ESPN College Football

TideNation has more on the Alabama football.

Greg Ostendorf writes : Alabama received its ninth commit for 2013 when OL Grant Hill gave his word to the Tide. Grant also has offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Ostendorf writes : Hill's high school coach, Scott Sharp, says his player's commitment is good not only for his school, but for the city of Huntsville, Ala.

Edward Aschoff looks at quarterback battles in the SEC to keep an eye on this spring.

Who has the edge at quarterback next season in the SEC?

Here’s a look at the projected starters in the league in 2012 with their won-loss record as a starter, career total offense, career touchdown passes, career interceptions and career completion percentage.

The quarterbacks are listed in order of wins as a starter:

• Aaron Murray, Georgia: 16-11 as a starter, 6,476 total yards, 59 touchdown passes, 22 interceptions, 60 percent
• AJ McCarron, Alabama: 12-1 as a starter, 2,991 total yards, 19 touchdown passes, 5 interceptions, 66.2 percent
• Tyler Wilson, Arkansas: 11-2 as a starter, 4,327 total yards, 31 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions, 62.9 percent
• Connor Shaw, South Carolina: 8-1 as a starter, 2,361 total yards, 15 touchdown passes, 8 interceptions, 66.1 percent
• Tyler Bray, Tennessee: 8-4 as a starter, 2,818 total yards, 35 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions, 57.7 percent
• James Franklin, Missouri: 8-5 as a starter, 4,068 total yards, 22 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, 63.8 percent
• Morgan Newton, Kentucky: 8-9 as a starter, 2,216 total yards, 14 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, 52 percent
• Clint Moseley, Auburn: 3-3 as a starter, 727 total yards, 5 touchdown passes, 3 interceptions, 61.1 percent
• Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt: 3-4 as a starter, 1,944 total yards, 9 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, 50 percent
• Tyler Russell, Mississippi State: 2-2 as a starter, 1,776 total yards, 13 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, 55.1 percent
• Jacoby Brissett, Florida: 0-2 as a starter, 213 total yards, 2 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions, 46.2 percent
• Zach Mettenberger, LSU: 0-0 as a starter, 120 total yards, 1 touchdown pass, 0 interceptions, 72.7 percent
• Jameill Showers, Texas A&M: 0-0 as a starter, 73 total yards, 0 touchdown passes, 0 interceptions, 80 percent
• Bo Wallace, Ole Miss: Junior college transfer who’s yet to see action at the FBS level.

Missouri added the 20th member of its 2012 recruiting class in tight end Brandon Holifield of Tallahassee, Fla., coach Gary Pinkel announced Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Holifield is a three-star prospect from Godby High School, where he played just one year of high school football, and that year was limited because of a groin injury. He was also a standout in both basketball and track.

While Holifield will join the Tigers as a tight end, he proved during his one year at the high school level that he has some versatility in his game -- his kicking game. He handled kickoffs and punts, including having a long punt of 60 yards and consistently sending kickoffs into the end zone.

Holifield is also the starting power forward on Godby’s basketball team, which has been ranked No. 1 in the state for most of the season, and he has previously placed third in the state in the high jump. He has a personal best mark of 6 feet 11 inches.

Holifield picked Missouri over Miami and Rutgers. He also had interest in fellow SEC member Vanderbilt.

Adding some size and athleticism to the offense was definitely a plus for the Tigers, but also stretching into the state of Florida again should help Mizzou's staff in that part of the country in the future. Holifield became the second Missouri signee to come from Florida and while it might not seem like much at first glance, now that the Tigers are in the SEC, the coaches will have to dip into the southeast, especially Florida, more often now.

Texas will continue to be a major priority, but Mizzou's coaches can't forget about the cornucopia of talent residing in the southeast that must be tapped in this league. The more often these coaches can grab a prospect or two from this area, the better.

Here's a little of Holifield's scouting report from ESPN recruiting services:

"A raw talent, Holifield possesses the measurables and skill-set to develop over time at the tight end position in college. Has the athleticism to split out at WR and use his leaping ability to out jump smaller DB's. A potential red zone or underneath threat at the next level. Is a tall but lean prospect who has the length to add bulk. Has a long wingspan. Possesses long limbs and is deceptively quick and athletic for a guy his size. Has good speed with a long stride but needs to build up momentum to get to his top speed. Is quick off the line, eating up cushion fast. Has good hands, can extend well above his head to reel in a pass. Excels at high pointing the jump ball. Is raw in his route running, lacks intermediate running sharpness."

