Edward Aschoff discusses three games to watch in the SEC this fall.
With two new teams added to the mix, let’s take a look at what we learned in the SEC this spring:
1. Quarterback Central: The SEC gets a bad rap for not piling up Xbox-like passing yards, and granted, it wasn’t a great year for quarterbacks in the league last season. But did you know that an SEC quarterback has been taken in the first round of the NFL draft eight of the last 10 years? And that includes four quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall. The 2012 season has a chance to be one of the best in recent memory for SEC quarterbacks, especially if Missouri’s James Franklin returns to form after undergoing surgery in the spring to repair a torn labrum. Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson and Georgia’s Aaron Murray are the two most established quarterbacks. Wilson likely would have gone in the first round had he come out this year. Murray has thrown 59 touchdown passes in his first two seasons, and he also has one of the more talented backups in the league in sophomore Hutson Mason, who shared Offensive MVP honors with Murray in the spring. Some early mock drafts have Tennessee’s Tyler Bray going in the first round, and Bray has one of the strongest arms in the league. Alabama’s AJ McCarron demonstrated in the BCS National Championship Game what he’s capable of and is poised to have a big junior season. South Carolina’s Connor Shaw is one of the more improved quarterbacks in the league, and the new guy on the block to watch is LSU’s Zach Mettenberger.
2. Lining up at LSU: How many defenses out there could lose a pair of first-rounders and come back the next season and potentially be even better? LSU’s defense certainly had that look to it this spring despite the loss of cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers, both of whom declared early for the NFL draft and were taken in the first round. It starts up front for the Tigers, who have the best pair of bookend defensive ends in the country in Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Both are potential top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL draft. In the middle of that LSU defensive line is tackle Bennie Logan, who also has a chance to be a first-rounder. And from a pure talent standpoint, sophomore tackle Anthony “Freak” Johnson is exactly what his nickname suggests. Kevin Minter was one of the Tigers’ most improved players this spring at middle linebacker, and in the secondary, Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Tharold Simon are all future pros. It’s obviously a defense that’s oozing with talent, but it’s also a defense that still has a chip on its shoulder with the way last season ended.
3. Fighting back: A long list of marquee players in this league missed the spring with injuries and still have to prove they’re all the way back in the fall. Franklin’s surgically repaired shoulder will be a huge key for Missouri in its first season in the SEC, and a lot of eyes will be on the two best running backs in the league. South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore missed the second half of last season after tearing knee ligaments, while Arkansas’ Knile Davis missed the entire season after fracturing his ankle in the preseason. At Ole Miss, they’re keeping their fingers crossed that linebacker D.T. Shackelford can return after he underwent a second knee surgery in March. He missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in the spring. Texas A&M running back Christine Michael is also coming back from an ACL tear. Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter went down in the third game last season with a torn ACL, and Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley is trying to work his way back from a torn ACL suffered in the regular-season finale against Florida State last season.
4. Hogs hanging tough: Sure, the whole Bobby Petrino scandal was embarrassing to the entire state of Arkansas. But the players and coaches on the team didn’t lose focus this spring, and the leadership really came to the forefront. Quarterback Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and linebacker Tenarius Wright picked the team up and made sure that nobody was feeling sorry for themselves, and in the process, reminded everyone that all of their goals were still intact. Credit also goes to the Arkansas coaching staff for handing a very difficult matter about as well as it could be handled. There are more tests to come, but now that John L. Smith is in place as the interim head coach, the program has a clear leader for these next eight months. Nothing is more valuable than strong player leadership, though, and the Hogs proved during that turbulent month of April that they’re made of the right stuff.
5. Getting physical: It was obvious that Florida coach Will Muschamp never felt good about his team’s ability to line up and be physical last season in his first year on the job. There were times that the Gators were downright soft on their way to going 0-6 against FBS teams that finished the season with a winning record. So this spring, just about everything they did was directed at being a more physical football team, a football team committed to running the ball and a football team determined to finish games. Muschamp has repeated several times since the end of spring practice that the Gators are a better team right now than at any point last season, and a lot of that goes back to this team adopting the kind of blue-collar, hit-you-in-the-mouth approach that has defined Muschamp’s coaching career. Clearly, he’s excited about where the program is headed, and he’s equally excited that he’ll be better equipped to play the way he wants to during the 2012 season.
1. Quarterback Central: The SEC gets a bad rap for not piling up Xbox-like passing yards, and granted, it wasn’t a great year for quarterbacks in the league last season. But did you know that an SEC quarterback has been taken in the first round of the NFL draft eight of the last 10 years? And that includes four quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall. The 2012 season has a chance to be one of the best in recent memory for SEC quarterbacks, especially if Missouri’s James Franklin returns to form after undergoing surgery in the spring to repair a torn labrum. Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson and Georgia’s Aaron Murray are the two most established quarterbacks. Wilson likely would have gone in the first round had he come out this year. Murray has thrown 59 touchdown passes in his first two seasons, and he also has one of the more talented backups in the league in sophomore Hutson Mason, who shared Offensive MVP honors with Murray in the spring. Some early mock drafts have Tennessee’s Tyler Bray going in the first round, and Bray has one of the strongest arms in the league. Alabama’s AJ McCarron demonstrated in the BCS National Championship Game what he’s capable of and is poised to have a big junior season. South Carolina’s Connor Shaw is one of the more improved quarterbacks in the league, and the new guy on the block to watch is LSU’s Zach Mettenberger.
2. Lining up at LSU: How many defenses out there could lose a pair of first-rounders and come back the next season and potentially be even better? LSU’s defense certainly had that look to it this spring despite the loss of cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers, both of whom declared early for the NFL draft and were taken in the first round. It starts up front for the Tigers, who have the best pair of bookend defensive ends in the country in Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Both are potential top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL draft. In the middle of that LSU defensive line is tackle Bennie Logan, who also has a chance to be a first-rounder. And from a pure talent standpoint, sophomore tackle Anthony “Freak” Johnson is exactly what his nickname suggests. Kevin Minter was one of the Tigers’ most improved players this spring at middle linebacker, and in the secondary, Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Tharold Simon are all future pros. It’s obviously a defense that’s oozing with talent, but it’s also a defense that still has a chip on its shoulder with the way last season ended.
3. Fighting back: A long list of marquee players in this league missed the spring with injuries and still have to prove they’re all the way back in the fall. Franklin’s surgically repaired shoulder will be a huge key for Missouri in its first season in the SEC, and a lot of eyes will be on the two best running backs in the league. South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore missed the second half of last season after tearing knee ligaments, while Arkansas’ Knile Davis missed the entire season after fracturing his ankle in the preseason. At Ole Miss, they’re keeping their fingers crossed that linebacker D.T. Shackelford can return after he underwent a second knee surgery in March. He missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in the spring. Texas A&M running back Christine Michael is also coming back from an ACL tear. Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter went down in the third game last season with a torn ACL, and Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley is trying to work his way back from a torn ACL suffered in the regular-season finale against Florida State last season.
4. Hogs hanging tough: Sure, the whole Bobby Petrino scandal was embarrassing to the entire state of Arkansas. But the players and coaches on the team didn’t lose focus this spring, and the leadership really came to the forefront. Quarterback Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and linebacker Tenarius Wright picked the team up and made sure that nobody was feeling sorry for themselves, and in the process, reminded everyone that all of their goals were still intact. Credit also goes to the Arkansas coaching staff for handing a very difficult matter about as well as it could be handled. There are more tests to come, but now that John L. Smith is in place as the interim head coach, the program has a clear leader for these next eight months. Nothing is more valuable than strong player leadership, though, and the Hogs proved during that turbulent month of April that they’re made of the right stuff.
5. Getting physical: It was obvious that Florida coach Will Muschamp never felt good about his team’s ability to line up and be physical last season in his first year on the job. There were times that the Gators were downright soft on their way to going 0-6 against FBS teams that finished the season with a winning record. So this spring, just about everything they did was directed at being a more physical football team, a football team committed to running the ball and a football team determined to finish games. Muschamp has repeated several times since the end of spring practice that the Gators are a better team right now than at any point last season, and a lot of that goes back to this team adopting the kind of blue-collar, hit-you-in-the-mouth approach that has defined Muschamp’s coaching career. Clearly, he’s excited about where the program is headed, and he’s equally excited that he’ll be better equipped to play the way he wants to during the 2012 season.
Does anybody really remember spring awards? They don’t hand out any hardware for what goes on in March and April.
Nonetheless, we’re still going to honor the highs and the lows of the spring in the SEC:
Best performance: How sharp was Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson this spring? The Hogs’ offensive coordinator, Paul Petrino, said if anybody had a better spring than Wilson, then he was Superman. In four major scrimmages, including Arkansas’ spring game, Wilson threw 16 touchdown passes and completed 75.5 percent of his passes. He threw for 467 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game on 31-of-41 passing, and 404 of those yards came in the first half.
