ESPN College Football

We turn our attention today to the Wildcats’ strengths and weaknesses coming out of spring practice.

Strongest position: Receiver

Key returnees: Junior Randall Cobb (39 catches, 447 yards, four touchdowns, 573 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns), senior Chris Matthews (32 catches, 354 yards, three touchdowns), junior Gene McCaskill (17 catches, 163 yards), sophomore La’Rod King (10 catches, 142 yards, one touchdown)

Key departures: Kyrus Lanxter (eight catches for 60 yards)

The skinny: It was a tough call between running back and receiver for the Wildcats’ strongest unit, but Cobb’s playmaking ability and overall presence was the difference. He’s a touchdown machine and reached the end zone 15 times last season. Although he’ll still be used in a number of different ways, Cobb has turned most of his focus to being a better all-around receiver, which means he should be even better at getting open and making plays in 2010. Matthews had a big spring for the Wildcats, and his position coach, Tee Martin, looks for the 6-5, 222-pound Matthews to put it all together next season. He has the kind of size and speed to be the perfect complement to Cobb and should be more comfortable in the Wildcats’ offense his second time around after coming over from junior college. Matthews is also an excellent blocker. King showed a lot of promise last season as a true freshman, and there’s good depth. McCaskill has 10 career starts, while sophomore E.J. Fields could be one to watch coming back from injury.

Weakest position: Linebacker

Key returnees: Junior Danny Trevathan (82 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles), junior Ronnie Sneed (14 tackles, one for loss)

Key departures: Micah Johnson (105 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss), Sam Maxwell (80 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions)

The skinny: Trevathan gives the Wildcats a solid base at linebacker and returns as one of the top defenders on the team. His 82 tackles were second a year ago, and he developed into a big-play performer from his weak side linebacker spot. The trick now is filling in the holes around him. Johnson racked up more than 90 tackles each of the last two seasons and was a force against the run, while Maxwell was one of the best coverage linebackers in the SEC. Both of those guys made a ton of plays for the Wildcats last season, and it’s difficult to replace that mix of production and experience. Junior Ronnie Sneed will get first crack at the middle linebacker job, but redshirt freshman Qua Huzzie would have played last season had he not injured his shoulder. Sophomore Ridge Wilson is eager to put last season behind him, particularly the off-the-field incident that tainted his first year at Kentucky. Wilson is battling for the strong side linebacker spot with senior Jacob Dufrene, but may also be used as a defensive end in pass-rushing situations.

As several of you have pointed out (and I need a little guidance from time to time), former LSU running back Charles Scott was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft last week by the Philadelphia Eagles.

I mistakenly listed him among a group of notable SEC players who went undrafted. My apologies to Scott and to the LSU fans. I promise there was nothing sinister in play here, just an honest mistake. Plus, Scott is truly one of the good guys I've had the pleasure of covering the last few seasons, and his unselfishness and willingness to do anything to help the team win will be an asset for him as he tries to make the Eagles' roster.

Another guy I should have had in that group of undrafted players and didn't was Kentucky linebacker Micah Johnson, who was plagued by a knee injury last season and then sprained his MCL in the bowl game against Clemson. Slow 40-yard dash times hurt Johnson, who wound up signing as a free agent with the New York Giants.

A few SEC links to munch on:

• Former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain reveals that he's battling Crohn's disease and had to cut his workout short Wednesday for pro scouts.

• Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow scores below other top quarterbacks on the Wonderlic test, reports Edgar Thompson of The Palm Beach Post.

• Former Florida defensive back Wondy Pierre-Louis pleads no contest to criminal mischief.

• After a disappointing 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine, former Kentucky linebacker Micah Johnson redeems himself at the Wildcats' pro day.

• LSU's Terrance Toliver apologizes for his role in last weekend's bar fight.

• South Carolina backup quarterback Aramis Hillary is arrested on alcohol-related charges, Joseph Person of The State newspaper reports.

The NFL combine wraps up Monday and Tuesday, and already several former SEC players have helped themselves.

A few might have hurt themselves, too.

Auburn running back Ben Tate had a super workout session. Weighing 220 pounds, he turned in the third fastest 40-yard dash time among the running backs (4.43), was second among the running backs with a 40.5-inch vertical leap and tied for the most reps on the bench-press among running backs with 26. He also had a 10-4 broad jump, which tied Tennessee's Montario Hardesty for first among the running backs.

Hardesty, who had bulked up to 225 pounds, ran a 4.49 40-yard dash and did 21 reps on the bench.

