recovers from his torn ACL and can play safety or corner, so junior college rewcomer Derrick Moncrief will get a lot of reps in the spring. If Robenson Therezie is moved to corner, it could send Garrett back to "star" and Holsey returning at safety. Trent Fisher (son of SL Rams coach), Khari Harding, Brandon King and Mackenro Alexander will all get good looks.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
Coach Gus Malzahn wants his hurry-up, no-huddle offense, which averaged 72.4 plays per game last season, to go faster. With Nick Marshall returning at quarterback becoming a faster offense should be an easier task than with a newcomer. Auburn relied on Marshall's legs a lot last season. He had 1,068 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, opening things up for All-American Tre Mason. Marshall's passing game developed as last season went on, and his outing in the BCS National Championship could be an early indicator of what's in store.
"We think we can be quite a bit faster," Malzahn said Monday, the first day of spring practice. "There were times last year, we had a lot of new people out there, a lot of moving parts, and as you get more comfortable, the faster you can get." I'm sure atate rival Nick Saban and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema will like that.
Coach Gus Malzahn wants his hurry-up, no-huddle offense, which averaged 72.4 plays per game last season, to go faster. With Nick Marshall returning at quarterback becoming a faster offense should be an easier task than with a newcomer. Auburn relied on Marshall's legs a lot last season. He had 1,068 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, opening things up for All-American Tre Mason. Marshall's passing game developed as last season went on, and his outing in the BCS National Championship could be an early indicator of what's in store.
"We think we can be quite a bit faster," Malzahn said Monday, the first day of spring practice. "There were times last year, we had a lot of new people out there, a lot of moving parts, and as you get more comfortable, the faster you can get." I'm sure atate rival Nick Saban and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema will like that.
Georgia
Four Georgia football players were arrested Monday on charges of illegal check cashing. An investigation found that three players including starting safety Trey Matthews, defensive linemen Jonathan Taylor and James DeLoach received double payments for checks of $71.50 issued by the Georgia athletic department. The players deposited the paper checks through a mobile device and also cashed the checks at a convenience store, according to police. Wide receiver Uriah LeMay was charged with cashing a roommate's check after the check already had been deposited through a mobile app. The players were released Monday night after there arrests on misdemeanor charges of theft by deception. Such misdemeanor offense can result in fines up to $1,000 and jail terms up to one year. **Each of the four players was on the field and in uniform when Georgia opened spring practice Tuesday. Head coach Mark Richt said, "There's going to be a form of punishment, some form of education. We're going to do what we think is the most appropriate thing to do and we'll go from there." I don't mean to be picking on Georgia because every school has player issues but this type crap seems to be an annual ritual with the Dawgs. Every season it seems a few players have to sit out the first couple of games.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Missouri
Two Tiger football players were among four athletes arrested on suspicion of possession of 35 grams or less of Marijuana during a traffic stop in Columbia. Two basketball players along with defensive backs Aaron Penton and Shaun Rupert were pulled over at 11:32 p.m. after Columbia police noticed an expired rear license plate tag on Rupert's car. The officers approached the car and detected the smell of marijuana, prompting the discovery of a package of Swisher Sweets cigarillos containing the marijuana. This is comical. Where the hell do they get these idiots...driving around in a car with an "expired tag" smoking pot.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
:ears:
Four Georgia football players were arrested Monday on charges of illegal check cashing. An investigation found that three players including starting safety Trey Matthews, defensive linemen Jonathan Taylor and James DeLoach received double payments for checks of $71.50 issued by the Georgia athletic department. The players deposited the paper checks through a mobile device and also cashed the checks at a convenience store, according to police. Wide receiver Uriah LeMay was charged with cashing a roommate's check after the check already had been deposited through a mobile app. The players were released Monday night after there arrests on misdemeanor charges of theft by deception. Such misdemeanor offense can result in fines up to $1,000 and jail terms up to one year. **Each of the four players was on the field and in uniform when Georgia opened spring practice Tuesday. Head coach Mark Richt said, "There's going to be a form of punishment, some form of education. We're going to do what we think is the most appropriate thing to do and we'll go from there." I don't mean to be picking on Georgia because every school has player issues but this type crap seems to be an annual ritual with the Dawgs. Every season it seems a few players have to sit out the first couple of games.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Missouri
