ESPN College Football

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four members of the media were chosen to be guest coaches and allowed to go behind the scenes of Florida's Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday. Brady Ackerman of Sun Sports, Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun, Andy Staples of SI.com and yours truly were granted access to join the Gators as they prepared for their spring game. We experienced the sights and sounds of the closest thing to a game day for a major college football program; this is what I saw ...

8:00 a.m.: I arrive at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium with a Starbucks Doubleshot and a Snickers Marathon energy bar to start the day. The sun is up and there's a breeze in the air. It's almost the perfect setting to start a long day of running around Florida's football facility.

8:30: We meet with coach Will Muschamp in his spacious office inside the stadium for a casual 15 minutes to talk shop. There are some laughs and some talk about the team, and he warns us that a poor performance by one of the two teams -- Orange or Blue -- will be followed by having the blame placed on the two media members coaching that side. Ackerman and I are placed on the Blue Team, while Dooley and Staples are assigned to the Orange Team.

9:05: A true breakfast of champions. We walk over to one of the dinning halls across from the stadium. The first thing you notice is that the dining area couldn't be big enough to house all these football players, but somehow, it is. The Gators pile in and begin the feast. The basics are there: pancakes, bacon, eggs and grits. And at the end of the buffet line, steaks and grilled chicken breasts sat there ready to be devoured ... and they were. After sipping on some fine, freshly squeezed orange juice, we media members tried to blend in and snag some grub before the carnivores went back for seconds. Linebacker Jelani Jenkins stacked steaks on chicken, while fullback Hunter Joyer went with pretty much everything he could lay eyes on and added some pasta. The fruit was barely touched. I tried to mimic the players, throwing protein and starch together for a yummy, relatively healthy cornucopia of deliciousness. Grilled chicken and pancakes really do work.

9:35: After stuffing our faces, we head back over to the stadium and toward the locker room. We stand around as players, coaches, recruits and staff members wandered the halls. TV screens that surround a massive gator head in the middle of the room show highlights from the 2011 season, mixed with music videos featuring LMFAO, Will.i.am and Drake. Every player touches the gator before he runs out onto the field before games.

9:37: Running backs coach Brian White, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and offensive line coach Tim Davis gig us about coaching. We're asked what our game plan is, and we basically say not getting in the way. Dooley tells Quinn to blitz every down and I tell Davis that he should be glad I'm on his team because my PlayStation skills are unmatched. He laughs, realizing I'd be in over my head if this were real.

10:05: After walking back and forth for a good 10 minutes, rising senior defensive tackle Omar Hunter embraces Quinn and yells "Last time, baby," signaling that his Gators career is coming to an end.

10:20: We leave the locker room to go on the Gator Walk. Last year, the team bussed. This year, it walked, so we walked. The team is dressed in orange shirts and blue shorts -- nothing too flashy. Wide receiver Quinton Dunbar awkwardly raps the words to some song, while the freshmen converse about doing this for the first time.

10:26: I finally hit the official start of the Gator Walk. It's spring break for Alachua County school districts, so the crowd is a little thin, but it's lively. Still, with the smaller crowd there to greet the Gators, kicker Caleb Sturgis utters this gem: "This is what happens when you go 7-6." Defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd looks at me and says that the Gator Walk never gets old, then counts the number of hugs he gave with the exact number of "a lot."

10:40: As the team piles into the locker room, the offense stays on the field for a mini walk-through. Offensive coordinator Brent Pease goes over Xs and Os and formations ... lots of formations. He's pulling, pushing and quizzing guys along the way and even puts on player on the spot with a heap of questions about a certain play and formation. Luckily for the player, he passed Pease's test.

10:49: The offense huddles up, with rising sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel pushing to the middle, before breaking and heading to the locker room.

11:55: After a lot of waiting and people watching, we finally head into the locker room with the players an hour before kickoff. Led by new strength coach Jeff Dillman, the players are going through dynamic stretching, with Dillman leading like a drill instructor with short, loud commands. Players isolate their cores, thoroughly stretch their legs and their backs; Dillman is very technical and very loud. "We're gonna have a great day today!" he yells. "Build that rage! One minute till we prime that engine!"