The defensive linemen and linebackers are working out on Monday, and Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens set the bar pretty high on the bench-press with 44 reps. His teammate, Geno Atkins, did 34 reps. As a comparison, Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh did 32 reps.

Kentucky linebacker Micah Johnson put up 31 reps Monday morning.

The strongest former SEC player of the combine was Arkansas offensive guard Mitch Petrus, who did 45 reps over the weekend. That tied a combine record (since 2000).

The fastest former SEC player was LSU return specialist Trindon Holliday, who ran a 4.34 40-yard dash.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow didn't throw at the combine. He'll show off his new delivery at the Gators' pro day on March 17, but he did demonstrate what kind of athlete he is. He ran a 4.72 40-yard dash, fourth fastest among the quarterbacks, and tied Josh McCown's record for quarterbacks with a 38.5-inch vertical leap. Tebow's hands (10 1/8) also measured the largest of the quarterbacks.

One of the biggest surprises of the combine so far was that Ole Miss' Dexter McCluster didn't turn in a faster 40 time. Weighing 172 pounds, McCluster ran a 4.55, but did show off his strength with 20 reps on the bench-press.

LSU receiver Brandon LaFell also had a disappointing 40 time (4.6), while Ole Miss' Shay Hodge was even slower (4.63).

Some players chose not to run the 40 and/or work out because they were injured or simply wanted to wait until their school's pro day. Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez had a strained back and didn't run.

The defensive backs work out on Tuesday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

You've got to hand it to Kentucky's defense this season. The Wildcats, despite some key injuries, have really hung in there and took a 14-10 lead over Mississippi State on Saturday, thanks in part to two key plays by the defense.

Sam Maxwell had an interception in the end zone to kill a Mississippi State drive, and Randall Burden had a second interception to set up the Wildcats' second touchdown.

Cornerback Trevard Lindley is out for the fourth straight game with an ankle injury, but middle linebacker Micah Johnson is playing. Johnson isn't 100 percent, though, after hurting his knee last week.

If the Wildcats are going to win this game, they're going to have to tackle Anthony Dixon in the second half.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

With Halloween just around the corner and all the goblins sure to be out on Saturday night, I’ll take a stab at the 12 scariest players in the SEC.

These are guys you wouldn’t want to make mad and certainly wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley if they had an issue with you.

Here’s my list (Hope none of them are mad at me):

1. Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain

2. Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes

3. Mississippi State defensive end Pernell McPhee

4. Arkansas defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard

5. Kentucky linebacker Micah Johnson

6. Florida safety Major Wright

7. Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Trahan

8. Arkansas offensive guard Mitch Petrus

9. Vanderbilt linebacker Chris Marve

10. Tennessee offensive guard Vladimir Richard

11. Auburn offensive tackle Lee Ziemba

12. LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks doesn't sound overly optimistic about the status of senior middle linebacker Micah Johnson this Saturday against Mississippi State.

Johnson has a strained MCL in his knee, and even if he's able to play, Brooks said he won't be 100 percent. Brooks also said he expects cornerback Trevard Lindley to miss his fourth straight game with a high ankle sprain.

If Johnson doesn't play, that would leave the Wildcats without the three players they expected to be the heart and soul of their defense back in the spring. Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon was ruled ineligible by the NCAA and taken in the supplemental draft by the Washington Redskins.

This is an important game for both teams. But for Kentucky, holding serve at home would put the Wildcats (4-3, 1-3) in position to make a run at an eight-win season.

After this game, Kentucky gets Eastern Kentucky at home, Vanderbilt on the road, Georgia on the road and then Tennessee at home.

A win over Mississippi State would also boost Kentucky's chances of getting to .500 or better in the league. Only once under Brooks have the Wildcats not finished with a losing SEC record. They were 4-4 in 2006.

Since league expansion in 1992, Kentucky has never finished with a winning SEC record and has finished with a .500 record only four times.