Maryland coach Randy Edsall made the right call Wednesday when he finally changed his mind and decided to grant quarterback Danny O'Brien and two other players their full releases from the program with no transfer restrictions.

Edsall took loads of criticism for his decision to not allow three Maryland players the opportunity to transfer to Vanderbilt -- a school that isn't scheduled to play Maryland in the near future and rarely ever competes with the Terps in recruiting.

Maybe all that negativity thrown toward him and the program helped him come to his senses.

Here's what Edsall said in a prepared statement:

"While at first I thought it was important to limit the institutions to which they could transfer, I have since reconsidered my decision. At the end of the day, I want what's best for these guys and I wish them well in their futures."

O'Brien also released a statement on the situation:

"I am pleased to be able to move on and pursue a graduate degree and continue my athletic career at the school of my choosing. "I would like to thank Coach Edsall for his support throughout this process."

Now, it appears O'Brien can take his talents to Vanderbilt and reunite with coach James Franklin, who was the offensive coordinator at Maryland during O'Brien's successful freshman season in 2010.

Well, once the rules are made clear ...

Tuesday, two sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Heather Dinich that Maryland filed a complaint against Vanderbilt alleging that improper contact occurred between the school and O'Brien.

Vanderbilt vice chancellor David Williams released a statement Wednesday afternoon acknowledging the ACC's complaint against Vandy's football program:

“We have been informed by the Southeastern Conference that the Atlantic Coast Conference has filed a formal complaint involving Vanderbilt University football on behalf of one of its members. We are complying with SEC and Vanderbilt procedures and are conducting an investigation on the matter.”

Until things get cleared up, O'Brien and Vanderbilt will have to wait before taking the next step, if both sides choose to.

Radi Nabulsi writes : Juco athlete and UGA prospect Mario Alford believes the military training he has received at Georgia Military College gives him an edge against future Division I competition, and he wants to prove it while wearing UGA’s red and black.

Kipp Adams writes : With more than a dozen offers, No. 15, from the Georgia Bulldogs, is an extra-special one for in-state prospect Josh Outlaw.

Adams : Since the SEC East got wind of his talent, two-way player and DE Antonio Riles has been reeling with the endless stream of offers.

In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we look at the big recruiting weekends for Michigan, Florida, and Texas A&M. We also look into the bizarre day for Davonte Neal, a ESPNU 150 prospect for the 2012 class.

Checking out the SEC with some links.

• The NFL combine will be huge for three SEC pass-catchers.
• Maryland coach Randy Edsall frees quarterback Danny O'Brien to transfer to Vanderbilt.
• Texas A&M could have four draft picks in the first five rounds after a successful showing at the NFL combine this week.
• Auburn coach Gene Chizik says the new staff responsibilities "best suit" Auburn's program.
• Auburn receives a commitment from one of the nation's top punters.
• The SEC just does it differently when it comes to scheduling.
• Missouri's football team is getting new uniforms and helmet designs from Nike.
• Changes are coming at Missouri as the program prepares its move to the SEC.
• Tony Barnhart thinks the Arkansas-LSU rivalry will never be played in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock again.
• Florida tight end A.C. Leonard pleads not guilty to battery charge.
• Alabama adds to its 2013 class with a commitment from Georgia running Tyren Jones.
• Ole Miss defensive back Senquez Golson shows off his speed on the baseball diamond.

After a drama-filled, late signing day for ESPNU 150 athlete Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral), the nation's No. 8 prospect finally made a decision.

He picked Notre Dame over Arizona, Arkansas and North Carolina, ending what had turned into quite the spectacle.

Now that Neal's recruitment is officially over, Arkansas' coaching staff can officially put the 2012 recruiting class to bed. And while Neal would have been a tremendous addition to the Razorbacks' class, it's not the end of the world that Arkansas didn't land him. In fact, missing out on both Neal and top receiver Dorial Green-Beckham won't set Bobby Petrino's team back.

Also, after the "show" that Neal put on with his recruitment, there are definitely questions about his mindset. We don't know every single detail concerning his recruitment, but from what I know about Petrino's offense, a me-first attitude doesn't work within a scheme that tries to spread the ball around as much as possible.

Arkansas lost three future NFL draft picks in Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright, but returns a handful of receiving targets in 2012. Two of those returning -- tight end Chris Gragg and receiver Cobi Hamilton -- ranked third and fourth, respectively, in receiving for the Hogs.