It's Depth Chart Day on the SEC blog.

We've already seen Arkansas' and South Carolina's and now we'll take a look at Florida's. Mike DiRocco of ESPN's GatorNation has the complete two-deep depth chart right here.

What you'll notice is that there wasn't a lot of turnover at all on the defensive side of the ball. Florida returns 10 starters, after saying goodbye to defensive tackle Jaye Howard. Rising senior Omar Hunter and redshirt sophomore Leon Orr will man the interior of Florida's defensive line this spring, with Dominique Easley out, as he recovers from an ACL injury he suffered in the regular-season finale. Easley is expected to be back this fall.

Sharrif Floyd will cross train at defensive end and tackle. When Florida is in the 3-4, Floyd will move inside.

Also, with cornerbacks Marcus Roberson (neck) and Jeremy Brown (knee) dealing with injuries, rising sophomore Loucheiz Purifoy and Cody Riggs will start out as the top two corners. And with Lerentee McCray out with a shoulder injury, Darrin Kitchens will begin the spring No. 1 at Sam linebacker.

Offensively, Florida enters the spring with a handful of questions at every position. Sophomores-to-be Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel are at the top of the quarterback depth chart, now that John Brantley is gone. Mike Gillislee is listed as the No. 1 running back, with Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps gone. The wide receivers are pretty unproven, but there are a handful of players to work with.

Keep an eye on Omarius Hines, as he will be cross training at running back and tight end after playing wide receiver.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The scene outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium two hours before Florida’s season-opener with Florida Atlantic wasn’t exactly electrifying.

Sure, you could tell it was game day, but there wasn’t much buzz. You weren’t consumed by the anticipation of the start of the season.

It was even more evident when only 88,708 showed up inside the stadium, ending Florida’s streak of 137 consecutive sellouts.

But with a team like Florida that has so many question marks, it’s expected for fans to be a little hesitant and skeptical about a new year and a new coach.

Will Muschamp made his head-coaching debut inside The Swamp and his team generated all the buzz he needed in a 41-3 win over the Owls.

Muschamp, who grew up going to Gator games with his family, was the man in charge of his childhood team and while he was asked about his feelings concerning his move from coordinator to head coach, Muschamp made it all about his team.

“It’s about players to me,” Muschamp said. “It’s really about seeing those guys fulfilling a lot of their work and see their work come to a conclusion as far as going through the game time and playing the game.”

What also thrilled Muschamp about Saturday was the fast start his team had. Unlike last season, the Gators marched down the field and scored on their opening drive. It wasn’t a touchdown, but it was points. In fact, it was a pretty impressive three points as Caleb Sturgis connected on a 51-yard field goal. This is the same Caleb Sturgis who missed most of last season with a back injury.

The game almost got off to an even faster start when Jeff Demps returned the opening kick for a touchdown. However, the play was called back because of holding.

And the penalty didn’t slow the Gators. After their initial scoring drive, quarterback John Brantley, who had an awful 2010 season, stood tall in the pocket, and led Florida on a 12-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Chris Rainey.

A 35-yard run by Jeff Demps and a 14-yarder by Rainey on consecutive possessions in the second quarter and the Gators had 24 points at halftime. Florida’s offense also had 264 total yards, 52 more than the Gators had total in last year’s opener.

“We were so ready for this game so we could erase the memories from last year, but at the same time, we keep it fresh in our heads because it’s motivation to get better,” junior defensive tackle Omar Hunter said.

This was a coming out party for Muschamp and reinvention for his team. Gators fans had yet to truly embrace Muschamp, but you could see them warm to him when he went off on a ref in the third quarter. It was the “Coach Boom” moment fans had waited for it and it signaled Muschamp’s true arrival.

Muschamp praised his team for its attitude and work ethic. He lauded its improvement from spring, and while there were still plenty of hiccups and procedural issues all around, he was happy with the 1-0 start.

And his players felt relived by the one-sided affair.

