ESPN College Football

Just a few links before the Memorial Day weekend.

• Drama runs high at next week's SEC spring meetings.
• Alabama's Barrett Jones and other SEC players make the Rimington Award watch list.
• Florida coach Will Muschamp finishes up his Gator Club speaking tour.
• There won't be a raise for Mark Richt with his new contract, but bonuses could be coming.
• Former LSU commit Torshiro Davis talks decommitting from the Tigers before signing with Texas last year.
• USA Today takes a look at athletic directors and league commissioners and their salaries.
• Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze is moving the Rebels in the right direction.
• Tennessee coach Derek Dooley addresses discipline issues with his team.

Phil Steele has released his 2012 preseason All-SEC teams [PDF], and the first unit is dominated by Alabama and LSU players.

Of the 28 spots on the first team, 12 are occupied by players from Alabama and LSU, and that counts special teams. Alabama placed six players on the first team and LSU five, although Tyrann Mathieu was named as both a cornerback and punt returner.

The Alabama players making the first team were offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, offensive guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, noseguard Jesse Williams and linebackers C.J. Mosley and Nico Johnson. In addition to Mathieu, the LSU players earning first-team honors were offensive tackle Alex Hurst, defensive end Sam Montgomery, safety Eric Reid and punter Brad Wing.

The biggest surprise to me in looking over Steele's top four teams was that LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo was only third team. Mingo tied for third in the SEC last season with 15 tackles for loss. Also, Florida defensive end Dominique Easley was only fourth team, but Easley did tear his ACL in the last game of the regular season last year. Tennessee's Tyler Bray was not selected among the top four quarterbacks.

Here's a look at the entire first team:

OFFENSE

QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
RB Marcus Lattimore, S. Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee
WR Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn
C Barrett Jones, Alabama
OG Chance Warmack, Alabama
OG Larry Warford, Kentucky
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
OT Alex Hurst, LSU

DEFENSE

DE Sam Montgomery, LSU
DT Jesse Williams, Alabama
DT John Jenkins, Georgia
DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn
LB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
LB Nico Johnson, Alabama
LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi St.
S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
S Eric Reid, LSU

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Caleb Sturgis, Florida
P Brad Wing, LSU
KR Tre Mason, Auburn
PR Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

College Football Live's panel of experts discusses the upcoming season for the Crimson Tide.

There's no doubt that Alabama should be outstanding again in its offensive line this coming season.

College football analyst Phil Steele is certainly a believer. In his "Phil Steele's 2012 College Preview," which will hit newstands June 5, Steele has center Barrett Jones, guard Chance Warmack and tackle D.J. Fluker making up three-fifths of his preseason first-team All-America selections on the offensive line.

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo and Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis were the other SEC players to earn first-team honors. Mathieu was selected at two different positions -- cornerback and punt returner.

The SEC players receiving second-team All-America mention from Steele were:

• Arkansas running back Knile Davis
• Tennessee receiver Da'Rick Rogers
• Arkansas receiver Cobi Hamilton
• Kentucky offensive guard Larry Warford
• Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel
• Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews
• LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery
• Alabama nose guard Jesse Williams
• Georgia nose guard John Jenkins
• Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley
• Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks
• LSU safety Eric Reid
• LSU punter Brad Wing

The third-team All-Americans from the SEC were:

• Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson
• Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen
• LSU offensive tackle Alex Hurst
• Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd
• Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier
• Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson
• Texas A&M linebacker Sean Porter
• Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner
• Alabama safety Robert Lester

The following from the SEC made the fourth team:

• Texas A&M receiver Ryan Swope
• Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg
• Arkansas offensive guard Alvin Bailey
• LSU offensive tackle Chris Faulk
• South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
• Florida safety Matt Elam
• Texas A&M Dustin Harris

As part of "College Football Live's" 100 Days Till Kickoff countdown, we'll take a look at the top-10 players in the SEC heading into the 2012 season.

Keep in mind that these are the guys we project to be the 10 best college football players this coming season in the SEC and not necessarily the 10 best NFL draft prospects. There's a difference.

What's more, a lot can (and will) change between now and November.

