SEC: Auburn Tigers
While the college football season is still months away, recruiting is still going and going.
There have been a few changes since we last visited our SEC recruiting scorecard. South Carolina and Ole Miss made the biggest jumps, getting six commitments each since the last time we checked in, while Arkansas has gone from zero verbal commitments to five with new coach John L. Smith taking over.
Alabama and Florida are still leading the way when it comes to ESPN 150 members. Alabama leads with eight, while Florida has seven. Georgia is also getting in on the top-rated talent, as the Bulldogs' staff has gained verbals from six 150 members, while Texas A&M has five.
When you're done looking at the scorecard, take a look at how the Way-Too-Early Top 25 teams are doing in recruiting.
ALABAMA
2013 verbal commitments: 14
Spotlight: Quarterback Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City is the No. 6 pocket-passer in the 2013 class, and he became very important for the Crimson Tide once Phillip Sims decided to transfer to Virginia this spring.
ESPN 150 members: 8 (ILB Reuben Foster of Auburn, Ala.; TE-H of O.J. Howard of Prattville, Ala.; RB Altee Tenpenny of North Little Rock, Ark.; QB-PP Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City, Utah; RB Tyren Jones of Marietta, Ga.; DE Jonathan Allen of Ashburn, Va.; OG Andy Dodd of Lindale, Ga.; ATH ArDarius Stewart of Birmingham, Ala.)
ARKANSAS
2013 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Austin Allen of Fayetteville, Ark., is a four-star prospect some have compared to current Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson. I'd say that's a pretty good thing. The fact that he committed despite everything that has happened at Arkansas should provide other prospects interested in Arkansas with more confidence in the program.
ESPN 150 members: None
AUBURN
2013 verbal commitments: 9
Spotlight: Carl Lawson of Alpharette, Ga., is the No. 2 defensive end in the country, and is one of the most explosive players in the country, regardless of position. He registered 31 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks as a junior.
ESPN 150 members: 4 (DE Carl Lawson of Alpharetta, Ga.; DT Dee Liner of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; WR Earnest Robinson of Pinson, Ala.; ILB Trey Johnson of Lawrenceville, Ga.)
FLORIDA
2013 verbal commitments: 16
Spotlight: Running back Kelvin Taylor of Belle Glade, Fla., is not only the top running back prospect in the country, he's the big powerful/versatile back Florida has been searching for. He's been playing varsity ball since eighth grade, and rushed for 2,884 yards and 40 touchdowns during his junior season.
ESPN 150 members: 7 (DT Caleb Brantley of Crescent City, Fla.; RB Kelvin Taylor of Belle Glade, Fla.; OLB Daniel McMillian of Jacksonville, Fla.; WR Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla.; S Nick Washington of Jacksonville, Fla.; S Keanu Neal of Bushnell, Fla.; OLB Quinton Powell of Daytona Beach, Fla.)
GEORGIA
2013 verbal commitments: 17
Spotlight: Athlete Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., can line up all over the field at the next level, but has mainly made his name at running back. He could be dangerous at different spots in college, and rushed for nearly 2,800 yards last season with 39 rushing touchdowns.
ESPN 150 members: 6 (ATH Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla.; ATH Tramel Terry of Goose Creek, S.C.; CB Shaq Wiggins of Tyrone, Ga.; QB-PP Brice Ramsey of Kingsland, Ga.; S Tray Matthews of Newnan, Ga.; ILB Johnny O'Neal of Dublin, Ga.)
KENTUCKY
2013 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: Defensive tackle Jacob Hyde of Manchester, Ky., remains Kentucky's only commitment at the moment, but he's an important get at a position of need. The 300-pounder has shown good strength, and can fill up the middle, especially on running plays.
ESPN 150 members: None
LSU
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Athlete Jeryl Brazil of Loranger, La., is an extremely versatile player who can play multiple positions, and has the speed and athleticism to make tons of plays, no matter where he lines up. He can also line up on the defensive side of the ball and play cornerback.
ESPN 150 members: None
MISSISSIPPI STATE
2013 verbal commitments: 2
Spotlight: Athlete Brandon Wells of Bogue Chitto, Miss., might play quarterback now, but he'll likely move to wide receiver in college. He'll be a project for coaches, but he's proven he can make plays when the ball is in his hands.
ESPN 150 members: None
MISSOURI
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Athlete Chase Abbington of St. Peters, Mo., is a dynamic athlete who could move around once he gets to the college level, but might be the most comfortable at running back right now. Still, with his size, he could be an outside receiver or a tight end.
ESPN 150 members: None
OLE MISS
2013 verbal commitments: 10
Spotlight: Wide receiver Dannon Cavil of San Antonio, Texas, is a big-bodied receiver who could even lineup as an H-back if needed. Ole Miss needs playmakers on offense going forward, and if Cavil continues to develop, the Rebels' staff will likely want to use him early.
ESPN 150 members: None
SOUTH CAROLINA
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Quarterback Connor Mitch of Raleigh, N.C., is a four-star prospect who appears to be the right kind of quarterback for Steve Spurrier's offense. He doesn't move a ton outside the pocket, but has a very strong throwing arm and a pretty quick release. He passed for 3,832 yards and 48 touchdowns as a junior.
ESPN 150 members: None
TENNESSEE
2013 verbal commitments: 7
Spotlight: Safety Kameron Miles of Mesquite, Texas, is a solid athlete who plays both defensive back and quarterback, but does most of his damage as a defender. He can be a cover guy or stop the run. He also isn't afraid to hit.
ESPN 150 members: None
TEXAS A&M
2013 verbal commitments: 17
Spotlight: Derrick Griffin of Rosenberg, Texas, is the top tight end prospect in the country. It looks like he'll grow to make it as a very athletic H-back. If he stays on this path, he'll become a true mismatch for defenders through the middle of the field.
ESPN 150 members: 5 (TE-H Derrick Griffin of Rosenberg, Texas; ATH LaQuvionte Gonzalez of Cedar Hill, Texas; QB Kohl Stewart of Houston, Texas; OG Joas Aguilar of N. Richland Hills, Texas; WR Jamar Gibson of Baytown, Texas)
VANDERBILT
2013 verbal commitments: 9
Spotlight: Quarterback Johnathan McCrary of Ellenwood, Ga., might be a bigger quarterback, but he has excellent speed and can make the tough throws on the run. He's a top dual-threat quarterback and threw for more than 2,400 yards with 27 touchdown passes last season.
ESPN 150 members: None
There have been a few changes since we last visited our SEC recruiting scorecard. South Carolina and Ole Miss made the biggest jumps, getting six commitments each since the last time we checked in, while Arkansas has gone from zero verbal commitments to five with new coach John L. Smith taking over.
Alabama and Florida are still leading the way when it comes to ESPN 150 members. Alabama leads with eight, while Florida has seven. Georgia is also getting in on the top-rated talent, as the Bulldogs' staff has gained verbals from six 150 members, while Texas A&M has five.
When you're done looking at the scorecard, take a look at how the Way-Too-Early Top 25 teams are doing in recruiting.
ALABAMA
2013 verbal commitments: 14
Spotlight: Quarterback Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City is the No. 6 pocket-passer in the 2013 class, and he became very important for the Crimson Tide once Phillip Sims decided to transfer to Virginia this spring.
ESPN 150 members: 8 (ILB Reuben Foster of Auburn, Ala.; TE-H of O.J. Howard of Prattville, Ala.; RB Altee Tenpenny of North Little Rock, Ark.; QB-PP Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City, Utah; RB Tyren Jones of Marietta, Ga.; DE Jonathan Allen of Ashburn, Va.; OG Andy Dodd of Lindale, Ga.; ATH ArDarius Stewart of Birmingham, Ala.)
ARKANSAS
2013 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Austin Allen of Fayetteville, Ark., is a four-star prospect some have compared to current Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson. I'd say that's a pretty good thing. The fact that he committed despite everything that has happened at Arkansas should provide other prospects interested in Arkansas with more confidence in the program.
ESPN 150 members: None
AUBURN
2013 verbal commitments: 9
Spotlight: Carl Lawson of Alpharette, Ga., is the No. 2 defensive end in the country, and is one of the most explosive players in the country, regardless of position. He registered 31 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks as a junior.