“It was exciting and it was very important because we had a lot to prove and I think we showed a lot of people around the world what we had to prove,” said linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who was a part of a defense that surrendered just 137 offensive yards, totaled two sacks and stopped 11-of-13 third down.

The Gators are rejoicing in their opening win, but they understand there is work to be done. The buzz is starting to generate, but this team still has a long way to go.

“We need to be realistic here. We’ll face better opponents through the season,” Muschamp said. “But for the first ball game, we need to make some improvements, we need to make some adjustments from a personnel standpoint.

“As we roll through this season, we’re going to get to know our team a lot better.

“We’ve got to continue to improve and get better because we’ve got a long way to go. We have a long season ahead of us.”

Florida's Jaye Howard has seen the evidence on tape. He's also seen the blank stares on the faces of his coaches.

How could a guy be so dominant on one play, or a series of plays, and then go the rest of the quarter and be non-existent?

It's a question that has hounded Howard for much of his career, and it's a question he plans to put to rest once and for all this season.

"That was one of my biggest drawbacks last year, and I admit that," said Howard, the Gators' 6-3, 303-pound senior defensive tackle. "I'd have sparks where it was like, 'Man, this guy is an All-American.' But then I'd take plays off.

"That's the biggest thing coming back for my senior year, proving to everyone that I can play every down as hard as I can 100 percent."

Howard was slowed by an ankle injury toward the end of last season. He underwent ankle surgery and was kept out of spring practice.

But healthy again and moving well on his surgically repaired right ankle, Howard is committed to establishing himself as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the SEC.

"With the help of my coaches, coach [Dan] Quinn and coach [Bryant] Young, I'm going to get there this year. There's no doubt in my mind," said Howard, who had 10 tackles for loss last season. "They've pushed me probably harder than anyone, every practice and every play. Effort won't be the problem this year."

The Gators could sure use an All-SEC season from Howard. Sophomore tackles Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley also have a world of talent, but the only other scholarship defensive tackle on the roster who's played in a game is junior Omar Hunter.

"It's not about how talented you are. It's about how productive you are," Howard said. "If you take plays off with these coaches, you're not going to be playing."

Today we look at the big uglies that cause all the mayhem in the trenches. The SEC consistently spits out nasty defensive linemen and this year has more of an athletic feel.

Here's how the teams stacked up:

1. South Carolina: The Gamecocks return a defensive line that would make any offensive line shutter. Plus, incoming freshman Jadeveon Clowney comes in as the top high school player in the country and could be one of the best ends in the league this fall. Devin Taylor leads the group at end and was second on the team with 7.5 sacks as a sophomore. Helping on the outside is Melvin Ingram, who plays inside on passing downs, and led South Carolina with nine sacks a year ago. Senior Travian Robertson, who came off injury to get four sacks last year, is solid in the middle as well.

2. Arkansas: The Razorbacks might have the best pass-rushing group Arkansas has seen in a while. Things revolve around defensive end Jake Bequette, who was one of the more unheralded players in the league last year, despite having seven sacks. On the other side of the line is Tenarius Wright, who will make up the second part of a formidable outside duo in Fayetteville with his speed and athleticism. In the middle, there are plenty of options. Byran Jones and DeQuinta Jones missed spring due to injury, but will be back this fall and there’s a wealth of depth behind them. Junior college transfer Robert Thomas might be the best and most athletic option in the middle is primed to break out.

3. LSU: There are some questions about the experience the Tigers bring back, but no one will question the talent and athleticism in Baton Rouge. Sam Montgomery is back at defensive end, after suffering a serious knee injury. He hasn’t played much, but the coaches believe he’s got what it takes to be a top end in this league. Kendrick Adams started 11 games last year at end, while Lavar Edwards filled in for Montgomery. Ego Ferguson redshirted last year, but should get a ton of playing time in the middle this fall. He is already one of the most athletic tackles in the SEC. Don’t forget about five-star early enrollee Anthony Johnson, who made very strong impressions on his coaches this spring and will be in the rotation inside.