Two Tiger football players were among four athletes arrested on suspicion of possession of 35 grams or less of Marijuana during a traffic stop in Columbia. Two basketball players along with defensive backs Aaron Penton and Shaun Rupert were pulled over at 11:32 p.m. after Columbia police noticed an expired rear license plate tag on Rupert's car. The officers approached the car and detected the smell of marijuana, prompting the discovery of a package of Swisher Sweets cigarillos containing the marijuana. This is comical. Where the hell do they get these idiots...driving around in a car with an "expired tag" smoking pot.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
:ears:
Texas A&M
Somebody has to replace Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M might have the guy to do just that. Incoming freshman Kyle Allen, rated the No. 1 high school quarterback in the nation this past season, threw for 2,525 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior and finished with more than 8,000 yards and 86 touchdowns in a three year career at Desert Mountain High School in Arizona. He's locked in a spring battle with Matt Joeckel to get the starting position. Allen could redshirt if Joeckel wins the job or he could also become the starter, depending on who does what in the spring and preseason.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
South Carolina
There are several position battles to watch this spring like right guard, center, defensive tackle, both defensive ends spots, and cornerback. The more interesting battles could likely be for the backup jobs at quarterback and running back. Brendon Nosovitch is probably the favorite to be the backup at quarterback, but expect Connor Mitch to push him this spring. David Williams is a player that a lot of people are excited to watch this spring and it will be interesting to see if he can push an experienced tailback like Brandon Wilds for the spot behind starter Mike Davis at running back.
Sidenote: The ole ball coach was ask what he thought of playing Texas A&M in the opener. Spurrier replied they should be really, really good...they have a $5 million dollar coach. South Carolina doesn't have a five million dollar coach. Never dull around Spurrier as he gets his digs in early.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alabama
One week with Lane Kiffin running the offense and not much has changed. Then again, it is different. The Alabama football team completed its first week of spring practice with a new offensive coordinator, but everything remains essentially Alabama. The drills, schedule and philosophies of coach Nick Saban are entrenched. Don't expect the no-huddle style that has become so trendy. Saban still likes the ball control, pro style. He just wants to merge what he does with the trend of more plays a game. The tempo of practice is faster. Saban wants more plays run. The general faster speed of the offense will automatically help the defense move at a quicker pace to prepare for no-huddle teams. Saban likes the offensive progress so far. There's plenty of talent and experience to work with at receiver and running back, and the offensive line is coming along. If Kiffin can develop the next quarterback and tie the offense together, the offense won't slow down.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Missouri
The loss of key players appears to be even more motivation for Missouri when it comes to replicating last season's success. Much of the spring attention centers on sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk, who played well last season in place of injured senior James Franklin and figures to have the upper hand for the starting job. A 6 -
foot, 200 pound native of Ohio, Mauk is listed atop the depth chart over junior Corbin Berkstresser and passed for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Should he start, he'll lead an offense that scored 39 points and gained 490 yards per game, both of whinch ranked third in the SEC. "Its all about competition," coach Gary Pinkel said. "He played a third of the season and did very well. He's the starter right now."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee is getting a big raise along with all Auburn assistant coaches. Lashlee is seeing the biggest jump in base salary, from $350,000 in 2013 to $600,000. A finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in college football, Lashlee helped engineer the nation's best rushing offense last year. As one of the game's youngest offensive coordinators, Lashlee, 30, was the 40th highest paid assistant in the SEC last year. Good move by Auburn, other schools have taken notice of the young coordinator.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Somebody has to replace Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M might have the guy to do just that. Incoming freshman Kyle Allen, rated the No. 1 high school quarterback in the nation this past season, threw for 2,525 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior and finished with more than 8,000 yards and 86 touchdowns in a three year career at Desert Mountain High School in Arizona. He's locked in a spring battle with Matt Joeckel to get the starting position. Allen could redshirt if Joeckel wins the job or he could also become the starter, depending on who does what in the spring and preseason.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
South Carolina
There are several position battles to watch this spring like right guard, center, defensive tackle, both defensive ends spots, and cornerback. The more interesting battles could likely be for the backup jobs at quarterback and running back. Brendon Nosovitch is probably the favorite to be the backup at quarterback, but expect Connor Mitch to push him this spring. David Williams is a player that a lot of people are excited to watch this spring and it will be interesting to see if he can push an experienced tailback like Brandon Wilds for the spot behind starter Mike Davis at running back.