ESPN 150 members: 4 (DE Carl Lawson of Alpharetta, Ga.; DT Dee Liner of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; WR Earnest Robinson of Pinson, Ala.; ILB Trey Johnson of Lawrenceville, Ga.)
FLORIDA
2013 verbal commitments: 16
Spotlight: Running back Kelvin Taylor of Belle Glade, Fla., is not only the top running back prospect in the country, he's the big powerful/versatile back Florida has been searching for. He's been playing varsity ball since eighth grade, and rushed for 2,884 yards and 40 touchdowns during his junior season.
ESPN 150 members: 7 (DT Caleb Brantley of Crescent City, Fla.; RB Kelvin Taylor of Belle Glade, Fla.; OLB Daniel McMillian of Jacksonville, Fla.; WR Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla.; S Nick Washington of Jacksonville, Fla.; S Keanu Neal of Bushnell, Fla.; OLB Quinton Powell of Daytona Beach, Fla.)
GEORGIA
2013 verbal commitments: 17
Spotlight: Athlete Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., can line up all over the field at the next level, but has mainly made his name at running back. He could be dangerous at different spots in college, and rushed for nearly 2,800 yards last season with 39 rushing touchdowns.
ESPN 150 members: 6 (ATH Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla.; ATH Tramel Terry of Goose Creek, S.C.; CB Shaq Wiggins of Tyrone, Ga.; QB-PP Brice Ramsey of Kingsland, Ga.; S Tray Matthews of Newnan, Ga.; ILB Johnny O'Neal of Dublin, Ga.)
KENTUCKY
2013 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: Defensive tackle Jacob Hyde of Manchester, Ky., remains Kentucky's only commitment at the moment, but he's an important get at a position of need. The 300-pounder has shown good strength, and can fill up the middle, especially on running plays.
ESPN 150 members: None
LSU
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Athlete Jeryl Brazil of Loranger, La., is an extremely versatile player who can play multiple positions, and has the speed and athleticism to make tons of plays, no matter where he lines up. He can also line up on the defensive side of the ball and play cornerback.
ESPN 150 members: None
MISSISSIPPI STATE
2013 verbal commitments: 2
Spotlight: Athlete Brandon Wells of Bogue Chitto, Miss., might play quarterback now, but he'll likely move to wide receiver in college. He'll be a project for coaches, but he's proven he can make plays when the ball is in his hands.
ESPN 150 members: None
MISSOURI
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Athlete Chase Abbington of St. Peters, Mo., is a dynamic athlete who could move around once he gets to the college level, but might be the most comfortable at running back right now. Still, with his size, he could be an outside receiver or a tight end.
ESPN 150 members: None
OLE MISS
2013 verbal commitments: 10
Spotlight: Wide receiver Dannon Cavil of San Antonio, Texas, is a big-bodied receiver who could even lineup as an H-back if needed. Ole Miss needs playmakers on offense going forward, and if Cavil continues to develop, the Rebels' staff will likely want to use him early.
ESPN 150 members: None
SOUTH CAROLINA
2013 verbal commitments: 12
Spotlight: Quarterback Connor Mitch of Raleigh, N.C., is a four-star prospect who appears to be the right kind of quarterback for Steve Spurrier's offense. He doesn't move a ton outside the pocket, but has a very strong throwing arm and a pretty quick release. He passed for 3,832 yards and 48 touchdowns as a junior.
ESPN 150 members: None
TENNESSEE
2013 verbal commitments: 7
Spotlight: Safety Kameron Miles of Mesquite, Texas, is a solid athlete who plays both defensive back and quarterback, but does most of his damage as a defender. He can be a cover guy or stop the run. He also isn't afraid to hit.
ESPN 150 members: None
TEXAS A&M
2013 verbal commitments: 17
Spotlight: Derrick Griffin of Rosenberg, Texas, is the top tight end prospect in the country. It looks like he'll grow to make it as a very athletic H-back. If he stays on this path, he'll become a true mismatch for defenders through the middle of the field.
ESPN 150 members: 5 (TE-H Derrick Griffin of Rosenberg, Texas; ATH LaQuvionte Gonzalez of Cedar Hill, Texas; QB Kohl Stewart of Houston, Texas; OG Joas Aguilar of N. Richland Hills, Texas; WR Jamar Gibson of Baytown, Texas)
VANDERBILT
2013 verbal commitments: 9
Spotlight: Quarterback Johnathan McCrary of Ellenwood, Ga., might be a bigger quarterback, but he has excellent speed and can make the tough throws on the run. He's a top dual-threat quarterback and threw for more than 2,400 yards with 27 touchdown passes last season.
ESPN 150 members: None
Edward has already unveiled the five players in the East who have the most to prove in 2012.
Now, it’s on to the West:
1. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: Mettenberger finally gets his chance to lead a team in the SEC. He’s persevered through adversity. He’s got a big arm, and he understands what he’s up against when it comes to SEC defenses. The Tigers are counting on Mettenberger making them more balanced on offense with his ability to throw the ball down the field and keep defenses from loading up against the run. LSU is plenty talented enough to be right back in the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. The only thing the Tigers were missing a year ago was a consistent passing game when it counted most. That’s where Mettenberger comes in.
2. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: If anybody can make it all the way back from three fractured ankles, it’s Davis. He was pushing to play at the end of last season and now insists that he’s 100 percent healthy. He was clocked this offseason at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and is one of the Hogs’ strongest players. There simply aren’t many running backs that combine Davis’ blend of speed, power and strength. His biggest hurdle may be mental, which is why Arkansas plans to get him some live contact in preseason camp. Everybody will be watching to see if he can get back to his 2010 form when he led all SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards.
3. Trovon Reed, WR, Auburn: Trooper Taylor, Auburn’s receivers coach, once referred to Reed as a limousine with no gas. From the day Reed signed with the Tigers, he’s been pegged as one of those playmakers in space that gives every defensive coordinator nightmares. The only problem is that Reed has battled injuries each of his first two years on the Plains. He sat out his first season with a knee injury and was plagued by a shoulder injury last season as a redshirt freshman. He’s yet to score a touchdown for the Tigers, who are going to need more firepower from the receiver position in 2012. Emory Blake won’t be able to do it by himself.
4. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: With the Aggies moving to the SEC in 2012, it’s imperative that they man up in the defensive line. Moore is the most talented of the group, but he’s moving from a hybrid outside linebacker position in Texas A&M’s old 3-4 setup to defensive end in Mark Snyder’s new 4-3 scheme. Moore has shown in the past that he can get to the quarterback and make big plays. He led the Big 12 last season with 17.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies are counting on him to be more than just a pass-rusher this coming season. And while Moore won’t be the biggest defensive end in the league, he’ll need to play big in every game if the Aggies are going to hold their own up front.
5. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: It’s safe to say that McCarron has already proved himself on a big stage. He was outstanding last season in the BCS title game win over LSU with his poise, decision-making and accuracy. The Crimson Tide did a nice job of not putting too much on McCarron’s shoulders during the season. That’s going to change some as he enters his junior season. Alabama will look to stretch the field more in 2012. McCarron has an NFL-caliber arm, and teams will gear their defenses more to stop him in 2012. We’ll see if he can pick up where he left off in New Orleans and sustain that level of play for the entire season.
Now, it’s on to the West:
1. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: Mettenberger finally gets his chance to lead a team in the SEC. He’s persevered through adversity. He’s got a big arm, and he understands what he’s up against when it comes to SEC defenses. The Tigers are counting on Mettenberger making them more balanced on offense with his ability to throw the ball down the field and keep defenses from loading up against the run. LSU is plenty talented enough to be right back in the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. The only thing the Tigers were missing a year ago was a consistent passing game when it counted most. That’s where Mettenberger comes in.
2. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: If anybody can make it all the way back from three fractured ankles, it’s Davis. He was pushing to play at the end of last season and now insists that he’s 100 percent healthy. He was clocked this offseason at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and is one of the Hogs’ strongest players. There simply aren’t many running backs that combine Davis’ blend of speed, power and strength. His biggest hurdle may be mental, which is why Arkansas plans to get him some live contact in preseason camp. Everybody will be watching to see if he can get back to his 2010 form when he led all SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards.