Best performance by a true freshman: They’re churning out great running backs these days at Alabama. T.J. Yeldon looks like he’s going to be the next one. He was sensational in the Crimson Tide’s A-Day spring game with 179 rushing/receiving yards, including a 50-yard touchdown after catching a short pass, breaking a tackle and then outrunning everybody to the end zone. He certainly caught Nick Saban’s attention this spring. At 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, Yeldon can run inside and outside. He catches the ball well, and as Saban noted, is one of those guys who can do everything.
Best explanation: Seven assistant coaches left Tennessee’s staff following last season, and coach Derek Dooley was still hiring replacements just a couple of weeks prior to the start of spring practice. While conceding that it was rare to lose that many assistant coaches in one year, Dooley wasn’t bemoaning the mass exodus. Rather, he said it was a “correction” and equated it to a company starting up and fixing all of the things you don’t get right in the beginning. Then again, maybe all those coaches bolting were doing a little fixing of their own. Dooley clearly needs to show progress in Year 3 if he’s going to be around for Year 4, and the coaches who left made lateral moves.
Best Evel Knievel impersonation: Even though Bobby Petrino’s motorcycle didn’t land at the bottom of Snake River Canyon, it did end up in a roadside ditch -- busting the lid wide open on Petrino’s affair with football staffer Jessica Dorrell. This was a relationship that Petrino wasn’t forthcoming about to Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long. Petrino lost a job that paid him $3.56 million a year. Arkansas lost its head coach, and we’ll find out this fall what all the Hogs might have lost as they attempt to break through in the Western Division race.
Best no-show: Duron Carter wins in a landslide. There have been more questions about this guy, and he’s yet to take a snap for Alabama. No wonder Nick Saban gets riled up every time he’s quizzed about Carter, who was suspended all spring and is obviously not Mr. Accountability in terms of doing everything he needs to do to be a part of Alabama’s team.
Best quote: Steve Spurrier is starting to sound more and more like Spurrier, circa 1996. When asked what he thought about the Georgia game moving from Week 2 to Week 6 this season, he cracked, “I don’t know. I sort of always liked playing them that second game because you could always count on them having two or three key players suspended.”
Best comeback: Back surgery curtailed what looked to be a promising season for Auburn defensive end Dee Ford last year. This spring, he was back as good as new and heads into the fall as one of Auburn’s starters at end along with Corey Lemonier. The Ford-Lemonier combo coming off the edge won’t be a lot of fun for opposing offensive tackles. Speaking of the offensive line, Missouri left tackle Elvis Fisher was granted a sixth year of eligibility and progressed faster than anybody thought he would this spring after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee prior to last season.
Best spring awakening: LSU went into the spring looking for a middle linebacker, and junior Kevin Minter responded by playing some of the best football he’s played since arriving on campus, according to LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis. South Carolina defensive tackle Byron Jerideau also had a stellar spring and is big enough and athletic enough to wreak some serious havoc. The former junior college transfer didn’t have the impact the Gamecocks had hoped for his first two seasons, but could be poised for a big senior season. Spurrier quipped, “I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to be known for something besides hitting me with the Gatorade bucket after a big win.’ He’s the one who grabs the bucket first, to get his picture in the paper.”
Best position move: Malcolm Mitchell was Georgia’s best deep threat at receiver last season and one of the more impressive true freshmen in the league. But he spent his time at cornerback this spring and looked like a natural. That’s where he’ll play in the fall, although he’ll still get a few snaps on offense. The Bulldogs needed help at cornerback, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham felt all along that Mitchell could be a difference-maker back there. The truth is that he’s a difference-maker anywhere you put him.
Best quarterback battle: Spring came and went without a few starting jobs being settled around the league, but it’s a dead heat at Florida between sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel. Coach Will Muschamp feels like he can win with both players, which is a pretty good indication that both Brissett and Driskel will end up playing in the fall for the Gators. For the time being, Muschamp is content to let it play out this summer and on into preseason practice. Whoever emerges as the best leader over these next three months is going to end up winning the job.
Nonetheless, we’re still going to honor the highs and the lows of the spring in the SEC:
Best performance: How sharp was Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson this spring? The Hogs’ offensive coordinator, Paul Petrino, said if anybody had a better spring than Wilson, then he was Superman. In four major scrimmages, including Arkansas’ spring game, Wilson threw 16 touchdown passes and completed 75.5 percent of his passes. He threw for 467 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game on 31-of-41 passing, and 404 of those yards came in the first half.
Best performance by a true freshman: They’re churning out great running backs these days at Alabama. T.J. Yeldon looks like he’s going to be the next one. He was sensational in the Crimson Tide’s A-Day spring game with 179 rushing/receiving yards, including a 50-yard touchdown after catching a short pass, breaking a tackle and then outrunning everybody to the end zone. He certainly caught Nick Saban’s attention this spring. At 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, Yeldon can run inside and outside. He catches the ball well, and as Saban noted, is one of those guys who can do everything.
Best explanation: Seven assistant coaches left Tennessee’s staff following last season, and coach Derek Dooley was still hiring replacements just a couple of weeks prior to the start of spring practice. While conceding that it was rare to lose that many assistant coaches in one year, Dooley wasn’t bemoaning the mass exodus. Rather, he said it was a “correction” and equated it to a company starting up and fixing all of the things you don’t get right in the beginning. Then again, maybe all those coaches bolting were doing a little fixing of their own. Dooley clearly needs to show progress in Year 3 if he’s going to be around for Year 4, and the coaches who left made lateral moves.
Best Evel Knievel impersonation: Even though Bobby Petrino’s motorcycle didn’t land at the bottom of Snake River Canyon, it did end up in a roadside ditch -- busting the lid wide open on Petrino’s affair with football staffer Jessica Dorrell. This was a relationship that Petrino wasn’t forthcoming about to Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long. Petrino lost a job that paid him $3.56 million a year. Arkansas lost its head coach, and we’ll find out this fall what all the Hogs might have lost as they attempt to break through in the Western Division race.
Best no-show: Duron Carter wins in a landslide. There have been more questions about this guy, and he’s yet to take a snap for Alabama. No wonder Nick Saban gets riled up every time he’s quizzed about Carter, who was suspended all spring and is obviously not Mr. Accountability in terms of doing everything he needs to do to be a part of Alabama’s team.
Best quote: Steve Spurrier is starting to sound more and more like Spurrier, circa 1996. When asked what he thought about the Georgia game moving from Week 2 to Week 6 this season, he cracked, “I don’t know. I sort of always liked playing them that second game because you could always count on them having two or three key players suspended.”
Best comeback: Back surgery curtailed what looked to be a promising season for Auburn defensive end Dee Ford last year. This spring, he was back as good as new and heads into the fall as one of Auburn’s starters at end along with Corey Lemonier. The Ford-Lemonier combo coming off the edge won’t be a lot of fun for opposing offensive tackles. Speaking of the offensive line, Missouri left tackle Elvis Fisher was granted a sixth year of eligibility and progressed faster than anybody thought he would this spring after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee prior to last season.
Best spring awakening: LSU went into the spring looking for a middle linebacker, and junior Kevin Minter responded by playing some of the best football he’s played since arriving on campus, according to LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis. South Carolina defensive tackle Byron Jerideau also had a stellar spring and is big enough and athletic enough to wreak some serious havoc. The former junior college transfer didn’t have the impact the Gamecocks had hoped for his first two seasons, but could be poised for a big senior season. Spurrier quipped, “I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to be known for something besides hitting me with the Gatorade bucket after a big win.’ He’s the one who grabs the bucket first, to get his picture in the paper.”
Best position move: Malcolm Mitchell was Georgia’s best deep threat at receiver last season and one of the more impressive true freshmen in the league. But he spent his time at cornerback this spring and looked like a natural. That’s where he’ll play in the fall, although he’ll still get a few snaps on offense. The Bulldogs needed help at cornerback, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham felt all along that Mitchell could be a difference-maker back there. The truth is that he’s a difference-maker anywhere you put him.
Best quarterback battle: Spring came and went without a few starting jobs being settled around the league, but it’s a dead heat at Florida between sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel. Coach Will Muschamp feels like he can win with both players, which is a pretty good indication that both Brissett and Driskel will end up playing in the fall for the Gators. For the time being, Muschamp is content to let it play out this summer and on into preseason practice. Whoever emerges as the best leader over these next three months is going to end up winning the job.
Howie McCormick/Icon SMILSU's top-10 defense from last season returns relatively intact.The black Missouri billboards sprinkled around the South, reading “PROUD TO BE SEC: MIZZOU” coupled with those not-so-discrete Texas A&M/SEC TV adds ushered in the arrival of the SEC’s new families. But their exodus from the Big 12 wasn’t the only big change for the league.
The league said goodbye to a load of defensive talent and lost a couple of head coaches -- and even more assistants. Still, for as much change that has been made, it seems the overall results will be the same.
