ESPN College Football

2011 record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters: Offense: 10; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners:
OG Dallas Thomas, WR Da'Rick Rogers, OT Ja'Wuan James, WR Justin Hunter, TE Mychal Rivera, QB Tyler Bray, LB A.J. Johnson, S Brian Randolph, LB Curt Maggitt, LB Herman Lathers, CB Prentiss Waggner

Key losses:
RB Tauren Poole, DT Malik Jackson, DE Ben Martin, LB Austin Johnson

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Tauren Poole (693 yards)
Passing: Tyler Bray* (1,983 yards)
Receiving: Da'Rick Rogers* (1,040 yards)
Tackles: Austin Johnson (81)
Sacks: Malik Jackson (2.5)
Interceptions: Austin Johnson (4)

Spring answers

1. Tyler Bray's leadership: No one has questioned Bray's arm as he can sling it with the best of them. But his heart has been questioned, and he knew it heading into spring. He never considered himself a real leader until this year, when he decided to take his job more seriously. Bray said players listened to him more in practice and respected him more as a person, not just a player. Bray can now be looked at as someone to rally around and look up to. He's finally learning how to be a real quarterback in this league.

2. Richardson's revival: Tennessee's offensive line took a lot of heat last season and for good reason. The Vols were last in the SEC and 116th nationally in rushing. The line needed to find a spark and rising sophomore Antonio Richardson might be just that. His potential has always impressed coaches and after playing on special teams last year, he came out of the spring as the starter at left tackle. Richardson is an extremely athletic and gifted player and the coaches feel confident that he can protect Bray's blind side.

3. Lathers' and Hunter's health: Linebacker Herman Lathers and wide receiver Justin Hunter did all the right things this spring. Lathers missed the 2011 season with an ankle injury, while Hunter missed most of the season after tearing his ACL in against Florida last September. While both still aren't 100 percent, the coaches feel confident that both will be by the fall. Hunter got some good work in this spring and even flew by some players in a scrimmage. Lathers' ankle progressed more and more and thinks he'll be right on track come fall practice.

Fall questions

1. Defensive comfort: Tennessee returns eight defensive starters, but it welcomed a brand new defensive coordinator in Sal Suneri, three other new coaches and a new defensive scheme. Sunseri would like to run more 3-4 this fall, but it'll take time for his players to adjust and Tennessee isn't sure if that comfort level is quite there yet. Tennessee players will also have to continuing adjusting to the new coaching faces they'll be working with this fall. It's important that this defense, which is still relatively young, get on the same page exiting camp.

2. Running the ball: Rising sophomore Marlin Lane showed nice improvement, but he finished the spring tied with Rajion Neal and Devrin Young at running back. So, the jury is still out on whether this team will be able to run the ball more consistently this season and Tennessee might have to look to its incoming freshmen for more help. While the running backs struggled last year, the offensive line was another reason for the Vols' shortcomings in the rushing department. There was a lot of movement up front and improvements need to start there before Tennessee can even think about handing the ball off more.

3. Defensive tackle: There's a lot of uncertainty and inexperience at tackle, and a lot of of players listed as co-starters on Tennessee's post-spring depth chart. Maurice Couch had an up-and-down 2011 season and now will be called to take on more responsibility now that Malik Jackson is gone. Daniel Hood, who was recovering from shoulder surgery this spring, Steven Fowlkes, Darrington Sentimore and Gregory Clark will all get chances in the middle. Also, keep an eye on incoming junior college transfer Daniel McCullers, who the coaches think can contribute immediately.

We move to linebackers today in our postseason position rankings.

Defensive lines are very important in this league, but there are other guys in the box who have to be pretty reliable as well in this league. This league has done a pretty solid job of producing some top talent at this position as well.

You can see what are preseason linebacker rankings looked like here.

And here are our postseason rankings:

1. Alabama: This unit was at the top of our preseason rankings and didn't budge throughout the season. When you have two All-Americans in Courtney Upshaw, who was the defensive MVP in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game, and Dont'a Hightower it's pretty understandable to see why. Those two combined for 136 tackles, including 29 for loss. Nico Johnson was fourth on the team in tackles, while C.J. Mosley added 37 of his own. Alabama's defense was first nationally in total defense and first in rushing defense, allowing 74.2 yards per game.