3. Trovon Reed, WR, Auburn: Trooper Taylor, Auburn’s receivers coach, once referred to Reed as a limousine with no gas. From the day Reed signed with the Tigers, he’s been pegged as one of those playmakers in space that gives every defensive coordinator nightmares. The only problem is that Reed has battled injuries each of his first two years on the Plains. He sat out his first season with a knee injury and was plagued by a shoulder injury last season as a redshirt freshman. He’s yet to score a touchdown for the Tigers, who are going to need more firepower from the receiver position in 2012. Emory Blake won’t be able to do it by himself.
4. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: With the Aggies moving to the SEC in 2012, it’s imperative that they man up in the defensive line. Moore is the most talented of the group, but he’s moving from a hybrid outside linebacker position in Texas A&M’s old 3-4 setup to defensive end in Mark Snyder’s new 4-3 scheme. Moore has shown in the past that he can get to the quarterback and make big plays. He led the Big 12 last season with 17.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies are counting on him to be more than just a pass-rusher this coming season. And while Moore won’t be the biggest defensive end in the league, he’ll need to play big in every game if the Aggies are going to hold their own up front.
5. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: It’s safe to say that McCarron has already proved himself on a big stage. He was outstanding last season in the BCS title game win over LSU with his poise, decision-making and accuracy. The Crimson Tide did a nice job of not putting too much on McCarron’s shoulders during the season. That’s going to change some as he enters his junior season. Alabama will look to stretch the field more in 2012. McCarron has an NFL-caliber arm, and teams will gear their defenses more to stop him in 2012. We’ll see if he can pick up where he left off in New Orleans and sustain that level of play for the entire season.
Just a few links before the Memorial Day weekend.
- Drama runs high at next week's SEC spring meetings.
- Alabama's Barrett Jones and other SEC players make the Rimington Award watch list.
- Florida coach Will Muschamp finishes up his Gator Club speaking tour.
- There won't be a raise for Mark Richt with his new contract, but bonuses could be coming.
- Former LSU commit Torshiro Davis talks decommitting from the Tigers before signing with Texas last year.
- USA Today takes a look at athletic directors and league commissioners and their salaries.
- Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze is moving the Rebels in the right direction.
- Tennessee coach Derek Dooley addresses discipline issues with his team.
We asked you on Tuesday to vote for the most hated coach in SEC history -- past or present.
We're all about the love here on the SEC blog, but this is after all "Hate Week" at ESPN.com. Seriously, this is all done in fun, and some of your responses were priceless.
Here's a sampling:
Drew in Greenville, S.C., writes: I don't think there is any doubt that Lane Kiffin is the clear winner (loser). The two glaring differences between Kiffin and all the other candidates is that he left the program in shambles and he didn't win anything. All the other coaches had success at their respective schools and Kiffin never sniffed success. With Kiffin at the helm, if felt like I was always having to defend my school's decision to hire that clown. Currently, Dooley may not be winning much, but at least I don't have to defend him for his lack of honor.
Darth Tripous writes: The most hated SEC coach has to be Lane Kiffin. My hope is that one day Alshon Jeffery will say to Kiffin, "Fill 'er up please."
Mike in Mandeville, La., writes: I'm down on Nick Saban, but not for the reasons most LSU dislike him. I just need to look at the last play of his tenure at LSU, the Iowa "Hail Mary." Saban was DB coach and that garbage could happen? Nicky was always pulling boneheaded stunts, only saved by the awesome talent he recruited. Anyone remember his annual inability to pick a starting QB? How about UAB 13 LSU 10? The 2000 Arkansas game he failed to use a time out to punt with the wind and ended up with a 3-yarder to start the 2nd quarter? How about 4th & inches at his own 27 during the 2001 SEC title game? The dog show from 2002 that started in Auburn and culminated in the Cotton Bowl loss to Texas? 2003 Florida? UGa 2004? Nick seems to have learned a great deal from the NFL, but the poor in-game calls that cost LSU from 2000-2004 will always have Lil' Nicky No. 1 on my dog list!
R.J. in Portland, Ore., writes: The biggest SEC villain is no doubt Nick (the dictator) Saban. He oversigns, ruthlessly cuts players, has hissy fits in front of the media and undermines them. Not to mention he compares losses to horrific tragedies such as Pearl Harbor and has a terrible personality. The guy is everything that is wrong with college football.
Jason in Athens, Ga., writes: By far, it's the "Evil Genius" now at South Carolina. Being a lifelong DAWG fan, I despised him when he was at Florida, when we could only pull out one win in the 90's (1997: behind Bobo and Edwards running the show). And now he has gotten the best of us the past few years for sure. But as much as I wish he would leave, I have respect for him because he is without a question one of the best college football coaches in history. Anyone who can win an ACC championship with Duke is a helluva ball coach.
Sam in Athens, Ga., writes: Spurrier is still the most hated coach in the SEC for his snide comments. Saban may be despised by Auburn fans, but the rest of the league recognizes he is simply the best coach in college football today.
Byrd in Houston, Texas writes: How can anyone beat out Tommy Tuberville for the most hated coach? Ole Miss hates him for leaving. Bama hates him for beating them more often than not. Auburn hates him for "losing" toward the end of his tenure. The rest of the SEC hates him. Close second: Jackie Sherrill.
Chris in Tampa, Fla., writes: It's Gene Chizik. He has a terrible record and a bought national title. But, somehow, he has the puppet Auburn fans dancing on his string.
Barry in Charleston, Tenn., writes: James Franklin is the coach I despise most. Dirty on the field and talks too much off it, especially for a program that has always been awful. I hope Candy's fans realize he won't be there once he gets a better offer from somewhere else.
Brian in Washington, D.C., writes: Saban. Period. Petrino would make the discussion if he still met the employment requirement. Without him, there is no argument.
Trevor writes: Gotta be Derek Dooley. He makes horrible remarks about Vanderbilt, has no originality, and let's face it, who really does like the orange pants? Even Johnny Majors still cringes at the thought of orange pants. Spurrier would be a close second.
Michael in Eden Prairie, Minn., writes: Pat Dye for sure. He was the one who turned my Gators into the NCAA in the early 1980s for paying players while the whole time doing it himself. Remember Eric Ramsey?
Realdawgsnocowbell writes: Does it have to be a head coach? How about Willie Martinez?
John in Baton Rouge, La., writes: There have been many coaches in the SEC that are so much fun to hate. For me, though it's none other than Phil Fulmer. Of all his accomplishments and successes, the first thing that comes to my mind is a particular game played Sept. 26, 2005. It was an extremely hot Monday night after Hurricane Rita. It was my freshman year at LSU and my first time in the student section. With the community recently rocked by two hurricanes, everyone was excited to have a game to watch in Tiger Stadium. Sadly, we squandered a 21-point lead and fell in overtime. I remember clearly the sight of Gerald Riggs scoring the winning touchdown and the moment of dead silence that came over the crowd as we realized what had just happened. Tennessee then planted their flag at midfield and Coach Fulmer in his post game interview said that Rick Clausen was now the greatest story in America . It wasn't the greatest story in America. The greatest story in America at the moment had just been ruined. Ever since, Fulmer has been the coach that I loved to root against!
Jordan in Birmingham, Ala., writes: Without a doubt, the most hated coach to ever come through the SEC is Phillip Fulmer! Roll Tide!
We're all about the love here on the SEC blog, but this is after all "Hate Week" at ESPN.com. Seriously, this is all done in fun, and some of your responses were priceless.
Here's a sampling:
Drew in Greenville, S.C., writes: I don't think there is any doubt that Lane Kiffin is the clear winner (loser). The two glaring differences between Kiffin and all the other candidates is that he left the program in shambles and he didn't win anything. All the other coaches had success at their respective schools and Kiffin never sniffed success. With Kiffin at the helm, if felt like I was always having to defend my school's decision to hire that clown. Currently, Dooley may not be winning much, but at least I don't have to defend him for his lack of honor.
Darth Tripous writes: The most hated SEC coach has to be Lane Kiffin. My hope is that one day Alshon Jeffery will say to Kiffin, "Fill 'er up please."