For what it's worth, the Wildcats last had a winning record in league play in 1977 when they went 6-0.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Kicking off the week with some links around the SEC:

• Steve Hummer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an excellent take-out feature on Georgia receiver A.J. Green, who's been sensational this season.
• Despite being No. 1 in the BCS standings, Florida's Urban Meyer knows there will be skeptics this week.
• Lane Kiffin's bold talk reminds some of a younger Steve Spurrier, writes Joe Person of The State newspaper.
• With middle linebacker Micah Johnson the latest one hurting, Kentucky is really banged up heading into Saturday's Mississippi State game.
• LSU freshman Russell Shepard finally shows his stuff under the lights, writes Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana Newspapers.
• Alabama embraces its bye week, writes Gentry Estes of The Mobile Press-Register.
• Auburn coach Gene Chizik says he's not bailing on starting quarterback Chris Todd, who's struggled the last few weeks.
• Alex Abrams of The Morning News wonders where Arkansas goes from here after the Hogs' most deflating loss of the season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Despite some changes at the top in other polls, the SEC power rankings stay the same this week:

1. Alabama: Terrence Cody’s two blocked field goals kept the Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0) atop the power rankings this week … but barely. Alabama’s 12-10 escape against Tennessee raised plenty of concerns in Tide Land. Quarterback Greg McElroy has gone three straight games now without much success throwing the ball, and Alabama looked like a tired football team at times against the Vols. The bye couldn’t have come at a better time.

2. Florida: The truth is there’s not much difference between Alabama and Florida right now. Both teams have their offensive issues to straighten out. The Gators (7-0, 5-0) are struggling in the red zone and haven’t been able to generate much of a downfield passing attack. Their 29-19 win over Mississippi State was far from perfect, including two Tim Tebow interceptions returned for touchdowns, but there’s something to be said for winning on the road when you don’t play your best football.

3. LSU: All of a sudden, the Tigers (6-1, 4-1) look like a team that could contend in the SEC again. Coming off an open date, they took apart Auburn for a 31-10 victory on Saturday and are playing the kind of defense that wins championships. If sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson can bottle his performance from last weekend, the Tigers look as strong as anybody in the league. They still control their own destiny in the Western Division and head to Alabama on Nov. 7.

4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2) avoided their annual loss to Vanderbilt, but it was still too close for comfort. These next two games, both on the road, will determine if this is going to be a season to remember or just another average season in Columbia. South Carolina travels to Tennessee on Saturday and then Arkansas on Nov. 7. If the Gamecocks can win both, look out.

5. Ole Miss: The win over Arkansas is what got the Rebels rolling last season. Maybe we’ll see that same script take shape this season. Ole Miss (5-2, 2-2) played its most complete game of the year in taking down Arkansas 30-17 last week and finally has a little momentum to work with heading to Auburn this Saturday. The Rebels might want to keep Dexter McCluster loose. Looks like he’ll get the ball a few more times this season.

6. Tennessee: The Vols (3-4, 1-3) are still short in the results department, but they lead the country in quality losses. They outplayed Alabama for much of the game last weekend, but had two fourth-quarter field goals blocked and fell 12-10. If this is going to be deemed a successful season, they need to find a way to go 4-1 over these final five games beginning with South Carolina’s visit on Saturday.

7. Georgia: Do the Bulldogs (4-3, 3-2) have one great one in them this season? A win over Florida and ruining the Gators’ hopes of winning a second straight national championship would help ease the disappointment for Georgia this season. The Bulldogs are coming off a bye week and get a Florida team that’s frustrated offensively and trying to find itself on that side of the ball.

8. Kentucky: The Wildcats (4-3, 1-3) are winning games, but keep losing players. Middle linebacker Micah Johnson was the latest to go down with a strained MCL in the 36-13 win over Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday. Johnson is iffy for the game against Mississippi State, and senior cornerback Trevard Lindley remains doubtful with a high ankle sprain.

9. Arkansas: So much for the Hogs’ momentum. They looked listless to start the game on Saturday and were beaten soundly by Ole Miss in a 30-17 loss that leaves the Hogs (3-4, 1-4) in a bit of a hole for the rest of the season. They need to hustle if they’re going to have a winning record in the regular season. The good news is that the next four games are at home.

10. Auburn: The ship appears to be taking on water by the second on the Plains. The Tigers (5-3, 2-3) have lost three in a row after falling 31-10 to LSU on Saturday and will be hard-pressed to win another SEC game at this rate. Their defense isn’t stopping anybody, and now Gus Malzahn’s offense has bogged down in the last two games. Gene Chizik said he’s sticking with Chris Todd at quarterback.

11. Mississippi State: If Dan Mullen had his way, the SEC would just do away with the replay system. The Bulldogs (3-5, 1-3) had another situation where a call should have been reversed by replay but wasn’t in their 29-19 loss to Florida. It was still a determined effort by Mississippi State, which got some key plays by freshmen on defense, but just couldn’t move the ball against the Florida defense.