2. Georgia: Linebackers are essential to any 3-4 defense, and the Bulldogs' group did quite well in 2011. Georgia ended up with one of the nation's best linebackers in Jarvis Jones, who led the SEC with 19 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He also had 49 quarterback hurries. Michael Gilliard was third on the team behind Jones with 65 tackles. While Alec Ogletree missed part of the first half of the season, the speedster still finished with 52 tackles, including 7.5 for loss. Cornelius Washington, Amarlo Herrera Christian Robinson combined to add 101 more tackles, as Georgia's defense ranked fifth nationally.

3. Arkansas: Arkansas' defense had a lot of bend in it last season, but the linebackers found ways to make plays. Newcomer Alonzo Highsmith was third on the team with 80 tackles, led with 12.5 tackles for loss and had 4.5 sacks. The star continued to be Jerry Franklin, who led the team in tackles (101) for the fourth straight year. Then there was Jerico Nelson, who was all over the field as that hybrid linebacker/safety. He came away with 70 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. Ross Rasner, who played outside with Nelson, added 53 more tackles and two sacks.

4. Florida: The Gators' defense ranked eighth nationally in part because of the aggressive play of its front seven. Jon Bostic commanded the middle, leading the team with 94 tackles, including 10 for loss. Jelani Jenkins seemed to come more into his own outside, finishing third on the team in tackles. The big surprise was Lerentee McCray, who played both Sam linebacker and the hybrid Buck. He was one of Florida's most active linebackers and grabbed 7.5 tackles for loss. Ronald Powell started at the Buck, but saw most of his production from defensive end.

5. Vanderbilt: The Commodores entered the season needing to replace three starting linebackers and ended the year with a very impressive linebacking corps. It was led by vet Chris Marve, who was 10th in the league in tackles. Archibald Barnes had a solid year at the Will, ranking fourth on the team in tackles and grabbing two interceptions. Chase Garnham and Al Owens manned the Sam position and combined for 72 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Against conference foes, Vandy's rush defense ranked fourth in the league.

6. LSU: The Tigers were in search of that dominant middle linebacker all season and might have found a budding star in Kevin Minter, really grew into the position by the end of the season and was fifth on the team in tackles. He started 11 games, but shared time with Karnell Hatcher, who finished with 24 tackles. Ryan Baker was LSU's best linebacker, was an outstanding leader and was fourth on the team with 64 tackles. Stefoin Francois was the starter at Sam, but he accumulated just 11 tackles, while backup Tahj Jones registered 27. Still, LSU owned the No. 2 national defense.

7. South Carolina: The Gamecocks saw improvement from this group as the season went on. While the defensive line got a ton of credit, the linebackers did their part in securing the defense's No. 3 national ranking. Antonio Allen spent some time in the box at the Spur position and led South Carolina with 88 tackles and had 9.5 for loss. Rodney Paulk and Shaq Wilson, who returned from injury, rotated at the Mike and combined for 109 tackles. Will linebacker Reginald Bowens added 44 tackles.

8. Kentucky: The Wildcats owned the SEC's top tackler in Danny Trevathan (143), who should have received more national attention. Trevathan was one of the most active defenders around at the Will. Winston Guy played the hybrid linebacker/safety and was third in the SEC with 120 tackles. Ronnie Sneed added 71 more tackles. Kentucky's defense was much more aggressive under new defensive coordinator Rick Minter and got more exotic looks from its linebackers.

9. Mississippi State: Cameron Lawrence was a beast for the Bulldogs in 2011. He was second in the SEC with 123 tackles, and had 49 solo. Senior Brandon Wilson added 94 more tackles. Brandon Maye, who transferred from Clemson, was expected to make a bigger impact for the Bulldogs, but played behind Wilson and was 11th on the team in tackles. Sophomore Deontae Skinner added 69 tackles and Mississippi State ranked in the bottom half of the SEC in total defense.