Mike in Mandeville, La., writes: I'm down on Nick Saban, but not for the reasons most LSU dislike him. I just need to look at the last play of his tenure at LSU, the Iowa "Hail Mary." Saban was DB coach and that garbage could happen? Nicky was always pulling boneheaded stunts, only saved by the awesome talent he recruited. Anyone remember his annual inability to pick a starting QB? How about UAB 13 LSU 10? The 2000 Arkansas game he failed to use a time out to punt with the wind and ended up with a 3-yarder to start the 2nd quarter? How about 4th & inches at his own 27 during the 2001 SEC title game? The dog show from 2002 that started in Auburn and culminated in the Cotton Bowl loss to Texas? 2003 Florida? UGa 2004? Nick seems to have learned a great deal from the NFL, but the poor in-game calls that cost LSU from 2000-2004 will always have Lil' Nicky No. 1 on my dog list!
R.J. in Portland, Ore., writes: The biggest SEC villain is no doubt Nick (the dictator) Saban. He oversigns, ruthlessly cuts players, has hissy fits in front of the media and undermines them. Not to mention he compares losses to horrific tragedies such as Pearl Harbor and has a terrible personality. The guy is everything that is wrong with college football.
Jason in Athens, Ga., writes: By far, it's the "Evil Genius" now at South Carolina. Being a lifelong DAWG fan, I despised him when he was at Florida, when we could only pull out one win in the 90's (1997: behind Bobo and Edwards running the show). And now he has gotten the best of us the past few years for sure. But as much as I wish he would leave, I have respect for him because he is without a question one of the best college football coaches in history. Anyone who can win an ACC championship with Duke is a helluva ball coach.
Sam in Athens, Ga., writes: Spurrier is still the most hated coach in the SEC for his snide comments. Saban may be despised by Auburn fans, but the rest of the league recognizes he is simply the best coach in college football today.
Byrd in Houston, Texas writes: How can anyone beat out Tommy Tuberville for the most hated coach? Ole Miss hates him for leaving. Bama hates him for beating them more often than not. Auburn hates him for "losing" toward the end of his tenure. The rest of the SEC hates him. Close second: Jackie Sherrill.
Chris in Tampa, Fla., writes: It's Gene Chizik. He has a terrible record and a bought national title. But, somehow, he has the puppet Auburn fans dancing on his string.
Barry in Charleston, Tenn., writes: James Franklin is the coach I despise most. Dirty on the field and talks too much off it, especially for a program that has always been awful. I hope Candy's fans realize he won't be there once he gets a better offer from somewhere else.
Brian in Washington, D.C., writes: Saban. Period. Petrino would make the discussion if he still met the employment requirement. Without him, there is no argument.
Trevor writes: Gotta be Derek Dooley. He makes horrible remarks about Vanderbilt, has no originality, and let's face it, who really does like the orange pants? Even Johnny Majors still cringes at the thought of orange pants. Spurrier would be a close second.
Michael in Eden Prairie, Minn., writes: Pat Dye for sure. He was the one who turned my Gators into the NCAA in the early 1980s for paying players while the whole time doing it himself. Remember Eric Ramsey?
Realdawgsnocowbell writes: Does it have to be a head coach? How about Willie Martinez?
John in Baton Rouge, La., writes: There have been many coaches in the SEC that are so much fun to hate. For me, though it's none other than Phil Fulmer. Of all his accomplishments and successes, the first thing that comes to my mind is a particular game played Sept. 26, 2005. It was an extremely hot Monday night after Hurricane Rita. It was my freshman year at LSU and my first time in the student section. With the community recently rocked by two hurricanes, everyone was excited to have a game to watch in Tiger Stadium. Sadly, we squandered a 21-point lead and fell in overtime. I remember clearly the sight of Gerald Riggs scoring the winning touchdown and the moment of dead silence that came over the crowd as we realized what had just happened. Tennessee then planted their flag at midfield and Coach Fulmer in his post game interview said that Rick Clausen was now the greatest story in America . It wasn't the greatest story in America. The greatest story in America at the moment had just been ruined. Ever since, Fulmer has been the coach that I loved to root against!
Jordan in Birmingham, Ala., writes: Without a doubt, the most hated coach to ever come through the SEC is Phillip Fulmer! Roll Tide!
Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 concludes with a look at the league's top returning punt returners.
Past producers:
The SEC returns six of the top 10 punt returners from 2011. Unfortunately for all those interested in watching one of the most electrifying plays in football, the SEC's top returner won't be back. Arkansas' Joe Adams must have had a blast returning punts last year. If you don't believe me just look here. He led the nation with four punt returns for touchdowns and led the SEC with an average of 16.9 yards per return. His moves will be missed, but the top player returning (we're going by average per return) isn't too bad either:
Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: He averaged 15.6 yards on 27 returns, had a long of 92 yards and recorded two touchdowns. If Adams was the most exciting punt returner in the country, Mathieu was a close second. He completely turned the Arkansas and Georgia games to LSU's favor with three huge returns. The first came on a 92-yarder against the Razorbacks to tie the game at 14 in the second quarter and helped spark a 34-3 run for the Tigers. Against Georgia in the SEC championship game, he gave LSU its first points of the game with a 62-yard touchdown return in the second quarter, but his most exciting return came on a scintillating 47-yarder in the third that he took down to Georgia's 17-yard line. Mathieu is a game-breaking returner and the best thing teams can do is just kick away from him.
The SEC returns five more of the top 10 punt returners from 2011:
Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: He averaged 10.4 yards on 16 returns, had a long of 65 yards and recorded one touchdown.
Ace Sanders, WR, South Carolina: He averaged 9.3 yards on 12 returns, had a long of 68 yards and recorded one touchdown.
Marquel Wade, WR, Arkansas (currently not a part of Arkansas' team): He averaged 8.2 yards on 12 returns and had a long of 19 yards.
Quan Bray, WR, Auburn: He averaged 7.4 yards on 13 returns and had a long of 24 yards.
Jonathan Krause, WR, Vanderbilt: He averaged 4.1 yards on 19 returns and had a long of 18 yards.
Teams will likely kick away from Mathieu more this fall, so he could have a tougher time going for the crown in 2012. One player who could really push for the top spot in this category is Wade. But with him not currently being with the team following his recent arrest, he might not have the chance. Wade is a very dynamic athlete and got to learn from the best in Adams. If he comes back, he'll definitely compete for the throne.
Banks could have competition from his own teammate in Chad Bumphis. Bumphis only returned eight punts last fall, but returned one 82 yards for a score and averaged 16.6 yards per return.
Krause is someone to keep an eye on. Coach James Franklin was very pleased with how his spring went, but he might have to battle incoming freshman Brian Kimbrow here as well.
Texas A&M's Dustin Harris could certainly challenge for the crown after the season he had in 2011. He led the Big 12, averaging 18.6 yards per return, had a long of 72 yards and registered a touchdown. Last season against Kansas, Harris set the school record with 162 punt return yards, including that 72-yard score.
Ole Miss' Jeff Scott still has some academic hurdles to get over, but when he's fielding punts, he's one of the most fun to watch in the SEC. He averaged 17.2 yards per return on just eight returns last year and returned one for a touchdown.
Past producers:
- Quarterback
- Running back
- Wide receiver
- Tight end
- Sacks
- Tackles
- Interceptions
- Kicker
- Punter
- Kickoff returner
The SEC returns six of the top 10 punt returners from 2011. Unfortunately for all those interested in watching one of the most electrifying plays in football, the SEC's top returner won't be back. Arkansas' Joe Adams must have had a blast returning punts last year. If you don't believe me just look here. He led the nation with four punt returns for touchdowns and led the SEC with an average of 16.9 yards per return. His moves will be missed, but the top player returning (we're going by average per return) isn't too bad either:
Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: He averaged 15.6 yards on 27 returns, had a long of 92 yards and recorded two touchdowns. If Adams was the most exciting punt returner in the country, Mathieu was a close second. He completely turned the Arkansas and Georgia games to LSU's favor with three huge returns. The first came on a 92-yarder against the Razorbacks to tie the game at 14 in the second quarter and helped spark a 34-3 run for the Tigers. Against Georgia in the SEC championship game, he gave LSU its first points of the game with a 62-yard touchdown return in the second quarter, but his most exciting return came on a scintillating 47-yarder in the third that he took down to Georgia's 17-yard line. Mathieu is a game-breaking returner and the best thing teams can do is just kick away from him.