Sidenote: The ole ball coach was ask what he thought of playing Texas A&M in the opener. Spurrier replied they should be really, really good...they have a $5 million dollar coach. South Carolina doesn't have a five million dollar coach. Never dull around Spurrier as he gets his digs in early.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alabama
One week with Lane Kiffin running the offense and not much has changed. Then again, it is different. The Alabama football team completed its first week of spring practice with a new offensive coordinator, but everything remains essentially Alabama. The drills, schedule and philosophies of coach Nick Saban are entrenched. Don't expect the no-huddle style that has become so trendy. Saban still likes the ball control, pro style. He just wants to merge what he does with the trend of more plays a game. The tempo of practice is faster. Saban wants more plays run. The general faster speed of the offense will automatically help the defense move at a quicker pace to prepare for no-huddle teams. Saban likes the offensive progress so far. There's plenty of talent and experience to work with at receiver and running back, and the offensive line is coming along. If Kiffin can develop the next quarterback and tie the offense together, the offense won't slow down.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Missouri
The loss of key players appears to be even more motivation for Missouri when it comes to replicating last season's success. Much of the spring attention centers on sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk, who played well last season in place of injured senior James Franklin and figures to have the upper hand for the starting job. A 6 -
foot, 200 pound native of Ohio, Mauk is listed atop the depth chart over junior Corbin Berkstresser and passed for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Should he start, he'll lead an offense that scored 39 points and gained 490 yards per game, both of whinch ranked third in the SEC. "Its all about competition," coach Gary Pinkel said. "He played a third of the season and did very well. He's the starter right now."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee is getting a big raise along with all Auburn assistant coaches. Lashlee is seeing the biggest jump in base salary, from $350,000 in 2013 to $600,000. A finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in college football, Lashlee helped engineer the nation's best rushing offense last year. As one of the game's youngest offensive coordinators, Lashlee, 30, was the 40th highest paid assistant in the SEC last year. Good move by Auburn, other schools have taken notice of the young coordinator.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No coach, none of the other coaches where with Malzahn other than Arkansas State.
Lashlee is like a son to Malzahn...he trust the kid because they both believe in and understand the system to be winning football. If Auburn's offense continues to pound positive numbers, Lashlee will be of interest to other schools. Some smaller universities have already expressed interest in Auburn's offensive coordinator. If he continues to prove himself...he'll get a head job.
Can't see him leaving Malzahn for a coordinators job at another school. His own gig, right situation...yep.
Lashlee is like a son to Malzahn...he trust the kid because they both believe in and understand the system to be winning football. If Auburn's offense continues to pound positive numbers, Lashlee will be of interest to other schools. Some smaller universities have already expressed interest in Auburn's offensive coordinator. If he continues to prove himself...he'll get a head job.
Can't see him leaving Malzahn for a coordinators job at another school. His own gig, right situation...yep.
CL, that's interesting. Lashlee will be a head coach very soon. At 30 years old he can wait it out until the right job comes open (similar to what Kirby Smart seems to be doing). Interesting that none of his former HS assistants have come w/ him.
Anyone know what Mitch Mustain is doing these days?
Anyone know what Mitch Mustain is doing these days?