“You have to give the SEC a lot of credit,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “I tell a lot of people that we played in the Big 12, which is a great conference, but they just have more good team in [the SEC]. It’s remarkably competitive.”
LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, four top-10 defenses from a season ago, return relatively intact this fall. Of those four, all but Florida will be involved in national championship discussions to start the season, especially LSU.
On paper, the Tigers might be the most talented team in the country. The defensive line possesses three potential first-rounders and the Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) is still lurking in a secondary stocked with talent and athleticism.
The offense has to be better with Zach Mettenberger taking over at quarterback. He possesses the skill to throw the ball pretty much whenever he’s asked to, so that will be a major upgrade. He’ll also have plenty of weapons with five able running backs to choose from -- including Michael Ford and Spencer Ware who were both ranked in the top 10 in SEC rushing -- and a talented, young receiving group.
The scary thought is that a lot of people around the program think Les Miles might have a better team in 2012.
Georgia has 15 total starters returning, including a potential Heisman candidate in quarterback Aaron Murray, and yet again has a favorable schedule. South Carolina looks like it’s a healthy Marcus Lattimore and a more polished Connor Shaw away from making it back to Atlanta.
While defending national champion Alabama is down a handful of defensive starters from last season, the Crimson Tide can’t be counted out. The defense has more than capable players ready to fill holes. Nico Johnson and C.J. Mosley are ready to take over at linebacker, while Jesse Williams and Damion Square will lead up front. The secondary still has veterans Dee Milliner and Robert Lester and welcomes junior college studs Deion Belue and Travell Dixon.
“We’re going to be younger on defense. We don’t have as much experience, but we’ve got some good players,” coach Nick Saban said.
“I was pleased with the progress that we made -- not satisfied with where we need to be.”
Then, there’s Arkansas.
After Bobby Petrino's infamous motorcycle ride, the Razorbacks look to bounce back with an offense capable of pushing Arkansas to an SEC title and beyond. We still don’t know how effective interim coach John L. Smith will be, but he’ll have quarterback Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and receiver Cobi Hamilton at his disposal, and that will make things easier.
With an improved offensive line and some talented, young receivers, Arkansas will score points. Now if only the defense can keep up …
There will no doubt be awkward situations ahead in the SEC. Making flights to Kansas City and Houston will seem wrong. Watching an entertaining coach’s news conference at Arkansas will feel unnatural. And not knowing what to expect from a Saban defense will confuse you.
But with everything that has changed, one thing that should remain is another championship run.
There’s still just too much clicking for the SEC.
Chris Low discusses the SEC players to watch during the 2012 season.
A check of what's shaking in and around the SEC:
Missouri quarterback Corbin Berkstresser is arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Arkansas receiver Kane Whitehurst has been granted his release and plans to transfer.
Vanderbilt is off to an early start on the 2013 recruiting trail.
Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is looking to stock up at safety.
Auburn's Gene Chizik says his young Tigers are growing up.
The SEC is making officiating adjustments with Missouri and Texas A&M coming aboard.
The Florida influence is apparent in the management style of Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity.
Florida could have as many as nine players selected in next year's NFL draft.
Missouri quarterback Corbin Berkstresser is arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Arkansas receiver Kane Whitehurst has been granted his release and plans to transfer.
Vanderbilt is off to an early start on the 2013 recruiting trail.
Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is looking to stock up at safety.
Auburn's Gene Chizik says his young Tigers are growing up.
The SEC is making officiating adjustments with Missouri and Texas A&M coming aboard.
The Florida influence is apparent in the management style of Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity.
Florida could have as many as nine players selected in next year's NFL draft.
When it came to dishing out punishment from the running back position, Charles Alexander was one of the best of his time.
On Tuesday, Alexander, who played at LSU from 1975-78, was honored for his grueling play by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his famed LSU career, the bruising Alexander was selected as a two-time, first-team All-American (1977 and 1978) and finished his LSU career with nine SEC records, tied for another and held 27 school records. He still owns the LSU records for most rushes in a game (43), most yards in a season (1,686) and yards per game in a single season (153.3).
Even after a rough debut with the Tigers as a freshman in 1975, Alexander went on to total 1,177 rushing yards as a backup during his first two years, including 876 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.
The next two years were stellar for Alexander, as he rushed for 2,858 yards on 592 carries. He averaged 28.3 and 25.5 carries per game, respectively, during those two years -- ÿÿÿthe top two marks in LSU’s record books.
He ranks third all time in school history in career rushing yards (4,035) and rushing touchdowns (40).
Alexander’s record-breaking year in 1977, in which he ran away with LSU’s single-season rushing record, was highlighted by four big individual performances in which he ran for 237 yards against Oregon, 231 against Wyoming, 199 against Tulane and 183 against Vanderbilt -- all LSU wins.
Alexander was later a first-round NFL draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1979 and played seven seasons in the league, starting Super Bowl XVI in 1982.
On Tuesday, Alexander, who played at LSU from 1975-78, was honored for his grueling play by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his famed LSU career, the bruising Alexander was selected as a two-time, first-team All-American (1977 and 1978) and finished his LSU career with nine SEC records, tied for another and held 27 school records. He still owns the LSU records for most rushes in a game (43), most yards in a season (1,686) and yards per game in a single season (153.3).
Even after a rough debut with the Tigers as a freshman in 1975, Alexander went on to total 1,177 rushing yards as a backup during his first two years, including 876 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.
The next two years were stellar for Alexander, as he rushed for 2,858 yards on 592 carries. He averaged 28.3 and 25.5 carries per game, respectively, during those two years -- ÿÿÿthe top two marks in LSU’s record books.
He ranks third all time in school history in career rushing yards (4,035) and rushing touchdowns (40).
Alexander’s record-breaking year in 1977, in which he ran away with LSU’s single-season rushing record, was highlighted by four big individual performances in which he ran for 237 yards against Oregon, 231 against Wyoming, 199 against Tulane and 183 against Vanderbilt -- all LSU wins.
Alexander was later a first-round NFL draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1979 and played seven seasons in the league, starting Super Bowl XVI in 1982.
Once described by legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson as “Tennessee to the core,” Phillip Fulmer spent more than 30 years at his alma mater as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
During his 16 full seasons as head coach from 1993-2008, he engineered one of the most successful runs in Tennessee football history. The Vols compiled a 45-5 record from 1995-98, which included a pair of SEC championships and an unbeaten national championship season in 1998.
Fulmer’s 1997 and 1998 Tennessee teams still own the distinction of being the last to repeat as SEC champions.
One of the winningest coaches in SEC history, Fulmer was selected Tuesday into the College Football Hall of Fame. He ranks eighth all-time among SEC coaches with 152 overall wins, and he’s tied for fifth all-time with 98 SEC regular-season wins. The only four coaches in history with more SEC wins are Bear Bryant, Steve Spurrier, John Vaught and Vince Dooley.
Fulmer took the Vols to dizzying heights in the 1990s and brought them their first national championship in 47 years. That 1998 season was a magical one and culminated with Tennessee knocking off Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl to finish 13-0 and take home the first BCS national championship trophy.
Al Wilson was an All-America linebacker and a captain on that team. He said Fulmer was masterful in the way he pressed all of the right buttons with players.
“I always admired the way he allowed guys to be themselves, but also the way he helped young men grow into not only great football players, but great men,” Wilson said. “It’s a tribute to him as a coach that he was able to manage so many personalities, from players to assistant coaches.”
Despite an overall record of 152-52 (.745), Fulmer was forced out following the 2008 season, which marked his second losing season in the last four years. The year before, the Vols were in the SEC championship game and had the lead in the fourth quarter before losing 14-7 to eventual national champion LSU.
A big part of Fulmer’s undoing were two straight lopsided losses to Alabama after Nick Saban took over in 2007 and four straight losses to Urban Meyer at Florida. The last two losses to the Gators were by a combined 63 points.
But even with the dip at the end, Fulmer was 85-41 with three SEC championship game appearances in his final 10 years. The Vols also never went more than two years without making it to the SEC championship game during that stretch.
Fulmer was 11-5 against Alabama and 11-6 against Georgia, but only 5-12 against Florida. He won 10 or more games nine times and wound up 44-37 against nationally ranked foes.
Known as a master recruiter, Fulmer signed 16 players at Tennessee who went on to become first-round NFL draft picks. Included in that bunch: Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, Shaun Ellis, Albert Haynesworth, Eric Berry, Jerod Mayo and Wilson.
“He put together a staff that knew how to go out and get players,” Wilson said. “It was like bowling. His staff set him up, and Coach Fulmer went in there and knocked them down.
“The other thing is that when you’re invested in a place the way Coach Fulmer and his coaches were, it’s so easy to sell a school and make players feel like they want to play for you. He had a passion for Tennessee. It’s so different nowadays with coaches going from school to school. There’s very little loyalty in the college game. Coach Fulmer’s one of the last coaches who really had that loyalty.”