The SEC returns five more of the top 10 punt returners from 2011:
Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: He averaged 10.4 yards on 16 returns, had a long of 65 yards and recorded one touchdown.
Ace Sanders, WR, South Carolina: He averaged 9.3 yards on 12 returns, had a long of 68 yards and recorded one touchdown.
Marquel Wade, WR, Arkansas (currently not a part of Arkansas' team): He averaged 8.2 yards on 12 returns and had a long of 19 yards.
Quan Bray, WR, Auburn: He averaged 7.4 yards on 13 returns and had a long of 24 yards.
Jonathan Krause, WR, Vanderbilt: He averaged 4.1 yards on 19 returns and had a long of 18 yards.
Teams will likely kick away from Mathieu more this fall, so he could have a tougher time going for the crown in 2012. One player who could really push for the top spot in this category is Wade. But with him not currently being with the team following his recent arrest, he might not have the chance. Wade is a very dynamic athlete and got to learn from the best in Adams. If he comes back, he'll definitely compete for the throne.
Banks could have competition from his own teammate in Chad Bumphis. Bumphis only returned eight punts last fall, but returned one 82 yards for a score and averaged 16.6 yards per return.
Krause is someone to keep an eye on. Coach James Franklin was very pleased with how his spring went, but he might have to battle incoming freshman Brian Kimbrow here as well.
Texas A&M's Dustin Harris could certainly challenge for the crown after the season he had in 2011. He led the Big 12, averaging 18.6 yards per return, had a long of 72 yards and registered a touchdown. Last season against Kansas, Harris set the school record with 162 punt return yards, including that 72-yard score.
Ole Miss' Jeff Scott still has some academic hurdles to get over, but when he's fielding punts, he's one of the most fun to watch in the SEC. He averaged 17.2 yards per return on just eight returns last year and returned one for a touchdown.
Phil Steele has released his 2012 preseason All-SEC teams [PDF], and the first unit is dominated by Alabama and LSU players.
Of the 28 spots on the first team, 12 are occupied by players from Alabama and LSU, and that counts special teams. Alabama placed six players on the first team and LSU five, although Tyrann Mathieu was named as both a cornerback and punt returner.
The Alabama players making the first team were offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, offensive guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, noseguard Jesse Williams and linebackers C.J. Mosley and Nico Johnson. In addition to Mathieu, the LSU players earning first-team honors were offensive tackle Alex Hurst, defensive end Sam Montgomery, safety Eric Reid and punter Brad Wing.
The biggest surprise to me in looking over Steele's top four teams was that LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo was only third team. Mingo tied for third in the SEC last season with 15 tackles for loss. Also, Florida defensive end Dominique Easley was only fourth team, but Easley did tear his ACL in the last game of the regular season last year. Tennessee's Tyler Bray was not selected among the top four quarterbacks.
Here's a look at the entire first team:
OFFENSE
QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
RB Marcus Lattimore, S. Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee
WR Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn
C Barrett Jones, Alabama
OG Chance Warmack, Alabama
OG Larry Warford, Kentucky
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
OT Alex Hurst, LSU
DEFENSE
DE Sam Montgomery, LSU
DT Jesse Williams, Alabama
DT John Jenkins, Georgia
DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn
LB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
LB Nico Johnson, Alabama
LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi St.
S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
S Eric Reid, LSU
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Caleb Sturgis, Florida
P Brad Wing, LSU
KR Tre Mason, Auburn
PR Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Of the 28 spots on the first team, 12 are occupied by players from Alabama and LSU, and that counts special teams. Alabama placed six players on the first team and LSU five, although Tyrann Mathieu was named as both a cornerback and punt returner.
The Alabama players making the first team were offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, offensive guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, noseguard Jesse Williams and linebackers C.J. Mosley and Nico Johnson. In addition to Mathieu, the LSU players earning first-team honors were offensive tackle Alex Hurst, defensive end Sam Montgomery, safety Eric Reid and punter Brad Wing.
The biggest surprise to me in looking over Steele's top four teams was that LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo was only third team. Mingo tied for third in the SEC last season with 15 tackles for loss. Also, Florida defensive end Dominique Easley was only fourth team, but Easley did tear his ACL in the last game of the regular season last year. Tennessee's Tyler Bray was not selected among the top four quarterbacks.
Here's a look at the entire first team:
OFFENSE
QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
RB Marcus Lattimore, S. Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee
WR Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn
C Barrett Jones, Alabama
OG Chance Warmack, Alabama
OG Larry Warford, Kentucky
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
OT Alex Hurst, LSU
DEFENSE
DE Sam Montgomery, LSU
DT Jesse Williams, Alabama
DT John Jenkins, Georgia
DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn
LB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
LB Nico Johnson, Alabama
LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi St.
S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
S Eric Reid, LSU
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Caleb Sturgis, Florida
P Brad Wing, LSU
KR Tre Mason, Auburn
PR Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
There's no doubt that Alabama should be outstanding again in its offensive line this coming season.
College football analyst Phil Steele is certainly a believer. In his "Phil Steele's 2012 College Preview," which will hit newstands June 5, Steele has center Barrett Jones, guard Chance Warmack and tackle D.J. Fluker making up three-fifths of his preseason first-team All-America selections on the offensive line.
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo and Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis were the other SEC players to earn first-team honors. Mathieu was selected at two different positions -- cornerback and punt returner.
The SEC players receiving second-team All-America mention from Steele were:
The third-team All-Americans from the SEC were:
The following from the SEC made the fourth team:
College football analyst Phil Steele is certainly a believer. In his "Phil Steele's 2012 College Preview," which will hit newstands June 5, Steele has center Barrett Jones, guard Chance Warmack and tackle D.J. Fluker making up three-fifths of his preseason first-team All-America selections on the offensive line.
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo and Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis were the other SEC players to earn first-team honors. Mathieu was selected at two different positions -- cornerback and punt returner.
The SEC players receiving second-team All-America mention from Steele were:
- Arkansas running back Knile Davis
- Tennessee receiver Da'Rick Rogers
- Arkansas receiver Cobi Hamilton
- Kentucky offensive guard Larry Warford
- Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel
- Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews
- LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery
- Alabama nose guard Jesse Williams
- Georgia nose guard John Jenkins
- Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley
- Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks
- LSU safety Eric Reid
- LSU punter Brad Wing
The third-team All-Americans from the SEC were:
- Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson
- Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen
- LSU offensive tackle Alex Hurst
- Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd
- Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier
- Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson
- Texas A&M linebacker Sean Porter
- Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner
- Alabama safety Robert Lester
The following from the SEC made the fourth team:
- Texas A&M receiver Ryan Swope
- Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg
- Arkansas offensive guard Alvin Bailey
- LSU offensive tackle Chris Faulk
- South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
- Florida safety Matt Elam
- Texas A&M Dustin Harris
A check of what's shaking in and around the SEC:
- Tennessee tight end Cameron Clear was caught by UT police using a laptop that had been reported stolen by a Tennessee baseball player.
- Alabama is trying to flip Georgia's top recruit -- ESPN 150 running back Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla.
- The SEC's plans for a television network could set a record for money, writes David Climer of The Tennessean.
- The shifting conference landscape could help Kentucky, but hurt Louisville.
- Florida coach Will Muschamp says the Gators' young offense will mature and grow up.
- Auburn is hoping its Big Cat recruiting recruiting weekend will produce results again.
- College football needs an early signing period more than ever, writes Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News.
- Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson has a good read on Paul Petrino, who's back as the Hogs' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
- LSU's football team is eager to bounce back from its flop in the BCS National Championship Game last year.
Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with a look at the league's top returning kickoff returners.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 kick returners from 2011. The top three returners are back, so kickers beware. However, the ball will now be moved forward five yards to the 35-yard line for kickoffs, meaning returns should occur less often. But that also means they'll now be more important. We're going by average per return. Note: To qualify, a player must have at least one return per team's games played. This is one of the most exciting plays in football and here's a look at the SEC's top returner:
Tre Mason, RB, Auburn: He returned 24 kicks for an average of 26.4 yards per return, had a long of 97 yards and recorded a touchdown. Mason dealt with being in a crowded backfield by making a name for himself in the return game during the first half of the season. He did most of his damage in the first two weeks, grabbing 10 returns for 348 yards and had a touchdown in the season opener against Utah State. He saw his production dip as the season went on because of injuries and his fumbling issues. He eventually lost his job, but could he make a comeback for his crown in 2012?
