All right, five more selections until we get to the 10 best players in the SEC from this past season.
There’s a distinct Florida flavor to these next five selections. Unfortunately for the Gators, all three of them will be playing in the NFL next season.
Here are numbers 15-11 in our countdown of the SEC’s 30 best players from the 2009 season:
No. 15: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: His college career ended on a sour note with the DUI arrest and subsequent suspension the week of the SEC championship game, but there was no denying Dunlap’s impact this past season as a pass-rusher. He was second in the SEC with nine sacks and came back strong in his final game against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. Few players possess Dunlap’s combination of size and burst off the edge. He gave up his senior season to enter the NFL draft and is a lock to go in the first round.
No. 14: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Peterson blossomed during his sophomore season as one of the most complete cornerbacks in college football. He has great range and cover skills along with the size to overpower receivers at the line of scrimmage. Peterson was also one of the better tackling cornerbacks in the SEC. He finished third in the conference with 15 passes defended and also had two interceptions. He’ll easily be the top returning cornerback in the SEC next season.
No. 13: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Spikes’ senior season wasn’t quite as productive as his junior season, but he was still one of the top three linebackers in the league. He was a key cog in a Florida defense that ranked near the top of the country in just about every category. Unfortunately for Spikes, the whole eye-gouging incident will be what a lot of people remember about his final year. But his leadership and productivity from his middle linebacker position established Spikes as one of the top defenders in the league for the second year in a row.
No. 12: Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina: The first half of the season belonged to Norwood, who racked up six sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick in the first four games. He slowed down a little bit as the season wore on, but he was still one of the best big-play defenders in the SEC. Norwood finished the season with seven sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss and also led the Gamecocks with 11 quarterback hurries from his outside linebacker position. He leaves South Carolina as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
No. 11: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida: Hernandez was perhaps my biggest whiff on the preseason Top 30 list. Just a bad oversight on my part. But there was no missing him this past season. He was a first-team All-American and established himself as one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country. Hernandez led the Gators with 68 catches, including five touchdowns. He was a nightmare matchup for teams and was extremely effective after the catch. He was one of five Florida juniors declaring early for the NFL draft and is being projected as a first-round pick.
There’s a distinct Florida flavor to these next five selections. Unfortunately for the Gators, all three of them will be playing in the NFL next season.
Here are numbers 15-11 in our countdown of the SEC’s 30 best players from the 2009 season:
[+] Enlarge
Rick Dole/Getty ImagesCarlos Dunlap was second in the SEC with nine sacks.
No. 14: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Peterson blossomed during his sophomore season as one of the most complete cornerbacks in college football. He has great range and cover skills along with the size to overpower receivers at the line of scrimmage. Peterson was also one of the better tackling cornerbacks in the SEC. He finished third in the conference with 15 passes defended and also had two interceptions. He’ll easily be the top returning cornerback in the SEC next season.
No. 13: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Spikes’ senior season wasn’t quite as productive as his junior season, but he was still one of the top three linebackers in the league. He was a key cog in a Florida defense that ranked near the top of the country in just about every category. Unfortunately for Spikes, the whole eye-gouging incident will be what a lot of people remember about his final year. But his leadership and productivity from his middle linebacker position established Spikes as one of the top defenders in the league for the second year in a row.
No. 12: Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina: The first half of the season belonged to Norwood, who racked up six sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick in the first four games. He slowed down a little bit as the season wore on, but he was still one of the best big-play defenders in the SEC. Norwood finished the season with seven sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss and also led the Gamecocks with 11 quarterback hurries from his outside linebacker position. He leaves South Carolina as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
No. 11: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida: Hernandez was perhaps my biggest whiff on the preseason Top 30 list. Just a bad oversight on my part. But there was no missing him this past season. He was a first-team All-American and established himself as one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country. Hernandez led the Gators with 68 catches, including five touchdowns. He was a nightmare matchup for teams and was extremely effective after the catch. He was one of five Florida juniors declaring early for the NFL draft and is being projected as a first-round pick.
- No. 16: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
- No. 17: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
- No. 18: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
- No. 19: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
- No. 20: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
- No. 21: Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia
- No. 22: Randall Cobb, QB/WR, Kentucky
- No. 23: Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss
- No. 24: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
- No. 25: Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
- No. 26: Malcolm Sheppard, DT, Arkansas
- No. 27: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
- No. 28: Terrence Cody, NG, Alabama
- No. 29: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
- No. 30: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Exceeding 25 signees the rule in the SEC
February, 9, 2010
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The SEC rule to cap signing classes at 28 was dubbed the Houston Nutt rule after the Rebels approached a staggering 40 signees in the 2009 class (37 to be exact).
In the Rebels’ defense, several of those players were destined for junior college, and Nutt knew that when he signed them.
Still, the SEC presidents placed a limit last spring at the league meetings on the number of players a school can sign each February at 28.
Keep in mind that a school can only enroll 25 incoming scholarship players each August, so there’s a three-player buffer in there that provides for a few players who don’t qualify academically or just don’t make it to campus.
The reality is that just about all SEC schools have routinely signed more than 25 players over the last few years.
