SEC: T.J. Moe
Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with a look at the league's top returning kickoff returners.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 kick returners from 2011. The top three returners are back, so kickers beware. However, the ball will now be moved forward five yards to the 35-yard line for kickoffs, meaning returns should occur less often. But that also means they'll now be more important. We're going by average per return. Note: To qualify, a player must have at least one return per team's games played. This is one of the most exciting plays in football and here's a look at the SEC's top returner:
Tre Mason, RB, Auburn: He returned 24 kicks for an average of 26.4 yards per return, had a long of 97 yards and recorded a touchdown. Mason dealt with being in a crowded backfield by making a name for himself in the return game during the first half of the season. He did most of his damage in the first two weeks, grabbing 10 returns for 348 yards and had a touchdown in the season opener against Utah State. He saw his production dip as the season went on because of injuries and his fumbling issues. He eventually lost his job, but could he make a comeback for his crown in 2012?
The SEC returns six more of the top kickoff returners in 2012:
Andre Debose, WR, Florida: He returned 19 kicks for an average of 26.1 yards per return, had a long of 99 yards and registered one touchdown.
Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas: He returned 18 kicks for an average of 25.6 yards per return, had a long of 98 yards and registered one touchdown.
Tobias Singleton, RB, Ole Miss: He returned 21 kicks for an average of 24.6 yards per return and had a long of 47 yards.
Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt: He returned 31 kicks for an average of 23.8 yards per return, had a long of 96 yards and registered one touchdown.
Devrin Young, RB, Tennessee: He returned 27 kicks for an average of 23.3 yards per return and had a long of 67 yards.
Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina: He returned 20 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards and had a long of 45 yards.
With kickoffs being moved up, we might see even less in the kick return game this fall. We could also see a new winner for this category if Mason doesn't get his job back. And with the amount of production he'll have on offense, his returns might get cut short anyway. Keep an eye on Mason's teammates, Onterio McCalebb and Quan Bray. McCalebb averaged 30.1 yards per return and had a touchdown on just 11 returns, while Bray averaged 24.2 on 10 returns.
Johnson has always been very dangerous in the return game. He entered the 2011 season as the SEC's active leader for career kickoff return yards and total return yards with 2,014 and he added 461 last fall. Johnson will likely have more steam to work with this fall with Knile Davis eating into his carries at running back. That will make him even tougher to stop in the return game and counting him out of the race for the return crown is just silly.
Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010, but has always had some issues with his decision-making in the return game. Still, there's no doubting his speed when he finds a hole. When he's focused, he's exciting to watch, but he's yet to keep his focus for an entire season as a returner.
LaDarius Perkins will have more responsibility in Mississippi State's offense, but he was sometimes fun to watch in the return game.
Missouri receiver T.J. Moe averaged 23.3 yards on 26 kicks, but didn't return a kick longer than 49 yards. Still, he's shifty enough and has the vision to make a run at this thing.
Past producers:
The SEC returns seven of the top 10 kick returners from 2011. The top three returners are back, so kickers beware. However, the ball will now be moved forward five yards to the 35-yard line for kickoffs, meaning returns should occur less often. But that also means they'll now be more important. We're going by average per return. Note: To qualify, a player must have at least one return per team's games played. This is one of the most exciting plays in football and here's a look at the SEC's top returner:
Tre Mason, RB, Auburn: He returned 24 kicks for an average of 26.4 yards per return, had a long of 97 yards and recorded a touchdown. Mason dealt with being in a crowded backfield by making a name for himself in the return game during the first half of the season. He did most of his damage in the first two weeks, grabbing 10 returns for 348 yards and had a touchdown in the season opener against Utah State. He saw his production dip as the season went on because of injuries and his fumbling issues. He eventually lost his job, but could he make a comeback for his crown in 2012?
The SEC returns six more of the top kickoff returners in 2012:
Andre Debose, WR, Florida: He returned 19 kicks for an average of 26.1 yards per return, had a long of 99 yards and registered one touchdown.
Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas: He returned 18 kicks for an average of 25.6 yards per return, had a long of 98 yards and registered one touchdown.
Tobias Singleton, RB, Ole Miss: He returned 21 kicks for an average of 24.6 yards per return and had a long of 47 yards.
Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt: He returned 31 kicks for an average of 23.8 yards per return, had a long of 96 yards and registered one touchdown.
Devrin Young, RB, Tennessee: He returned 27 kicks for an average of 23.3 yards per return and had a long of 67 yards.
Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina: He returned 20 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards and had a long of 45 yards.
With kickoffs being moved up, we might see even less in the kick return game this fall. We could also see a new winner for this category if Mason doesn't get his job back. And with the amount of production he'll have on offense, his returns might get cut short anyway. Keep an eye on Mason's teammates, Onterio McCalebb and Quan Bray. McCalebb averaged 30.1 yards per return and had a touchdown on just 11 returns, while Bray averaged 24.2 on 10 returns.