During his 16 full seasons as head coach from 1993-2008, he engineered one of the most successful runs in Tennessee football history. The Vols compiled a 45-5 record from 1995-98, which included a pair of SEC championships and an unbeaten national championship season in 1998.
Fulmer’s 1997 and 1998 Tennessee teams still own the distinction of being the last to repeat as SEC champions.
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesPhillip Fulmer compiled a record of 152-52 over 16 seasons with the Vols.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesPhillip Fulmer compiled a record of 152-52 over 16 seasons with the Vols.Fulmer took the Vols to dizzying heights in the 1990s and brought them their first national championship in 47 years. That 1998 season was a magical one and culminated with Tennessee knocking off Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl to finish 13-0 and take home the first BCS national championship trophy.
Al Wilson was an All-America linebacker and a captain on that team. He said Fulmer was masterful in the way he pressed all of the right buttons with players.
“I always admired the way he allowed guys to be themselves, but also the way he helped young men grow into not only great football players, but great men,” Wilson said. “It’s a tribute to him as a coach that he was able to manage so many personalities, from players to assistant coaches.”
Despite an overall record of 152-52 (.745), Fulmer was forced out following the 2008 season, which marked his second losing season in the last four years. The year before, the Vols were in the SEC championship game and had the lead in the fourth quarter before losing 14-7 to eventual national champion LSU.
A big part of Fulmer’s undoing were two straight lopsided losses to Alabama after Nick Saban took over in 2007 and four straight losses to Urban Meyer at Florida. The last two losses to the Gators were by a combined 63 points.
But even with the dip at the end, Fulmer was 85-41 with three SEC championship game appearances in his final 10 years. The Vols also never went more than two years without making it to the SEC championship game during that stretch.
Fulmer was 11-5 against Alabama and 11-6 against Georgia, but only 5-12 against Florida. He won 10 or more games nine times and wound up 44-37 against nationally ranked foes.
Known as a master recruiter, Fulmer signed 16 players at Tennessee who went on to become first-round NFL draft picks. Included in that bunch: Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, Shaun Ellis, Albert Haynesworth, Eric Berry, Jerod Mayo and Wilson.
“He put together a staff that knew how to go out and get players,” Wilson said. “It was like bowling. His staff set him up, and Coach Fulmer went in there and knocked them down.
“The other thing is that when you’re invested in a place the way Coach Fulmer and his coaches were, it’s so easy to sell a school and make players feel like they want to play for you. He had a passion for Tennessee. It’s so different nowadays with coaches going from school to school. There’s very little loyalty in the college game. Coach Fulmer’s one of the last coaches who really had that loyalty.”
Texas A&M enjoyed its longest reign among the college football elite in the 1990s, thanks to head coach R.C. Slocum. In his 14 seasons (1989-2002) as head coach, Slocum went 123-47-2 (.721), won four conference titles and a division title, and proved that nice guys can finish first.
Slocum treated everyone as his friend, and once they got to know him, they usually stayed that way. The former McNeese State tight end served for seven years as the defensive coordinator to his predecessor, Jackie Sherrill. Slocum moved into the head coaching job in 1989.
Slocum’s defenses, known annually as The Wrecking Crew, used speed, especially at linebacker, to shut down the Southwest Conference. The Aggies dominated the SWC as it withered away, winning 26 consecutive conference games from 1991-94. When the eight SWC schools helped form the Big 12 in 1996, the Aggies picked up where they left off, winning the South Division in 1997-98.
In the 1998 Big 12 Championship Game, No. 3 Kansas State, aware that No. 2 UCLA had lost earlier in the afternoon, needed only to hang onto a 27-12 fourth-quarter lead to secure a berth in the first BCS Championship Game. But the Aggies came back to win the game, 36-33, in double overtime.
As Texas and Oklahoma began to rule the Big 12 South under Mack Brown and Bob Stoops, respectively, Slocum bore the brunt of alumni dissatisfaction. Texas A&M fired him in 2002. Slocum, bitterly disappointed, held his tongue well enough to become a fundraiser and goodwill ambassador for the university.
When his successors, Dennis Franchione and Mike Sherman, failed to rise above mediocrity, Aggie fans looked at Slocum in a more favorable light. With the hiring of head coach Kevin Sumlin, a former Slocum assistant, Slocum is enjoying a renewed appreciation among Aggies for his achievements.
Slocum treated everyone as his friend, and once they got to know him, they usually stayed that way. The former McNeese State tight end served for seven years as the defensive coordinator to his predecessor, Jackie Sherrill. Slocum moved into the head coaching job in 1989.
Slocum’s defenses, known annually as The Wrecking Crew, used speed, especially at linebacker, to shut down the Southwest Conference. The Aggies dominated the SWC as it withered away, winning 26 consecutive conference games from 1991-94. When the eight SWC schools helped form the Big 12 in 1996, the Aggies picked up where they left off, winning the South Division in 1997-98.
In the 1998 Big 12 Championship Game, No. 3 Kansas State, aware that No. 2 UCLA had lost earlier in the afternoon, needed only to hang onto a 27-12 fourth-quarter lead to secure a berth in the first BCS Championship Game. But the Aggies came back to win the game, 36-33, in double overtime.
As Texas and Oklahoma began to rule the Big 12 South under Mack Brown and Bob Stoops, respectively, Slocum bore the brunt of alumni dissatisfaction. Texas A&M fired him in 2002. Slocum, bitterly disappointed, held his tongue well enough to become a fundraiser and goodwill ambassador for the university.
When his successors, Dennis Franchione and Mike Sherman, failed to rise above mediocrity, Aggie fans looked at Slocum in a more favorable light. With the hiring of head coach Kevin Sumlin, a former Slocum assistant, Slocum is enjoying a renewed appreciation among Aggies for his achievements.
2011 overall record: 12-1
2011 conference record: 7-1 (T-2nd)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 5; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB AJ McCarron, RB Eddie Lacy, C Barrett Jones, T Cyrus Kouandjio, T D.J. Fluker, G Chance Warmack, G Anthony Steen, LB Nico Johnson, LB C.J. Mosley, S Robert Lester, NG Jesse Williams
Key losses
RB Trent Richardson, WR Marquis Maze, HB Brad Smelley, C William Vlachos, DE/LB Courtney Upshaw, LB Dont'a Hightower, S Mark Barron, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, NG Josh Chapman
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Trent Richardson (1,679 yards)
Passing: AJ McCarron* (2,634 yards)
Receiving: Marquis Maze (627 yards)
Tackles: Dont'a Hightower (85)
Sacks: Courtney Upshaw (9.5)
Interceptions: Dee Milliner* (3)
Spring answers
1. McCarron taking ownership: The junior signal caller had a voice in the Alabama locker room in 2011, but this spring he seems to have dialed up the volume. Many of the leaders from last year’s team are gone and it’s up to McCarron to keep an offense that is as inexperienced as it is talented on track. Coach Nick Saban had praised his command under center during spring practice and all signs point to the tall righty taking the offense and making it his.
2. Linebackers coming together: Adrian Hubbard put on a show at A-Day in April, posting three sacks against the first-team offense. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound linebacker has big shoes to fill with Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw both off to the NFL. Given his solid spring, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart can check off one of those spots.
3. Stable of backs: Trent Richardson is gone, but that doesn't mean the running back corps can't improve in other ways, namely depth. While projected starter Eddie Lacy missed the spring recovering from offseason surgery, it gave other the chance to step up. Jalston Fowler is a bulldozer at tailback, Dee Hart a speedy slasher and freshman T.J. Yeldon a little bit of both. Yeldon had a coming out party at A-Day, rushing for 88 yards and catching five passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Fall questions
1. Wide receiver options: The unit will be more explosive than in years past, but it will also be more inexperienced. How true freshmen Amari Cooper and Chris Black continue to develop will be key. Both had good springs and will help provide depth to sophomores Christion Jones and DeAndrew White, and juniors Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell.
2. Secondary shaping up: Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have to replace three positions in the secondary and beginning this spring, the results have been good. Vinnie Sunseri and Ha'Sean Clinton Dix are two talented underclassmen ready to play alongside Robert Lester at safety. Meanwhile Dee Milliner moves into a starting role and will likely line up alongside either junior college transfer Travell Dixon or Deion Belue.
3. Special teams: By fall, we likely mean the season opener. By all indications, kickers Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster had good springs, but neither were forced to do much at A-Day and we won't know their true improvement until the lights go up in Arlington, Texas. Shelley proved a lot in the BCS title game but there are still concerns whether the kicking game will be a handicap, as it was last year, or a boon to an offense with a fresh start. Keep an eye on incoming freshman Adam Griffith, who is expected to get a look at placekicker.