Thanks to some research dug up by my ACC colleague Heather Dinich, 34 of the 60 recruiting classes in the SEC since 2006 have included more than 25 players.
As a comparison, the ACC during that time only had 14 recruiting classes that included more than 25 players.
Vanderbilt was the only school in the SEC that never went over 25 during the last five years. Mississippi State, on the other hand, was the only school to go over 25 each of the past five years.
Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky have done it four of the past five years.
In the Rebels’ defense, several of those players were destined for junior college, and Nutt knew that when he signed them.
Still, the SEC presidents placed a limit last spring at the league meetings on the number of players a school can sign each February at 28.
Keep in mind that a school can only enroll 25 incoming scholarship players each August, so there’s a three-player buffer in there that provides for a few players who don’t qualify academically or just don’t make it to campus.
The reality is that just about all SEC schools have routinely signed more than 25 players over the last few years.
Thanks to some research dug up by my ACC colleague Heather Dinich, 34 of the 60 recruiting classes in the SEC since 2006 have included more than 25 players.
As a comparison, the ACC during that time only had 14 recruiting classes that included more than 25 players.
Vanderbilt was the only school in the SEC that never went over 25 during the last five years. Mississippi State, on the other hand, was the only school to go over 25 each of the past five years.
Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky have done it four of the past five years.
History has proven that the state of Florida is one of the top two or three most fertile grounds in the country when it comes to producing major college football players.
In the 2010 signing class, the state of Texas led the way with roughly 400 FBS signees. The state of Florida was second with roughly 370 and the state of California third with roughly 330.
I say "roughly," because these numbers may include a few FCS signees, and there are also a few players who have yet to sign their letters of intent.
Either way, these numbers are right in the ballpark.
If you look at the SEC states, Florida produced almost 200 more FBS signees than the next closest state. Georgia was second with 182 signees. Rounding out the SEC states this year were Alabama (91), Louisiana (91), Mississippi (63), South Carolina (51), Tennessee (38), Arkansas (23) and Kentucky (15).
But if you look solely at players signing with SEC schools, the state of Georgia led the way this year with 65 signees. Every school in the SEC signed at least two players out of the state of Georgia with the exception of Mississippi State, which didn't sign any players from Georgia.
Georgia signed 14 players from its own state. Vanderbilt was second with nine signees from the Peach State.
The state of Florida produced the second most SEC signees -- 46. The only two schools in the league that didn't sign a player from Florida in this class were Alabama and Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide had a player from Florida who signed in last year's class (Petey Smith of Tampa), but he "grayshirted" and is just now starting his career at Alabama.
The SEC state producing the least amount of SEC signees this year was Kentucky with four. Three of those players signed with the Wildcats and the fourth with Tennessee.
MrSEC.com has a complete breakdown, including a team-by-team look at what states the signees came from.
In the 2010 signing class, the state of Texas led the way with roughly 400 FBS signees. The state of Florida was second with roughly 370 and the state of California third with roughly 330.
I say "roughly," because these numbers may include a few FCS signees, and there are also a few players who have yet to sign their letters of intent.
Either way, these numbers are right in the ballpark.
If you look at the SEC states, Florida produced almost 200 more FBS signees than the next closest state. Georgia was second with 182 signees. Rounding out the SEC states this year were Alabama (91), Louisiana (91), Mississippi (63), South Carolina (51), Tennessee (38), Arkansas (23) and Kentucky (15).
But if you look solely at players signing with SEC schools, the state of Georgia led the way this year with 65 signees. Every school in the SEC signed at least two players out of the state of Georgia with the exception of Mississippi State, which didn't sign any players from Georgia.
Georgia signed 14 players from its own state. Vanderbilt was second with nine signees from the Peach State.
The state of Florida produced the second most SEC signees -- 46. The only two schools in the league that didn't sign a player from Florida in this class were Alabama and Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide had a player from Florida who signed in last year's class (Petey Smith of Tampa), but he "grayshirted" and is just now starting his career at Alabama.
The SEC state producing the least amount of SEC signees this year was Kentucky with four. Three of those players signed with the Wildcats and the fourth with Tennessee.
MrSEC.com has a complete breakdown, including a team-by-team look at what states the signees came from.
Florida's Steve Addazio has been named the national recruiter of the year by JC Shurburtt of ESPN's Scouts Inc.
Addazio has been a steadying force for the Gators the last two months during the whole Urban Meyer ordeal and a number of assistant coaches leaving the program.
Despite the turmoil, the Gators put together the most talented class of the Meyer era, and Addazio had a direct hand in a lot of those players signing with Florida.
Addazio has been a steadying force for the Gators the last two months during the whole Urban Meyer ordeal and a number of assistant coaches leaving the program.
Despite the turmoil, the Gators put together the most talented class of the Meyer era, and Addazio had a direct hand in a lot of those players signing with Florida.
Lunchtime links: More help for Gators?
February, 9, 2010
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Making the rounds in the SEC:
- Florida stocked up on talented defensive linemen in this class, but one of the country's top defensive tackle prospects could be on the way in 2011 -- and he's from just up the road.
- Nick Saban, Gene Chizik and Derek Dooley are signing day winners, but Mark Richt and Tommy Tuberville are signing day losers, according to Mobile Press-Register columnist and popular radio personality Paul Finebaum.