The SEC returns six more of the top kickoff returners in 2012:
Andre Debose, WR, Florida: He returned 19 kicks for an average of 26.1 yards per return, had a long of 99 yards and registered one touchdown.
Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas: He returned 18 kicks for an average of 25.6 yards per return, had a long of 98 yards and registered one touchdown.
Tobias Singleton, RB, Ole Miss: He returned 21 kicks for an average of 24.6 yards per return and had a long of 47 yards.
Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt: He returned 31 kicks for an average of 23.8 yards per return, had a long of 96 yards and registered one touchdown.
Devrin Young, RB, Tennessee: He returned 27 kicks for an average of 23.3 yards per return and had a long of 67 yards.
Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina: He returned 20 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards and had a long of 45 yards.
With kickoffs being moved up, we might see even less in the kick return game this fall. We could also see a new winner for this category if Mason doesn't get his job back. And with the amount of production he'll have on offense, his returns might get cut short anyway. Keep an eye on Mason's teammates, Onterio McCalebb and Quan Bray. McCalebb averaged 30.1 yards per return and had a touchdown on just 11 returns, while Bray averaged 24.2 on 10 returns.
Johnson has always been very dangerous in the return game. He entered the 2011 season as the SEC's active leader for career kickoff return yards and total return yards with 2,014 and he added 461 last fall. Johnson will likely have more steam to work with this fall with Knile Davis eating into his carries at running back. That will make him even tougher to stop in the return game and counting him out of the race for the return crown is just silly.
Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010, but has always had some issues with his decision-making in the return game. Still, there's no doubting his speed when he finds a hole. When he's focused, he's exciting to watch, but he's yet to keep his focus for an entire season as a returner.
LaDarius Perkins will have more responsibility in Mississippi State's offense, but he was sometimes fun to watch in the return game.
Missouri receiver T.J. Moe averaged 23.3 yards on 26 kicks, but didn't return a kick longer than 49 yards. Still, he's shifty enough and has the vision to make a run at this thing.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 kick returners from 2011. The top three returners are back, so kickers beware. However, the ball will now be moved forward five yards to the 35-yard line for kickoffs, meaning returns should occur less often. But that also means they'll now be more important. We're going by average per return. Note: To qualify, a player must have at least one return per team's games played. This is one of the most exciting plays in football and here's a look at the SEC's top returner:
Tre Mason, RB, Auburn: He returned 24 kicks for an average of 26.4 yards per return, had a long of 97 yards and recorded a touchdown. Mason dealt with being in a crowded backfield by making a name for himself in the return game during the first half of the season. He did most of his damage in the first two weeks, grabbing 10 returns for 348 yards and had a touchdown in the season opener against Utah State. He saw his production dip as the season went on because of injuries and his fumbling issues. He eventually lost his job, but could he make a comeback for his crown in 2012?
The SEC returns six more of the top kickoff returners in 2012:
Andre Debose, WR, Florida: He returned 19 kicks for an average of 26.1 yards per return, had a long of 99 yards and registered one touchdown.
Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas: He returned 18 kicks for an average of 25.6 yards per return, had a long of 98 yards and registered one touchdown.
Tobias Singleton, RB, Ole Miss: He returned 21 kicks for an average of 24.6 yards per return and had a long of 47 yards.
Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt: He returned 31 kicks for an average of 23.8 yards per return, had a long of 96 yards and registered one touchdown.
Devrin Young, RB, Tennessee: He returned 27 kicks for an average of 23.3 yards per return and had a long of 67 yards.
Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina: He returned 20 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards and had a long of 45 yards.
With kickoffs being moved up, we might see even less in the kick return game this fall. We could also see a new winner for this category if Mason doesn't get his job back. And with the amount of production he'll have on offense, his returns might get cut short anyway. Keep an eye on Mason's teammates, Onterio McCalebb and Quan Bray. McCalebb averaged 30.1 yards per return and had a touchdown on just 11 returns, while Bray averaged 24.2 on 10 returns.
Johnson has always been very dangerous in the return game. He entered the 2011 season as the SEC's active leader for career kickoff return yards and total return yards with 2,014 and he added 461 last fall. Johnson will likely have more steam to work with this fall with Knile Davis eating into his carries at running back. That will make him even tougher to stop in the return game and counting him out of the race for the return crown is just silly.
Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010, but has always had some issues with his decision-making in the return game. Still, there's no doubting his speed when he finds a hole. When he's focused, he's exciting to watch, but he's yet to keep his focus for an entire season as a returner.
LaDarius Perkins will have more responsibility in Mississippi State's offense, but he was sometimes fun to watch in the return game.
Missouri receiver T.J. Moe averaged 23.3 yards on 26 kicks, but didn't return a kick longer than 49 yards. Still, he's shifty enough and has the vision to make a run at this thing.
SEC coaches who left schools in a lurch
May, 23, 2012
May 23
9:13
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Leaving one's job can be pretty awkward. For college football coaches, it usually is. Rarely do we see an amiable mutual parting in these situations.
As we continue to take a look at the coaches we love to hate this week, we're looking at SEC coaches who have left their respective schools in a lurch.
We already discussed Bobby Petrino's more than awkward departure at Arkansas, so we're going with three other recent departures that happened unexpectedly.
Let the bad memories return:
Lane Kiffin, Tennessee: He left for USC in 2010 after one season at Tennessee. Kiffin replaced longtime Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer in 2009 and was immediately confrontational with other SEC coaches, and that sort of arrogance was something that had to be a little attractive to Tennessee's fan base. However, his lack of production on the field made his pompous attitude laughable. Through all the chirping, he delivered a 7-6 season, which might go down as the most celebrated 7-6 season in SEC history. He talked so much about all the good things he'd do at Tennessee, but whined about not having enough talent. Then he built up his first signing class, but it eventually turned into nothing more than a paper tiger. Kiffin suddenly left Tennessee for USC just three weeks before national signing day in 2010. During his uncomfortable news conference, in which he announced his departure, Tennessee fans showed up in droves to wish him a not-so-safe trip to Cali. Kiffin left under the protection of police and left Tennessee with an NCAA cloud hanging over its head, which got the school a visit from the NCAA infractions committee. Kiffin and his staff's recruiting practices prompted an investigation that resulted in two years of probation for Tennessee. The NCAA found that Kiffin and his staff had committed 12 secondary violations, but Kiffin wasn't penalized. Derek Dooley took over for Kiffin in 2010 and has dealt with a laundry list of player and attrition issues. He has gone 11-14 in his two years.
Urban Meyer, Florida: He announced that he'd be stepping away from coaching in 2010, but is now coaching at Ohio State. There was no question that Meyer was one of the best coaches to swing through Gainesville. During his six-year tenure, he won two national championships and took the Gators to three SEC championship games. But it was the way he left that sent Gator Nation into a frenzy. First, he announced his retirement for health reasons a couple of weeks after the loss to Alabama in the 2009 SEC championship game. His retirement barely lasted 24 hours, but Meyer and Florida were never the same. The 2010 season was a major step back, as Florida went 8-5, and Meyer stepped away again after the regular season concluded. Meyer said he was taking time off because of his health and his desire to spend more time with his family. Then, he took over at Ohio State (one of his dream jobs) for the fired Jim Tressel. But it wasn't just leaving Florida for a Big Ten school barely a year later that upset Florida fans. It was the fact that he left new coach Will Muschamp with what Meyer himself deemed a broken program. Muschamp dealt with discipline and attrition issues during his first season, in which he went 7-6. While Meyer was the king of winning the recruiting ranking game, he too often missed on character.