12. Vanderbilt: It’s shaping up as one of those seasons for the Commodores (2-6, 0-5). They did everything but finish the game in a tough 14-10 loss to South Carolina last weekend. The Gamecocks drove 99 yards to snap a two-game losing streak against the Commodores, who had a couple of calls go against them.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Just when you thought Kentucky might be toast, the Wildcats (3-3, 1-3) come back swinging and pull off their biggest win of the season. Their 21-14 win at Auburn last week is just what they needed for a little momentum heading into the second half of the season. Rich Brooks and his staff have done a bang-up job of keeping this team together despite several key injuries and a three-game losing streak. The Wildcats played one of their best games two weeks ago in a 28-26 road loss at South Carolina. But instead of allowing that loss to get them down, they seemed rejuvenated and pulled off the win on the Plains last Saturday. Starting quarterback Mike Hartline is out with a knee injury and may not be able to return this season. The Wildcats have also played the last two weeks without All-SEC cornerback Trevard Lindley, so they’re getting it done despite some bad breaks.

Offensive MVP: QB/WR Randall Cobb. No matter where he lines up, he just makes plays. Cobb may see even more time at quarterback, especially in the Wildcat formation, now that Hartline is sidelined. But he’s also catching passes and returning kicks. He’s the most underrated player in the league. He has four receiving touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns and is the guy the Wildcats turn to when they've got to have a play.

Defensive MVP: LB Micah Johnson. The Big Three on defense for Kentucky has been reduced to the Big One. Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon was declared ineligible by the NCAA in the preseason and had to turn pro, while Lindley has been nursing a high ankle sprain the last few weeks. Johnson has been a rock for the Wildcats from his middle linebacker spot. He leads the team with 52 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, and is coming off his best game last week in the 21-14 win over Auburn. He had 14 tackles and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

The SEC has released its top performers from Week 7:

OFFENSE

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: Rushed for a career-high 246 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 23 yards in Alabama’s 20-6 win against South Carolina. Ingram's rushing total was the highest ever in a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the third most in Alabama history.

DEFENSE

Micah Johnson, LB, Kentucky: Recorded a game-high 14 tackles, eight solo and six assists, in Kentucky’s 21-14 win at Auburn. Johnson was also credited with one tackle for loss (-1 yard). The play came on Auburn’s final drive, on 2nd-and-2, forcing a third-down conversion attempt.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Caleb Sturgis, K, Florida: Kicked the game-winning 27-yard field goal in Florida’s 23-20 win against Arkansas. Also booted a 51-yard field goal in the third quarter, Florida's longest field goal since Matt Leach connected on a 52-yard attempt against Georgia in 2004.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Daverin Geralds, C, Ole Miss: Anchored an offensive line which helped produce 501 yards of total offense in a 48-13 victory over UAB. Geralds was credited with four knock-downs and four finishes, while grading 91 percent in the run game and 95 percent in the passing game.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia: Matched his career high with eight tackles, including one tackle for loss, during Georgia’s 34-10 road win over Vanderbilt. Atkins came off the bench to tie for second on the team in tackles against the Commodores.

FRESHMAN

Corey Broomfield, DB, Mississippi State: Recorded five total tackles (all solos) with one for loss (minus-2 yards), two interceptions and a pass deflection in Mississippi State’s 27-6 win at Middle Tennessee. Broomfield’s first pick came early in the fourth quarter, halting an MTSU drive in Mississippi State territory.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Taking a look at what all's out there in the world of SEC football:

• Kentucky senior middle linebacker Micah Johnson might not be able to play in the Wildcats' opener against Miami (Ohio) after aggravating the foot injury he suffered last week in practice.

• South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders makes himself a target for the North Carolina State fans. He knows a little something about stirring up the Wolfpack faithful. His father, Barry Saunders, is a columnist for The Raleigh News & Observer.

• Ray Melick of The Birmingham News writes that the NCAA's ruling on Julio Jones and Mark Ingram means it's "Game on" for the Crimson Tide.

• Tennessee's Cody Sullins, a former walk-on, gets ready for his first collegiate start at center Saturday.

• Mississippi State's O'Neal Wilder is one of the best junior 400-meter runners in the world. But right now, it's all football all the time.

• Georgia tailback Caleb King is still recovering from a hamstring injury and won't make the trip this weekend.

• The confidence has returned for Tennessee fifth-year senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton, writes Wes Rucker of The Chattanooga Times Free Press.

• T-Bob Hebert, the son of former New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Bobby Hebert, gets the nod as LSU's starting center.