So let the second-guessing begin:

1. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: In his first season of action in the SEC after transferring from USC, Jones didn’t need much of a refresher course. He quickly emerged as the most dynamic big-play defender in the SEC and is one of those players who can take over a game. Just ask Florida. Much more than just a pass-rusher, Jones led the league with 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

2. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: Wilson had shown in flashes what he was capable of while filling in for Ryan Mallett, but put an All-SEC season together last year in his first season as a starter. He passed for 3,638 yards and only threw six interceptions in 438 passing attempts. He’ll be even better his second time through the league.

3. Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: The “Honey Badger” nickname caught on nationally last season, and Mathieu latched on to seemingly every football that came his way. Even though he’s not a great cover cornerback, he makes up for it with his penchant for coming up with turnovers. A Heisman Trophy finalist last season, Mathieu forced six fumbles and recovered five. He’s also one of the most dangerous punt returners in the league.

4. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: If not for the knee injury that cut Lattimore’s season short a year ago, he’d probably be at the top of this list. He’s one of the most complete running backs in college football and can carry a team on his shoulders. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, can grind out the tough yards and also has big-play ability. All indications are that Lattimore is on course to be all the way back, which is bad news for opposing defenses.

5. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: It’s almost unfair to be as talented as LSU will be across the defensive front this coming season. Montgomery will be the leader of that group. He can rush the passer and play the run and is versatile enough to beat offensive linemen with his power and his speed. Montgomery finished last season with nine sacks.

6. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU: LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis raised a few eyebrows prior to last season when he vowed that Mingo would be the premier pass-rusher in the SEC before he was done. Mingo responded with 15 tackles for loss last season, including eight sacks. He’s an absolute blur coming off the edge and has the kind of burst that gives offensive linemen nightmares.

7. Barrett Jones, C, Alabama: Jones won the Outland Trophy last season as a left tackle on the Crimson Tide’s national championship team. He started at guard the previous two seasons. A two-time All-American, Jones will move to center for his senior season. If he pulls this off, he’ll go down as one of the most versatile offensive linemen in SEC history.

8. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina: Simply living up to the hype last season was a coup for Clowney, who was one of the most heralded freshmen to come into the league in a long time. He finished with eight sacks and forced five fumbles and wasn’t even a full-time starter. Physically, he’s as good as it gets, and with a year of experience under his belt, is destined for a huge sophomore season.

9. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia: There were some who zeroed in on his 14 interceptions last season, but Murray also tossed a school-record 35 touchdown passes. And in his first two seasons, Murray has thrown 59 touchdown passes. He’s a great leader, tough as nails and capable of extending the play with his running ability. Look for Murray to cut down on his mistakes in 2012 and have his most consistent season yet.

10. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: The only reason Davis slipped this far was because of his injury-riddled past. But to his credit, he just keeps coming back. He missed all of last season with a fractured ankle, but insists he’s running as fast as ever and could have played toward the end of last season. Davis led all SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards in 2010 and was the catalyst for that Arkansas offense. If he’s all the way back, look out.

On Wednesday, ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper released his first 2013 draft Big Board, which lists his top 25 players heading in to next year's draft.

Today, we're taking a look at some of the players who just missed his board . Kiper broke it down by juniors and seniors and there are a few SEC players lurking around, especially when it comes to juniors.

SENIORS

Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas: "Hamilton has what [Jarius] Wright and [Joe] Adams lacked -- elite size for the position."

• With Hamilton's speed and playmaking ability, something tells me he'll be in there when all is said and done. Hamilton might have been overlooked at times nationally by his teammates, but he'll be front and center this fall.

One question: Where in the world is Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones? He was the Outland Trophy winner last year and is easily the league's top returning offensive lineman. He's versatile enough to play a few positions at the next level and might end up at center. He might not be as physically gifted as some of the other linemen on Kiper's list, but it's hard for me to see him not going in the first two rounds next year.

Keep an eye one: Texas A&M running back Christine Michael. Though he tore his ACL last year, Michael should be back and healthy this fall for the Aggies. Michael led the Aggies in rushing before his injury, registering 899 yards (6 yards per carry) and scoring eight touchdowns. A good year in the SEC could propel him into or near the first round.

JUNIORS

Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee: "Bray has continued to improve his accuracy and is the definition of a developing, high-ceiling QB prospect."