- Incoming South Carolina defensive back Victor Hampton may be removed from his high school after being arrested for bringing liquor to school last week.
- Jay G. Tate of The Montgomery Advertiser hands out position-by-position grades for Auburn's recruiting class. Lots of As and Bs on his report card.
- Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is "not about rebuilding" the Vols, writes Austin Ward of The Knoxville News-Sentinel.
- The recent raise given to Georgia athletic director Damon Evans has stirred debate among Bulldog fans, writes Bill King of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Alabama's Nick Saban, fresh off his second national championship, has been named the winner of the inaugural Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year Award.
Bowden, who retired last season, will present the award to Saban on March 21 at a ceremony sponsored by the cooperative efforts of the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club of Birmingham and the Alabama Sports Foundation. The award will be given annually to honor excellence in college football coaching.
"Obviously, we are extremely excited about honoring coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has he demonstrated that he is one of the top coaches to ever coach the game, but he's done it with unmatched integrity. And that deserves recognition," said Mark Morrison, president of Over the Mountain Touchdown Club. "With coach Saban coming off a perfect season and a BCS championship, it is the perfect opportunity to bring together these two coaching icons for a great evening in Bowden's honor."
This is the second straight year that Saban has won a national coach of the year award. In 2008, he was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year at the ESPN Awards Show in Orlando and also picked up the Eddie Robinson/FWAA coaching honor among others.
Overall, Saban has now won three national coach of the year awards. In 2003 as the coach at LSU, he won both the Paul W. "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year award and the Eddie Robinson award. Saban led the Tigers to the 2003 BCS national championship.
Saban is the only coach in the modern era to have won two national titles at two different schools.
Bowden, who retired last season, will present the award to Saban on March 21 at a ceremony sponsored by the cooperative efforts of the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club of Birmingham and the Alabama Sports Foundation. The award will be given annually to honor excellence in college football coaching.
"Obviously, we are extremely excited about honoring coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has he demonstrated that he is one of the top coaches to ever coach the game, but he's done it with unmatched integrity. And that deserves recognition," said Mark Morrison, president of Over the Mountain Touchdown Club. "With coach Saban coming off a perfect season and a BCS championship, it is the perfect opportunity to bring together these two coaching icons for a great evening in Bowden's honor."
This is the second straight year that Saban has won a national coach of the year award. In 2008, he was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year at the ESPN Awards Show in Orlando and also picked up the Eddie Robinson/FWAA coaching honor among others.
Overall, Saban has now won three national coach of the year awards. In 2003 as the coach at LSU, he won both the Paul W. "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year award and the Eddie Robinson award. Saban led the Tigers to the 2003 BCS national championship.
Saban is the only coach in the modern era to have won two national titles at two different schools.
JC Shurburtt of ESPN's Scouts Inc. took an early look last week at some of the teams off to the best start in the 2011 recruiting period, and guess who was right there at the top?
That's right -- Alabama, Florida and LSU.
The rich just keep getting richer in the SEC.
As of last week, the Tigers already had seven commitments, and six of those were on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. Clemson was second nationally with five ESPNU 150 Watch List commitments.
Alabama and Florida each had two commitments, and all four players were on the ESPNU 150 Watch List.
That's right -- Alabama, Florida and LSU.
The rich just keep getting richer in the SEC.
As of last week, the Tigers already had seven commitments, and six of those were on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. Clemson was second nationally with five ESPNU 150 Watch List commitments.
Alabama and Florida each had two commitments, and all four players were on the ESPNU 150 Watch List.
This is when it really gets tough, because there’s not a lot of difference in the 10th best player in this league and the 20th best player.
Of the first 10 players to make the cut, five will be back next season.
Let’s see how many of these next 20 will be back.
Here we go with selections No. 20-16:
No. 20: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: Versatile enough to play just about anywhere up front, Pouncey remained at center and was the anchor of the Gators’ offensive line this past season. Go back and count how many times he cleared the way for one of Tim Tebow’s key conversions on third or fourth down. Pouncey won’t be easily replaced -- on the field or off the field. He started in 39 games in three seasons and was one of the strongest leaders on the team. He’s giving up his senior season to turn pro.
No. 19: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama: As a junior, Johnson was overshadowed somewhat by first-team All-Americans Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell. But this past season, with the Crimson Tide losing three starters up front, Johnson stepped up front and center as one of the most complete offensive linemen in the league. He was a consensus first-team All-American from his left guard position and anchored an offensive line that was rock-solid all season. All the while, Alabama went 14-0, won its first national title in 17 years and put up even better offensive numbers than it did a year ago.
No. 18: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee: One of the comeback players of year nationally, Hardesty saved his best for his senior season. He’d been inundated with injuries through much of his career and really didn’t get much of a chance as a junior. But this past season, he plowed his way to 1,345 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Hardesty carried the ball an SEC-high 282 times and didn’t fumble a single time on a rushing attempt. Prior to this past season, Hardesty had never rushed for more than 387 yards in a season.