2011 conference record: 7-1 (T-2nd)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 5; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB AJ McCarron, RB Eddie Lacy, C Barrett Jones, T Cyrus Kouandjio, T D.J. Fluker, G Chance Warmack, G Anthony Steen, LB Nico Johnson, LB C.J. Mosley, S Robert Lester, NG Jesse Williams
Key losses
RB Trent Richardson, WR Marquis Maze, HB Brad Smelley, C William Vlachos, DE/LB Courtney Upshaw, LB Dont'a Hightower, S Mark Barron, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, NG Josh Chapman
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Trent Richardson (1,679 yards)
Passing: AJ McCarron* (2,634 yards)
Receiving: Marquis Maze (627 yards)
Tackles: Dont'a Hightower (85)
Sacks: Courtney Upshaw (9.5)
Interceptions: Dee Milliner* (3)
Spring answers
1. McCarron taking ownership: The junior signal caller had a voice in the Alabama locker room in 2011, but this spring he seems to have dialed up the volume. Many of the leaders from last year’s team are gone and it’s up to McCarron to keep an offense that is as inexperienced as it is talented on track. Coach Nick Saban had praised his command under center during spring practice and all signs point to the tall righty taking the offense and making it his.
2. Linebackers coming together: Adrian Hubbard put on a show at A-Day in April, posting three sacks against the first-team offense. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound linebacker has big shoes to fill with Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw both off to the NFL. Given his solid spring, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart can check off one of those spots.
3. Stable of backs: Trent Richardson is gone, but that doesn't mean the running back corps can't improve in other ways, namely depth. While projected starter Eddie Lacy missed the spring recovering from offseason surgery, it gave other the chance to step up. Jalston Fowler is a bulldozer at tailback, Dee Hart a speedy slasher and freshman T.J. Yeldon a little bit of both. Yeldon had a coming out party at A-Day, rushing for 88 yards and catching five passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Fall questions
1. Wide receiver options: The unit will be more explosive than in years past, but it will also be more inexperienced. How true freshmen Amari Cooper and Chris Black continue to develop will be key. Both had good springs and will help provide depth to sophomores Christion Jones and DeAndrew White, and juniors Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell.
2. Secondary shaping up: Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have to replace three positions in the secondary and beginning this spring, the results have been good. Vinnie Sunseri and Ha'Sean Clinton Dix are two talented underclassmen ready to play alongside Robert Lester at safety. Meanwhile Dee Milliner moves into a starting role and will likely line up alongside either junior college transfer Travell Dixon or Deion Belue.
3. Special teams: By fall, we likely mean the season opener. By all indications, kickers Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster had good springs, but neither were forced to do much at A-Day and we won't know their true improvement until the lights go up in Arlington, Texas. Shelley proved a lot in the BCS title game but there are still concerns whether the kicking game will be a handicap, as it was last year, or a boon to an offense with a fresh start. Keep an eye on incoming freshman Adam Griffith, who is expected to get a look at placekicker.
2011 overall record: 11-2
2011 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense: 8; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Tyler Wilson, RB Knile Davis, RB Dennis Johnson, WR Cobi Hamilton, TE Chris Gragg, OG Alvin Bailey, LB Tenarius Wright, LB Alonzo Highsmith, S Eric Bennett, P Dylan Breeding
Key losses
WR Jarius Wright, WR Joe Adams, OT Grant Freeman, DE Jake Bequette, LB Jerry Franklin, LB/S Jerico Nelson, S Tramain Thomas
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Dennis Johnson* (670 yards)
Passing: Tyler Wilson* (3,638 yards)
Receiving: Jarius Wright (1,117 yards)
Tackles: Jerry Franklin (101)
Sacks: Jake Bequette (10)
Interceptions: Tramain Thomas (5)
Spring answers
1. Wilson’s Air Show: After throwing for more than 3,600 yards in his first season as a starter a year ago, Tyler Wilson is back for more and looked better than ever in the spring. He’s been through the league gauntlet once now and will have experience on his side. When he gets hot, there are few quarterbacks any better in the college game, and he should be even more consistent as a senior. Wilson can beat you from the pocket, but he’s also capable of moving around and making plays. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, either. In 438 passing attempts last season, he only threw six interceptions.
2. Seniors take charge: One of the most comforting things for everybody in Arkansas this spring following Bobby Petrino’s ouster was the way the leaders on the team rose to the occasion and took charge. Knile Davis, Tenarius Wright and Wilson made sure the focus remained on the field and reminded their teammates, quite pointedly, that none of their goals had changed. It’s that kind of senior leadership the Hogs are going to need in the fall when it starts for real in the SEC.
3. New playmakers: Jarius Wright and Joe Adams combined to score 20 touchdowns last season for the Hogs, so they will definitely be missed. But there wasn’t any shortage of newer faces making big plays this spring. Sophomore Marquel Wade looks like he’s ready to move into Adams’ role as a return specialist and a guy who makes plays after the catch in the passing game. Wade's status could be iffy, though. He was arrested this past weekend and charged with burglarizing dorm rooms along with two other players. Wade has been indefinitely suspended. Senior tight end Chris Gragg might not be new to the Arkansas fans, but he’s another player who’s poised for a big season. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Fall questions
1. Petrino fallout: The players have said all of the right things, and the hiring of John L. Smith was exactly what the players and assistant coaches on this team wanted. They didn’t want to bring in an outsider after Petrino’s firing and have to start all over this summer. Even so, the Hogs still have a huge mountain to climb emotionally and mentally, especially when things get tough, as they seek to navigate their way through the 2012 season without the guy who got them to this point (Petrino) on the sideline.
2. Stopping the inside run: Arkansas finished ninth in the SEC in rushing defense last season, and stopping the power running teams right up the chute was a struggle the whole way. New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes has installed his system, and the Hogs have also moved some people around, most notably Wright going from defensive end to inside linebacker. Linebacker Alonzo Highsmith missed this spring while recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. The Hogs need him to be healthy in the fall, and they also need their interior guys up front to step it up against the run.
3. Breaking through: Nobody in the Ozarks needs to be reminded that the Hogs are just 1-5 against Alabama and LSU the past three seasons. They get both the Crimson Tide and Tigers in Fayetteville in 2012 and are going to need at least a split to have a chance to break through and get to the SEC championship game. Arkansas had Alabama on the ropes two years ago in Fayetteville, but couldn’t finish the job.
2011 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense: 8; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Tyler Wilson, RB Knile Davis, RB Dennis Johnson, WR Cobi Hamilton, TE Chris Gragg, OG Alvin Bailey, LB Tenarius Wright, LB Alonzo Highsmith, S Eric Bennett, P Dylan Breeding
Key losses
WR Jarius Wright, WR Joe Adams, OT Grant Freeman, DE Jake Bequette, LB Jerry Franklin, LB/S Jerico Nelson, S Tramain Thomas
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Dennis Johnson* (670 yards)
Passing: Tyler Wilson* (3,638 yards)
Receiving: Jarius Wright (1,117 yards)
Tackles: Jerry Franklin (101)
Sacks: Jake Bequette (10)
Interceptions: Tramain Thomas (5)
Spring answers
1. Wilson’s Air Show: After throwing for more than 3,600 yards in his first season as a starter a year ago, Tyler Wilson is back for more and looked better than ever in the spring. He’s been through the league gauntlet once now and will have experience on his side. When he gets hot, there are few quarterbacks any better in the college game, and he should be even more consistent as a senior. Wilson can beat you from the pocket, but he’s also capable of moving around and making plays. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, either. In 438 passing attempts last season, he only threw six interceptions.
2. Seniors take charge: One of the most comforting things for everybody in Arkansas this spring following Bobby Petrino’s ouster was the way the leaders on the team rose to the occasion and took charge. Knile Davis, Tenarius Wright and Wilson made sure the focus remained on the field and reminded their teammates, quite pointedly, that none of their goals had changed. It’s that kind of senior leadership the Hogs are going to need in the fall when it starts for real in the SEC.
3. New playmakers: Jarius Wright and Joe Adams combined to score 20 touchdowns last season for the Hogs, so they will definitely be missed. But there wasn’t any shortage of newer faces making big plays this spring. Sophomore Marquel Wade looks like he’s ready to move into Adams’ role as a return specialist and a guy who makes plays after the catch in the passing game. Wade's status could be iffy, though. He was arrested this past weekend and charged with burglarizing dorm rooms along with two other players. Wade has been indefinitely suspended. Senior tight end Chris Gragg might not be new to the Arkansas fans, but he’s another player who’s poised for a big season. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Fall questions
1. Petrino fallout: The players have said all of the right things, and the hiring of John L. Smith was exactly what the players and assistant coaches on this team wanted. They didn’t want to bring in an outsider after Petrino’s firing and have to start all over this summer. Even so, the Hogs still have a huge mountain to climb emotionally and mentally, especially when things get tough, as they seek to navigate their way through the 2012 season without the guy who got them to this point (Petrino) on the sideline.
2. Stopping the inside run: Arkansas finished ninth in the SEC in rushing defense last season, and stopping the power running teams right up the chute was a struggle the whole way. New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes has installed his system, and the Hogs have also moved some people around, most notably Wright going from defensive end to inside linebacker. Linebacker Alonzo Highsmith missed this spring while recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. The Hogs need him to be healthy in the fall, and they also need their interior guys up front to step it up against the run.