• There will be a lot of debate around here about if he or Arkansas' Tyler Wilson is a better pro prospect. Both have big arms and can be very accurate. But Wilson has a more intangibles on the mental side for now. Let's let 2012 decide this one for us.

Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: "An injury derailed his 2011 season, but Davis should come back explosive and could push his way into the discussion as the top running back in the draft."

• Davis will compete with South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore as the SEC's top back, and maybe as the country's top back this fall. Both are great when healthy, but pro scouts are concerned about Davis' two injuries to the same ankle. A solid, injury-free year should help ease that worry.

Bennie Logan, DT, LSU: "Really brilliant when it comes to using his hands to shed. I can see him as a 3-tech at the next level if he plays at this size."

• Logan is another player who was overlooked at times because of those around him. He registered 57 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and three sacks, last year, and defensive coordinator John Chavis thinks he's ready to really break out this fall.

Eric Reid, S, LSU: "He is quietly the best player in the LSU secondary, and he'll get a lot of opportunities on errant passes if the LSU pass rush is as good as it looks on paper."

• Reid was best known for his tremendous, game-changing interception he made in the first Alabama game last year, but he did so much more for that LSU defense. He can play all over the field and makes it so difficult for quarterbacks to throw deep on the Tigers when he's in center field.

Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: "The knack for big plays is clear, but Mathieu must overcome questions about his size and develop his cover skills."

• He might have been the most exciting player to watch last season and he has an amazing ability for finding the ball, but he is undersized at the next level. Playing with a chip on his shoulder is nothing new for Mathieu and I'm sure the size knocks will be in the back of his head all fall.

Keep an eye on: Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter. Yes, Da'Rick Rogers had a much better year in 2011, but if Hunter doesn't suffer that knee injury against Florida, I think we have a much different story. He's a physical freak and has tremendous speed. A good year from him could send him bolting to the NFL.

Also: Look out for Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley. Pro scouts really like his athleticism and his tremendous ability to break through opposing lines. If he didn't hurt his knee against Florida State, he'd be getting a lot more attention this spring. If he comes back healthy and is as dominant as scouts think he can be, he'll make Kiper's list.

While realizing that so much can (and will) change between now and next April, I’ve come up with our list of the SEC’s top NFL draft prospects for 2013.

This isn’t a mock draft. Likewise, it’s not a ranking of who I think will be the best players in the SEC next season.

Rather, it’s a projection of who will be the most coveted NFL prospects from the SEC when the 2013 draft rolls around next April. In coming up with this list, I’ve talked to several draft analysts as well as NFL scouts, SEC coaches and others who are clued in to the whole draft process.

Some players will obviously play their way onto this list next season, while others will play their way off it. Injuries will certainly be a factor, and then occasionally, guys come from nowhere to be first-round picks.

How many people had LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers as a first-rounder this time a year ago? The same goes for South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram.

Better yet, who had Cam Newton as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft prior to the 2010 season?

On Mel Kiper’s first Big Board last year, his top SEC player was South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery at No. 4 overall. Jeffery wound up going in the second round after seeing his numbers drop off dramatically during his junior season and playing at 230 pounds. He trimmed nearly 15 pounds for his testing sessions after the season.

We’ve picked out our top 16 prospects from the SEC. We settled on 16 because that’s how many SEC players were drafted this year in the top three rounds -- nine in the first round, five in the second, and two in the third.

Again, we’re not suggesting that all 16 will go in the first round. It’s simply the order we think they will come off the board in next April’s draft.

So here goes:

1. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: Would have been a first-rounder in the 2012 draft had he come out.

2. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: The most productive pass-rusher in the SEC last season, and just a dynamic football player.

3. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: One of those guys capable of wreaking havoc at a couple of different positions.

4. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU: Don’t blink or you’ll miss Mingo streaking off the edge and sacking the quarterback.

5. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: If he’s healthy, he’s the most complete back in college football.

6. Bennie Logan, DT, LSU: Overshadowed by Michael Brockers last season, Logan has a chance to be just as good.

7. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: The NFL scouts love Banks’ size and how physical he plays.