4. Florida: This unit was criticized for lacking toughness last season, but will be full of that and even more athleticism in 2011. Jaye Howard is returning from spring ankle surgery and is already considered a top defensive tackle prospect in next year’s NFL draft. Alongside him are youngsters Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley. Floyd was the most consistent of the much-ballyhooed freshman class last fall, while Easley struggled with attitude problems. Easley has rebounded and both excelled this spring. Omar Hunter is finally healthy and will share time with Floyd at noseguard and senior William Green will occupy an end spot. This group is even better when Ronald Powell lines up at end in the 4-3.

5. Alabama: On paper, there are a few questions with this group, but it’s hard to drop Alabama very far on this list. The 3-4 scheme will have senior Josh Chapman at noseguard. Chapman started 12 games in the middle last fall, totaling 31 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Damion Square will compete for time on the outside, and since returning from his ACL injury, he’s gained a lot more playing confidence and could be a budding star in the league. Junior college transfers Quinton Dial and Jesse Williams will compete for time on the line as well, while sophomore Ed Stinson will stay at end after starting last season at Jack linebacker.

6. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have arguably the top returning tackle tandem in the SEC. Fletcher Cox and Josh Boyd are the behemoths in the middle who combined for 53 tackles, 13 for loss and five sacks last year. Finding any sort of inside running game against Mississippi State will be extremely tough. Developing a pass-rusher is the next step for the Bulldogs’ staff. Sean Ferguson occupies one side, but the other is still up for grabs. Trevor Stigers and Shane McCardell battled for the spot this spring, but neither has really pushed ahead.

7. Georgia: There is a lot of talent in Athens, but there could be a lot of movement on the line. JUCO transfer John Jenkins is the big -- and we mean big -- name up front and he’s yet to play a down in the SEC. He arrives with a ton of hype, but is perfect at noseguard in Todd Grantham’s 3-4. DeAngelo Tyson moves to his natural position outside after playing noseguard last year. Kwame Geathers played in the middle this spring, but could be usurped for Jenkins this fall and move outside. Abry Jones is still maturing after moving to end and recording 34 tackles including 3.5 for loss last season and had a 16-tackle performance against Georgia Tech.

8. Auburn: The Tigers must replace three starters this season. Inside, Auburn is talented but inexperienced with Kenneth Carter and Jeffrey Whitaker having 13 combined tackles from a year ago. There’s less concern on the outside with lone returning starter Nosa Eguae on one side and sophomore Corey Lemonier on the other. Eguae might have more experience with 11 starts, but Lemonier appears to be more athletic and should be near the top of the defensive end pool this year. After that, the Tigers are young across the board.

9. Tennessee: The Volunteers’ line will grow with senior Malik Jackson running things in the middle. He had 48 tackles and five sacks a year ago and some think he’ll be even better this fall. A lot will also be expected from incoming JUCO transfer Maurice Couch. He’s pretty athletic at 6-foot-4, 327 pounds and he’ll be greatly needed, considering the dismissal of Montori Hughes. Jacques Smith has All-SEC potential and will hold one of the end spots. After that, Tennessee has some young, but encouragingly talented bodies at each position.

10. Ole Miss: Some of the best news of the spring coming out of Oxford was the return of Kentrell Lockett at defensive end. Lockett was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA and will not only be the Rebels’ top lineman but possibly their best defensive player. After that, the questions roll in with four tackles gone and youth coming in. Tackle Justin Smith has yet to really emerge as the All-SEC talent he was expected to be and Ole Miss is smaller up front. JUCO transfer Gilbert Pena could add some size in the middle. Gerald Rivers returns to get time at end, but has played in just 15 career games in two years.

11. Vanderbilt: This was supposed to be a strength for the Commodores last year until injuries hit. Still, Vanderbilt returns three starters. Experience is there, but this unit has to continue to improve, especially in the pass-rushing department where the Commodores had just 20 sacks in 2010. Rob Lohr led Vanderbilt with four sacks a year ago and had 35 tackles. T.J. Greenstone is coming off of injury and will line up inside. Tim Fugger was one of the Commodores' most consistent players at end, playing in every game and registering three sacks and four forced fumbles.