Johnson has always been very dangerous in the return game. He entered the 2011 season as the SEC's active leader for career kickoff return yards and total return yards with 2,014 and he added 461 last fall. Johnson will likely have more steam to work with this fall with Knile Davis eating into his carries at running back. That will make him even tougher to stop in the return game and counting him out of the race for the return crown is just silly.
Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010, but has always had some issues with his decision-making in the return game. Still, there's no doubting his speed when he finds a hole. When he's focused, he's exciting to watch, but he's yet to keep his focus for an entire season as a returner.
LaDarius Perkins will have more responsibility in Mississippi State's offense, but he was sometimes fun to watch in the return game.
Missouri receiver T.J. Moe averaged 23.3 yards on 26 kicks, but didn't return a kick longer than 49 yards. Still, he's shifty enough and has the vision to make a run at this thing.
2011 record: 8-5
2011 conference record: 5-4
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
OT Elvis Fisher, RB Henry Josey (injured), QB James Franklin, OT Justin Britt, WR T.J. Moe, DE Brad Madison, LB Andrew Wilson, CB E.J. Gaines, CB Kip Edwards, LB Will Ebner, LB Zaviar Gooden
Key losses
OG Austin Wuebbels, OT Dan Hoch, OG Jayson Palmgren, TE Michael Egnew, WR Wes Kemp, NG Dominique Hamilton, DE Jacquies Smith, S Kenji Jackson, LB Luke Lambert
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Henry Josey* (1,168 Yards)
Passing: James Franklin* (2,865 yards)
Receiving: T.J. Moe* (649 yards)
Tackles: Andrew Wilson* (98)
Sacks: Jacquies Smith (5)
Interceptions: Kenji Jackson (3)
Spring answers
1. Lucas' development: Missouri entered the spring looking for a downfield receiving threat at wide receiver and left feeling much better about the situation. T.J. Moe returns as the most productive receiver, but he's not a deep-play threat. The coaches are hoping Marcus Lucas can be that guy. He had a very solid spring in Columbia and was much more consistent in practices. He got over some of his lazy tendencies and showed off more explosiveness in Missouri's vertical passing game. With L'Damian Washington banged up, Lucas took full advantage of getting more reps.
2. Running back depth: Kendial Lawrence picked up where he left off last season. With Henry Josey's status still doubtful for the fall, Lawrence is the unquestioned leader of the group. Behind him, offensive coordinator David Yost was impressed by redshirt sophomore Marcus Murphy, who missed 2011 with a shoulder injury. Murphy showed the big-play ability that the coaches coveted his freshman year. The big Jared McGriff-Culver will be used at running back, a blocker and an H-back, while redshirt sophomore Greg White showed a lot of improvement this spring and is in line for carries this fall.
3. Mizzou's confidence: All this SEC talk is getting to Missouri. It's not that the Tigers aren't excited about their move. They're just tired of hearing about how tough it will be, and they're tired of answering adjustment questions. Yost and his players made it clear that the offense isn't changing a whole lot to their spread attack. That's what this team wants and it doesn't matter what others think. Gary Pinkel is the eighth-winningest active coach in the FBS, with his 158 wins, so he knows how to win. He's done plenty of it at Mizzou and intends to continue that in the SEC. He and his players know it won't be easy, but they have the right attitude and confidence entering the league's toughest football conference.
Fall questions
1. Defensive tackle: The depth at defensive tackle is a concern for the Tigers entering the summer, as Missouri is looking to replace both starters up front. With Sheldon Richardson rehabbing from shoulder surgery this spring and Marvin Foster, who was expected to be No. 2 at defensive tackle, tearing his ACL before spring, Missouri entered the spring with four tackles having six combined starts. All of them are from rising senior Jimmy Burge. Strides were made by Lucas Vincent, and former tight end-turned-tackle Matt Hoch, but there's no doubt that coaches are worried about depth.
2. Offensive line: Missouri's coaches insist there is more experience than meets the eye on the offensive line, but with Anthony Gatti, Mark Hill and Connor McGovern banged up, the offensive line had holes to work around this spring. Sixth-year senior Elvis Fisher will be back, but even he was limited this spring as he recovered from the knee injury he suffered last offseason. When this unit is healthy, there is experience to be found, but Mizzou still has to replace three quality linemen and there's also that issue of being a much lighter unit than most lines in the league.
3. Size: Both of Missouri's lines are lacking in the size department, but it doesn't look like the coaches are ready to change that anytime soon. Yost said he's happy with an offensive line that averages roughly 295 pounds. The defensive line comes in at about 262 pounds as well. While SEC linemen get a lot of credit for their athleticism, they also pack a little more girth than what Mizzou has. The coaches say it won't be a problem, and they say players will combat size with strength, making offseason workouts even more critical. This is something to monitor on as the season progresses. If these lines wear down it will be a long first year for the Tigers.
