ESPN College Football

2011 record: 6-7
2011 conference record: 2-6
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 3

Top returners:
WR Chris Boyd, WR Jordan Matthews, QB Jordan Rodgers, RB Zac Stacy, OG Ryan Seymour, C Wesley Johnson, LB Archibald Barnes, Chase Garnham, DT Rob Lohr, CB Trey Wilson

Key losses:
TE Brandon Barden, OT Kyle Fischer, DE Tim Fugger, LB Chris Marve, CB Casey Hayward, S Sean Richardson

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Zac Stacy* (1,193 yards)
Passing: Jordan Rodgers* (1,524 yards)
Receiving: Jordan Matthews* (778 yards)
Tackles: Chris Marve (91)
Sacks: Tim Fugger (8)
Interceptions: Casey Hayward (7)

Spring answers

1. Finding more leaders: Vanderbilt coach James Franklin wanted to leave spring with more leaders than started with. By his accounts, a few veterans stepped up with guys like Marve, Fugger, Hayward and Fischer gone. Franklin said that if the Commodores were going to build off of last season's success, some veterans had to step up and take hold of the team. Guys like Jordan Rodgers, Chase Garnham, Walker May, Trey Wilson and Zac Stacy really expanded their roles as leaders and will be leaned on even more this fall.

2. Marve's replacement: Finding someone to take over for Marve in the locker room was one thing, but filling his position on the field is another. Exiting the spring, Franklin thinks he found the perfect player for the job in Garnham. He moved from the outside to the middle and really excelled at Marve's old position. Garnham was one of the Vanderbilt's most consistent defensive players this spring and the coaches expect to perform this fall.

3. More playmakers: The Commodores return much of their offense this season, but it sounds like the coaches found a few more players. People know about Stacy and receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd, but a few other players caught the coaches' eyes like redshirt freshmen Josh Grady and Kris Kentera, who were former quarterbacks. Grady showed his versatility by playing all over the field at receiver, running back and as a wildcat quarterback. It looks like Kentera earned some playing time at H-back this fall, helping to take pressure off Matthews and Boyd.

Fall questions

1. Offensive line: Spring practices have not addressed any of the issues the Commodores have on the offensive line. Ryan Seymour and Chase White began spring by rehabbing injuries, leaving Vandy with just nine healthy bodies up front. As spring went on, Franklin said there were times when his team sometimes had just seven linemen to work with. It was bad enough that Vandy rarely went through practices with a full offensive line taking reps. Six true freshmen linemen will enroll at Vandy this fall, but there's no question this unit is the biggest worry for the Commodores.

2. Quarterback consistency: While Rogers made improvements to his game, he still showed the inconsistency that frustrated Franklin last season. There's no question he has the athletic ability to be a solid starter in this league, but he sometimes fails to stand tall in the pocket and deliver solid throws when things collapse around him. That kind of play really hurt Vandy's offense last season. He was pushed by 2009 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Austyn Carta-Samuels during the spring and the battle is expected to continue through fall camp.

3. Warren Norman's health: After missing all of the 2011 season with a knee injury, Norman returned to the practice field this spring. Though he was non-contact, he showed some improvement in his mobility. It's still unclear how healthy Norman will be and if really complement Stacy in the running game. Rising sophomore Jerron Seymour is the one other returning running back that registered carries last season.

Even as we turn our attention to the 2012 football season, there's always time to check back with the past from time to time.

The SEC released its last set of notes from the 2011 season this week, so we thought we'd take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures from the previous season.

For starters, how about a look at the SEC players of the week?

Week 1 (Games of Sept. 1-3): Offense - Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Rokevious Watkins, OT, South Carolina; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Luke McDermott, DT, Kentucky; Co-Freshman - Trey Depriest, LB, Alabama; Tre Mason, RB/RS, Auburn.

Week 2 (Games of Sept. 10): Offense - Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee; Defense - Mark Barron, S, Alabama; Special Teams - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Offensive Lineman - Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas; Defensive Lineman - Rob Lohr, DT, Vanderbilt; Co-Freshman - Josh Clemons, RB, Kentucky; Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 3 (Games of Sept. 15-17): Co-Offense - Chris Rainey, RB, Florida; Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina; Defense -Trey Wilson, DB, Vanderbilt; Special Teams - Caleb Sturgis, PK, Florida; Offensive Lineman - Wesley Johnson, C, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Bennie Logan, DT, LSU; Freshman- Odell Beckham, WR, LSU.