8. Eric Reid, S, LSU: Extremely athletic for a safety, Reid can do it all -- tackle, cover and make plays on the ball.

9. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: When you look up the definition of road-grader, this guy’s picture is beside it.

10. Dominique Easley, DT, Florida: The ACL injury is a concern. But when he’s right, he can be unblockable.

11. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: He’s coming off an ACL injury, but has great speed, size and leaping ability.

12. Jesse Williams, NG, Alabama: A physical specimen who’s moving from end to nosetackle. He’s only going to get better.

13. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: If Dre Kirkpatrick went as high as he did this year, Milliner won’t be too far behind.

14. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama: The most versatile offensive lineman in the country. He could easily move up this list.

15. Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S, LSU: Not a great cover guy, and he might have to play safety in the NFL, but he's magnet for the football.

16. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee: The opinions on Bray are all over the map, but he has big arm and is fearless in the pocket.

Chris Low looks at one good thing for Alabama.

There's a new 2013 mock NFL draft out there every day now, and it's always fascinating to see the different opinions on the players going into the next season.

Andrew Perloff of SI.com unveiled his mock draft on Tuesday, and he has Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Several analysts felt that Wilson might have gone in the latter part of the first round had he come out this year.

Of Perloff's top-five players for the 2013 draft, three are from the SEC. He has Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel going No. 2 overall to the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray going No. 4 overall to the Oakland Raiders.

All told, Perloff has 16 SEC players going in the first round, which would be a record.

Here's a rundown of the SEC players he projects to go in the first round:

No. 1: Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson to the Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 2: Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel to the Indianapolis Colts
No. 4: Tennessee QB Tyler Bray to the Oakland Raiders
No. 6: LSU DE Sam Montgomery to the Cleveland Browns
No. 9: Alabama OL Barrett Jones to the St. Louis Rams
No. 10: Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones to the Carolina Panthers
No. 11: Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks to the St. Louis Rams
No. 12: LSU OT Chris Faulk to the Buffalo Bills
No. 15: South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore to the Detroit Lions
No. 16: Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews to the Dallas Cowboys
No. 18: Tennessee WR Justin Hunter to the Cincinnati Bengals
No. 24: LSU DE Barkevious Mingo to the New Orleans Saints
No. 26: Alabama OT D.J. Fluker to the San Francisco 49ers
No. 30: LSU S Eric Reid to the Philadelphia Eagles
No. 31: Georgia DT John Jenkins to the Pittsburgh Steelers
No. 32: Texas A&M LB Sean Porter to the Green Bay Packers

With all this 2013 mock draft talk, I'll pass along a programming note for later this week on the SEC blog. I've reached out to coaches, scouts and analysts for input, including ESPN's Mel Kiper, and will come up with our own list of the top 16 NFL draft prospects from the SEC for next year.

Why 16?

That's how many SEC players went in the first three rounds this year -- nine in the first round, five in the second round and two in the third round.

TideNation has more on Alabama football.

Alex Scarborough writes : For those who have seen freshman running back T.J. Yeldon up close this spring, his remarkable performance during Alabama’s A-Day game came as no surprise.

Scarborough writes : TideNation’s Alex Scarborough was invited to be a coach during Saturday’s A-Day game. He didn’t call any plays, but was impressed with T.J. Yeldon’s composure and Kirby Smart’s endless energy.

Greg Ostendorf writes : 2013 LB Walker Jones, brother of Alabama’s Barrett Jones and Harrison Jones, attended A-Day and is considering playing for the Tide. But he also visited Tennessee, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt in the last week.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In his first season as Alabama’s starting right guard in 2009, Barrett Jones helped the Crimson Tide finish 14-0 and win a BCS national championship.

After moving to left tackle last season, Jones was named an All-American and won the Outland Trophy as college football’s top lineman. He also helped the Crimson Tide win their second BCS national title in three seasons, defeating LSU 21-0 in the Jan. 9 BCS National Championship Game.

Now Jones, a senior from Germantown, Tenn., is moving to center, where he’ll replace the departed William Vlachos, a three-year starter, who was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the country’s top center last season.

“I think you’ve got to think about how can we make our team the best,” Jones said. “Our philosophy around here has always been to play the best five. I think in order to do that this year, I’m going to have to play center. That’s fine with me.”