Hamilton, who will probably see his name near the top of the list of returning SEC receivers this fall, caught 34 passes for 542 yards and was second on the team with four touchdowns. Gragg, one of the top returning tight ends in the league, caught 41 passes for 518 yards and two scores.

That's a good foundation, but it doesn't end there for the Hogs. Arkansas' deep receiving corps hasn't accumulated a ton of stats, but that's because these players haven't had much of a chance with those vets in front of them. They've shown that to the coaches in practice, but haven't had the chance to do it for the public.

One of those players expected to make a big leap in 2012 is rising sophomore Marquel Wade. He only caught eight passes last fall, but the coaches are expecting big things from him in Year 2. Wade has big play ability, is shifty and the coaches think he resembles Adams in his movements and returning ability. He should receive a lot more attention from quarterback Tyler Wilson and opposing defenders. However, with his speed and elusiveness, he should be able to make a play or two next fall.

Juniors-to-be Javontee Herndon and Julian Horton, who combined for 17 catches in 2011, are also back and from what the coaches have seen in practice, they expect them to step right in this fall.

Also, keep an eye out on incoming juco transfer receiver Demetrius Wilson and freshman tight end Demetrius Dean. Wilson should certainly get a chance to compete early because coaches don't exactly bring in juco players to sit and watch. Dean (6-foot- 3, 240 pounds) could come in and line up opposite Gragg and has the ability to split out wide if needed.

Striking out with both Neal and DGB wasn't exactly part of Petrino's recruiting plan, but his teams have led the SEC in passing the past three years for a reason, so don't expect him to pout too much about losing these two.

This next guy on our countdown had a record-setting season.

No. 15: Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas, Sr.

2011 summary: Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12) and was second in receptions (66). He set the Arkansas single-season record in all three categories and leaves school as the career leader in receptions and receiving yards. Wright was a first-team All-SEC selection by both the coaches and Associated Press.

Why he's here: Not only did the 5-10, 180-pound Wright emerge as one of the SEC's best big-play receivers, but he improved as a runner after the catch and also showed a penchant for finding the end zone, as evidenced by his 12 touchdown receptions. Even though he's not very big, he showed his toughness time and time again in 2011 and combined that toughness with exceptional speed to put together a record-breaking season. Wright produced big catches and big performances and had an SEC-leading six touchdown catches in league games. His biggest game came in the 42-38 comeback win over Texas A&M when he pulled in 13 catches for 281 yards, and he also pounced on a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie that game. The Hogs weren't lacking in receiving talent this season, but Wright became the clear leader of that group and was also one of the strongest leaders on the entire team. His consistency was one of the big reasons the Hogs were able to win 11 games for the first time since the 1977 season.

• No. 16: Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
• No. 17: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
• No. 18: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
• No. 19: Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia
• No. 20: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
• No. 21: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
• No. 22: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
• No. 23: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
• No. 24: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
• No. 25: Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn

Two of Georgia's past football stars will have special awards named after them, Georgia coach Mark Richt has announced.

Heisman Trophy winner Frank Sinkwich and Maxwell Award winner Charley Trippi will be honored with annual awards beginning this fall. The Sinkwich Award will be given to Georgia's "toughest player" and the Trippi Award will be awarded to Georgia's "most versatile player."

"Frank Sinkwich had to be tough by playing seven games with a broken jaw in 1941," Richt said. "By winning the Heisman Trophy, he was also a great player. I have always heard that Charley Trippi was the most exciting player of his time. It must have been a special experience to see these two great Georgia players compete on the field. It's appropriate to have two awards honoring Sinkwich and Trippi, both of whom were great players, graduates of the university and always willing to give back to their alma mater."

Sinkwich, who was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954, didn't allow his broken jaw to get the best of him in 1941, as he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-1-1 record, including gaining 382 total yards of offense in the Bulldogs' 40-26 win over TCU in the Orange Bowl. During his Heisman year in 1942, Sinkwich helped lead Georgia to an 11-1 record that included an SEC and national championship.

Sinkwich was later drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions in 1943 and was named an All-Pro in 1943-44. Sinkwich is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and his Georgia jersey was retired in 1943.

Trippi won the Maxwell Award in 1946 after helping to lead the Bulldogs to an 11-0 record, an SEC championship and Sugar Bowl victory over North Carolina. He was both a regular on offense and defense, punted, and was a kick returner. Trippi was the first pick in the 1947 NFL draft. In his first season, he helped lead the Chicago Cardinals to the 1947 NFL title.

Trippi was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. His Georgia jersey was retired in 1947.

