ESPN College Football

A check of what's making news around the SEC:

• With Jeremiah Masoli on hold, Ole Miss' Nathan Stanley says he's ready to lead the Rebels.
• Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the NCAA was wrong on the Masoli ruling.
• Alabama has problems beyond Mark Ingram's injured knee, writes Mike Herndon of The Mobile Press-Register.
• Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney plans to rotate 10 to 12 guys on the Gators' defensive line.
• Tennessee senior receiver Gerald Jones is in top health and top speed.
• Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen names captains for the 2010 season.
• Vanderbilt's Jamie Graham has found a home at cornerback.
• Chip Towers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes a look at his "Freshmen of impact" in the SEC and across the south.
• Who'll get the nod at running back for LSU: Stevan Ridley or Richard Murphy?
• Auburn's newcomers add depth and competition, writes Jay G. Tate of The Montgomery Advertiser.

The SEC has six players on the preseason nominee list for the 2010 Doak Walker Award, which goes annually to the top running back in college football.

Leading the way is Alabama's Mark Ingram, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, but not the Doak Walker Award. Stanford's Toby Gerhart won the award last season.

The other SEC players on the preseason list are Florida's Jeff Demps, Auburn's Mario Fannin, Arkansas' Dennis Johnson, Kentucky's Derrick Locke and LSU's Richard Murphy.

Hard to believe Alabama's Trent Richardson didn't make the list, even though he was a backup last season. He's easily one of the best three or four running backs in the SEC. I was also surprised that Georgia's Washaun Ealey wasn't on the list. The list of nominees will grow throughout the first part of the season, and I would suspect that both players will end up being included.

Did you notice who’s wearing the prestigious No. 18 jersey for LSU this season?

Better yet, did you notice who’s getting a bunch of work at first-team tailback?

Fifth-year senior Richard Murphy is one of those guys around the SEC who’s maybe been forgotten by some because he missed all but two games last season after blowing out his knee.

But within the LSU football family, he’s certainly not forgotten, which is why he’s wearing No. 18 -- an honor that goes to someone who best represents what it means to be a Tiger.

Murphy has spent his career playing in the shadows of others -- Jacob Hester, Keiland Williams and Charles Scott.

He looked like he might be on the verge of breaking out last season after a terrific spring, showing the explosiveness and breakaway speed that made him such a heralded recruit.

But in the second week against Vanderbilt, he went down with a season-ending knee injury, the second serious knee injury of his career. Murphy also tore his ACL in high school.

His resolve has been an inspiration for his teammates.

And even more valuable this season might be his ability to turn shorter gains into first downs and missed tackles into touchdowns. Murphy has that kind of ability if he’s healthy, and it’s a dimension the Tigers sorely lacked last season in their running game.

They need some big plays out of their running backs after finishing 11^th in the league in rushing offense last season. In only two of their eight SEC games did the Tigers have a running back break a run of 20 yards or longer.

The 6-1, 206-pound Murphy can also catch the ball out of the backfield, so don’t forget about No. 18 when you start reeling off guys who’re going to make the plays for the Tigers this season on offense.

Murphy has waited his turn and persevered through his share of hardship.

He’s due.

Friday means the weekend is almost here. Let's check out a few links:

• Tennessee coach Derek Dooley knows the Vols' quarterback situation this season will be a work in progress with nobody on campus who's ever taken a snap in an SEC game.
• Jeremiah Masoli still faces a few obstacles if he's going to be playing at Ole Miss this season, writes David Brandt of The Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
• Raymond Cotton gets his release from Ole Miss and plans to transfer to South Alabama.
• All those opponents' open dates aren't enough to shut down Alabama, writes Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News.
• South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier isn't letting go of the Connecticut loss in last season's bowl game.
• LSU running back Richard Murphy is looking for a big senior season after watching from the sideline last season with a torn ACL.
• Auburn sets its August practice schedule.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Several SEC teams were hit with key injuries over the weekend, including Georgia losing another starter for the season.

Defensive end Rod Battle tore his ACL in the 41-37 win over South Carolina and will miss the rest of the season. The Bulldogs lost offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant for the season in the first game.

LSU running back Richard Murphy injured his right knee against Vanderbilt and will undergo an MRI this week to determine the extent of the injury. There's a fear that he might have torn ligaments.

Auburn tight end Tommy Trott hurt his left knee late in the first half against Mississippi State, and his status for this weekend is unclear.

Alabama redshirt freshman defensive end Damion Square has a knee injury that coach Nick Saban said would likely require surgery. Star receiver Julio Jones bruised his kneecap on the opening drive, and running back Roy Upchurch sprained an ankle. Neither player returned to the game.