The Crimson Tide will bring back four of five starters on the offensive line in 2012. With Jones moving to center, highly regarded sophomore Cyrus Kouandjio takes over at left tackle, where he’ll protect quarterback AJ McCarron’s blind side. Kouandjio, from Hyattsville, Md., suffered a torn ACL in his knee eight games into his freshman season in 2011.

Each of Alabama’s projected five starting offensive linemen weighs more than 300 pounds. McCarron bought them dinner before two scrimmages this spring, dropping about $200 at a wings restaurant and about $300 at a Japanese steak house.

“I’ll take them out as long as they protect me, but good Lord,” McCarron said.

Even though Jones is Alabama’s most decorated tackle, he was the most logical candidate to change positions. Guards Anthony Steen and Chance Warmack are back, along with right tackle D.J. Fluker.

“This is really my first year to have the reigns,” Jones said. “It’s a really big adjustment. Not being off the ball is probably the biggest adjustment for you. The guy is just right there, probably not 2 inches from your hands, especially when you’re playing our 3-4 [defense]. It’s a big adjustment, but it’s gone well and I think I’m progressing well. Hopefully, I’ll have a big year.”

McCarron said the transition hasn’t been perfect during spring practice, but Jones is growing into his new position.

“I ride Barrett harder than anybody,” McCarron said. “He’s learning. He’s never done it before. He gets mad sometimes if things aren’t perfect, but there are going to be some speed bumps along the way. He’s gotten a lot better since we started. Knowing him, he’s going to continue to get better. I’m not worried about him at all.”

Jones, 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, has never played center before. Playing three different positions in college only figures to help his stock in the NFL draft.

“I think as far as the next level, it will only help me in terms of versatility and being able to play multiple positions,” Jones said. “You think about what’s best for the team and not just for one player.”

TideNation has more on Alabama football.

Alex Scarborough writes: Alabama’s Barrett Jones, Adrian Hubbard and Brian Vogler are three of the Tide’s biggest players, and they expect to make big impacts at different positions in 2012.

Alex Scarborough writes : The Tide hit the field Tuesday for their second-to-last practice before Saturday’s A-Day scrimmage. The veterans are looking good, but the younger players need to take this time to move forward.

Greg Ostendorf writes : 2013 quarterback Cooper Bateman, a Utah native, has offers from Alabama, Florida, Arkansas and Auburn. He took a recent visit to Tuscaloosa and said it was “awesome.”

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama has won two of the past three BCS national championships, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said his team’s offense has yet to become the kind of attack he wants it to be.

Last season, when the Crimson Tide went 12-1 and defeated LSU 21-0 in the Jan. 9 Allstate BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans, it ranked 69th nationally in passing (215.1 yards per game) and 31st in total offense (429.6 yards).

“We’ve never been quite the style of offense I’ve wanted to be here,” Saban said. “We’ve always had such good backs, and our offensive line has been pretty good. It’s hard not to feed those guys the ball. When I was at LSU, we were a lot more explosive with our quarterbacks and wide receivers. We need to continue to develop that balance.”

Last season, Crimson Tide tailback Trent Richardson led the SEC and ranked No. 5 nationally in rushing with 129.1 yards per game. In 2009, when Alabama went 14-0 and defeated Texas 37-21 in the BCS National Championship Game, Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram ran for 1,658 yards with 17 touchdowns.

“I think we’ll never forget who we are,” Alabama center Barrett Jones said. “We can always run the football. I’m not saying we won’t open things up, but I don’t think we’ll ever forget our identity. Our identity is we don’t care how many people you put in the box, we’re always going to run the football.”

Alabama might be more equipped to open up its offense heading into the 2012 season. Quarterback AJ McCarron is entering his second season as a starter, after completing 66.8 percent of his passes for 2,634 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

McCarron threw the ball down the field more effectively against LSU in the BCS title game, completing 23 of 34 passes for 234 yards. He has an even better command of the Tide’s offense now.

“It was about midway through last year when I could really say something to the guys and really tell them what I wanted to happen,” McCarron said. “Now it doesn’t matter if it’s a run play or pass play. Receivers will come to me and say, ‘Who do I need to block?’ Even before the ball is snapped, I’ll point it out. Guys will come to you and ask for advice. It’s something that’s really cool. I’m just trying to get the best out of everybody around me.”