• Almost everything on the Plains is new. Now it's time for Auburn to start winning again, writes Jay G. Tate of The Montgomery Advertiser.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

This was the toughest duty yet. Ranking the linebackers in this league is impossible, which tells you a little bit about the depth at that position in the SEC:


1. Alabama: The one-two punch of Rolando McClain and Dont'a Hightower is as good as there is anywhere in the country. Watch some of the younger guys take off at linebacker this season, too, like Courtney Upshaw and Jerrell Harris. The Crimson Tide have depth, talent and smarts to go around at linebacker.


2. Florida: Brandon Spikes is one of the best middle linebackers in the country and a terrific tone-setter for this defense. The guys flanking him aren't too shabby, either. Brandon Hicks, Ryan Stamper and Dustin Doe are all big-time players in their own right. Remember the name Jelani Jenkins, too. He's only a freshman.


3. Georgia: All three starters from a year ago return, including junior Rennie Curran, the league's top returning tackler. Curran was one of four SEC defenders to have at least 100 tackles last season. The Bulldogs have a bunch of guys at linebacker who can play. Now, let's see if they tackle better than they did a year ago.


4. Vanderbilt: The Commodores are legit. Senior Brent Trice didn't even start last season, but has been so disruptive that it's going to be hard to keep him off the field. Senior Patrick Benoist was a second-team All-SEC selection a year ago, and Chris Marve was one of the best freshman linebackers in the country.


5. Ole Miss: Starting middle linebacker Jonathan Cornell returns along with starting strong side linebacker Allen Walker. Both players have extensive SEC experience and the kind of speed this league demands. The guy to watch is Patrick Trahan, who's a prime candidate for Breakout Player of the Year honors.


6. South Carolina: Ellis Johnson, who oversees the Gamecocks' defense, wishes he had the kind of depth everywhere else he does at linebacker. Eric Norwood, the Gamecocks' senior outside linebacker, is the SEC's career active leader in sacks, and Rodney Paulk returns in the middle after missing most of last season.


7. Mississippi State: The depth might be a little iffy, but it's hard to beat the Bulldogs' top three linebackers, all of whom are 240-plus pounds. Jamar Chaney is back in the middle after breaking his leg in the opener last season. K.J. Wright is another All-SEC caliber player, and junior college newcomer Chris White is the third starter.


8. LSU: The Tigers return both starting outside linebackers from a year ago, Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard. First-year coordinator John Chavis has also moved Harry Coleman from safety to outside linebacker. Stepping into the middle is senior Jacob Cutrera, who's been a spot starter for most of his career.


9. Auburn: If the Tigers stay healthy, they probably deserve to move up a little bit. But they're razor thin at linebacker and can't afford for anybody to go down. Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens are back after starting most of last season, and junior college newcomer Eltoro Freeman has fit nicely into this defense.


10. Kentucky: Senior Micah Johnson is one of the most imposing middle linebackers in the league and a tackling machine. He just doesn't have much around him in the way of experience. Senior Sam Maxwell steps in as a full-time starter on the outside, and sophomore Danny Trevathan is the Wildcats' fastest linebacker.


11. Tennessee: Senior weakside linebacker Rico McCoy is the anchor of the Vols' unit and has a ton of experience and talent, but the Vols will play a former walk-on, Nick Reveiz, at middle linebacker and don't have anybody else on the roster who's played a meaningful SEC snap.


12. Arkansas: The entire Arkansas defense took a beating last season, not just the linebackers. Wendel Davis, Jerry Franklin and Freddy Burton are all back after starting in four of the last six games a year ago. They get a chance to prove that they're a lot better than the numbers from 2008 would suggest.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

All right SEC diehards: You want something to keep you stirred up while we thirst for the start of preseason practice in August?

I'm going to give you something over the next week or so.

Starting today, I will count down the 30 best players in the SEC.

Before I say anything else, I realize this is extremely subjective, and we can agree to disagree for the next year on my selections.

But in general, I endeavored to pick who I feel are truly the 30 best football players in this conference based on several factors: Their production to this point, how they've played in key games, how they project heading into next season, how they're viewed around the league by the coaches and how they impact the players around them.

This is not a mock NFL draft for next year or a rating of how I think they might fare at the next level, although several of the players on this list are no doubt destined for greatness in pro football.

Only players who've played in an SEC game are eligible. That eliminates incoming freshmen and transfers, and this is also a list that may change some once we get to August.

So sit back and second guess away.

We'll kick it off with selections 30-26:

No. 30: Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt -- He was overshadowed by D.J. Moore, but the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Lewis is a big, physical cornerback who makes big plays every time you turn around. He can cover, and he can also hit. Lewis was the only defensive back in the SEC last season with at least five interceptions and five sacks.