Tennessee
The Vols return to practice today for its sixth official session of the spring season. Tennessee last practiced on March 14, a scrimmage at Neyland Stadium. Most players went home for the break, although some stayed in town to work out or rehab injuries. Butch Jones and his coaching staff also took a few days off during the break. Now, back to business.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tennessee/South Carolina
Did you know that the visitor in the Vol/Gamecock series has covered 14 out of the last 17 games? Hard to believe the home team is only covering 17.7 percent of the time. Amazing may be an appropriate description.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
For the second straight season, the Tigers return four offensive linemen and are expecting to pick up where it left off last year. Reese Dismukes, the offensive captain and Rimington Trophy finalist last season, returns for his fourth year. He's flanked by right tackle Avery Young, right guard Chad Slade and left guard Alex Kozan. They allowed 18 sacks last season, good for third best in the SEC. According to coach Gus Malzahn, just two of those were the fault of the line. "Four or five sacks were where we put them in a bad situation with the call, a couple of times where the quarterback held the ball to long, and a couple of times where the backs missed blocks," said Malzahn. Auburn was one of the worst pass protecting teams in the country in 2012 yet with four of the same five returning starters became an elite group last season, paving the way for the nation's top ranked rushing attack. A key battle is at left tackle between Patrick Miller and Shon Coleman is where much of the attention is focused this spring. Miller has been the first to take first-team reps thus far, but they are rotating. Both players are experienced, with Miller starting 14 games on the right side the last two seasons, and Coleman serving as the backup last season to the departed All-American Greg Robinson. There are high expectations for this group going into the season.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2015 Early Commitment List
It has only been a couple of months since National Signing Day but that hasn't slowed down SEC teams from recruiting for 2015. Below is an update on each school to date.
School....................Total..........5*.......4*........3*.........2* or 1*
Texas A&M................9.............0.........8..........1..............0
Alabama...................9.............0.........7..........1..............0
LSU..........................9.............2.........1..........5..............1
Tennessee................9.............0..........4..........4............. 1
Miss State................9.............0..........2..........5.............2
S. Carolina...............7.............1...........3.........2..............1
Arkansas..................7.............0..........4..........2.............1
Georgia....................5.............0..........4..........0..............1
Auburn....................5.............0...........1..........2..............2
Florida.....................5.............0...........0.........3..............2
Ole Miss...................4.............0...........1..........3.............0
Kentucky.................2..............0..........0..........2.............0
Vanderbilt................2.............0...........1..........0.............1
Missouri...................2.............0...........0..........1..............1
I plan to up-date this list every few weeks.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Vols return to practice today for its sixth official session of the spring season. Tennessee last practiced on March 14, a scrimmage at Neyland Stadium. Most players went home for the break, although some stayed in town to work out or rehab injuries. Butch Jones and his coaching staff also took a few days off during the break. Now, back to business.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tennessee/South Carolina
Did you know that the visitor in the Vol/Gamecock series has covered 14 out of the last 17 games? Hard to believe the home team is only covering 17.7 percent of the time. Amazing may be an appropriate description.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
For the second straight season, the Tigers return four offensive linemen and are expecting to pick up where it left off last year. Reese Dismukes, the offensive captain and Rimington Trophy finalist last season, returns for his fourth year. He's flanked by right tackle Avery Young, right guard Chad Slade and left guard Alex Kozan. They allowed 18 sacks last season, good for third best in the SEC. According to coach Gus Malzahn, just two of those were the fault of the line. "Four or five sacks were where we put them in a bad situation with the call, a couple of times where the quarterback held the ball to long, and a couple of times where the backs missed blocks," said Malzahn. Auburn was one of the worst pass protecting teams in the country in 2012 yet with four of the same five returning starters became an elite group last season, paving the way for the nation's top ranked rushing attack. A key battle is at left tackle between Patrick Miller and Shon Coleman is where much of the attention is focused this spring. Miller has been the first to take first-team reps thus far, but they are rotating. Both players are experienced, with Miller starting 14 games on the right side the last two seasons, and Coleman serving as the backup last season to the departed All-American Greg Robinson. There are high expectations for this group going into the season.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2015 Early Commitment List
It has only been a couple of months since National Signing Day but that hasn't slowed down SEC teams from recruiting for 2015. Below is an update on each school to date.