12. Kentucky: End Collins Ukwu and tackle Luke McDermott return with the most experience on Kentucky’s line. Ukwu improved not only on the field but in the weight room this spring and is expected to be a more consistent pass-rusher. McDermott is a walk-on currently ahead of Donte Rumph, who has the talent to be one of Kentucky’s top defenders, but has yet to fully buy in to the program. The coaches are also waiting for tackle Mister Cobble to finally break out of his funk and be a regular contributor. The rest of Kentucky’s linemen have some developing to do and are inexperienced.

Omar Hunter knows his time is running out.

Florida’s redshirt junior defensive lineman fought early hype and nagging injuries during his first three years with the Gators and now sees that he’s got to step up or sit and watch.

Hunter doesn’t want to do the latter. He had all the right to that this spring when a nagging injury returned. While he was listed as limited on Florida’s pre-spring depth chart, he pushed through the pain and competed as much as he could with a new coaching staff watching.

“It was tough, but they [the coaches] realized that I was injured and I was still trying to fight through some things,” Hunter said. “They let me off a few times on some things that they could have easily gotten on me for, but they understood I had an injury and took it easy on me a little bit.”

Hunter, who is down to 300 pounds after working at 307 this spring, decided that participating would help him learn defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s new system and get him more familiar with defensive line coach Bryant Young’s new philosophy. If he was going to show the new staff he was ready to take his game to a new level, he had to do it -- hurt or not.

Hunter’s ability to stay on the practice field this spring also helped him gain more respect from his teammates. With depth issues and a gang of youngsters pushing for time on Florida’s line, Hunter wanted to not only show he wasn’t going to just hand his spot over, he wanted to prove that he was going to be a leader for the line.

“The message I tried to send was that I was going to be there whether I was hurt or not,” he said. “I’m always going to have their backs and I’m always going to push through injuries for them.”

The young talent certainly motivated Hunter. Regardless of how he felt physically, Hunter knew he’d have to fight off some pups this spring.

Leading the underclassmen charge is sophomore Sharrif Floyd, who will compete with Hunter for time at nose tackle when the Gators go into the 3-4. Dominique Easley, who blossomed this spring, and Leon Orr are also pushing for time on the interior.

Hunter is looking over his shoulder at those players, but he’s also helping them. While his goal is to be the disruptor in the middle, he wants what’s best for the team, and development of the younger players will be key to keeping Florida’s line fresh.

“I keep pushing them, they push me,” Hunter said. “We’re all getting better because of that.

“Last year, we were a close group, but we could have been closer. If we would have been closer, we would have been even better.”

The unit could be special, really. There is talent oozing at each position. Senior Jaye Howard, who ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper ranked as the fourth-best draft-eligible returner at defensive tackle, missed all of the spring because of surgery on his ankle, but is expected to be full-go for two-a-days. Senior William Green will maintain one of the end spots, and while he hasn’t truly broken out, he’ll fit nicely into Florida’s multiple defense.

Sophomore Ronald Powell will play the hybrid defensive end/linebacker position known as the Buck. He’s got all the athleticism and speed to be a menace in the pass rush, but he’s got to continue to mature. Cal transfer Chris Martin and junior Lerentee McCray will also get time at end.

Florida’s line is young, but the ceiling appears high for the unit. Barring injuries, this could be the strength of Florida’s defense in the fall.

2010 overall record: 8-5

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

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

Top returners

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

Key losses

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

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Demps* (551 yards)

Passing: Brantley* (2,061 yards)

Receiving: Thompson* (570 yards)

Tackles: Black (108)

Sacks: Duke Lemmens (4)

Interceptions: Janoris Jenkins, Brown* (3)

Spring answers

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

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

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

Fall questions

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

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

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

Will Muschamp and his new band of coaches look to turn things around in Gainesville after a tumultuous 2010:

