ESPN College Football

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- When Florida defensive tackle Leon Orr violated the terms of his deferred prosecution agreement for his misdemeanor marijuana possession charge by being cited for knowingly driving with a suspended license on Monday, he became the ninth Florida player arrested and the 11th overall arrest during Will Muschamp's short coaching tenure.

Though Orr wasn't taken into custody, his citation did count as an official arrest.

With that, there's a growing perception that Florida has an off-field discipline problem. The numbers are hard to ignore, but Muschamp isn't convinced there's a problem. He acknowledges the run-ins that have taken place since he officially took over for Urban Meyer in January of 2011, but insists that perception isn't his reality.

While he wouldn't comment on Orr's situation, he did say that increased media outlets have placed the microscope closer to college athletes.

"When you're dealing with young people, it's an ongoing educational process, especially in this day and age," Muschamp told ESPN.com shortly before he greeted the Atlanta Gator Club at The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta Wednesday. "I'm not taking a shot at anyone in the media. It's your job to report and more things are being reported now than 15, 12, eight, five years ago. There's more social media outlets now where there's more information. There's a lot of misinformation out there, too."

Of the 11 arrests, only three have occurred during this calendar year, while five occurred during Muschamp's first spring.

You can see a summary of the arrests here.

The overall number is high for less than two years, but it's obvious the off-field incidents have steadily decreased and Muschamp said there's "no question" the discipline is better now than it was when he first arrived ... and he's right.

It hasn't been an overnight transformation, but the improvement is there. Muschamp took over a team that experienced 32 arrests during Meyer's six-year tenure and feels things are turning around. He especially sees it in the fact that during his first five months on the job he had five arrests on his hands. Since September, he's had three.

"At the end of the day, our players understand that there are consequences for their actions," Muschamp said. "They understand there's a certain accountability within the program. It's not a right to play at Florida, it's a privilege."

Though not all punishments have been made public, action has been taken by Muschamp. Star cornerback Janoris Jenkins was dismissed after his two marijuana-related arrests, while former linebacker Dee Finley didn't play against Tennessee last year following his arrest for driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest without violence. He later transferred to North Alabama last October.

Tight end A.C. Leonard, who was arrested for battery in February, was suspended for part of spring and Muschamp has said there will be further suspension this fall, meaning he could miss multiple games.

Three of the nine players arrested are no longer with the program.

With spring practice over with, Muschamp said the concerns of the offseason are on his mind. Players have less strict class schedules and more time on their hands. More time away from the coaches can be a dangerous time for programs.

Muschamp is putting the team in the hands of the players and strength coach Jeff Dillman. Muschamp said he isn't relying on a select group of players to lead the team, but expects everyone to hold each other accountable for workouts, off-field behavior and classroom work ethic. Muschamp said reports from Dillman have been positive.

Muschamp also said off-field issues haven't affected recruiting. He said conversations concerning that have gone over well with recruits and their parents and he's been able to promote Florida and its players well.

"We've got the right guys in our locker room," he said. "Are they all deacons in the church? No, but we've got a good locker room. I know one thing: My two young boys love being in the locker room."

Hitting the SEC links on a Thursday.

• Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo's high school coach says that Rambo's suspension stems from him eating food "laced with marijuana."
• Roster attrition is occurring at Georgia at an alarming rate.
• Arkansas is looking to impress Sooner State prospects.
• Tenarius Wright is living the dream by working out at linebacker this spring for the Razorbacks.
• Florida tight end A.C. Leonard returns to practice following arrest.
• Jesse Williams is looking to create his own identity at nose guard for Alabama.
• New coordinators bring a fresh style that Auburn players and assistants are endorsing.
• Missouri is accelerating its offer process with online help.
• Linebacker A.J. Johnson likes Tennessee's defense.
• Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has regrets about his past, but hopes for the future.
• The SEC denies Texas A&M's waiver request to have its band and students sit behind the opposing team's bench at Kyle Field.
• Austyn Carta-Samuels is looking to make Vanderbilt's quarterback battle cloudy this fall.

Checking out the SEC with some links.

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

Florida coach Will Muschamp didn't waste any time in disciplining A.C. Leonard and suspending the freshman tight end Thursday evening from all team activities.

Leonard was arrested Wednesday night and charged with simple domestic battery. According to a Gainesville Police Department arrest report, a woman Leonard had been dating for the past 17 months and living with for the past month said Leonard shoved her to the ground following an argument, causing her to hit her head on a dog cage. She said Leonard then told her to leave and grabbed her by the hair in the bedroom and tried to drag her out of the apartment. The report stated that when she resisted, Leonard grabbed her by the feet, pulled her out of the apartment and then locked her out of the apartment.

Leonard told police that he never hit the woman and just wanted her to leave.

In a statement, Muschamp said: "This behavior will not will be tolerated and A.C. has been suspended from team activities at this time. I certainly don't condone this type of behavior -- it is not what we expect from the University of Florida football program."

There have been 10 arrests of Florida players since Muschamp took over as head coach a little more than 13 months ago, although all but one of those players either signed or committed to the Gators under former coach Urban Meyer. Muschamp made a strong statement last year that he wasn't going to tolerate serious off-the-field issues when he dismissed his best player, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, following Jenkins' second drug arrest.