School....................Total..........5*.......4*........3*.........2* or 1*
Texas A&M................9.............0.........8..........1..............0
Alabama...................9.............0.........7..........1..............0
LSU..........................9.............2.........1..........5..............1
Tennessee................9.............0..........4..........4............. 1
Miss State................9.............0..........2..........5.............2
S. Carolina...............7.............1...........3.........2..............1
Arkansas..................7.............0..........4..........2.............1
Georgia....................5.............0..........4..........0..............1
Auburn....................5.............0...........1..........2..............2
Florida.....................5.............0...........0.........3..............2
Ole Miss...................4.............0...........1..........3.............0
Kentucky.................2..............0..........0..........2.............0
Vanderbilt................2.............0...........1..........0.............1
Missouri...................2.............0...........0..........1..............1
I plan to up-date this list every few weeks.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kentucky
The NCAA has finalized attendance figures for the 2013 football season, show that Kentucky had the second largest increase in the nation. The Wildcats averaged 59,472 in attendance per game last season, an increase of 9,781 from the previous season. Only Washington registered a larger per-game increase. The national average for home attendance was 45,192 for all games in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. Overall, Kentucky ranked 29th in the nation in average attendance per game.
Kentucky's Board of Trustees have approved a $45 million project to build a new football training facility adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium and the Nutter Field House. The project, which will be constructed with private funds, will build a new traing facility along with two practice fields and a drill area behind the east endzone of Commonwealth Stadium. The two story facility will include administrative offices, locker spaces, team meeting areas, training areas, weight room, plus others. Construction will begin when plans are finalized with a goal of completion prior to the 2016 season.
*Did you know that Kentucky has a 5-23 against the spread record against Florida (1-7), South Carolina (3-6), Mississippi State (1-4) and Tennessee (1-6) the past few years. face)(*^%
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The NCAA has finalized attendance figures for the 2013 football season, show that Kentucky had the second largest increase in the nation. The Wildcats averaged 59,472 in attendance per game last season, an increase of 9,781 from the previous season. Only Washington registered a larger per-game increase. The national average for home attendance was 45,192 for all games in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. Overall, Kentucky ranked 29th in the nation in average attendance per game.
Kentucky's Board of Trustees have approved a $45 million project to build a new football training facility adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium and the Nutter Field House. The project, which will be constructed with private funds, will build a new traing facility along with two practice fields and a drill area behind the east endzone of Commonwealth Stadium. The two story facility will include administrative offices, locker spaces, team meeting areas, training areas, weight room, plus others. Construction will begin when plans are finalized with a goal of completion prior to the 2016 season.
*Did you know that Kentucky has a 5-23 against the spread record against Florida (1-7), South Carolina (3-6), Mississippi State (1-4) and Tennessee (1-6) the past few years. face)(*^%
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SEC Football Championships By School
ALABAMA - 23 (1933, 34, 37, 45, 53, 61, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 78, 81, 89, 92, 99, 09, 12)
TENNESSEE - 13 (38, 39, 40, 46, 51, 56, 67, 69, 85, 89, 90, 97, 98)
GEORGIA - 12 (42, 46, 48, 59, 66, 68, 76, 80, 81, 82, 02, 05)
LSU - (35, 36, 38, 61, 70, 86, 88, 01, 03, 07, 11)
AUBURN - 8 (57, 83, 87, 88, 89, 04, 10, 13)
FLORIDA - 8 (91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 00, 06, 08)
OLE MISS - 6 (47, 54, 55, 60, 62, 63)
GEORGIA TECH - (39, 43, 44, 51, 52)
TULANE - 3 (34, 39, 49)
KENTUCKY - 2 (50, 76)
MISS STATE - 1 (41)
VANDERBILT - 0
ARKANSAS - 0
SOUTH CAROLINA - 0
TEXAS A&M - 0
MISSOURI - 0
SEWANEE - 0
*any duplicate season means a tie for the SEC title.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Did You Know....
*Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas are all "right to work states." A college football union would be a no-go in these states.
*Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel wears a size 15 shoe. The guy is 6 foot, 205 pounds and has snowboards for a foundation. No wonder the kid was hard to bring down. I'm 6 foot, 210 pounds and wear a size 10 shoe for comparison.
*Missouri's football and men's basketball combined to make up 89% of the ticket sale revenue the Missouri athletic department reported in 2013.
*There's not a single SEC head football coach who is making less than $2.2 million per-year. Eleven of the 14 coaches make $2.9 million or more.
*Texas A&M is increasing the size of Kyle Field to make it the largest stadium in the SEC.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ALABAMA - 23 (1933, 34, 37, 45, 53, 61, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 78, 81, 89, 92, 99, 09, 12)
TENNESSEE - 13 (38, 39, 40, 46, 51, 56, 67, 69, 85, 89, 90, 97, 98)
GEORGIA - 12 (42, 46, 48, 59, 66, 68, 76, 80, 81, 82, 02, 05)
LSU - (35, 36, 38, 61, 70, 86, 88, 01, 03, 07, 11)
AUBURN - 8 (57, 83, 87, 88, 89, 04, 10, 13)
FLORIDA - 8 (91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 00, 06, 08)
OLE MISS - 6 (47, 54, 55, 60, 62, 63)
GEORGIA TECH - (39, 43, 44, 51, 52)
TULANE - 3 (34, 39, 49)
KENTUCKY - 2 (50, 76)
MISS STATE - 1 (41)
VANDERBILT - 0
ARKANSAS - 0
SOUTH CAROLINA - 0
TEXAS A&M - 0
MISSOURI - 0
SEWANEE - 0
*any duplicate season means a tie for the SEC title.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Did You Know....
*Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas are all "right to work states." A college football union would be a no-go in these states.
*Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel wears a size 15 shoe. The guy is 6 foot, 205 pounds and has snowboards for a foundation. No wonder the kid was hard to bring down. I'm 6 foot, 210 pounds and wear a size 10 shoe for comparison.
*Missouri's football and men's basketball combined to make up 89% of the ticket sale revenue the Missouri athletic department reported in 2013.
*There's not a single SEC head football coach who is making less than $2.2 million per-year. Eleven of the 14 coaches make $2.9 million or more.
*Texas A&M is increasing the size of Kyle Field to make it the largest stadium in the SEC.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Coach, I listed what's in the SEC record book. Florida did win the 1984 title but it was vacated by SEC presidents because of head coach Charlie Pell cheating. Pell was fired after the third game and Galen Hall took over and led the Gators to a 9-1-1 (5-1 SEC) record. If you notice above, no team is listed as the 84 champion. Because of violations, Florida was not eligible for the 85 or 90 titles. The 1985 team tied Tennessee, but the Vols represented the conference in the Sugar Bowl. Florida actually beat Tennessee 17-10 in 85. During 1990, the Gators finished 9-2 (6-1 SEC) but again Tennessee (9-2, 6-1 SEC) was recognized as the champs.
You can make a case for Florida on the field those three seasons, I just listed the official SEC record. Spurrier started his reign of terror in 1991. Florida dominated the 90s winning five official championships.
You can make a case for Florida on the field those three seasons, I just listed the official SEC record. Spurrier started his reign of terror in 1991. Florida dominated the 90s winning five official championships.
As of yesterday, the insiders on the SoCar boards are saying that Perry Orth (RS soph, walk-on) and RS frosh Connor Mitch are co-number twos on the QB depth chart. Nosovitch is behind them now. I know very little about Orth because I always figured he would just hold a clipboard and signal in plays with Mangus. I'm a big fan of Mitch and hope to see big things out of him. But I like Nosovitch's legs and the dimension he brings to the offense. Last year Nosovitch ran the scout team offense in practice and apparently ran a lot of triple option out of it. Which is something we haven't seen from SOS at SoCar. Not saying SoCar will ever run a 3x option, just saying that Nosovitch ran it in high school and has run it a lot in practice. Nosy is a tough kid and runs hard. SoCar is going to miss Connor Shaw's legs next year and I worry a little about Dylan Thompson. But SoCar should have the best OL since SOS has been there, and one of the best OLs in the SEC. So hopefully DT won't have to run much.