3. Breaking through: Nobody in the Ozarks needs to be reminded that the Hogs are just 1-5 against Alabama and LSU the past three seasons. They get both the Crimson Tide and Tigers in Fayetteville in 2012 and are going to need at least a split to have a chance to break through and get to the SEC championship game. Arkansas had Alabama on the ropes two years ago in Fayetteville, but couldn’t finish the job.
2011 overall record: 8-5
2011 conference record: 4-4
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Clint Moseley, QB Kiehl Frazier, RB Onterio McCalebb, WR Emory Blake, TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, DE Corey Lemonier, DE Nosa Eguae, LB Daren Bates, CB Chris Davis, P Steven Clark
Key losses
QB Barrett Trotter, RB Michael Dyer, OT Brandon Mosley, LB Eltoro Freeman, S Neiko Thorpe
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Dyer (1,242 yards)
Passing: Barrett Trotter (1,184 yards)
Receiving: Emory Blake* (613 yards)
Tackles: Daren Bates* (104)
Sacks: Corey Lemonier* (9.5)
Interceptions: Neiko Thorpe (3)
Spring answers
1. Fearsome foursome: The runaway winner as the most impressive unit this spring was Auburn’s defensive line, which is encouraging to everybody on the Plains given the way the Tigers struggled up front last season with injuries and a little bit of everything else. Junior defensive end Corey Lemonier is one of the best pass-rushers in the league. But by all accounts, it was another junior defensive end, Dee Ford, who wreaked the most havoc this spring. Ford missed most of last season with back problems. The Tigers are deep at both end and tackle, and if some of the injured players come back healthy (Gabe Wright, Kenneth Carter and Nosa Eguae), this is a defensive line that could be dominant.
2. Whitehead’s versatility: It didn’t take first-year defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder long this spring to single out Jermaine Whitehead for his football smarts. The versatile sophomore was good enough that he may end up playing three different positions in the fall -- cornerback, safety and nickel back -- and VanGorder said that kind of versatility should open up all sorts of possibilities for the Tigers on defense.
3. New-look offense: The Tigers weren’t giving away a whole lot this spring as to what first-year coordinator Scot Loeffler’s offense is going to look like. It will certainly be different than what the Tigers did under Gus Malzahn, and the players all left spring practice saying it was a good fit. Tre Mason looks like he’s going to be a big-time player, and several receivers seemed to find a new lease on life in Loeffler’s system. A lot of it’s going to come down to how the Tigers play at quarterback, but there was a quiet confidence on the offensive side coming out of the spring.
Fall questions
1. Thin at linebacker: The only proven commodity is senior Daren Bates, who made a nice jump last season and became more consistent as a tackler. There’s potential in the form of some younger players, but just not a lot of experience or depth. Redshirt freshman Kris Frost is an impressive looking athlete who had his moments, but he’s still learning on the job. Junior Jake Holland may well be the key. He steps in at middle linebacker, and the Tigers need him to develop into a physical run-stuffing presence. Chances are that incoming true freshman Cassanova McKinzy will also have to play some this fall in the middle.
2. Quarterback quandary: The Tigers ended spring practice without naming a starting quarterback. Junior Clint Moseley, who took over the starting duties from Barrett Trotter late last season, was hampered by shoulder problems this spring and missed some practice time. Sophomore Kiehl Frazier picked up some valuable reps and made the most of them. He still needs to become more consistent as a passer, but his ability to extend the play gives him a leg up heading into the fall. The Tigers will need to identify a starter fairly early in preseason practice to start building some chemistry.
3. Regaining the edge on defense: It was a forgettable season on defense for the Tigers a year ago. They gave up yards by the chunk and gave up a ton of big plays. More than anything, they lost their confidence, which was obvious by the way it all fell apart for them during that brutal stretch in November. VanGorder’s greatest challenge was to get this defense playing with an edge again, be it making key stops, taking the ball away or finishing the game the right way.
2011 conference record: 4-4
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Clint Moseley, QB Kiehl Frazier, RB Onterio McCalebb, WR Emory Blake, TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, DE Corey Lemonier, DE Nosa Eguae, LB Daren Bates, CB Chris Davis, P Steven Clark
Key losses
QB Barrett Trotter, RB Michael Dyer, OT Brandon Mosley, LB Eltoro Freeman, S Neiko Thorpe
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Dyer (1,242 yards)
Passing: Barrett Trotter (1,184 yards)
Receiving: Emory Blake* (613 yards)
Tackles: Daren Bates* (104)
Sacks: Corey Lemonier* (9.5)
Interceptions: Neiko Thorpe (3)
Spring answers
1. Fearsome foursome: The runaway winner as the most impressive unit this spring was Auburn’s defensive line, which is encouraging to everybody on the Plains given the way the Tigers struggled up front last season with injuries and a little bit of everything else. Junior defensive end Corey Lemonier is one of the best pass-rushers in the league. But by all accounts, it was another junior defensive end, Dee Ford, who wreaked the most havoc this spring. Ford missed most of last season with back problems. The Tigers are deep at both end and tackle, and if some of the injured players come back healthy (Gabe Wright, Kenneth Carter and Nosa Eguae), this is a defensive line that could be dominant.
2. Whitehead’s versatility: It didn’t take first-year defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder long this spring to single out Jermaine Whitehead for his football smarts. The versatile sophomore was good enough that he may end up playing three different positions in the fall -- cornerback, safety and nickel back -- and VanGorder said that kind of versatility should open up all sorts of possibilities for the Tigers on defense.
3. New-look offense: The Tigers weren’t giving away a whole lot this spring as to what first-year coordinator Scot Loeffler’s offense is going to look like. It will certainly be different than what the Tigers did under Gus Malzahn, and the players all left spring practice saying it was a good fit. Tre Mason looks like he’s going to be a big-time player, and several receivers seemed to find a new lease on life in Loeffler’s system. A lot of it’s going to come down to how the Tigers play at quarterback, but there was a quiet confidence on the offensive side coming out of the spring.
Fall questions
1. Thin at linebacker: The only proven commodity is senior Daren Bates, who made a nice jump last season and became more consistent as a tackler. There’s potential in the form of some younger players, but just not a lot of experience or depth. Redshirt freshman Kris Frost is an impressive looking athlete who had his moments, but he’s still learning on the job. Junior Jake Holland may well be the key. He steps in at middle linebacker, and the Tigers need him to develop into a physical run-stuffing presence. Chances are that incoming true freshman Cassanova McKinzy will also have to play some this fall in the middle.
2. Quarterback quandary: The Tigers ended spring practice without naming a starting quarterback. Junior Clint Moseley, who took over the starting duties from Barrett Trotter late last season, was hampered by shoulder problems this spring and missed some practice time. Sophomore Kiehl Frazier picked up some valuable reps and made the most of them. He still needs to become more consistent as a passer, but his ability to extend the play gives him a leg up heading into the fall. The Tigers will need to identify a starter fairly early in preseason practice to start building some chemistry.
3. Regaining the edge on defense: It was a forgettable season on defense for the Tigers a year ago. They gave up yards by the chunk and gave up a ton of big plays. More than anything, they lost their confidence, which was obvious by the way it all fell apart for them during that brutal stretch in November. VanGorder’s greatest challenge was to get this defense playing with an edge again, be it making key stops, taking the ball away or finishing the game the right way.
2011 overall record: 10-4
2011 conference record: 7-1 (T-1st)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 0
Top returners:
QB Aaron Murray, OLB Jarvis Jones, S Bacarri Rambo, S Shawn Williams, LB Alec Ogletree, RB Isaiah Crowell, WR Tavarres King, N John Jenkins, CB Sanders Commings, DE Abry Jones
Key losses:
OT Cordy Glenn, C Ben Jones, CB Brandon Boykin, TE Orson Charles, K Blair Walsh, P Drew Butler, OT Justin Anderson, DE DeAngelo Tyson
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Isaiah Crowell* (850 yards)
Passing: Aaron Murray* (3,149 yards)
Receiving: Tavarres King* (705 yards)
Tackles: Shawn Williams* (72)
Sacks: Jarvis Jones* (13.5)
Interceptions: Bacarri Rambo* (8)
Spring answers
1. Mitchell joins defense: Georgia’s coaching staff planned to experiment with receiver Malcolm Mitchell as a two-way player even before several members of the Bulldogs’ secondary ran into disciplinary trouble. Now Mitchell’s services are a necessity on defense rather than a luxury. He will probably play defense almost exclusively in the first few games and convinced his coaches that he should fare well there after becoming one of the Bulldogs’ breakout offensive stars last year as a freshman.
2. Washington, Drew shift to end: Georgia’s depth was a bit thin at defensive end, but outside linebackers Cornelius Washington and Ray Drew cross-trained there during spring practice, which should also bolster the Bulldogs’ pass rush off the edge. Washington lamented that he was picking up the position slowly during the spring, but he had worked his way into a starting position and earned widespread praise for his work at end by the G-Day game.