With Willie Martinez joining the Auburn defensive staff, Tommy Thigpen will move from coaching safeties to linebackers.

Thigpen, who was an All-ACC linebacker at North Carolina, had coached the Tigers' safeties for the past three seasons. He was the North Carolina linebackers coach from 2005-08 before joining the Auburn staff and also coached linebackers for a season at Illinois.

Martinez, a former defensive coordinator at Georgia, will coach Auburn's entire secondary. The past three years under Gene Chizik, the secondary duties had been divided at Auburn. Phillip Lolley coached the cornerbacks and Thigpen the safeties.

Brian VanGorder takes over the Auburn defense after coming over from the Atlanta Falcons.

The Tigers finished last in the SEC and 86th nationally in passing-efficiency defense last season. They gave up 23 touchdown passes and intercepted just 11 passes.

Soon, a host of former college athletes will be thrown into the ultimate meat market. They'll be poked, prodded and interviewed until their faces turn blue at the NFL combine.

But it will all be worth it, as they attempt to take the next step in their football careers -- hearing their names called in April's NFL draft.

The combine provides athletes the opportunity to continue thoroughly impressing NFL scouts, coaches and general managers, but it also gives some under-the-radar athletes the chance to improve their stock heading into April. Forty-yard dash times, bench-press reps and verticals can go along way for players still looking to climb teams' draft boards.

ESPN's Steve Muench took a look at three prospects trying to do exactly that . Two just happen to come from the SEC in LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle and Ole Miss offensive tackle Bobby Massie.

Randle, who has a draft grade of 84, was LSU's top wide receiver in 2011, catching 53 passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns. He proved to be too much for defensive backs at times in one-on-one situations with his size and speed. Randle's speed is also pretty good for someone with his frame. With better quarterback play, Randle might have made a bigger name for himself heading into the combine.

Here's some of what Muench said about Randle:

"In terms of draft positioning, Randle sits right behind South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery* (85), who is not expected to run well at the combine. If Randle posts a better 40-yard dash time and catches the ball as well as expected, while also showing some improvement in his routes during field drills, he could very well leapfrog Jeffery on the draft board. That would put him in position to land with a team like the Minnesota Vikings, who could be in the market for a receiver early in the second round."

For Massie, who has a draft grade of 76, 2011 could be considered a step back. Though Massie ended his career starting 29 straight games at right tackle, the Rebels owned one of the worst offenses around. The line gave up 31 sacks and the running game registered 541 yards of loss on the season, finishing 10th in the conference in rushing offense. Muench said that with his "above-average" athleticism, Massie could impress during one-on-one drills, and his 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame gives him ideal size for the tackle position.

Here's what Muench said about Massie:

"The 2012 tackle class is not all that strong, and with teams always looking for help at that position, Massie has an opportunity to move into the second-round conversation if he performs as well as expected. The Miami Dolphins need to address their quarterback need before anything else, but they would do well to get Massie on Day 2 (rounds 2-3). He could line up on the right side, teaming with standout LOT Jake Long to give the Dolphins the bookends they'll need in order for their quarterback to have time in the pocket."

Radi Nabulsi writes : For Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek receiver Demarre Kitt, the college offers couldn't come soon enough. Now the rising junior is mapping out a busy schedule of visits to favorites Auburn, Alabama, Clemson and Georgia, while the offers keep pouring in.

Video: Demarre Kitt

David Ching writes: University of Georgia football honors a former Heisman Trophy winner and a Maxwell Award winner with two new team awards.

Arkansas will be facing Texas A&M in the state of Texas in 2012, but it won't be at Cowboys Stadium as originally scheduled.

Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne announced over the weekend that the Aggies would face the Hogs next season on Sept. 29 at Kyle Field, giving Texas A&M six home games. In 2013, Texas A&M will play at Arkansas. The series will then go back to Cowboys Stadium in 2014, and be played in Arlington, Texas, for the final seven years of the original 10-year contract that was signed prior to Texas A&M joining the SEC.

Consider it a two-year compromise. Texas A&M preferred to play the game on campus, and Arkansas wanted to keep the game at Cowboys Stadium. The Hogs like the idea of playing a game every year in the Dallas area for recruiting purposes.

With next season's Arkansas game being played at Kyle Field, that means Texas A&M will have a very attractive home schedule during its first season in the SEC. Florida will visit College Station the second week of the season on Sept. 8. Arkansas closes out the month by visiting on Sept. 29. LSU comes to town on Oct. 20, and Missouri will visit Kyle Field for the regular-season finale on Nov. 24.