10. Tennessee: The Vols' top three tacklers were linebackers. The leader was senior Austin Johnson, who finished the season with 81 tackles, including 41 solo. Next were two true freshmen on the outside in A.J. Johnson (80) and Curt Maggitt (56). Both freshmen experienced up-and-down seasons, but were SEC All-Freshman selections. Herman Lathers, who was a projected started, missed 2011 with a fractured ankle, and after the big three, the Vols didn't get a ton out of their linebackers, as Dontavis Sapp was their next most productive linebacker with 20 tackles.

11. Auburn: The Tigers' defense really struggled in 2011 and gave up more than 200 rushing yards a contest. Auburn had to basically start over at linebacker, but lone returning starter Daren Bates had a heck of a year, ranking fourth in the league with 104 tackles. He really tried to make sure he played all over the field last fall. After that, the play was up-and-down. Senior Eltoro Freeman took over in the middle halfway into the year and finished with 58 tackles, while Jake Holland and Jonathan Evans combined for 83 tackles.


12. Ole Miss: The Rebels' defense had all sorts of problems defensively, including allowing 256.5 yards per game and 21 rushing touchdowns. The linebackers took a major hit with the absence of D.T. Shackelford, who missed the season with a knee injury. Mike Marry stepped up at the Mike and led Ole Miss with 81 tackles and five for loss. Freshman Serderius Bryant and junior Joel Kight combined for 122 tackles. Damien Jackson played the Spur and added 64 tackles, but Ole Miss' defense ranked dead last in the SEC.

Happy Monday to everybody. Let's hit the links:

• Tennessee senior linebacker Austin Johnson says the Vanderbilt game will define the Vols' season.
• Kentucky is reeling heading to Georgia this coming weekend.
• A contract extension is likely for Georgia coach Mark Richt, but what about defensive coordinator Todd Grantham?
• South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier doesn't hold out much hope that Kentucky can knock off Georgia.
• Auburn receiver Emory Blake says a "couple guys shut it down" in the 45-7 loss to Georgia.
• LSU coach Les Miles simply wants to play Jordan Jefferson, writes Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana News.
• Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron stays positive despite his early mistakes last week.
• Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen says the Bulldogs remain just a few plays away.
• Florida coach Will Muschamp says he sees improvement, regardless of the results.
• Arkansas' seniors go out in style at Razorback Stadium.

Making the rounds in the SEC on a Wednesday:

• Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity reflects on his first year in Athens.
• Mississippi State is toying with using safety Johnthan Banks on offense some this season.
• Ole Miss' Randall Mackey is stepping it up in the Rebels' quarterback race.
• Alabama's Barrett Jones is the utility guy in the Crimson Tide's offensive line.
• Eight Auburn walk-ons are awarded scholarships. The Tigers had opened fall camp with just 72 scholarship players.
• Did Tim Tebow have a bounty on him while playing at Florida?
• Kentucky senior cornerback Randall Burden steps in as the Wildcats' new punt returner.
• Arkansas receiver Greg Childs is still trying to get that last little burst back after coming back from a torn patella tendon injury.
• There won't be any looking back this season for LSU offensive guard Will Blackwell.
• Tennessee is looking for Austin Johnson to anchor down at middle linebacker this season.
• Vanderbilt may increase the role of the fullback in its offense.

It's near the end of the week and almost every team has opened up preseason practice in the SEC. Cruise around the league with some links before the lunchtime soup gets cold.

• Alabama defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore is transferring to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
• Expectations are high at Alabama for incoming receiver Duron Carter, writes Izzy Gould of The Mobile Press-Register.
• Fall camp marks the final part of Auburn's quarterback competition.
• Arkansas begins its preseason camp with high expectations for the upcoming season.
• Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun writes that the only conference that can stop the SEC from winning a sixth straight national championship is the SEC.
• Here are five position battles to keep an eye on at Georgia.
• Georgia's 'Dream team' will compete in its first practice of the year today, and there are lofty expectations for this group.
• Thousands flock to South Carolina's first practice to get an early glimpse at the favorites in the East.
• Kentucky's defense is focusing on creating turnovers above everything else.
• Tennessee senior linebacker Austin Johnson had his charges of disorderly conduct and public intoxication dismissed.
• Vanderbilt's freshman class hopes to open the door to future top prospects signing with the Commodores.