South Carolina defensive tackle Nathan Pepper could miss two to three weeks after spraining his ankle against Georgia. The Gamecocks were already without middle linebacker Rodney Paulk, who tore his ACL in the opener, and defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye, who's suspended for the first three games.

If Pepper doesn't play this week against Florida Atlantic, either Melvin Ingram or Kenny Davis would replace him.

Vanderbilt was really hit hard by injuries in its 23-9 loss to LSU. Starting offensive tackle James Williams broke his ankle and will likely miss the rest of the season. Starting safety Ryan Hamilton could also be out indefinitely after suffering an injury to his upper right chest. His arm was in a sling in the second half, and the Commodores will know more about his status after he undergoes further evaluation by doctors.

Other Vanderbilt players injured in the game and missing time were linebacker Patrick Benoist (shoulder) and nickel back Jamie Graham (ankle).

The top candidates to replace Williams at right tackle are redshirt freshman Caleb Welchans, junior Reilly Lauer and sophomore Kyle Fischer. Lauer and Fischer had been working primarily at guard this season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

One of the best recruiting jobs LSU coach Les Miles did this past offseason was holding onto senior offensive tackle Ciron Black.

In reality, I don't know how much recruiting Miles really did, but there's no denying how much better the Tigers will be with Black lining up at left tackle for another season.

	Brad Schloss/Icon SMI
	Ciron Black has started in 40 straight games at left tackle for the Tigers.

Not only is he the best offensive tackle in the SEC, but he's the kind of strong-willed leader that keeps everybody accountable. In more ways than one, Black will be the Tigers' rock in 2009.

He insists that he hasn't regretted his decision to put off the NFL and return for his senior season one bit.

"I realized I had a lot more to do," said the 6-foot-5, 325-pound Black, who has started in 40 straight games at left tackle for the Tigers. "I have a lot more to work on in becoming a better player, a better all-around player."

When one of your best players has that kind of attitude, it typically rubs off on everyone else.

The other thing that sticks out about Black is that he's not a pass-the-blame kind of guy. Case in point: While many were blaming LSU's struggles last season on a lack of senior leadership, Black steadfastly refused to throw his former teammates under the bus.

That's refreshing, too, because how many times have we heard players talking about former teammates who've moved on (usually unnamed teammates) that were too selfish the year before or weren't in it for the team?

Not Black.

"The leadership was there," Black said. "Our mindset wasn't right, and things fell apart on us. We started getting bogged down late in the season and it kind of wore on us."

Black's only suggestion for the coaches heading into this season is to hammer away with the running game. He said the Tigers' backfield is "unbelievable" with the threesome of Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy.

"Offensive linemen love coming off the ball and hitting somebody in the mouth," Black said.

Something tells me he'll get plenty of chances.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

No returning SEC running back rushed for more yards last season than LSU's Charles Scott.

	Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
	Charles Scott is looking for more consistency from the offense this season.

He put together one of the most productive seasons for a running back in LSU's storied history. He rushed for 18 touchdowns, one off the school record, and only Charles Alexander, Kevin Faulk and Dalton Hilliard have rushed for more yards in a season at LSU.

With the passing game struggling for much of the year, Scott gained 1,174 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He had six 100-yard games.

Not bad when you consider that Scott had never carried the ball more than 46 times in a season prior to last year. He'd surpassed that total by the fourth game in 2008.

The Tigers hope to be more rounded offensively in 2009, but Scott will still be a big part of the offense. He scored a pair of touchdowns in last Saturday's spring game.

When it comes to numbers, Scott would gladly trade some of his yards for more wins. He's the ultimate team player and even shifted over to fullback some this spring because of the Tigers' lack of depth there.

Scott took some time recently to share his thoughts on what's ahead for him and the Tigers:

You'd never gained more than 324 yards in either of your first two seasons. Were you surprised at what kind of season you had a year ago?

Charles Scott: I look at it as a good year. Obviously, I didn't have a good enough year, because we were only 8-5. That's the way I look at it, and that keeps me grounded and makes me want to do 10 times better than last year and go above and beyond. That's what this team has to do and what we didn't do last year.

What were your expectations for yourself last season?

CS: I came in with high hopes and wanting to be a guy this team could rely on down in and down out. The first game, that's how it worked out and the way it worked out the whole season.

Your depth at running back remains strong. Are there enough carries to go around for you, Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy?

CS: We're having fun, but we're still competing. We don't realize how much better we're making each other, just staying on each other's toes. It will definitely bring out the best in you when you've got somebody on your toes.

What do you think took your game to another level last season?

CS: My vision came to me and was something I worked on and worked on. Now, it's my pass-blocking. Not that it's bad, but I've got to tighten that up a little bit.

What weight do you plan on playing at in 2009?

CS: I was 235 last year. I'm under 235 now and will stay a little lighter, so I can move a little better.