In what's obviously an important offseason for Will Muschamp and his Florida football program, the Gators have another arrest to deal with after freshman tight end A.C. Leonard was taken to jail Wednesday night following a dispute with his girlfriend that allegedly turned physical.

Leonard was charged with domestic battery and made his first court appearance on Thursday morning. According to the Gainesville Police Department arrest report, the case involves a woman Leonard has been dating for the past 17 months and lived with for the past month. The report states that following an argument Leonard shoved the woman forcibly with both hands in her chest/neck area, knocking her down. She said she hit her head on a dog cage behind her.

The woman also claims in the report that Leonard grabbed her by the hair and tried to drag her out of the apartment after telling her to leave. When the woman resisted, she told police that Leonard dragged her by both feet and locked her out of the apartment.

Leonard told police that he never hit the woman and just wanted her to leave.

Muschamp has been outspoken that his players would do things the "Florida Way." He demonstrated last year that he meant what he said when he kicked his best player, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, off the team following Jenkins' second brush with the law involving drugs.

Leonard's arrest marks the 10th for a Florida football player since Muschamp took over as head coach a little more than 13 months ago.

Preseason practice is in full swing. Teams are partaking in scrimmages and injuries are popping up here and there. Here are some SEC links to keep you up-to-date with everything.

• Janoris Jenkins tells Mike Bianchi of The Orlando Sentinel that he would still be playing at Florida if Urban Meyer was still the head coach.
• Auburn 2012 quarterback commitment Zeke Pike is using Twitter to take part in the Auburn-Alabama rivalry.
• A fishing trip with offensive line coach Mike Summers helped Kentucky's offensive line bond.
• Florida backup tight end A.C. Leonard could be out for two months after tearing his meniscus in practice.
• LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne is not only looking to pick up where he left off last season but he wants to improve on his solid 2010 campaign.
• Alabama's Phillips Sims has that quiet confidence about him at the quarterback spot.
• Arkansas's offensive line makes improvements once the pads go on.
• The Razorbacks' defense might be making vast improvements on defense, but defensive coordinator Willy Robinson still wants his group to stay humble this season.
• Georgia wide receiver Marlon Brown is finally starting to turn some heads at practice.
• Derek Dooley disappointed with his offense's performance during Tennessee's first scrimmage.

2010 overall record: 8-5

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 7, defense: 4, kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

QB John Brantley, RB Chris Rainey, RB Jeffrey Demps, OT Xavier Nixon, WR Deonte Thompson, LB Jelani Jenkins, LB Jon Bostic, CB Jeremy Brown

Key losses

C Mike Pouncey, OT Marcus Gilbert, OG Maurice Hurt, LB A.J. Jones, DE Justin Trattou, CB Janoris Jenkins, S Ahmad Black, P Chas Henry

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Demps* (551 yards)

Passing: Brantley* (2,061 yards)

Receiving: Thompson* (570 yards)

Tackles: Black (108)

Sacks: Duke Lemmens (4)

Interceptions: Janoris Jenkins, Brown* (3)

Spring answers

1. Disruptive defensive line: The Gators will enter the fall with a more aggressive and athletic defensive line. Omar Hunter fought through injury to have a solid spring while freshmen Sharrif Floyd, Dominique Easley and Ronald Powell made tremendous strides this spring. Each under achieved last fall, but came out of spring as three of the most improved players for Florida. Powell will be a hybrid linebacker/defensive end known as the buck, while Floyd and Easley get solid time in interior of the line. Floyd will also share time at nose guard with Hunter in the 3-4. Senior Jaye Howard should also return just fine at tackle after recovering from ankle surgery this spring. Add William Green to end and the Gators should have a much improved pass rush.

2. The tight end is back: After failing to get much out of the tight end spot last fall, Florida has moved Jordan Reed back to the position after a stint at quarterback in 2010. Reed’s teammates think he might be the most versatile player on offense and is one of the most athletic players on the team. He increased his cardio this spring to improve his speed and was a favorite target of quarterback Brantley. Also, true freshman A.C. Leonard was one of the early enrollees to make a strong impression. Expect the Gators to actually use two tight end formations.

3. Muschamp approved: Florida is breaking in a brand new coaching staff this season. New coach Will Muschamp brought in a staff loaded with NFL experience, but replacing Urban Meyer, who won two national titles in six years at Florida, is a tall order. The pressure has been on him since he officially took over after the Outback Bowl. Things started a little rocky with him closing spring practices, and the spring game wasn’t exactly the most exciting first look at this new Florida team. However, the players have bought into Muschamp’s new approach. He’s also making sure the discipline issues from a year ago vanish. Booting All-SEC corner Janoris Jenkins was a powerful first step.

Fall questions

1. Offensive revival: Florida’s offense was hard to watch last year, and the spring game didn’t make it any easier. While the spring game is just a glorified scrimmage, without seeing what happened during regular practices, no one is sure what Florida’s offense will truly look like this fall. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is known for having a pass-friendly offense, but none of Florida’s quarterbacks got into much of a rhythm during the game. It’s hard to believe that was the offense we’ll see from Florida, but without any other observations to go on everyone is left wondering.