Biggest reason for hope: More aggressive, faster front seven

Although Florida will not have All-SEC cornerback Janoris Jenkins, the Gators will still be extremely fast in the box. Starting up front, Florida will have sophomore Ronald Powell rushing off the edge at the new defensive end/linebacker position known as the buck. Powell was the nation's top recruit a year ago. Linebackers Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic both have great closing speed and have really taken a liking to the new multiple defense that has some 3-4 schemes thrown in there. Cal linebacker/defensive end transfer Chris Martin will also be on the field. Those around Florida's program last year thought he might be the most talented defender the Gators had. Also, expect the Gators to get more out of its pass rush this season. Along with Powell, defensive tackles Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley showed a lot of promise this spring. They'll help upperclassmen Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard in the middle, while senior William Green provides some nice athleticism at end.

Biggest reason for concern: Unknown offensive ability

There's no question that Florida has the talent to compete for an SEC title, but no one outside of the confines of Florida's practice fields knows what to expect from the offense this fall. A year ago, the offense held the Gators back all season. Now, with Charlie Weis running a more pro-style offense, the Gators are looking to rebound -- especially quarterback John Brantley, who wasn't suited to run the spread at all. In a more comfortable offense, Brantley could be a star, but his poor spring game performance did little to ease the minds of Gators fans. However, that was the first we saw of this offense and Muschamp said both the offense and defense would be very vanilla. Still, we haven't seen anything yet that says this offense can truly rebound from last season. Florida still must find the right running back to generate a power running game and a wide receiver who can be a reliable go-to target for Brantley.

Florida’s Omar Hunter plans on making up for lost time this season.

Sure, he played in all 14 games a year ago as a redshirt freshman and finished with 17 total tackles from his defensive tackle position.

But it wasn’t the version of Hunter that he expects to see, the version that the Florida fans are dying to see or the version that Florida coach Urban Meyer was telling everybody they would see when the Gators signed the highly recruited Hunter out of Buford, Ga., two years ago.

“This is the best shape I’ve been in since my senior year of high school,” Hunter said. “I’m moving 10 times better and using my ability. I’m making plays now I always should have been making, but couldn’t because of my back and because I was too heavy.”

Hunter injured his back in the Under Armour All-America football game as a high school senior.

And then as a freshman at Florida, and with Meyer hyping Hunter as one of the guys who would come in and bolster the middle of the Gators’ defensive line, he was barely able to get onto the field.

“I couldn’t exercise and condition the way I wanted to and the way I needed to to play here and help this team out,” Hunter said. “I got too big, and that didn’t help the situation, either.”

Hunter was around 310 pounds when he arrived at Florida, but got up to 330. He’s 298 right now and showing the same explosion off the ball that made him one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country.

“It felt great just to get on the field last year and play,” Hunter said. “I started some games and at least felt like I was a part of the team. But now I’m in the best shape of my life and playing the best I ever have. This is the way it was supposed to be from the start.”

The worst part for Hunter was that he felt like he let Meyer and his teammates down as a freshman.

“My freshman year was one of the worst times of my life,” Hunter said. “I disappointed Coach Meyer after he put so much into me and did the same thing to my teammates, who were counting on me. That’s what hurt the most, letting all those people down.”

And with so much hype coming in, Hunter had to endure the typical chatter that maybe he was overrated, even though the reality was that he was simply injured and too heavy to be effective.

“I heard a lot of people saying, ‘He’s not any good. He can’t play here,’” Hunter recalled. “I just want to get back and prove those people wrong. I knew what it was and just tried to tune it all out and support my teammates the best way I could.

“Now, I have the opportunity to go out and play and support them that way, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Hunter is part of a deep and veteran rotation for the Gators at tackle. He said freshman tackles Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley have also been as advertised during camp.

“Being able to rotate and keep guys fresh is going to be a great advantage for us,” Hunter said. “The thing about our inside guys is that every one of us could be a starter. I don’t even look at myself as a starter right now. Last year, I got a chance because guys around me were getting injured. Everybody is healthy now and everybody is competing for jobs, and that’s only going to make us better.”

The Football Writers Association of America on Monday published its preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player) and the Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman). As expected, the SEC was well represented on both lists.