Jones, who is moving from left tackle to center this coming season, said he’s noticed a difference in his quarterback during spring practice.

“Toward the end of the year, I think he really started to develop the confidence you need to play quarterback in the SEC,” Jones said. “He’s really started to take a lot more responsibility for the offense, and is making a lot more calls and is more comfortable with our scheme and what we’re trying to do. He’s doing a lot more of it on his own this year.”

Even though Richardson left Alabama for the NFL draft after his junior season, McCarron might have better weapons around him. The Crimson Tide signed arguably the best crop of incoming freshman receivers, including Chris Black of Jacksonville, Fla., and Amari Cooper of Miami, who enrolled at Alabama in January. Sophomore Christion Jones of Adamsville, Ala., has been one of the Tide’s most explosive receivers during spring practice, and another highly regarded freshman, Eddie Williams of Panama City, Fla., joins the team this summer.

“They’re really good,” McCarron said. “I know we’re going to have some growing pains to start out with. The system’s not easy to learn, but in the short amount of time they’ve been here, they’ve done a good job so far. Amari and Chris Black, and the new guys coming in are different types of guys, but they’ve done a good job of learning and listening to the older receivers. They know the way and how it’s done, which is going to help them in the process.”

The Tide also lost offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who was named Colorado State’s new coach. Saban hired Washington offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to replace him.

“He’s younger,” McCarron said. “Being younger, he kind of relates to you a little bit more outside of football. Nuss just brings a lot of energy to practice, and he’s hyped up. I think it’s because he drinks like nine cups of coffee a day. He definitely has a lot of energy, and it helps practice go a lot smoother. He definitely has some different ideas, which have been cool to learn.”

McCarron said the Tide will keep much of its offense in place, but Nussmeier has added a few wrinkles.

“I think we’re going to be in the gun a little more,” McCarron said. “Nussmeier likes going four or five wide, and even spreading out the running back and putting him out there. We’ve been doing a lot of that.”

Mark Schlabach talks with Alabama's Barrett Jones about adjusting to playing center, the new offense, and spring practice.

Free agency in the NFL always brings a lot of attention, so we figured we'd ask for your opinion on what it would be like if the top players in the SEC were up for grabs.

After more than 7,700 votes cast, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson edged out South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore by grabbing 28 percent of the vote. Lattimore received 26 percent.

Having a top quarterback in this league is big, and Wilson is as big as they get in the SEC. He was the league's top passer last season, and has arguably the biggest arm of any of the returning SEC quarterbacks. Put any ounce of receiving talent around him, and you'd be fine. Put really good receivers around him, and he'll lead the league in passing. Win-win if you ask me.

But getting Lattimore wouldn't be so bad, either. When he's healthy, he's a Heisman candidate, and it sounds like he'll be good to go this fall. Lattimore had a tremendous freshman season, and was the SEC's leading rusher last season before suffering that knee injury halfway through the season. He's bruiser and cut his 40 time down to 4.5 before last season. Like Wilson, Lattimore is also a proven leader. I'd have no problem taking Lattimore if given the chance.

LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was next with 19 percent. When he's on, he's in the conversation as the best defender in the country, regardless of where he lines up. He's an extremely versatile athlete who can play cornerback, return kicks, and recently learned how to play safety. He was a Heisman finalist, and won the Bednarik Award last season. He has the ability to disrupt so many plays because of his ability to find the ball from anywhere. In 25 games, he has created a total of 14 turnovers (eight fumble recoveries, four interceptions and two forced fumbles) and already owns the school record with 11 forced fumbles.

Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones took 15 percent of the vote, with Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones grabbing 12 percent. I'm surprised at how low Jones was on this list. I thought he'd be near the top with how well he played. He led the SEC with 19.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in his first season in the SEC. He didn't even play in 2010! That's pretty impressive.

Then you have Jones, who can play just about everywhere on the offensive line. Line him up at left tackle, and your quarterback is safe. Put him inside, and the running game won't have issues. There's no doubt coaches would be scrambling to pick him up if he were indeed a free agent.