How much will we see you at fullback, and is that something that you embrace?

CS: I don't mind at all putting my hand in the dirt. You look at people like Jacob Hester and everything he did and following in his shoes. We've got to have more of that, more of doing whatever it takes for this team to win. If I need to get to fullback and block, I don't mind that at all. I can handle anything they want to give me.

What do you want to see out of this offense next fall?

CS: Definitely consistency. We've got to be on the same page. Everybody in that huddle has to know what the snap count is, and it gets down to executing your job. Once we get in a rhythm, we need to stay in a rhythm. We can't do it in flashes and have a good play here and a terrible play there. As you saw last year, that's not going to win games for us.

Is Jordan Jefferson ready to take that next step at quarterback after being pressed into action last season as a true freshman?

CS: I'm a firm believer that the best experience is learning by experience. He's taking control of the huddle and making good reads. He gets the ball in the hands of the playmakers and makes a play when he has to with his legs. He's come a long way.

You were an unknown quantity around the league heading into last season, but defenses will be loading up to stop you from the outset next fall. Are you ready for that?

CS: I wouldn't want to go out there and have it be easy. Everybody knows I'm coming, so I've got to be ready. That means I've got to step my game up, and I have to be even more prepared. The stakes have gone up.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Making our daily rounds in the SEC:

• Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if Tommy Tuberville and Phillip Fulmer are the next to go after Tommy Bowden, but Barnhart warns Auburn and Tennessee fans to be careful what they wish for.
• Vanderbilt may bring in a little different running game to test Georgia's defense, which ranks fourth nationally in rushing defense.
• Tailback Richard Murphy may get a longer look in the "Wild Tiger," LSU's version of the direct-snap offense that so many teams are using now.
• Mississippi State and Jackson State will meet in a ground-breaking game next fall, reports Kyle Veazey of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
• Vanderbilt officials say they're not losing Bobby Johnson to anybody and are ready to fight off all potential suitors ... including Clemson.
• Tennessee's running game has gone south in a hurry in a year in which running back depth and the Vols' offensive line were supposed to be strengths.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

	J. Meric/Getty Images
	The Gators are expecting big things from Major Wright this season.

Now for those players in the SEC on the cusp of breaking out and becoming household names. Some of these players have already made their mark to varying degrees, while others either haven't gotten the chance or just haven't done it yet. Keep an eye on all 10 this season:

1. Major Wright, S, Florida: A punishing hitter who tied for the SEC lead in forced fumbles a year ago as a true freshman. Took his lumps along with the rest of the Gators' young secondary, but he'll be better for it this season.

2. Jeremy Jarmon, DE, Kentucky: For all intents and purposes, had a breakout season last year with nine sacks in his first full season as a starter. But with more depth and better talent around him, Jarmon will be even better in 2008.

3. Chad Jones, S, LSU: Another physical safety to watch in 2008. Jones showed his playmaking abilities in spots last season as a true freshman. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 230 pounds, he has all the tools to be a great one.

4. Tray Blackmon, LB, Auburn: A suspension his freshman season held him back, and it was an ankle injury last season. Blackman still finished seventh on the team in tackles despite playing in just nine games. This is the year he puts it all together.

5. Gerald Jones, WR, Tennessee: Was underutilized last season by the Vols as a freshman. But he's something to see in the open field, and new Tennessee offensive coordinator Dave Clawson is determined to get him the ball.

6. Al Woods, DT, LSU: Probably will back up Charles Alexander to start the season, but this is the year he puts it all together and plays like the NFL first-round draft pick he's been projected as. Think the Tigers are deep up front?

7. London Crawford, WR, Arkansas: Finally ready to live up to lofty high school credentials now that he's in Bobby Petrino's pass-happy offense. One of the Hogs' most improved players in the spring.

8. Terry Grant, RB, Alabama: Set an Alabama freshman rushing record last season with 891 yards despite being hindered by a painful sports hernia. Had offseason surgery to correct the problem and has become a more complete back.

9. Richard Murphy, RB, LSU: Even with Jacob Hester gone, the LSU backfield remains crowded. Some are fingering Keiland Williams as the breakout guy, but Murphy had the better spring with his blend of speed and pass-catching ability.

10. Mario Fannin, RB/WR, Auburn: Shoulder surgery derailed him in the spring, but the explosive Fannin is moving to the slot in Tony Franklin's spread offense. He's still going to get his touches running the ball, too.

In closing: Arkansas has a couple of tight ends to watch this season -- Andrew Davie and D.J. Willams. South Carolina tight end Jared Cook has "star" written all over him, too. Is this the year Tennessee defensive tackle Demonte Bolden puts it all together for 12 games? And for that matter, does another member of that Tennessee defensive line, senior end Robert Ayers, finally realize how good he can be?