Here's a look:

BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY

• Alabama S Mark Barron
• Alabama DE Marcell Dareus
• South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore
• Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower
• Georgia LB Justin Houston
• Florida CB Janoris Jenkins
• Vanderbilt LB Chris Marve
• South Carolina DE Cliff Matthews
• LSU CB Patrick Peterson
• Ole Miss DT Jerrell Powe
• LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard
• Auburn LB Craig Stevens

Note: LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was the last SEC player to win the Nagurski Trophy, doing so in 2007. Dorsey and Georgia's Champ Bailey (1998) are the two Outland Trophy recipients from the SEC.

OUTLAND TROPHY

• Georgia T Clint Boling
• Alabama T James Carpenter
• Florida DT Omar Hunter
• Florida G Carl Johnson
• Alabama G Barrett Jones
• Georgia C Ben Jones
• Arkansas T DeMarcus Love
• LSU DT Drake Nevis
• Florida C Mike Pouncey
• Ole Miss DT Jerrell Powe
• Auburn T Lee Ziemba

Note: Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith was the last SEC player to win the Outland Trophy, doing so in 2008. Besides Smith, 10 others from the SEC have won the trophy.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Some SEC linkage to munch on as we count down to Thursday's South Carolina-North Carolina State game:

• John Adams of The Knoxville News-Sentinel takes a look at how Tennessee's quarterbacks compare to their opponents this season.
• Travis Haney of The Charleston Post and Courier takes a look at Steve Spurrier through the eyes of some of the quarterbacks who've played for him.
• This is truly Gus Malzahn's offense at Auburn, and he's ready to show it off.
• Georgia is serious about getting away from the star treatment this season. Just look at the cover of the Bulldogs' media guide.
• He's next in line at Kentucky, but Joker Phillips is in no rush for his boss at Kentucky, Rich Brooks, to walk away.
• Florida's Omar Hunter is moving past the hype and into the Gators' rotation on the defensive line.
• Despite the depth on Ole Miss' defense, freshman linebackers D.T. Shackelford and Joel Kight worked their way into the two deep and are expected to play Sunday against Memphis.
• A defense that returns nine starters gives Vanderbilt hope that last season was just the start.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

The Gators are hopeful of finding at least one more playmaker at receiver among the newcomers, and they could also use some help on the defensive line.

Andre Debose, WR: The Gators are looking for the next Percy Harvin. Then again, who isn't? But the highly rated Debose, one of the crown jewels in Florida's 2009 signing class, will get a chance right away to show what he can do in the hybrid role in Florida's spread offense, better known as the Percy Position. Florida coach Urban Meyer called the speedy Debose the "best player in America" when the Gators signed him earlier this year out of Sanford, Fla. Some pretty heady stuff, huh? The 5-11, 176-pound Debose rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season in high school and also caught 27 passes, six for touchdowns. He's exactly what the Gators are looking for in their offense.

Sam Robey, C: One of the most pleasant surprises for the Gators during the spring (other than the way backup quarterback John Brantley threw the ball) was Robey's emergence at center. He was good enough that junior Maurkice Pouncy may move from center to guard. Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said the 6-4, 295-pound Robey just got better and better all spring after redshirting last season. He never got over a left knee injury during the preseason. Hoopsters may also remember Robey's dad, Rick Robey, who was an All-America forward on Kentucky's 1978 national championship team and went on to play in the NBA for the Celtics, Pacers and Suns.

Omar Hunter, DT: Meyer remarked several times prior to last season how eager he was to see Hunter in a Florida uniform. In retrospect, maybe the Gators' head man put too much pressure on the true freshman, who was plagued by back, ankle and elbow problems and ended up redshirting. Hunter is anxious to show that there's a lot more to him than hype, and he's also lighter after dropping 25 pounds. Florida is ridiculously deep across the board on defense, but there's not a dominant interior lineman returning. Maybe this is the year the 6-foot, 300-pound Hunter steps into that role now that he's healthy again.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

A tour around the SEC to see what's out there:

• Drew Butler, trying to win the Georgia punting job, will share the field Saturday at the Bulldogs' spring game with his famous father, Kevin Butler.