Week 4 (Games of Sept. 24): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Defense -Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Freshman- Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 5 (Games of Oct. 1): Co-Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas; Defense - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia..

Week 6 (Games of Oct. 8): Offense - Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Mike Gilliard, ILB, Georgia; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Tevin Mitchel, CB, Arkansas.

Week 7 (Games of Oct. 15): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Co-Defense - Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn; D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - Chris Faulk, OT, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Co-Freshman - Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina; Ray Drew, OLB, Georgia.

Week 8 (Games of Oct. 22): Offense - Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Ryan Seymour, OG, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU; Freshman - A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee.

Week 9 (Games of Oct. 29): Offense - Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn; Co-Defense - Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas; Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia; Special Teams - Zach Hocker, K, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina.

Week 10 (Games of Nov. 5): Offense - Jeff Demps, RB, Florida; Defense - Eric Reid, S, LSU; Special Teams - Dennis Johnson, RS/RB, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas; Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Maxwell Smith, QB, Kentucky.

Week 11 (Games of Nov. 12): Offense - Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 12 (Games of Nov. 19): Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Co-Defense - Ron Brooks, DB, LSU; Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Co-Defensive Lineman - Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee; Abry Jones, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Curt Maggitt, LB, Tennessee.

Week 13 (Games of Nov. 25-26): Co-Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Ryan Tydlacka, P, Kentucky; Co-Offensive Lineman - Kyle Fischer, OT, Vanderbilt; William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Co-Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Garrison Smith, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU.

SEC Championship Game MVP: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

BCS (Yes, the SEC has won six straight)

• Since 2006, more than half of the slots in the BCS National Championship Game have been taken by SEC teams (7 of 12). The Big Ten and the Big 12 have two each and the Pac-12 has one.

• An SEC team has led or tied for the lead at the end of 20 of the last 24 quarters of BCS National Championship Game play.
• Since 2006, an SEC team has been ranked first in the weekly BCS standings in 26 of the 48 weeks, with four different teams holding the top spot. Florida was first for seven weeks, Alabama for six weeks, Auburn for three and LSU for 10 weeks, including all eight polls of this season.
• The SEC has had more teams ranked in the BCS standings for the most times than any other conference since 2006. The league has had 11 of its 12 teams ranked at one time or another since 2006 for a total of 238 times. The SEC breakdown: LSU (45), Alabama (35), Florida (33), Auburn (29), Georgia (23), Arkansas (23), South Carolina (21), Tennessee (14), Mississippi State (8), Kentucky (4) and Ole Miss (3).
• Since 2006, the SEC has posted a 9-3 record in BCS bowl games, more wins and a higher winning percentage (.750) than any other conference. The win total equals that of the next two highest conferences.

Bowls

• Since 2006, the SEC has accrued more bowl wins (36) and appearances (55) than any other conference. The conference’s .655 bowl winning percentage is third behind the Big East (23-10, .697) and Mountain West (20-9, .690) during that time.
• In January bowl games, the SEC is 22-10 (.688) against nonconference competition. Since 2008, the league is 16-6 (.727) against nonconference opponents in January bowls.
• In seven 2011-12 bowl games against nonconference teams, SEC defenses held opponents to less than its scoring average in five of those games. One of the two other games were in overtime (Michigan State-Georgia) and the other was Auburn holding Virginia to 24 points, when the Cavaliers season average was 23.2 points per game.

Random

• Over the last five seasons, Alabama owns the SEC's best winning percentage with a 50-12 record (.806). LSU has the most wins with 53, while Vanderbilt owns the league's lowest winning percentage (.355). LSU owns the best winning percentage over the last 10 years (.795) with a 105-27.
• SEC teams were 20-28 on the road against SEC opponents last season. Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Vanderbilt failed to win on the road against conference opponents.
• LSU led the SEC with a touchdown efficiency on drives of 34.8. Alabama led in scoring efficiency (46.8). Ole Miss was last in scoring efficiency (20.1) and Kentucky was last in touchdown efficiency (13.2).
• LSU led the SEC with 129 fourth-quarter points and a fourth-quarter scoring margin of plus-95. Ole Miss was last with 41 points and a scoring margin of -36.
• Arkansas led the SEC in yards per scoring drive (61.9).