No. 17: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn: Tate was one of those guys who didn’t quite make the cut on the preseason list. He was hurt by how dysfunctional Auburn was on offense in 2008. That wasn’t a problem this past season. The Tigers fed him the ball, and he delivered. The 5-11, 218-pound senior rushed for a career-high 1,362 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and proved to be one of the toughest backs in the league to bring down. Despite carrying the ball 263 times, Tate lost just 44 yards all season. He also showed that he wasn’t just a power back and had three touchdown runs of 35 yards or longer.
No. 16: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: Williams had been a solid player for the Vols prior to this past season, but he certainly hadn’t risen to the level where he could be considered one of the top 30 players in the league. That all changed during his senior season. He was consistently the best interior defensive lineman in the league in 2009 and likely played his way into the first round of April’s NFL draft. Williams led all SEC defensive tackles with 70 total tackles and led the Vols with nine tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries. He stuffs the run with the best of them, but is also an effective interior pass-rusher.
Of the first 10 players to make the cut, five will be back next season.
Let’s see how many of these next 20 will be back.
Here we go with selections No. 20-16:
No. 20: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: Versatile enough to play just about anywhere up front, Pouncey remained at center and was the anchor of the Gators’ offensive line this past season. Go back and count how many times he cleared the way for one of Tim Tebow’s key conversions on third or fourth down. Pouncey won’t be easily replaced -- on the field or off the field. He started in 39 games in three seasons and was one of the strongest leaders on the team. He’s giving up his senior season to turn pro.
Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRETennessee running back Montario Hardesty broke through this season with 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns.
No. 19: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama: As a junior, Johnson was overshadowed somewhat by first-team All-Americans Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell. But this past season, with the Crimson Tide losing three starters up front, Johnson stepped up front and center as one of the most complete offensive linemen in the league. He was a consensus first-team All-American from his left guard position and anchored an offensive line that was rock-solid all season. All the while, Alabama went 14-0, won its first national title in 17 years and put up even better offensive numbers than it did a year ago.
No. 18: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee: One of the comeback players of year nationally, Hardesty saved his best for his senior season. He’d been inundated with injuries through much of his career and really didn’t get much of a chance as a junior. But this past season, he plowed his way to 1,345 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Hardesty carried the ball an SEC-high 282 times and didn’t fumble a single time on a rushing attempt. Prior to this past season, Hardesty had never rushed for more than 387 yards in a season.
No. 17: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn: Tate was one of those guys who didn’t quite make the cut on the preseason list. He was hurt by how dysfunctional Auburn was on offense in 2008. That wasn’t a problem this past season. The Tigers fed him the ball, and he delivered. The 5-11, 218-pound senior rushed for a career-high 1,362 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and proved to be one of the toughest backs in the league to bring down. Despite carrying the ball 263 times, Tate lost just 44 yards all season. He also showed that he wasn’t just a power back and had three touchdown runs of 35 yards or longer.
No. 16: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: Williams had been a solid player for the Vols prior to this past season, but he certainly hadn’t risen to the level where he could be considered one of the top 30 players in the league. That all changed during his senior season. He was consistently the best interior defensive lineman in the league in 2009 and likely played his way into the first round of April’s NFL draft. Williams led all SEC defensive tackles with 70 total tackles and led the Vols with nine tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries. He stuffs the run with the best of them, but is also an effective interior pass-rusher.
- No. 21: Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia
- No. 22: Randall Cobb, QB/WR, Kentucky
- No. 23: Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss
- No. 24: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
- No. 25: Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
- No. 26: Malcolm Sheppard, DT, Arkansas
- No. 27: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
- No. 28: Terrence Cody, NG, Alabama
- No. 29: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
- No. 30: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
When Bacarri Rambo and Da'Rick Rogers meet on the field, let's hope it's as good as their jousting on Twitter and Facebook.
Tim Tucker of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a blow-by-blow account.
Rambo, Georgia's sophomore safety, got the ball rolling when he expressed displeasure on his Facebook page with all the recruits backing out on the Bulldogs at the last minute. He added that he was going to "knock fire" from them when he caught any of them on the field.
Rogers was one of those recruits who backed out on the Bulldogs despite being committed for seven months. He had a change of heart and signed with Tennessee, where his Calhoun, Ga., high school teammate, Nash Nance, also signed.
Rogers' initial response on Twitter was, "Who is Bacarri Rambo?"
Needless to say, a few more exchanges occurred, one in which Rogers made light of Rambo being injured in the Auburn game last season.
Rambo's comeback was that he covers the best receiver in college football every day in practice (A.J. Green), so why should he be worried about Rogers?
The date to remember is Oct. 9 when, Tennessee visits Georgia next season. Something says Rogers won't receive a warm welcome at Sanford Stadium.
If he plays as well as he talks, the Vols might have found that dynamic playmaker at receiver they've been missing the past few seasons.
On second thought, whatever happened to at least running a route in the SEC before you engaged in any smack talk?
Tim Tucker of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a blow-by-blow account.
Rambo, Georgia's sophomore safety, got the ball rolling when he expressed displeasure on his Facebook page with all the recruits backing out on the Bulldogs at the last minute. He added that he was going to "knock fire" from them when he caught any of them on the field.