2. Secondary strength: Losing Janoris Jenkins was a major blow to Florida’s defense. He was arguably Florida’s best all-around player and he was one of the top cornerbacks in the country last season. None of Florida’s current corners can truly replace his ability to completely take one side of the field away. Brown and Cody Riggs got a lot of playing time last year, but neither has Janoris Jenkins' experience. As for strong safety, Matt Elam is more athletically gifted than Ahmad Black, but replacing his leadership and football IQ will be tough. Figuring out the free safety spot is also a concern.

3. Offensive line woes: The Gators lost four offensive linemen from a year ago and spent most of the spring just trying to field enough able bodies for practice. Florida returns sophomore Jon Halapio and junior Nixon, but the rest of the new faces are also very young. Freshman Chaz Green started at left tackle this spring, while fellow frosh Ian Silberman moved from tackle to guard. An injury to center Nick Alajajian forced Jonotthan Harrison to move from guard to center. The line was manhandled during the spring game, but most of that was because of injuries. Regardless, the inexperienced offensive line enters the offseason as one of the Florida’s biggest concerns.

Every year it seems as though more and more high school prospects take the immediate plunge into college life by graduating from high school early.

Instead of getting fitted for prom tuxes, they're getting fitted for pads. Instead of kicking back after school, they're getting kicked around by seasoned vets daring them to even look at their practice field.

It’s a major wake-up call for those who partake in such a transition, but it can really pay off for these young athletes. Getting a head start on college programs not only gets your game in better shape, but your mind and body go through complete overhauls as well.

Over the next two days we'll take a look at some SEC early enrollees and how they did this spring.

Today, we start in the East:

Florida

Jeff Driskel, QB -- He was the most heralded recruit in Florida's 2011 class and rightly so. Driskel was the top quarterback prospect in the nation. However, he struggled to pick up Charlie Weis' pro-style offense at first and played catch-up for most of the spring. He started to pick things up toward the end and finished the spring game with 58 yards on 3-of-8 passing.

A.C. Leonard, TE -- Florida really didn't use the tight end position last season, so getting Leonard on campus early was a major plus. He drew high praise from coaches and players and should complement Jordan Reed, who moved back to tight end from quarterback, nicely in the offense. He caught three passes for 18 yards in Florida's spring game.

Georgia

Christian LeMay, QB -- LeMay didn't play football during his senior year of high school, so it's understandable that he was a little rusty entering spring. LeMay has the tools to be a star in this league and seemed to steadily improve with every practice. However, Georgia's coaches seemed to have pegged Hutson Mason as the No. 2 quarterback behind Aaron Murray. LeMay looked pretty poised in the spring game, leading a 10-play, 75-yard comeback scoring drive.

Chris Conley, WR -- Outside of veteran Tavarres King, none of Georgia's receivers really seemed to make much of a statement this spring. Conley is a guy the staff will rely on, but it looks like he'll play the waiting game for now. His time was used to learn this spring and he didn't record a catch in Georgia's spring game.

Kentucky

Maxwell Smith, QB -- Smith's arrival this spring really helped the Wildcats as far as depth at the quarterback position. He not only added a body to the position but he was pretty tough competition for starter Morgan Newton. During Kentucky's spring game, Smith completed 10 of 21 passes for 99 yards and had a 54-yard touchdown pass.

Tim Patterson, LB – He didn’t have the best spring, but it looks as though he’s immersed in learning mode at the moment. The advantage for him is that he can lean on veteran linebackers to help him get accustomed to the college game. Patterson has a lot of potential, but he’s still got a ways to go exiting the spring.

South Carolina

Kelcy Quarles, DT -- Some thought he might take one of those defense tackle spots this spring, but he was listed on the Gamecocks' second team coming out of spring. Quarles, who was an All-American in high school, impressed his coaches this spring and should get playing time this fall. The next step in his maturation is being able to have that spring momentum roll over into summer workouts and fall practice.

Martay Mattox, DB – Mattox started the spring at cornerback and then moved to free safety. He left spring moving back to cornerback. He was a quarterback in high school, so his defensive abilities are a bit raw, but he’s a solid athlete. With that athleticism, the Gamecocks’ staff will probably use him on special teams to start, but with time, he could grow into a solid contributor.

Tennessee

Marcus Jackson, OL -- It's not often that a true freshman offensive lineman comes in and makes an immediate impact. Enter Jackson, who worked most of the spring as the starting left guard for the Volunteers. Jackson, a high school All-American, was one of the more athletic linemen in his class and certainly impressed his coaches from Day 1. The thing about Jackson is he was demoted at one point this spring and fought his way back into the starting rotation.

Justin Coleman, CB -- Coleman also made the most of his early enrollment. It took him a little time to really get noticed out there, but after a solid spring game, in which he lined up opposite playmaker Justin Hunter at times, Coleman enters the offseason as co-starter at one of the corner spots.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt had no freshmen early enrollees this year.