Making the rounds in the SEC:

• Mississippi State lands a verbal commitment from 330-pound defensive tackle Nick James of Long Beach, Miss. James is ranked as the No. 22 defensive tackle prospect in the country by ESPN.
• Travis Haney of The Charleston Post and Courier examines five storylines to watch at South Carolina this preseason.
• Alabama's Barrett Jones is a master of time management, writes Izzy Gould of The Mobile Press-Register.
• Signees Mickey Johnson and Alonzo Lewis won't be reporting for fall camp with the rest of their LSU teammates.
• Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson is sorry for the "embarrassment" of his arrest.
• Gentry Estes of Dawgs247.com looks back at Mark Richt's top 5 wins.
• The new top Gator in charge, Will Muschamp, looks back on his playing days at Georgia.
• Kentucky picks up three more verbal commitments -- tight end/defensive end Daniel Ross, offensive tackle T.J. Jones and kicker Landon Foster.
• Five things to know about Vanderbilt heading into fall camp.

One of Tennessee's most promsing defensive players, sophomore end Jacques Smith, is healthy and will be "full-go" for the start of preseason camp, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said Monday.

The Vols open practice on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Smith had surgery on both feet during the offseason, so there was some concern over when he might be ready. Having him there for the start of camp is good news for the Vols, who have no choice but to play a ton of new faces and younger players on defense this season. Smith was named to the SEC's All-Freshman team by the coaches last season after recording five tackles for loss.

While Smith will be back, Dooley said it would still be a few more months before senior linebacker Herman Lathers would be back on the field. Lathers was the Vols' only returning starting linebacker, but broke his ankle during summer workouts in June.

With Lathers out, senior linebacker Austin Johnson was expected to play an even bigger role. Johnson was arrested late last month and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Dooley said Monday that he was disappointed in Johnson, but added that Johnson's punishment would be handled internally. Dooley said Johnson had been having one of the best summers of anybody on the team until his arrest.

The Vols' lack of depth at linebacker guarantees that a few true freshmen will be in the rotation this season. Curt Maggitt, A.J. Johnson and Christian Harris were all highly rated and will get a chance to play right away.

Read some of these SEC links while you get your afternoon grub on.

• Kristi Dosh of The Business of College Sports writes that LSU's Tiger Athletic Foundation has total assets of more than $265 million.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News wonders why so many Alabama players signed so much stuff for the owner of T-Town Menswear.
• Linebackers Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens will be tough to replace at Auburn this fall.
• Undrafted Arkansas players are eager to chase their NFL dreams.
• Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun writes that this is the last chance for John Brantley and Deonte Thompson at Florida.
• Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity hopes to have the investigation into the eligibility issues Jarvis Jones is facing wrapped up by the end of the week.
• Police say Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson allegedly tried to engage in a fight and has been accused of hitting parked cars before his arrest early Sunday morning.
• Lane Kiffin hit with failure-to-monitor instead of Tennessee.
• Les Miles isn't "overly concerned" with Russell Shepard's availability.
• Miles may soon finalize a new seven-year contract proposed by LSU.
• Former Rebels Jeremiah Masoli and Jonathan Cornell both sign NFL free agent deals.
• Life is about to get busy for undrafted former Kentucky players.

We're back from Hoover, Ala., and SEC media days, which means that football is just around the corner. Most teams start fall practice next week. Check out some links from around the league this morning.

• Florida safety Matt Elam was cited for possession of alcohol over the weekend.
• Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
• Former Vanderbilt head coach Robbie Caldwell has found comfort as Clemson's offensive line coach.
• Despite an 11-2 season, LSU linebacker Ryan Baker considers 2010 a "down year" for the Tigers.
• The quarterback future in the SEC appears to be bright.
• Alabama and Auburn players talk about some players standing out during summer workouts.
• Auburn coach Gene Chizik has heard about the low expectations for his Tigers and he really doesn't care about them.
• Robbie Neiswanger of the Arkansas News Bureau takes a look back at the top storylines from SEC media days.
• Florida's John Brantley and Deonte Thompson both anticipate turnaround seasons together in Gainesville this fall.
• Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is ready for more in his second year as the Bulldogs' quarterback.
• John Clay of The Lexington Herald-Leader writes that the Compass Bowl was an excellent wake-up call for the Wildcats.
• South Carolina's oldest former football players recall the Gamecocks' rich history.