Rogers was one of those recruits who backed out on the Bulldogs despite being committed for seven months. He had a change of heart and signed with Tennessee, where his Calhoun, Ga., high school teammate, Nash Nance, also signed.
Rogers' initial response on Twitter was, "Who is Bacarri Rambo?"
Needless to say, a few more exchanges occurred, one in which Rogers made light of Rambo being injured in the Auburn game last season.
Rambo's comeback was that he covers the best receiver in college football every day in practice (A.J. Green), so why should he be worried about Rogers?
The date to remember is Oct. 9 when, Tennessee visits Georgia next season. Something says Rogers won't receive a warm welcome at Sanford Stadium.
If he plays as well as he talks, the Vols might have found that dynamic playmaker at receiver they've been missing the past few seasons.
On second thought, whatever happened to at least running a route in the SEC before you engaged in any smack talk?
Not even a week removed from signing day, and we’re ready to trot out five newcomers to watch in the SEC next season.
Let’s face it. There are always guys who emerge that nobody really saw coming. Look at what Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman did last season, tying the SEC record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Keep in mind, too, that newcomers include redshirt freshmen, junior college transfers and transfers from other FBS schools.
Granted, it’s early, but here are five new faces to watch for next season in the SEC:
1. Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton: In the spirit of full disclosure, Newton isn’t completely new to the SEC. He played some as a freshman at Florida in 2007 and also played a few snaps in the 2008 opener before getting in trouble off the field and leaving Florida. He comes to Auburn after passing for 22 touchdowns and rushing for 16 touchdowns last season in leading Blinn College to the junior college national championship. The 6-6, 245-pound Newton has everything Gus Malzahn is looking for to run his spread offense and is already enrolled in school, meaning he’ll be able to go through spring practice. It would probably be an upset if Newton doesn’t win the Tigers’ starting quarterback job.
2. Florida receiver Andre Debose: Until he was derailed by hamstring surgery, Debose was being counted upon to be a big piece of the Florida offense last season. He had the speed, moves and playmaking ability and Florida coach Urban Meyer envisioned him doing a lot of the same things in the Gators’ offense that Percy Harvin did during his three years in Gainesville. Debose will be a redshirt freshman this fall, and the hope is that he will be fully recovered. The door is wide open for him to come in and be Florida’s go-to guy at receiver, especially with the likely shift to more of a passing offense now that John Brantley is taking over at quarterback. Whatever direction the offense takes, the Gators will surely look to get the ball in Debose’s hands.
3. Alabama cornerback DeMarcus Milliner: There are three starting jobs up for grabs next season in the Alabama secondary, including both cornerback spots. Milliner was one of the top defensive back prospects in the country and could be a factor next season at both cornerback and the star position, Alabama’s version of the nickel. Milliner graduated high school early and will participate in spring practice, which in Nick Saban’s system, is virtually a must if you’re going to play right away as a freshman on defense. Milliner isn’t the only newcomer in the secondary that may play early next season for the Crimson Tide. Keep an eye on freshman cornerback John Fulton and junior college newcomer DeQuan Menzie as well. Fulton will also be able to go through spring practice.
4. South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore: It’s difficult to imagine a more important signee for Steve Spurrier since coming to South Carolina in 2005 than Lattimore. Simply, he’s the marquee running back the Gamecocks haven’t been able to land under the Head Ball Coach. Lattimore won’t have to wait long to prove that he’s as good as the hype suggests he is. South Carolina needs a serious infusion of pop into its running game, and the 5-11, 215-pound Lattimore has all the tools to be big-time runner in this league. He has speed, power, great acceleration and also has the versatility to be a factor in the passing game. He’s not going to do it alone, though. As talented as Lattimore is, he’s going to need South Carolina’s offensive line to play better than it has each of the last two seasons.
5. Ole Miss defensive end Wayne Dorsey: It’s been a circuitous route for Dorsey to get to Ole Miss, but he may go straight to the top of the depth chart next fall. The Rebels are losing three senior defensive ends, and with the 6-8, 250-pound Dorsey already enrolled in school, he’ll get a chance to show this spring what he can do. Originally from Baltimore, Dorsey went to a prep school in New York right out of high school and then spent two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before signing with the Rebels this past December. He’s an exceptional athlete and was also recruited as a basketball player coming out of high school. As a football prospect, he was one of the top-rated junior college players in the country a year ago. Defensive ends have been plenty productive in Tyrone Nix’s defense. Dorsey may well be that next dominant pass-rusher for the Rebels.
Let’s face it. There are always guys who emerge that nobody really saw coming. Look at what Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman did last season, tying the SEC record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Keep in mind, too, that newcomers include redshirt freshmen, junior college transfers and transfers from other FBS schools.
Granted, it’s early, but here are five new faces to watch for next season in the SEC:
1. Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton: In the spirit of full disclosure, Newton isn’t completely new to the SEC. He played some as a freshman at Florida in 2007 and also played a few snaps in the 2008 opener before getting in trouble off the field and leaving Florida. He comes to Auburn after passing for 22 touchdowns and rushing for 16 touchdowns last season in leading Blinn College to the junior college national championship. The 6-6, 245-pound Newton has everything Gus Malzahn is looking for to run his spread offense and is already enrolled in school, meaning he’ll be able to go through spring practice. It would probably be an upset if Newton doesn’t win the Tigers’ starting quarterback job.