The SEC announced its players of the week:

Co-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Richardson rushed for a career-high 203 yards on 27 carries and also scored on a five-yard reception in Alabama’s 42-14 win at Auburn. It marked the 11th 200-yard rushing game in Alabamahistory and the first since Mark Ingram (246 vs. South Carolina in 2009). Richardson now leads the SEC and is ranked sixth nationally, averaging 131.9 yards per game. It was his 9th 100-yard rushing game of the season.

Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina: Shaw completed 14-of-20 passes for 210 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions and rushed for a career-best 107 yards on 19 carries and another score in South Carolina’s 34-13 win against Clemson. Shaw became the first Gamecocks quarterback since 2002 to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. His touchdown passes were from 49, 2 and 18 yards and his scoring run came from 15 yards out.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: Mathieu collected eight total tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown in LSU’s 41-17 win against Arkansas. He spent most of the game playing the safety position for the first time in his career. He started at safety instead of his usual cornerback spot, in place of an injured Eric Reid. Mathieu helped the Tigers limit Arkansas to 10 points and 254 total yards. The ‘Hogs 207 passing yards was their season-low. His 92-yard punt return tied the score at 14-14 in the second quarter. He forced a fumble on the Razorbacks next possession at the LSU 34-yard line.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ryan Tydlacka, P, Kentucky: Tydlacka punted nine times for a 43.6 yard average in Kentucky’s 10-7 win against Tennessee. He had a long of 64 yards and also landed a punt inside the 20-yard line. Due to his hang time and placement, the Wildcats did not allow any returns yards against the Vols. Tennessee's average starting field position on Tydlacka’s punts was its own 23-yard line.

Co-OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE WEEK

Kyle Fischer, OT, Vanderbilt: Fischer’s blocking was instrumental in Vanderbilt amassing 297 rushing yards in a 41-7 win at Wake Forest. A first-year co-captain, Fischer was part of an offensive line that did not allow a quarterback sack while producing 24 first downs and 481 total offensive yards. Commodores running back Zac Stacy ran behind blocks by Fischer on touchdown carries of 20 and 40 yards.

William Vlachos, C, Alabama: Vlachos received the Tide’s top grade on the offensive line -- 97 percent -- in Alabama’s 42-14 win at Auburn. His 97 percent grade tied for the highest of any Alabama offensive lineman this season. He did not allow a sack or pressure and had no missed assignments or penalties. Alabama averaged 6.1 yards per rush and totaled 397 yards (213 rushing / 184 passing) against the Tigers.

Co-DEFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE WEEK

Garrison Smith, DE, Georgia: Smith came off the bench to tally a career-high seven tackles, including 1.5 for losses, during a 31-17 win at Georgia Tech. After starting defensive end DeAngelo Tyson left the game after the second play with an ankle injury, Smith took over on the line and helped the Bulldogs slow the Yellow Jackets’ spread option. Smith, whose previous career high in tackles was three, helped hold Georgia Tech to its second lowest point total of the year.

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Cox recorded five total tackles with two for losses, a forced fumble and quarterback pressure in Mississippi State’s 31-3 win against Ole Miss. Cox led a Bulldogs front that allowed only 25 rushing yards on 16 first-half attempts and 92 yards on 42 carries in the game.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU: Hilliard posted career highs in carries (19) and rushing yards (102) in LSU’s 41-17 win against Arkansas. He scored on a six-yard run in the second quarter to pull the Tigers to within 14-7. Hilliard averaged 5.4 yards per carry and did not have a negative rush in the game. He led an LSU rushing attack that accounted for 286 net yards and three touchdowns.

We’ll wrap up Saturday like we always do, by passing out our helmet stickers:

Vanderbilt offensive tackle Kyle Fischer: The Commodores moved within a game Saturday of becoming bowl eligible with a 38-8 battering of Kentucky. This is a team that has improved dramatically on offense, and a lot of that is because Vanderbilt has made marked improvement in the offensive line. Fischer, a fifth-year senior right tackle, has been the anchor of that unit and helped clear the way for 410 yards of total offense against the Wildcats.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier: The Gamecocks probably aren’t going to make it back to Atlanta for a second straight season, but the Head Ball Coach has done what everybody said couldn’t be done. He’s made the program relevant in the SEC and turned South Carolina into a consistent winner. The Gamecocks are 6-0 the past two seasons against Florida (including a 17-12 victory on Saturday), Georgia and Tennessee, the teams that once ruled the Eastern Division. Who else other than Spurrier thought that would happen when he took over in Columbia in 2005?