• Arkansas' sophomore class of wide receivers is looking for a big year in 2009. It's been a big spring so far for Jarius Wright, Joe Adams & Co.

• Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter is healthy again and eager to live up to the hype.

• After redshirting last season, Tim Molton has a chance to make a move in LSU's receiving corps.

• Alabama's Terrence Cody has slimmed down even more and is ready to take it to another level in 2009.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

All but Ole Miss and Kentucky in the SEC have opened spring practice. The Rebels start Friday and the Wildcats next Wednesday.

With football back in the air, let's empty out the SEC mailbag:

C.J. in Columbia, S.C., writes: Do you think Steve Spurrier can lead the Gamecocks to an SEC championship?

Chris Low: The Head Ball Coach certainly hasn't given up hope. He's encouraged by the recent signing classes and feels good about the new additions to his offensive coaching staff. I think the Gamecocks will be improved next season, in part, because I think Stephen Garcia will be a more mature quarterback. I also have a lot of faith in South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, who's pleased with what he's seen from some of his young guys in the secondary. Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman can play. What is it about those Rock Hill boys? They know how to represent. As for winning an SEC title, I just think the Gamecocks have too many good teams in front of them in the East, namely Florida. I can envision seasons where they will have a big say in who wins the East, but I don't see them getting to Atlanta anytime soon. The other thing is that Spurrier isn't going to coach too much longer, maybe a year or two. Then it's off to Crescent Beach full time.

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Ernie in Charlotte, N.C., writes: How many games do you see Tennessee winning next year? Also, among Florida, Georgia and Alabama, which team do you believe Tennessee can upset?

Chris Low: I like the way the schedule sets up for the Vols. Five of their first six games are at home, giving them a chance to gain some confidence under the new regime. They've still got to find a quarterback who's going to lead the team. Sounds like fifth-year senior Jonathan Crompton will get first shot. The swing game is the Auburn game at home on Oct. 3. If the Vols can win that one and start 4-1, I think they're a cinch to win seven regular-season games. The Georgia game is probably their best chance to pull an upset. It's at home, and the Bulldogs will be breaking in a handful of first-time starters at key spots. My prediction is 7-5.

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Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Defense in the SEC is a lot like snow skiing at Squaw Valley.

It's the best of the best.

The same goes for defensive coordinators in the SEC. They're some of the best in all of college football, and Florida's Charlie Strong belongs near the top.

He's put together defensive game plans that have held Ohio State and Oklahoma to a combined 21 offensive points in the Gators' two BCS National Championship Game wins the past three years.

	Kim Klement/US Presswire
	Charlie Strong's defense has plenty of experience returning from last year's team.

The high-powered Sooners swooped into Miami last season having scored 58 or more points in six straight games, but were held to 14 by Strong's Florida defense.

It's a defense that listed 14 of the 22 players on its two-deep as freshmen or sophomores, and all but one are back.

Strong, one of the most unassuming coaches you'll ever meet, is long overdue to get a shot at a head coaching job. He's not bitter, and he's not consumed by it.

His stance on the whole issue: If it's to be, it will be. In the meantime, he's focused on doing what it takes to win another title at Florida.

The Gators open spring practice later today, and Strong took some time to share his thoughts on the challenges ahead for a Florida program that really has it rolling right now.

What are your most pressing priorities on defense this spring?

Charlie Strong: We need to establish some depth. We have a number of guys coming back, and with the number of guys we do have coming back, it's going to be good that we get a lot of competition. So if we get some injuries, we know we're going to have guys ready to replace them.

Defensive tackle was a big question mark last season. Those guys came through for you, though. How does that position look for next season?

CS: I think we'll be even better there. With a lot of those guys last year, there were questions. But they were able to go out and give us some really critical plays and some critical minutes for us. There's always room for improvement. What we need there is a dominating guy. We didn't have that last season. [Lawrence] Marsh and [Terron] Sanders started for us, but let's see if they can kind of separate themselves from the pack.

(Read full post)