2. Florida receiver Andre Debose: Until he was derailed by hamstring surgery, Debose was being counted upon to be a big piece of the Florida offense last season. He had the speed, moves and playmaking ability and Florida coach Urban Meyer envisioned him doing a lot of the same things in the Gators’ offense that Percy Harvin did during his three years in Gainesville. Debose will be a redshirt freshman this fall, and the hope is that he will be fully recovered. The door is wide open for him to come in and be Florida’s go-to guy at receiver, especially with the likely shift to more of a passing offense now that John Brantley is taking over at quarterback. Whatever direction the offense takes, the Gators will surely look to get the ball in Debose’s hands.
3. Alabama cornerback DeMarcus Milliner: There are three starting jobs up for grabs next season in the Alabama secondary, including both cornerback spots. Milliner was one of the top defensive back prospects in the country and could be a factor next season at both cornerback and the star position, Alabama’s version of the nickel. Milliner graduated high school early and will participate in spring practice, which in Nick Saban’s system, is virtually a must if you’re going to play right away as a freshman on defense. Milliner isn’t the only newcomer in the secondary that may play early next season for the Crimson Tide. Keep an eye on freshman cornerback John Fulton and junior college newcomer DeQuan Menzie as well. Fulton will also be able to go through spring practice.
4. South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore: It’s difficult to imagine a more important signee for Steve Spurrier since coming to South Carolina in 2005 than Lattimore. Simply, he’s the marquee running back the Gamecocks haven’t been able to land under the Head Ball Coach. Lattimore won’t have to wait long to prove that he’s as good as the hype suggests he is. South Carolina needs a serious infusion of pop into its running game, and the 5-11, 215-pound Lattimore has all the tools to be big-time runner in this league. He has speed, power, great acceleration and also has the versatility to be a factor in the passing game. He’s not going to do it alone, though. As talented as Lattimore is, he’s going to need South Carolina’s offensive line to play better than it has each of the last two seasons.
5. Ole Miss defensive end Wayne Dorsey: It’s been a circuitous route for Dorsey to get to Ole Miss, but he may go straight to the top of the depth chart next fall. The Rebels are losing three senior defensive ends, and with the 6-8, 250-pound Dorsey already enrolled in school, he’ll get a chance to show this spring what he can do. Originally from Baltimore, Dorsey went to a prep school in New York right out of high school and then spent two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before signing with the Rebels this past December. He’s an exceptional athlete and was also recruited as a basketball player coming out of high school. As a football prospect, he was one of the top-rated junior college players in the country a year ago. Defensive ends have been plenty productive in Tyrone Nix’s defense. Dorsey may well be that next dominant pass-rusher for the Rebels.
I'll be doing my weekly chat in about five minutes. I'll be on from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure and jump on, as the start of spring practice is later this month for at least one team in the SEC -- LSU.
Lunchtime links: Phillips looking ahead
February, 8, 2010
Feb 8
12:05
PM ET
A few SEC links to munch on:
- Kentucky coach Joker Phillips is already looking ahead to the 2011 class, writes Chip Cosby of The Lexington Herald-Leader.
- Evan Woodbery of The Mobile Press-Register takes a look at who will be the impact players in Auburn's 2010 signing class.
- Local Florida fans weigh in on Tim Tebow's Focus on the Family Super Bowl advertisement.
- New Ole Miss co-offensive coordinator Dave Rader says it's Houston Nutt's offense and that he's fine with that.
- In the realm of recruiting, the comparisons and contrasts never end.
SEC blogger Chris Low takes a look at injured players who could make a big impact in the conference next season.
Every year in the SEC, there are some big shoes to fill.
But next season, we're talking size 18s, 19s and 20s everywhere you look.
When you factor in the talented juniors leaving the conference, new faces, new leaders and new playmakers are going to have to step up like never before in 2010.
That said, here’s a look at the biggest shoes to fill in the league next season. As you might imagine, the names are familiar ones:
1. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow: Contrary to popular belief, Tebow didn’t play seven seasons at Florida. It just seemed that way to everybody he beat up on. As a starter, he was a remarkable 35-6 with a Heisman Trophy, one SEC championship, one BCS national championship, two SEC championship game appearances and two BCS bowl wins. He scored more touchdowns than anybody who’s ever played in the SEC, and he was the kind of inspirational leader that coaches dream about having on their team. It’s impossible to replace everything that Tebow was to the Gators. He’s one of the best college football players of this era. Junior John Brantley gets first chance. He’s a different kind of quarterback than Tebow and is already an extremely polished passer. The Gators’ offense will change with Brantley, a highly recruited player who’s been waiting for his chance.
2. Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain: One of the smartest players Nick Saban has ever coached, McClain was so many things, not only to the Alabama defense, but to the entire team. For one, he was that rock-solid, emotional leader all great teams have. But he was also that guy on the field who knew everybody’s position, knew everybody’s duties and made sure guys were in the right spots. On top of it all, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound McClain was one of the most productive linebackers in the country who was always making game-changing plays. With the Butkus Award winner deciding to turn pro early, Dont’a Hightower is the heir apparent to take over for McClain. Hightower is a great player in his own right, but is coming off reconstructive knee surgery. If he returns close to 100 percent, the Crimson Tide could have their second straight Butkus Award winner.
3. Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon: We’re going with Dixon at the No. 3 spot for a couple of different reasons. Most importantly, it’s always a chore to replace 126.5 rushing yards per game. Dixon led the SEC in that category. But here’s the other thing: Dixon WAS the Mississippi State offense last season. Dan Mullen rode him the entire season, and Dixon delivered with a record-setting season. With him gone (along with two other senior running backs), the Bulldogs will have to tweak things some offensively in 2010. Making it even more difficult is that there’s not a proven quarterback on campus. Chris Relf was the Bulldogs’ designated runner at quarterback last season and was good in that role. But he only attempted 41 passes in 10 games. Redshirt freshman Tyler Russell will get every chance to win the quarterback job this fall. But when things get hairy, he won't have the luxury of turning around and handing the ball off to Dixon.
4. Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster: Staying in the state of Mississippi, there wasn’t a more productive or feared player in the league during the second half of the season than McCluster. From the Arkansas game on (or once he moved full time to running back), he carved opposing defenses apart and made the Rebels’ offense so much better with his ability to strike from long distance. The Rebels didn't have to put together long drives all the time because the speedy McCluster was popping long runs left and right. There’s not player in this league, let alone on Ole Miss’ roster, just like McCluster. After all, he became the first player in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 500 yards receiving in the same season in 2009. It may be that the Rebels have to divvy up his roles next season. Junior Brandon Bolden returns as the featured back, but junior college newcomer Randall Mackey looks like a great fit in the Wild Rebel formation. And Ole Miss also needs to find more ways to get the ball to Jesse Grandy. The wild card is Tim Simon, who looked great early on as a freshman before suffering a nasty knee injury. His recovery could be a lengthy one.
5. Tennessee safety Eric Berry: Even though Berry’s interception numbers were down last season, he was still the most complete safety in college football. The Jim Thorpe Award winner was used mostly as a hybrid linebacker in Monte Kiffin’s defensive system and ended up leading SEC defensive backs with 87 tackles, including seven for loss. Having a safety the caliber of Berry opens up so many other things for your defense. He makes up for mistakes, takes the pressure off more unproven players in the secondary and forces the opposing offensive coordinator to know where he is at all times. Berry was perennially around the ball and made so many things happen for the Vols the past three years. Plus, he provided some invaluable leadership for that defense. Janzen Jackson has the physical talent to be the next great safety at Tennessee. When he wasn’t suspended last season, he made his presence felt as a freshman. But he still has to prove that he’s going to do the right things both on and off the field.
But next season, we're talking size 18s, 19s and 20s everywhere you look.
When you factor in the talented juniors leaving the conference, new faces, new leaders and new playmakers are going to have to step up like never before in 2010.
That said, here’s a look at the biggest shoes to fill in the league next season. As you might imagine, the names are familiar ones:
1. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow: Contrary to popular belief, Tebow didn’t play seven seasons at Florida. It just seemed that way to everybody he beat up on. As a starter, he was a remarkable 35-6 with a Heisman Trophy, one SEC championship, one BCS national championship, two SEC championship game appearances and two BCS bowl wins. He scored more touchdowns than anybody who’s ever played in the SEC, and he was the kind of inspirational leader that coaches dream about having on their team. It’s impossible to replace everything that Tebow was to the Gators. He’s one of the best college football players of this era. Junior John Brantley gets first chance. He’s a different kind of quarterback than Tebow and is already an extremely polished passer. The Gators’ offense will change with Brantley, a highly recruited player who’s been waiting for his chance.
2. Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain: One of the smartest players Nick Saban has ever coached, McClain was so many things, not only to the Alabama defense, but to the entire team. For one, he was that rock-solid, emotional leader all great teams have. But he was also that guy on the field who knew everybody’s position, knew everybody’s duties and made sure guys were in the right spots. On top of it all, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound McClain was one of the most productive linebackers in the country who was always making game-changing plays. With the Butkus Award winner deciding to turn pro early, Dont’a Hightower is the heir apparent to take over for McClain. Hightower is a great player in his own right, but is coming off reconstructive knee surgery. If he returns close to 100 percent, the Crimson Tide could have their second straight Butkus Award winner.
3. Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon: We’re going with Dixon at the No. 3 spot for a couple of different reasons. Most importantly, it’s always a chore to replace 126.5 rushing yards per game. Dixon led the SEC in that category. But here’s the other thing: Dixon WAS the Mississippi State offense last season. Dan Mullen rode him the entire season, and Dixon delivered with a record-setting season. With him gone (along with two other senior running backs), the Bulldogs will have to tweak things some offensively in 2010. Making it even more difficult is that there’s not a proven quarterback on campus. Chris Relf was the Bulldogs’ designated runner at quarterback last season and was good in that role. But he only attempted 41 passes in 10 games. Redshirt freshman Tyler Russell will get every chance to win the quarterback job this fall. But when things get hairy, he won't have the luxury of turning around and handing the ball off to Dixon.
4. Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster: Staying in the state of Mississippi, there wasn’t a more productive or feared player in the league during the second half of the season than McCluster. From the Arkansas game on (or once he moved full time to running back), he carved opposing defenses apart and made the Rebels’ offense so much better with his ability to strike from long distance. The Rebels didn't have to put together long drives all the time because the speedy McCluster was popping long runs left and right. There’s not player in this league, let alone on Ole Miss’ roster, just like McCluster. After all, he became the first player in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 500 yards receiving in the same season in 2009. It may be that the Rebels have to divvy up his roles next season. Junior Brandon Bolden returns as the featured back, but junior college newcomer Randall Mackey looks like a great fit in the Wild Rebel formation. And Ole Miss also needs to find more ways to get the ball to Jesse Grandy. The wild card is Tim Simon, who looked great early on as a freshman before suffering a nasty knee injury. His recovery could be a lengthy one.
5. Tennessee safety Eric Berry: Even though Berry’s interception numbers were down last season, he was still the most complete safety in college football. The Jim Thorpe Award winner was used mostly as a hybrid linebacker in Monte Kiffin’s defensive system and ended up leading SEC defensive backs with 87 tackles, including seven for loss. Having a safety the caliber of Berry opens up so many other things for your defense. He makes up for mistakes, takes the pressure off more unproven players in the secondary and forces the opposing offensive coordinator to know where he is at all times. Berry was perennially around the ball and made so many things happen for the Vols the past three years. Plus, he provided some invaluable leadership for that defense. Janzen Jackson has the physical talent to be the next great safety at Tennessee. When he wasn’t suspended last season, he made his presence felt as a freshman. But he still has to prove that he’s going to do the right things both on and off the field.
Mark Richt has completed the revamping of his defensive staff at Georgia with the hiring of Vanderbilt linebackers coach Warren Belin.
Earlier, Richt had hired Todd Grantham away from the Dallas Cowboys to be his defensive coordinator and Scott Lakatos away from Connecticut to be his secondary coach.
Belin was an original member of Bobby Johnson's staff at Vanderbilt and helped to develop some excellent linebackers, including Hunter Hillenmeyer, Moses Osemwegie, Jonathan Goff, Marcus Buggs and most recently Chris Marve and Patrick Benoist. Belin had also headed up recruiting for the Commodores the last two seasons.
The fact that Richt would come and get Belin is just another indication of the kind of staff Johnson has assembled at Vanderbilt. Florida wooed Kenny Carter away a couple of years ago, and Carter is now with Charlie Strong at Louisville.
Bowling Green's Dave Clawson tried to hire Vanderbilt secondary coach Jamie Bryant as his defensive coordinator last year. Oklahoma State came after Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Bruce Fowler, and South Carolina has made a couple of different runs at Vanderbilt assistant head coach and offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell.
Fowler was promoted to assistant head coach for the defense prior to last season, while Bryant was promoted to defensive coordinator.
In Belin, Richt thinks he has the right fit.
"Warren has had some of the best linebackers and tacklers in the league for years,” Richt said. “I’ve always admired his work at Vandy, and people have been talking to me about him for quite a while. When Todd (Grantham) and I interviewed him, we were very impressed with his knowledge of the game, schemes and fundamentals. He’s going to be a perfect mentor for our players as well."
With the Bulldogs switching to a 3-4 defense, Grantham and Belin will share the linebacker coaching duties. Rodney Garner, the only holdover from the old defensive staff, will coach the defensive line.
Earlier, Richt had hired Todd Grantham away from the Dallas Cowboys to be his defensive coordinator and Scott Lakatos away from Connecticut to be his secondary coach.
Belin was an original member of Bobby Johnson's staff at Vanderbilt and helped to develop some excellent linebackers, including Hunter Hillenmeyer, Moses Osemwegie, Jonathan Goff, Marcus Buggs and most recently Chris Marve and Patrick Benoist. Belin had also headed up recruiting for the Commodores the last two seasons.
The fact that Richt would come and get Belin is just another indication of the kind of staff Johnson has assembled at Vanderbilt. Florida wooed Kenny Carter away a couple of years ago, and Carter is now with Charlie Strong at Louisville.
Bowling Green's Dave Clawson tried to hire Vanderbilt secondary coach Jamie Bryant as his defensive coordinator last year. Oklahoma State came after Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Bruce Fowler, and South Carolina has made a couple of different runs at Vanderbilt assistant head coach and offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell.
Fowler was promoted to assistant head coach for the defense prior to last season, while Bryant was promoted to defensive coordinator.
In Belin, Richt thinks he has the right fit.
"Warren has had some of the best linebackers and tacklers in the league for years,” Richt said. “I’ve always admired his work at Vandy, and people have been talking to me about him for quite a while. When Todd (Grantham) and I interviewed him, we were very impressed with his knowledge of the game, schemes and fundamentals. He’s going to be a perfect mentor for our players as well."
With the Bulldogs switching to a 3-4 defense, Grantham and Belin will share the linebacker coaching duties. Rodney Garner, the only holdover from the old defensive staff, will coach the defensive line.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