Happy to pass on what I receive. Granted, I don't share my info on other SoCar pay sites since we pay for the info we get, but got no problem sharing it here.
That is definitely high praise and he's had some good spring practices. He's also had some shaky ones. I'm worried about him. In fact, for me, the biggest question for SoCar this fall is QB play. Which is funny coming from me because I used to be staunchly anti-Connor Shaw and was always a fan of DT. Of course, when Shaw put everything together and had the year he had his final year, I was a huge Shaw supporter. The thing with DT is that I know he can get the job done. I've seen him start games and play well in hostile environments. I've also seen him get away with multiple balls against Clemson and UGA that should have been intercepted. He's definitely more of a slinger than Shaw was. And he's a good kid, loves God and likes to quote scripture and all that shit, obviously has a good head on his shoulders. But he can't run. At least not like Shaw. Sure, DT had great success running the ball in his start at Clemson two years ago. But that's an anomaly. It's Clemson and SoCar pretty much owns them for the last half-decade. What I am really interested to see is how much more of a traditional offense SoCar runs with DT as opposed to the Connor Shaw show that was primarily centered around the zone read. Connor ran the zone read as well if not better than most in the country. He ran it textbook perfectly. And he was fast. DT is not fast. Bottom line: for SoCar to be successful running the ZR with DT, they have to have more packaged plays out of it. I'm sure they have a shit load more, but I only saw SoCar run a packaged play out the zone read once last year (against UCF). If DT runs the zone read and the DE crashes inside on the RB and DT pulls it to hit the corner, he's not a threat to hurt you with his legs as long as you play assignment football. So he needs another option when he gets in space. Hopefully this is where some of those WRs will come in and give him an outlet to dump off to. I'm rambling now. Sorry. Point is: DT can be good. And I hope he is great. I'm hoping that having a full spring knowing that it's his job to lose will do him wonders. Hell, he damn sure knows the playbook by now.
USC_RT, I always watch SC w/ a bit of enjoyment. I can't believe Spurrier has been there 10 years (entering 10th season). He was at UF for 12 years. Unreal that he's been there almost as long. It's a shame how he was (more or less) run out of UF. Wish he never left. Not sure if he would have won those 2 NC's that Urban won, but I'd rather have had him there than the slimy, lying, POS Meyer (although I'm not willing to give back those two trophies!).
Arkansas
Spring practice has been about teaching a new system on defense. The inconsistency from the linebackers, and secondary are areas of major focus, as well as finding replacements for several key players up front on the defensive line. New defensive coordinator Robb Smith has nowhere to go but up statistically and even a small improvement would give this team a shot to win several more games. Finding a way to slow down the varied offenses in college football is a tough chore for any coordinator. Arkansas has on their schedule everything for Auburn (power, misdirection) and Ole Miss (spread option), Texas A&M (air raid) to power running teams like Alabama, Georgia and LSU. The front end of the schedule is loaded with faster paced teams with Auburn and Texas Tech...which will surely spur once again the pace of play and injuries from Bret Bielema. Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith does not really have a lot of experience playing fast-paced teams during his time in the old Big East, at least really talented ones. It will be interesting to see how he's able to defend them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Texas A&M
Sophomore to be quarterback Kenny Hill who is competing for the starting job with senior Matt Joeckel and true freshman Kyle Allen, was arrested around 3 a.m. on a public intoxication charge. Hill was arrested at a College Station restaurant where he was found passed out in front of the establishment. Hill has been suspended indefinitely from all athletics activities. Last season, the 6-foot-1, 215 pound Hill appeared in five games completing 16 of 22 for 183 yards and 1 touchdown. Dumbass, and during spring drills.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