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray: He’s saved his best football for when the Bulldogs have needed it most. Murray threw four more touchdown passes in the 45-7 pasting of Auburn on Saturday, giving him nine in the past two weeks. Murray now has 27 on the season, breaking Matthew Stafford’s school record of 25 set in 2008. Murray’s also creeping up on the SEC record for a sophomore. He has 51 in his first two seasons. Florida’s Rex Grossman holds the record with 55 during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Arkansas receiver Joe Adams: There’s a compelling race raging right now between Adams and fellow senior Jarius Wright for the Hogs’ all-time receptions lead. Adams caught two passes in the 49-7 rout of Tennessee, including a 40-yard touchdown. He also returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown, breaking at least six tackles and turning in one of the plays of the year in college football.

Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower: Alabama’s defense was once again suffocating in the 24-7 win over Mississippi State, and Hightower led the way with a team-high 11 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. He finished with 1.5 sacks and also broke up a pass. It was the 11^th straight game in which Alabama had held its opponent to 14 or fewer points.

The big uglies up front on the offensive side are our focus today. There are some quality veterans out there, but teams all across the league are looking to replace some quality linemen in the trenches.

Here's how we see the league stacking up:

1. Alabama: Four of Alabama’s five linemen from a year ago return, making this one of the team’s strongest units. The returners have combined for more than 70 starts at Alabama. Barrett Jones is the star of the show. The junior has been the Tide’s starting right guard each of the past two seasons, but took reps at left tackle and could be asked to move. William Vlachos is back at center and could be the best at his position in the league. Fellow starters D.J. Fluker and Chance Warmack are back and took reps at left tackle this spring.

2. Ole Miss: The Rebels’ offense isn’t getting much respect this offseason, but its offensive line returns All-SEC candidates in tackles Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie. Seven of Ole Miss’ linemen started two or more games each on the offensive line in 2010. Last season, the Rebels were first in the league in sacks allowed, giving up just 14. Alex Washington should stay at left guard after starting eight games there and A.J. Hawkins will likely get the nod at center after playing eight games there as well. Arkansas transfer Matt Hall will compete for time at center.

3. LSU: Joseph Barksdale might be gone, but the Tigers have a very talented group of linemen returning. Tackle Alex Hurst seems primed to be a star in the league and senior Josh Dworaczky is arguably the Tigers’ top lineman with 25 career starts. Patrick Lonergan is solid at center, while T-Bob Hebert is valuable at both center and guard. Sophomore Chris Faulk has the tough assignment of replacing Barksdale, but made quite the impression on his coaches this spring.

4. Kentucky: The Wildcats return four starters on their line. Right guard Larry Warford headlines the group after gaining second-team All-SEC honors a year ago. Kentucky also returns two-year starter Stuart Hines at left guard and Matt Smith at center, who was solid in his first year there. Left tackle Chandler Burden missed spring practice, but is expected back by fall practice. Finding a suitable right tackle is the next step for Kentucky.

5. Tennessee: This group could be one of the most impressive units for the Volunteers this season. It’s deeper and more experienced in Derek Dooley’s second year and he was very pleased with its performance this spring. Junior Dallas Thomas is solid at left tackle, and sophomore Ja’Wuan James really came on strong in his first year and is one of the top linemen in the SEC. James Stone also returns at center. The surprise of the group was true freshman Marcus Jackson, who held down the left guard spot for most of the spring.

6. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs must replace All-American left tackle Derek Sherrod, but most of the line is somewhat on point. Center Quentin Saulsberry will anchor the line and is versatile enough to play just about every position on the line. Left guard Gabe Jackson and right tackle Addison Lawrence return and the Bulldogs will have junior Tobias Smith lining up at right guard. Blaine Clausell and James Carmon, who moved from defensive tackle, will compete at left tackle.

7. Georgia: This was supposed to be one of the strongest offensive line units in the league, but the Bulldogs lost tackle Trinton Sturdivant to a season-ending knee injury this spring and fellow tackle A.J. Harmon transferred. Georgia’s most-reliable options are Cordy Glenn, who moved from guard to left tackle and Ben Jones at center. Kenarious Gates is at left guard, but he’s athletic enough to play tackle if needed. Former defensive lineman Justin Anderson will start off at right tackle. Right guard is the next area of business and the depth all around is a problem.

8. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have questions here, but there is talent across the line. Rokevious Watkins is one of the most talented guards in the league and he’ll be assisted by returning starter at center T.J. Johnson. Senior Kyle Nunn has made strides at left tackle and redshirt freshman A.J. Cann took over duties at left guard this spring. Still, the younger linemen will be counted on to contribute this fall.

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks must replace three starters on the offensive line. Center Travis Swanson and left guard Alvin Bailey are the only returning starters. Just a sophomore, Bailey impressed his coaches last season and will be one of the top linemen in the league this fall. After that, the Hogs will have to turn to youth for help. True freshman Brey Cook could be thrust into the starting role at right tackle, while sophomore Anthony Oden could get the job at left tackle.

10. Florida: Florida’s offensive line struggled throughout the 2010 season -- and that was with a senior-laden group. This fall, the Gators will start over with a ton of inexperience. Right guard Jon Halapio and right tackle Xavier Nixon are the only returning starters. Halapio struggled at times last season and Nixon battled injuries. Florida’s line spent most of the spring in the infirmary, so little is known about the overall talent. Freshman Chaz Green left spring as the starter at left tackle, Jonotthan Harrison will battle former Notre Dame lineman Dan Wenger at center. He transferred in after spring, but has health concerns.

11. Auburn: The Tigers will go from having one of the top offensive line groups in the country to having a major work in progress in 2011. Senior Brandon Mosley is the lone returning starter, and while he was solid on Auburn’s line last season, he came from junior college as a defensive end/tight end. The good news is that tackle A.J. Greene should be fine this fall after sustaining a season-ending leg injury last year. The rest of Auburn’s linemen are very young and inexperienced. Don’t expect many redshirts from this group.

12. Vanderbilt: The Commodores might return all five starters, but this unit had trouble keeping things together last year. The offense needs this group to improve mightily. Wesley Johnson is Vanderbilt’s best option, despite only being a sophomore at left tackle. There will be size on the right side, with 300-plus pounders Kyle Fischer and Ryan Seymour over there. Simply put, this unit has the experience, but it requires a lot of improvement.

For the second straight year, academic shortcomings have sidelined a key offensive player for Vanderbilt.

The university announced on Wednesday that junior offensive tackle James Williams, projected to be the starter on the right side, would not be a part of the football team in 2010 for academic reasons.

A year ago, it was receiver Terence Jeffers who didn’t make it academically after transferring from Connecticut. Jeffers was easily the Commodores’ best receiver in the spring, but didn’t have enough transferable credit hours to be eligible in the fall.

It goes without saying that the Commodores can ill afford to keep losing some of their most talented offensive players.

Last season, they averaged just 8.9 points against SEC opponents and never scored more than 16 points against any league foe. Nationally, they finished 110^th in total offense.

Williams was one of the Commodores’ most promising offensive lineman a year ago and opened the season as a starter before breaking his ankle in the second game against LSU. He was unable to go through the spring while still recovering from his surgery, but the plan was for him to return to his right tackle spot.

Vanderbilt’s other projected starting tackle, Ryan Seymour, also missed most of the spring after injuring his shoulder the second practice and undergoing surgery.

Veteran offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell is one of the best in the business, but this may end up being his greatest challenge.

The Commodores struggled mightily up front last season and will have even less experience in 2010.

Depending on how quickly Seymour recovers, sophomore Caleb Welchans and redshirt freshman Wesley Johnson will probably open preseason practice as the starters at tackle.

Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson would prefer to leave junior and two-year starter Kyle Fischer at guard, even though he’s started at both positions during his career. The other guard spot is wide open. Senior Joey Bailey steps in to replace Bradley Vierling at center.

Seymour wasn’t the only offensive lineman to get hurt during the spring. Redshirt freshman guard Justin Cabbagestalk injured his knee, although he should be back in time for the preseason.

It’s never ideal for true freshmen to have to play on the offensive line, but the Commodores may need both Grant Ramsay and Logan Stewart to come in and be contributors right away.

Obviously, this preseason will be critical as Caldwell tries to mix and match and get his best combination on the field.