3. Tight end turnover: With Orson Charles leaving Georgia after his junior year and Aron White and Bruce Figgins exhausting their eligibility, one of the Bulldogs’ least experienced positions is tight end. However, Arthur Lynch and redshirt freshman Jay Rome made it clear that the position is still in good hands. Rome, ESPN’s top-rated tight end in the 2011 signing class, caught a 66-yard touchdown in the final minute of the G-Day game.
Fall questions
1. Offensive line: Coach Will Friend began determining a pecking order on his rebuilt line this spring, but the competition will likely carry over into the season. When the Bulldogs closed spring practice, Kenarious Gates and Kolton Houston manned the tackle spots with Chris Burnette and Dallas Lee at guard and David Andrews at center. That lineup is subject to change, particularly with stud offensive line signee John Theus set to join the competition when he arrives this summer. Mark Beard, Watts Dantzler and Austin Long are also worth watching.
2. Special teams: Not only was Georgia’s kick coverage incompetent last season -- the Bulldogs were 116th nationally in punt return yardage defense and 88th against kickoffs -- but the Bulldogs must replace longtime starting kicker and punter Blair Walsh and Drew Butler. The Bulldogs signed Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber to take over for the departed kickers and Coach Mark Richt promised that the Bulldogs will work more on live kicking situations in preseason camp than perhaps any previous time in his tenure.
3. Secondary: This appears to be a temporary problem, with starters Sanders Commings, Bacarri Rambo and Branden Smith facing possible disciplinary suspensions to open the season. Mitchell’s shift to cornerback will help Damian Swann and Devin Bowman hold down the position until Commings and Smith return. Depth will also be an early issue at safety without Rambo. Commings, who will sit out the first two games, has safety experience, but few other Bulldogs have played significant downs at the position besides Rambo and Shawn Williams. Corey Moore is a player to watch here.
2011 conference record: 7-1 (T-1st)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 0
Top returners:
QB Aaron Murray, OLB Jarvis Jones, S Bacarri Rambo, S Shawn Williams, LB Alec Ogletree, RB Isaiah Crowell, WR Tavarres King, N John Jenkins, CB Sanders Commings, DE Abry Jones
Key losses:
OT Cordy Glenn, C Ben Jones, CB Brandon Boykin, TE Orson Charles, K Blair Walsh, P Drew Butler, OT Justin Anderson, DE DeAngelo Tyson
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Isaiah Crowell* (850 yards)
Passing: Aaron Murray* (3,149 yards)
Receiving: Tavarres King* (705 yards)
Tackles: Shawn Williams* (72)
Sacks: Jarvis Jones* (13.5)
Interceptions: Bacarri Rambo* (8)
Spring answers
1. Mitchell joins defense: Georgia’s coaching staff planned to experiment with receiver Malcolm Mitchell as a two-way player even before several members of the Bulldogs’ secondary ran into disciplinary trouble. Now Mitchell’s services are a necessity on defense rather than a luxury. He will probably play defense almost exclusively in the first few games and convinced his coaches that he should fare well there after becoming one of the Bulldogs’ breakout offensive stars last year as a freshman.
2. Washington, Drew shift to end: Georgia’s depth was a bit thin at defensive end, but outside linebackers Cornelius Washington and Ray Drew cross-trained there during spring practice, which should also bolster the Bulldogs’ pass rush off the edge. Washington lamented that he was picking up the position slowly during the spring, but he had worked his way into a starting position and earned widespread praise for his work at end by the G-Day game.
3. Tight end turnover: With Orson Charles leaving Georgia after his junior year and Aron White and Bruce Figgins exhausting their eligibility, one of the Bulldogs’ least experienced positions is tight end. However, Arthur Lynch and redshirt freshman Jay Rome made it clear that the position is still in good hands. Rome, ESPN’s top-rated tight end in the 2011 signing class, caught a 66-yard touchdown in the final minute of the G-Day game.
Fall questions
1. Offensive line: Coach Will Friend began determining a pecking order on his rebuilt line this spring, but the competition will likely carry over into the season. When the Bulldogs closed spring practice, Kenarious Gates and Kolton Houston manned the tackle spots with Chris Burnette and Dallas Lee at guard and David Andrews at center. That lineup is subject to change, particularly with stud offensive line signee John Theus set to join the competition when he arrives this summer. Mark Beard, Watts Dantzler and Austin Long are also worth watching.
2. Special teams: Not only was Georgia’s kick coverage incompetent last season -- the Bulldogs were 116th nationally in punt return yardage defense and 88th against kickoffs -- but the Bulldogs must replace longtime starting kicker and punter Blair Walsh and Drew Butler. The Bulldogs signed Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber to take over for the departed kickers and Coach Mark Richt promised that the Bulldogs will work more on live kicking situations in preseason camp than perhaps any previous time in his tenure.
3. Secondary: This appears to be a temporary problem, with starters Sanders Commings, Bacarri Rambo and Branden Smith facing possible disciplinary suspensions to open the season. Mitchell’s shift to cornerback will help Damian Swann and Devin Bowman hold down the position until Commings and Smith return. Depth will also be an early issue at safety without Rambo. Commings, who will sit out the first two games, has safety experience, but few other Bulldogs have played significant downs at the position besides Rambo and Shawn Williams. Corey Moore is a player to watch here.
2011 overall record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 4-4 (3rd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
RG Jon Halapio, LT Matt Patchan, C Jonotthan Harrison, TE Jordan Reed, FB/TE Trey Burton, DE Sharrif Floyd, LB Jonathan Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins, CB Marcus Roberson, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, K Caleb Sturgis
Key losses
QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps, RB Chris Rainey, WR Deonte Thompson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Chris Rainey (861 yards)
Passing: John Brantley (2,044 yards)
Receiving: Andre Debose (432 yards)
Tackles: Jonathan Bostic* (94)
Sacks: Ronald Powell* (6.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam* and De'Ante Saunders* (2)
Spring answers
1. OL got tougher: After spending two months with new strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman and working under new offensive line coach Tim Davis in spring practice, the offensive line is without question the most improved unit on the team. The Gators needed to get tougher physically and mentally -- coach Will Muschamp called the OL and DL out for those issues last November -- in order for UF to be effective in the power running game. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and several defensive linemen said the difference in the unit is noticeable.
2. Gillislee steps up: The Gators needed to find a running back capable of running between the tackles and starring in the power run game. Senior Mike Gillislee, who played sparingly or in mop-up situations his first three seasons, emerged early in the spring and overwhelmingly won the job. He has had pass-protection issues in the past but he had little trouble with that in the spring. The only concern is whether a chronic ankle injury will become an issue again. He was healthy throughout spring, though.
3. Pittman emerged at WR: Florida has been without a consistent receiver for the past two seasons, but the Gators may have found one in freshman Latroy Pittman. The early enrollee had an impressive spring. He doesn’t have blazing speed but was still able to get behind coverages for big plays, and the coaches loved his toughness and willingness to block. Andre Debose, Frankie Hammond and Quinton Dunbar have shown flashes throughout their careers, but Pittman may end up overtaking all of them if he continues to get open and make plays as consistently as he did in the spring.
Fall questions
1. QB, or two QB: Neither Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett was able to create any separation in their battle to become the starting quarterback, so the competition will continue into the fall. Both have a good grasp of the offense, can throw the ball well, and have the respect of their teammates. Driskel is a better runner while Brissett is more of a pocket passer. Muschamp said he could play both quarterbacks if neither can make a move in the fall.
2. More turnovers needed: Florida ranked eighth nationally in total defense in 2011 but the Gators forced only 14 turnovers, which was the worst single-season total in school history since UF began keeping fumble stats in 1950. Creating turnovers was a huge emphasis in the spring and it will be again in the fall. The biggest issue is finishing plays. UF dropped 15 interceptions, including six by Jelani Jenkins, last season. Great defenses make plays when they have the opportunity and the Gators need to learn how to do that.
3. Pass-rush needed, too: With the loss of buck Ronald Powell to a torn ACL -- though UF maintains that he could return as early as September -- the Gators don’t have a proven pass rusher on the roster. In fact, the returning player with the most career sacks is Bostic, who has 4.5 through his first three seasons. Whether this role is filled by several freshman, notably Jonathan Bullard or Dante Fowler, or by someone who has underachieved so far in their career (Earl Okine), the Gators have to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback.
2011 conference record: 4-4 (3rd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
RG Jon Halapio, LT Matt Patchan, C Jonotthan Harrison, TE Jordan Reed, FB/TE Trey Burton, DE Sharrif Floyd, LB Jonathan Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins, CB Marcus Roberson, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, K Caleb Sturgis
Key losses
QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps, RB Chris Rainey, WR Deonte Thompson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Chris Rainey (861 yards)
Passing: John Brantley (2,044 yards)
Receiving: Andre Debose (432 yards)
Tackles: Jonathan Bostic* (94)
Sacks: Ronald Powell* (6.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam* and De'Ante Saunders* (2)
Spring answers
1. OL got tougher: After spending two months with new strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman and working under new offensive line coach Tim Davis in spring practice, the offensive line is without question the most improved unit on the team. The Gators needed to get tougher physically and mentally -- coach Will Muschamp called the OL and DL out for those issues last November -- in order for UF to be effective in the power running game. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and several defensive linemen said the difference in the unit is noticeable.