Auburn's athletic department reported a deficit of $865,994 for its 2013 fiscal year. Auburn's last NCAA report showed $3.8 million deficit in 2013 after removing $4.3 million in subsides from student fees and a $1.4 million transfer from the athletic department to the university. Student fees subsidies also prevented Auburn from reporting deficits on its NCAA report in 2011, 2010 and 2009. The football team accounted for 81 percent of the athletic departments contribution dollars and 91 percent of its ticket revenue. Yeah, raise student fees and pay the damn players on scholarship who don't pay student fees. Makes sense to me.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mississippi State
Head man Dan Mullen said he was pleased so far this spring with the leadership of his veteran football team. "When you look at the makeup of a team, we have a bigger senior class of guys playing their last year of football that really takes it to another level. You add to that some great, young leadership from guys like QB Dak Presscott, LB Benardrick McKinney and DB Taveze Calhoun and you have the chance to have a pretty special team." Many Bulldog faithful believe this could be one of Mullen's best teams.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Spring practice has been about teaching a new system on defense. The inconsistency from the linebackers, and secondary are areas of major focus, as well as finding replacements for several key players up front on the defensive line. New defensive coordinator Robb Smith has nowhere to go but up statistically and even a small improvement would give this team a shot to win several more games. Finding a way to slow down the varied offenses in college football is a tough chore for any coordinator. Arkansas has on their schedule everything for Auburn (power, misdirection) and Ole Miss (spread option), Texas A&M (air raid) to power running teams like Alabama, Georgia and LSU. The front end of the schedule is loaded with faster paced teams with Auburn and Texas Tech...which will surely spur once again the pace of play and injuries from Bret Bielema. Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith does not really have a lot of experience playing fast-paced teams during his time in the old Big East, at least really talented ones. It will be interesting to see how he's able to defend them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Texas A&M
Sophomore to be quarterback Kenny Hill who is competing for the starting job with senior Matt Joeckel and true freshman Kyle Allen, was arrested around 3 a.m. on a public intoxication charge. Hill was arrested at a College Station restaurant where he was found passed out in front of the establishment. Hill has been suspended indefinitely from all athletics activities. Last season, the 6-foot-1, 215 pound Hill appeared in five games completing 16 of 22 for 183 yards and 1 touchdown. Dumbass, and during spring drills.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn
Auburn's athletic department reported a deficit of $865,994 for its 2013 fiscal year. Auburn's last NCAA report showed $3.8 million deficit in 2013 after removing $4.3 million in subsides from student fees and a $1.4 million transfer from the athletic department to the university. Student fees subsidies also prevented Auburn from reporting deficits on its NCAA report in 2011, 2010 and 2009. The football team accounted for 81 percent of the athletic departments contribution dollars and 91 percent of its ticket revenue. Yeah, raise student fees and pay the damn players on scholarship who don't pay student fees. Makes sense to me.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mississippi State
Head man Dan Mullen said he was pleased so far this spring with the leadership of his veteran football team. "When you look at the makeup of a team, we have a bigger senior class of guys playing their last year of football that really takes it to another level. You add to that some great, young leadership from guys like QB Dak Presscott, LB Benardrick McKinney and DB Taveze Calhoun and you have the chance to have a pretty special team." Many Bulldog faithful believe this could be one of Mullen's best teams.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Auburn lost money....and there are people who think players should get paid.
Again, most of those in the "players should get paid" category think along the lines of: just the football and basketball players. Yet, again...none of them ever mention Title IX.
It makes me sick!
ESPN and all the money grubbing CFB "people" better not ruin our game! It's taken 100+ years to get a D1 playoff and now these assholes are talking about unions and paying players. What a fucking joke!
Again, most of those in the "players should get paid" category think along the lines of: just the football and basketball players. Yet, again...none of them ever mention Title IX.
It makes me sick!
ESPN and all the money grubbing CFB "people" better not ruin our game! It's taken 100+ years to get a D1 playoff and now these assholes are talking about unions and paying players. What a fucking joke!