Tommy Tuberville, Ole Miss: He left Ole Miss after the 1998 season for Auburn. Tuberville took over a struggling Ole Miss program in 1995 and helped the Rebels to three winning seasons in four years. But four years wasn't what the Ole Miss faithful expected to get from Tuberville; he made it seem that he would be there for much longer when he uttered those now-infamous words: "They’ll have to carry me out of here in a pine box." That pine box apparently had to be filled with money, as just a couple days after he emphatically stated that he wanted to stay in Oxford and be the Rebels' coach, he took a pay raise that doubled his salary and headed off to Auburn. Soon after Tuberville left without so much as telling his players, Ole Miss fans donned T-shirts inspired by the movie "Liar, Liar" with Tuberville's face on them instead of Jim Carrey's. Tuberville went 7-3 against his old team during his time at Auburn. David Cutcliffe, Tuberville's replacement, guided Ole Miss to five winning seasons in his six years, including a 10-win season that ended with a Cotton Bowl victory.
As we continue to take a look at the coaches we love to hate this week, we're looking at SEC coaches who have left their respective schools in a lurch.
We already discussed Bobby Petrino's more than awkward departure at Arkansas, so we're going with three other recent departures that happened unexpectedly.
Let the bad memories return:
[+] Enlarge
Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesLane Kiffin was 7-6 in his one season at Rocky Top and was cited for failure to monitor an atmosphere of compliance within the Vols program.
Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesLane Kiffin was 7-6 in his one season at Rocky Top and was cited for failure to monitor an atmosphere of compliance within the Vols program.Urban Meyer, Florida: He announced that he'd be stepping away from coaching in 2010, but is now coaching at Ohio State. There was no question that Meyer was one of the best coaches to swing through Gainesville. During his six-year tenure, he won two national championships and took the Gators to three SEC championship games. But it was the way he left that sent Gator Nation into a frenzy. First, he announced his retirement for health reasons a couple of weeks after the loss to Alabama in the 2009 SEC championship game. His retirement barely lasted 24 hours, but Meyer and Florida were never the same. The 2010 season was a major step back, as Florida went 8-5, and Meyer stepped away again after the regular season concluded. Meyer said he was taking time off because of his health and his desire to spend more time with his family. Then, he took over at Ohio State (one of his dream jobs) for the fired Jim Tressel. But it wasn't just leaving Florida for a Big Ten school barely a year later that upset Florida fans. It was the fact that he left new coach Will Muschamp with what Meyer himself deemed a broken program. Muschamp dealt with discipline and attrition issues during his first season, in which he went 7-6. While Meyer was the king of winning the recruiting ranking game, he too often missed on character.
Tommy Tuberville, Ole Miss: He left Ole Miss after the 1998 season for Auburn. Tuberville took over a struggling Ole Miss program in 1995 and helped the Rebels to three winning seasons in four years. But four years wasn't what the Ole Miss faithful expected to get from Tuberville; he made it seem that he would be there for much longer when he uttered those now-infamous words: "They’ll have to carry me out of here in a pine box." That pine box apparently had to be filled with money, as just a couple days after he emphatically stated that he wanted to stay in Oxford and be the Rebels' coach, he took a pay raise that doubled his salary and headed off to Auburn. Soon after Tuberville left without so much as telling his players, Ole Miss fans donned T-shirts inspired by the movie "Liar, Liar" with Tuberville's face on them instead of Jim Carrey's. Tuberville went 7-3 against his old team during his time at Auburn. David Cutcliffe, Tuberville's replacement, guided Ole Miss to five winning seasons in his six years, including a 10-win season that ended with a Cotton Bowl victory.
Mailbag call: SEC coaches we love to hate
May, 22, 2012
May 22
11:30
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
This week, ESPN.com is taking a look at the coaches we love to hate. We kicked things off on the blog by looking at this year's top SEC villain.
Now, we're asking you guys to weigh in. We want to know who you think the most hated current or past coaches are in the SEC. You can dig into your record books or throw out names of coaches still roaming SEC sidelines. Go as far back as your memory will take you, or go as recent as your college days -- which might be about the same.
You can let us know by hitting up the mailbag today. We'll create a poll with the top candidates later today so get those responses in quickly.
Now, we're asking you guys to weigh in. We want to know who you think the most hated current or past coaches are in the SEC. You can dig into your record books or throw out names of coaches still roaming SEC sidelines. Go as far back as your memory will take you, or go as recent as your college days -- which might be about the same.
You can let us know by hitting up the mailbag today. We'll create a poll with the top candidates later today so get those responses in quickly.
It's time to take a look back at our chat from earlier. Here's that look:
Mike (Crawford, TX)
As far as A&M and Missouri go: In the SEC the players are very proud. Do you think there will be a bit of trash talk before the game involving the words "You aren't real SEC teams"? Both the Aggies and Mizzou have shown a real respect for the other teams and I hope we receive the same.
Edward Aschoff (12:02 PM)
Of course there will be. This is D1 football!! They'll have to earn respect on the field just like everyone else but because they are new to the league you better believe they'll receive trash talk from teams. I'm sure it will just add some motivation for players. I'm sure they're ready and welcome it.
Tyler (Augusta national )
The bulldawgs have a completely new strength and conditioning staff led by veteran joe T. Whats te attitude coming out of Athens about the changes? Should I expect much bigger faster and stronger athletes this year? Will we be able to finish the drill in the fourth quarter?
Edward Aschoff (12:04 PM)
I know that players have been pretty pleased with the progress. Aaron Murray said that the weight staff has really made diet very important for players. It' hasn't been all about lifting and running, it's been about totally changing their bodies from the ground up. Malcolm Mitchell said he used to be a candy fiend before the the strength staff had a few words with him. He's totally changed his diet and said he can already see his endurance improving.
wayne (clinton)
Hello mr. Aschoff. I have a question. Have you seen a balanced offense without a running game. Well bring in Tennessee. They have 3 receivers who are very deep threat wr who all 3 could be the star wr on any other team. With tyler bray at qb and a couple of TE. In riveria and cam clear this offense can be a better balnced offense without a run game. We can go deep or little fade routes. Don't forget both of the running backs can catch and run. If you don't agree then you would have to agree that this can be a very difficult offense to stop even with the best defense. The O. Line should be a lot better. More experience and depth. Your thoughts please.
Edward Aschoff (12:07 PM)
You can't really be balanced if you're one dimensional. It just doesn't work that way. But there's no question that Tennessee has a pretty good passing game on paper. If Bray and Hunter and healthy and Rogers comes back mentally ready this will be fun passing team to watch. Also, Paterson is expected to compete very early, giving Bray yet another target. He should have at least four solid receiving targets to work with, but without a running game they almost mean nothing. There has to be some sort of running game for Tennessee's offense to improve.
Clint (Birmingham)
With the announcement of the new SEC-BigXII bowl game, is more realignment coming?
Edward Aschoff (12:08 PM)
I certainly don't think that we've heard the last of realignment. Not even close. And I think this game made things that much more interesting. You better believe it will make Florida State more interested in the Big 12. The SEC won't be left out if there is more movement. I expect more to come all over the country.
Brennan (Arkansas)
Is Arkansas one of the most overrated teams in the conference this year? They lose A TON of talent to the NFL on both sides of the ball - including their big time WRs and defensive playmakers - and now with no Petrino (and a thinning WR roster), I don't care if they have Bama and LSU at home or not. They almost lost to Ole Miss and Vandy last year with a BETTER team than they have now.
Edward Aschoff (12:09 PM)
I don't think you can call this team overrated because a lot of people aren't picking them to win the West. Even before losing Petrino, a lot of people, myself included, had them behind LSU and Alabama in the West. I think people are rating them just about the same now that they are down their head coach.
Mike (Crawford, TX)
As far as A&M and Missouri go: In the SEC the players are very proud. Do you think there will be a bit of trash talk before the game involving the words "You aren't real SEC teams"? Both the Aggies and Mizzou have shown a real respect for the other teams and I hope we receive the same.
Edward Aschoff (12:02 PM)
Of course there will be. This is D1 football!! They'll have to earn respect on the field just like everyone else but because they are new to the league you better believe they'll receive trash talk from teams. I'm sure it will just add some motivation for players. I'm sure they're ready and welcome it.
Tyler (Augusta national )
The bulldawgs have a completely new strength and conditioning staff led by veteran joe T. Whats te attitude coming out of Athens about the changes? Should I expect much bigger faster and stronger athletes this year? Will we be able to finish the drill in the fourth quarter?