2. Gillislee steps up: The Gators needed to find a running back capable of running between the tackles and starring in the power run game. Senior Mike Gillislee, who played sparingly or in mop-up situations his first three seasons, emerged early in the spring and overwhelmingly won the job. He has had pass-protection issues in the past but he had little trouble with that in the spring. The only concern is whether a chronic ankle injury will become an issue again. He was healthy throughout spring, though.
3. Pittman emerged at WR: Florida has been without a consistent receiver for the past two seasons, but the Gators may have found one in freshman Latroy Pittman. The early enrollee had an impressive spring. He doesn’t have blazing speed but was still able to get behind coverages for big plays, and the coaches loved his toughness and willingness to block. Andre Debose, Frankie Hammond and Quinton Dunbar have shown flashes throughout their careers, but Pittman may end up overtaking all of them if he continues to get open and make plays as consistently as he did in the spring.
Fall questions
1. QB, or two QB: Neither Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett was able to create any separation in their battle to become the starting quarterback, so the competition will continue into the fall. Both have a good grasp of the offense, can throw the ball well, and have the respect of their teammates. Driskel is a better runner while Brissett is more of a pocket passer. Muschamp said he could play both quarterbacks if neither can make a move in the fall.
2. More turnovers needed: Florida ranked eighth nationally in total defense in 2011 but the Gators forced only 14 turnovers, which was the worst single-season total in school history since UF began keeping fumble stats in 1950. Creating turnovers was a huge emphasis in the spring and it will be again in the fall. The biggest issue is finishing plays. UF dropped 15 interceptions, including six by Jelani Jenkins, last season. Great defenses make plays when they have the opportunity and the Gators need to learn how to do that.
3. Pass-rush needed, too: With the loss of buck Ronald Powell to a torn ACL -- though UF maintains that he could return as early as September -- the Gators don’t have a proven pass rusher on the roster. In fact, the returning player with the most career sacks is Bostic, who has 4.5 through his first three seasons. Whether this role is filled by several freshman, notably Jonathan Bullard or Dante Fowler, or by someone who has underachieved so far in their career (Earl Okine), the Gators have to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback.
2011 overall record: 13-1
2011 SEC record: 8-0 (first, beat Georgia in SEC championship game)
Starters returning
Offense: 8; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
CB Tyrann Mathieu, S Eric Reid, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan, DE Barkevious Mingo, RB Michael Ford, RB Spencer Ware, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., WR Russell Shepard, OT Alex Hurst, OT Chris Faulk, C P.J. Lonergan, P Brad Wing, K Drew Alleman
Key losses
CB Morris Claiborne, S Brandon Taylor, LB Ryan Baker, DT Michael Brockers, OG Will Blackwell, QB Jordan Jefferson, QB Jarrett Lee, WR Rueben Randle, TE DeAngelo Peterson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Ford* (756 yards)
Passing: Jarrett Lee (1,306 yards)
Receiving: Rueben Randle (917 yards)
Tackles: Eric Reid* (76), Tyrann Mathieu* (76)
Sacks: Sam Montgomery* (9)
Interceptions: Morris Claiborne (6)
Spring answers
1. More aggressive passing game: LSU looked to throw more, and with less-conservative passes, with new quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Head coach Les Miles commented all spring that the passing game would be more efficient with Mettenberger, a junior college transfer, than it was with Jefferson and Lee, the starters for the last four seasons.
2. A deep, experienced O-line: When offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in the spring after missing all of 2011 because of injury, an already experienced LSU offensive line got that much older and wiser. Dworaczyk, a two-year starter, gives LSU the potential of starting players with significant starting experience at all five offensive line positions ... that is, if they can hold off up-and-comers like sophomore La'el Collins, who was the nation's top-rated offensive lineman coming out of high school in 2011.
3. A stable of backs: Miles loves a power running game featuring several running backs and LSU had it on display in the spring. Even with Ford out with injuries, Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill all took turns gobbling up yards in the spring against the rugged LSU defense. With the experienced offensive line, there's no reason to think that the arrival of Mettenberger will bring a halt to Miles' beloved power running game.
Fall questions
1. Replacing the defensive play makers: While the LSU secondary returns two potential first-round draft picks in Mathieu, the Heisman Trophy finalist, and Reid, it also must replace Claiborne, the first defensive back selected in the NFL draft, and third-round pick Brandon Taylor at safety. On the defensive line, the Tigers lose the production of first-round pick Michael Brockers at defensive tackle. While there are good candidates, replacing such lost quality is a tall order.
2. Mettenberger's experience: As exciting as his big arm may be, Mettenberger has still not taken a meaningful snap in a Division I college game. LSU has not been this inexperienced under center since 2007, when Lee and Jefferson were getting most of the snaps as freshmen. It doesn't help that LSU's best receiver, Randle, was a second-round NFL draft pick.
3. Linebacker quality: LSU was loaded with defensive playmakers in 2011, but its linebacker play was ho-hum. The Tigers will be looking to upgrade the position despite losing three seniors. Kevin Minter, who overcame senior Karnell Hatcher after the season's first three games to take over the starting middle linebacker spot as a sophomore last season, appears to be a solid centerpiece. Junior Tahj Jones was productive in limited snaps. True freshmen Ronnie Feist and Lamar Louis had good springs. Louis returned an interception for a touchdown in the spring game.
2011 SEC record: 8-0 (first, beat Georgia in SEC championship game)
Starters returning
Offense: 8; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
CB Tyrann Mathieu, S Eric Reid, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan, DE Barkevious Mingo, RB Michael Ford, RB Spencer Ware, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., WR Russell Shepard, OT Alex Hurst, OT Chris Faulk, C P.J. Lonergan, P Brad Wing, K Drew Alleman
Key losses
CB Morris Claiborne, S Brandon Taylor, LB Ryan Baker, DT Michael Brockers, OG Will Blackwell, QB Jordan Jefferson, QB Jarrett Lee, WR Rueben Randle, TE DeAngelo Peterson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Michael Ford* (756 yards)
Passing: Jarrett Lee (1,306 yards)
Receiving: Rueben Randle (917 yards)
Tackles: Eric Reid* (76), Tyrann Mathieu* (76)
Sacks: Sam Montgomery* (9)
Interceptions: Morris Claiborne (6)
Spring answers
1. More aggressive passing game: LSU looked to throw more, and with less-conservative passes, with new quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Head coach Les Miles commented all spring that the passing game would be more efficient with Mettenberger, a junior college transfer, than it was with Jefferson and Lee, the starters for the last four seasons.
2. A deep, experienced O-line: When offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in the spring after missing all of 2011 because of injury, an already experienced LSU offensive line got that much older and wiser. Dworaczyk, a two-year starter, gives LSU the potential of starting players with significant starting experience at all five offensive line positions ... that is, if they can hold off up-and-comers like sophomore La'el Collins, who was the nation's top-rated offensive lineman coming out of high school in 2011.
3. A stable of backs: Miles loves a power running game featuring several running backs and LSU had it on display in the spring. Even with Ford out with injuries, Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill all took turns gobbling up yards in the spring against the rugged LSU defense. With the experienced offensive line, there's no reason to think that the arrival of Mettenberger will bring a halt to Miles' beloved power running game.
Fall questions
1. Replacing the defensive play makers: While the LSU secondary returns two potential first-round draft picks in Mathieu, the Heisman Trophy finalist, and Reid, it also must replace Claiborne, the first defensive back selected in the NFL draft, and third-round pick Brandon Taylor at safety. On the defensive line, the Tigers lose the production of first-round pick Michael Brockers at defensive tackle. While there are good candidates, replacing such lost quality is a tall order.
2. Mettenberger's experience: As exciting as his big arm may be, Mettenberger has still not taken a meaningful snap in a Division I college game. LSU has not been this inexperienced under center since 2007, when Lee and Jefferson were getting most of the snaps as freshmen. It doesn't help that LSU's best receiver, Randle, was a second-round NFL draft pick.
3. Linebacker quality: LSU was loaded with defensive playmakers in 2011, but its linebacker play was ho-hum. The Tigers will be looking to upgrade the position despite losing three seniors. Kevin Minter, who overcame senior Karnell Hatcher after the season's first three games to take over the starting middle linebacker spot as a sophomore last season, appears to be a solid centerpiece. Junior Tahj Jones was productive in limited snaps. True freshmen Ronnie Feist and Lamar Louis had good springs. Louis returned an interception for a touchdown in the spring game.
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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