No. 29: Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss -- If it's versatility you're looking for, then McCluster's your man. He and Percy Harvin were the only players in the league last season with more than 600 yards rushing and more than 600 yards receiving. McCluster has gained some weight and should be even more effective in the "Wild Rebel" formation next season.

No. 28: Micah Johnson, LB, Kentucky -- The SEC will be loaded with great linebackers next season, and the 6-2, 250-pound Johnson belongs right near the top. He led all SEC inside linebackers with 13 tackles for loss in 2008 despite a high ankle sprain that cost him two games and plagued him all season. His decision to return for his senior season was a coup for the Wildcats.

No. 27: Javier Arenas, CB/RS, Alabama -- Because he's such a dangerous punt returner, Arenas probably doesn't get the credit he deserves as a cornerback. He was fifth on Alabama's team in tackles last season and is an absolute terror as a return specialist. He returned three punts for touchdowns in 2008 and has taken six back for touchdowns during his career.

No. 26: Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State -- Having trimmed down to 235 pounds and moving better than he has in some time, Dixon figures to be a busy man for the Bulldogs next season. He's a bruising runner between the tackles and needs just 610 yards to pass Jerious Norwood as Mississippi State's all-time rushing leader.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Kentucky Wildcats 2008 overall record: 7-6 2008 conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 7; Defense: 5; Kicker/punter: 1 Top returners QB Mike Hartline, QB/WR Randall Cobb, RB Alfonso Smith, OT Justin Jeffries, DE Jeremy Jarmon, DT Corey Peters, LB Micah Johnson, CB Trevard Lindley Key losses RB Tony Dixon, WR Dicky Lyons, OT Garry Williams, DT Myron Pryor, LB Braxton Kelley, S Marcus McClinton, P Tim Masthay 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Tony Dixon (430 yards) Passing: Mike Hartline* (1,666 yards) Receiving: Dicky Lyons (264 yards) Tackles: Braxton Kelley (98) Sacks: Johnny Williams (5) Interceptions: Trevard Lindley* and Marcus McClinton (4) Spring answers 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Miami, Ohio (Cincinnati) Sept. 19 Louisville Sept. 26 Florida Oct. 3 Alabama Oct. 10 at South Carolina Oct. 17 at Auburn Oct. 24 Louisiana-Monroe Oct. 31 Mississippi State Nov. 7 Eastern Kentucky Nov. 14 at Vanderbilt Nov. 21 at Georgia Nov. 28 Tennessee Hartline's job : Mike Hartline is Kentucky's quarterback. Coach Rich Brooks made that clear in the spring, as the Wildcats prefer to use Randall Cobb as a receiver. Hartline has vowed to be more than just a guy that doesn't get the Wildcats beat next fall. He has to keep improving, though, and play with the confidence he did in the second half of the bowl game last season. Solid defensive nucleus: The most important recruits this offseason for the Wildcats were defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, linebacker Micah Johnson and cornerback Trevard Lindley all deciding to return to school for their senior seasons. All three are All-SEC caliber players who know what it takes to get it done in this league. Under the radar: Some of best news for Kentucky this spring was the way some of the younger players performed, particularly on defense. Sophomore Winston Guy was a hit at free safety after moving over from cornerback. Sophomore linebacker Danny Trevathan had 11 tackles in the spring game, while redshirt freshman Collins Ukwu and sophomore Chandler Burden made big moves at defensive end. Fall questions Running game: Derrick Locke missed the spring after blowing out his knee late last season. The Wildcats hope he will be able to come back 100 percent. Moncell Allen was academically ineligible for the bowl game, so there are some questions surrounding his future. Alfonso Smith had a big spring, but he can't do it alone. Kentucky was eighth in the league in rushing last season. Cobb's future: There's not a more dynamic playmaker on Kentucky's roster than Cobb. He spent most of his time this spring at receiver, even though he's a quarterback by trade. He's still going to get some chances in the Wildcat formation. How much he ends up behind center will likely depend on how well Hartline plays. Freshman quarterbacks Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski will be added to the mix when preseason practice begins in August. Stretching the field: There wasn't much of a deep passing game last season for the Wildcats, and that becomes even more of a challenge now that Dicky Lyons is gone. Hartline has to prove that he can effectively throw it down the field, and more big-play targets at receiver need to step forward. That's where Cobb comes in along with Kyrus Lanxter and Gene McCaskill.