Edward Aschoff (12:04 PM)
I know that players have been pretty pleased with the progress. Aaron Murray said that the weight staff has really made diet very important for players. It' hasn't been all about lifting and running, it's been about totally changing their bodies from the ground up. Malcolm Mitchell said he used to be a candy fiend before the the strength staff had a few words with him. He's totally changed his diet and said he can already see his endurance improving.
wayne (clinton)
Hello mr. Aschoff. I have a question. Have you seen a balanced offense without a running game. Well bring in Tennessee. They have 3 receivers who are very deep threat wr who all 3 could be the star wr on any other team. With tyler bray at qb and a couple of TE. In riveria and cam clear this offense can be a better balnced offense without a run game. We can go deep or little fade routes. Don't forget both of the running backs can catch and run. If you don't agree then you would have to agree that this can be a very difficult offense to stop even with the best defense. The O. Line should be a lot better. More experience and depth. Your thoughts please.
Edward Aschoff (12:07 PM)
You can't really be balanced if you're one dimensional. It just doesn't work that way. But there's no question that Tennessee has a pretty good passing game on paper. If Bray and Hunter and healthy and Rogers comes back mentally ready this will be fun passing team to watch. Also, Paterson is expected to compete very early, giving Bray yet another target. He should have at least four solid receiving targets to work with, but without a running game they almost mean nothing. There has to be some sort of running game for Tennessee's offense to improve.
Clint (Birmingham)
With the announcement of the new SEC-BigXII bowl game, is more realignment coming?
Edward Aschoff (12:08 PM)
I certainly don't think that we've heard the last of realignment. Not even close. And I think this game made things that much more interesting. You better believe it will make Florida State more interested in the Big 12. The SEC won't be left out if there is more movement. I expect more to come all over the country.
Brennan (Arkansas)
Is Arkansas one of the most overrated teams in the conference this year? They lose A TON of talent to the NFL on both sides of the ball - including their big time WRs and defensive playmakers - and now with no Petrino (and a thinning WR roster), I don't care if they have Bama and LSU at home or not. They almost lost to Ole Miss and Vandy last year with a BETTER team than they have now.
Edward Aschoff (12:09 PM)
I don't think you can call this team overrated because a lot of people aren't picking them to win the West. Even before losing Petrino, a lot of people, myself included, had them behind LSU and Alabama in the West. I think people are rating them just about the same now that they are down their head coach.
Making the rounds on a Monday:
- How big of a role does social media play in college football recruiting?
- Alabama quarterback commitment Cooper Bateman shines at an Elite 11 camp.
- Alabama lands a commitment from defensive end Jonathan Allen of Ashburn, Va. Allen is an ESPN 150 selection and ranked by ESPN as the No. 5 defensive end in the country.
- Auburn gets a commitment from quarterback Jeremy Johnson of Montgomery, Ala. Johnson is ranked by ESPN as the No. 21 pocket passer among quarterbacks in the country.
- Tennessee coach Derek Dooley supports the plus-one playoff format.
- Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin is set to join the ranks of the racially diverse SEC coaches.
- There's no time to lose when selling Missouri in the SEC.
- Ole Miss is taking its recruiting coast-to-coast.
- Florida sweeps the SEC All-Sports Awards.
- Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long says he has no interest in leaving.
We're talking SEC football in our weekly chat. Come by at noon ET to talk everything concerning the nation's top football conference so you can keep from losing it during the offseason.
Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with a look at the league's top returning punters.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 punters from last season. We're going by average yardage per punt. Note: To qualify, a punter must have at least 2.5 punts per team's games played. The top punter returns, but he'll surely have some tough competition this fall.
Here's a look at the top returning punter by kick average:
Dylan Breeding, Arkansas: He averaged 45.3 yards per punt last fall, with a long of 70 yards. Breeding pinned 16 of his 53 punts inside opponents' 20-yard line and had 17 punts of 50 or more yards. Breeding has one of the best legs in the league, but is also pretty accurate. His leg became another defensive weapon for the Razorbacks and he returns as one of the school's top punters. With a new defensive coordinator and some missing defensive parts from last year, Breeding will be even more important for the Hogs when the offense falters.
The SEC returns six more of the top 10 punters:
Punting can be a little more predictable than place-kicking, so Breeding has a pretty good shot of retaining his crown. If Arkansas' offense didn't eat into his production last year there might not be concern of it happening again. Campbell should challenge Breeding because Ole Miss' offense is looking to install a new offense this fall, and that will take some time for players to get used to.
Obviously, Wing is someone who could push for the top average as well. He has a cannon for a leg and has pinpoint accuracy. He's also the most entertaining kicker out there.
Definitely keep an eye on Missouri's Trey Barrow. He was second in the Big 12 in punting average (44.8) and had a long of 74 yards last season. He also pinned 10 kicks inside the 20 and had 18 punts of 50 or more yards.
Florida's Kyle Christy averaged 40.9 yards per punt last year, but didn't meet the criteria of having at least 2.5 punts per his team's games. He also struggled to crack the starting lineup at first before starting the last seven games of the season. If he can start things off as the Gators' starter, he could push for the crown.
Texas A&M's Ryan Epperson could also challenge for the throne after he averaged 41.2 yards per punt and pinned 19 kicks inside the 20. He had a long of 68 yards and booted 10 punts for 50 or more yards.
Keep an eye on Joe Mansour and Jay Willmott at Kentucky, as they battle for the starting spot.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 punters from last season. We're going by average yardage per punt. Note: To qualify, a punter must have at least 2.5 punts per team's games played. The top punter returns, but he'll surely have some tough competition this fall.
Here's a look at the top returning punter by kick average:
Dylan Breeding, Arkansas: He averaged 45.3 yards per punt last fall, with a long of 70 yards. Breeding pinned 16 of his 53 punts inside opponents' 20-yard line and had 17 punts of 50 or more yards. Breeding has one of the best legs in the league, but is also pretty accurate. His leg became another defensive weapon for the Razorbacks and he returns as one of the school's top punters. With a new defensive coordinator and some missing defensive parts from last year, Breeding will be even more important for the Hogs when the offense falters.
The SEC returns six more of the top 10 punters:
- Brad Wing, LSU: He averaged 44.4 yards per punt, with a long of 73 yards. He also pinned 27 kicks inside the 20-yard line and had 20 punts of 50 or more yards.
- Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss: He averaged 43.6 yards per punt, with a long of 73. He also pinned 28 kicks inside the 2o and had 16 punts of 50 or more yards.
- Richard Kent, Vanderbilt: He averaged 42.5 yards per punt, with a long of 67. He also pinned 23 kicks inside the 20 and had 18 punts of 50 or more yards.
- Baker Swedenburg, Mississippi State: He averaged 41.8 yards per punt, with a long of 58. He also pinned 19 kicks inside the 20 and had 14 punts of 50 or more yards.
- Steven Clark, Auburn: He averaged 40.8 yards per punt, with a long of 58 yards. He also pinned 33 kicks inside the 20. (Punts of 50 or more yards not available.)
- Cody Mandell, Alabama: He averaged 39.3 yards per punt, with a long of 52 yards. He also pinned 11 kicks inside the 20 and had two punts of 50 or more yards.
Punting can be a little more predictable than place-kicking, so Breeding has a pretty good shot of retaining his crown. If Arkansas' offense didn't eat into his production last year there might not be concern of it happening again. Campbell should challenge Breeding because Ole Miss' offense is looking to install a new offense this fall, and that will take some time for players to get used to.
Obviously, Wing is someone who could push for the top average as well. He has a cannon for a leg and has pinpoint accuracy. He's also the most entertaining kicker out there.
Definitely keep an eye on Missouri's Trey Barrow. He was second in the Big 12 in punting average (44.8) and had a long of 74 yards last season. He also pinned 10 kicks inside the 20 and had 18 punts of 50 or more yards.
Florida's Kyle Christy averaged 40.9 yards per punt last year, but didn't meet the criteria of having at least 2.5 punts per his team's games. He also struggled to crack the starting lineup at first before starting the last seven games of the season. If he can start things off as the Gators' starter, he could push for the crown.
Texas A&M's Ryan Epperson could also challenge for the throne after he averaged 41.2 yards per punt and pinned 19 kicks inside the 20. He had a long of 68 yards and booted 10 punts for 50 or more yards.
Keep an eye on Joe Mansour and Jay Willmott at Kentucky, as they battle for the starting spot.
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.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
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