2011 conference record: 5-4
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
OT Elvis Fisher, RB Henry Josey (injured), QB James Franklin, OT Justin Britt, WR T.J. Moe, DE Brad Madison, LB Andrew Wilson, CB E.J. Gaines, CB Kip Edwards, LB Will Ebner, LB Zaviar Gooden
Key losses
OG Austin Wuebbels, OT Dan Hoch, OG Jayson Palmgren, TE Michael Egnew, WR Wes Kemp, NG Dominique Hamilton, DE Jacquies Smith, S Kenji Jackson, LB Luke Lambert
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Henry Josey* (1,168 Yards)
Passing: James Franklin* (2,865 yards)
Receiving: T.J. Moe* (649 yards)
Tackles: Andrew Wilson* (98)
Sacks: Jacquies Smith (5)
Interceptions: Kenji Jackson (3)
Spring answers
1. Lucas' development: Missouri entered the spring looking for a downfield receiving threat at wide receiver and left feeling much better about the situation. T.J. Moe returns as the most productive receiver, but he's not a deep-play threat. The coaches are hoping Marcus Lucas can be that guy. He had a very solid spring in Columbia and was much more consistent in practices. He got over some of his lazy tendencies and showed off more explosiveness in Missouri's vertical passing game. With L'Damian Washington banged up, Lucas took full advantage of getting more reps.
2. Running back depth: Kendial Lawrence picked up where he left off last season. With Henry Josey's status still doubtful for the fall, Lawrence is the unquestioned leader of the group. Behind him, offensive coordinator David Yost was impressed by redshirt sophomore Marcus Murphy, who missed 2011 with a shoulder injury. Murphy showed the big-play ability that the coaches coveted his freshman year. The big Jared McGriff-Culver will be used at running back, a blocker and an H-back, while redshirt sophomore Greg White showed a lot of improvement this spring and is in line for carries this fall.
3. Mizzou's confidence: All this SEC talk is getting to Missouri. It's not that the Tigers aren't excited about their move. They're just tired of hearing about how tough it will be, and they're tired of answering adjustment questions. Yost and his players made it clear that the offense isn't changing a whole lot to their spread attack. That's what this team wants and it doesn't matter what others think. Gary Pinkel is the eighth-winningest active coach in the FBS, with his 158 wins, so he knows how to win. He's done plenty of it at Mizzou and intends to continue that in the SEC. He and his players know it won't be easy, but they have the right attitude and confidence entering the league's toughest football conference.
Fall questions
1. Defensive tackle: The depth at defensive tackle is a concern for the Tigers entering the summer, as Missouri is looking to replace both starters up front. With Sheldon Richardson rehabbing from shoulder surgery this spring and Marvin Foster, who was expected to be No. 2 at defensive tackle, tearing his ACL before spring, Missouri entered the spring with four tackles having six combined starts. All of them are from rising senior Jimmy Burge. Strides were made by Lucas Vincent, and former tight end-turned-tackle Matt Hoch, but there's no doubt that coaches are worried about depth.
2. Offensive line: Missouri's coaches insist there is more experience than meets the eye on the offensive line, but with Anthony Gatti, Mark Hill and Connor McGovern banged up, the offensive line had holes to work around this spring. Sixth-year senior Elvis Fisher will be back, but even he was limited this spring as he recovered from the knee injury he suffered last offseason. When this unit is healthy, there is experience to be found, but Mizzou still has to replace three quality linemen and there's also that issue of being a much lighter unit than most lines in the league.
3. Size: Both of Missouri's lines are lacking in the size department, but it doesn't look like the coaches are ready to change that anytime soon. Yost said he's happy with an offensive line that averages roughly 295 pounds. The defensive line comes in at about 262 pounds as well. While SEC linemen get a lot of credit for their athleticism, they also pack a little more girth than what Mizzou has. The coaches say it won't be a problem, and they say players will combat size with strength, making offseason workouts even more critical. This is something to monitor on as the season progresses. If these lines wear down it will be a long first year for the Tigers.
Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with wide receivers.
Past producers:
The SEC returns five of the top 10 statistical wideouts from a year ago. Top statistical receiver Jarius Wright has departed, but the No. 2 receiver in the SEC is back, which means he'll have a chance to claim the crown as the league's top wideout in 2012.
Here is the conference's top returning producer at receiver:
Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee: While Rogers dealt with some issues last season that didn't pertain to football, he was still one of the best receiving threats in the SEC. He lead the league with 67 catches and was second with 1,040 receiving yards. He was also second in the conference with nine receiving touchdowns. Rogers finished the season averaging 15.5 yards per catch and hauled in six 100-yard receiving games, including having three in Tennessee's last four games. When he's totally invested, Rogers is a handful for defenders to stop. He's not only fast and can break away from defenders in a hurry but with his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, he's a much bigger load for defensive backs to handle.
The SEC returns four more of the top 10 statistical receivers from a year ago:
Rogers will have his hands full trying to take the title of the SEC's best receiver, and it'll start in his own backyard, as big-time deep threat Justin Hunter is back from his ACL injury. Hunter might be the most gifted receiver in the league and he's showed in the past that it's hard to find a better deep threat with the speed and length he possesses. Quarterback Tyler Bray is no doubt salivating at the thought having both of these guys completely healthy for the fall.
Arkansas might have lost three NFL receivers from last year, but don't forget about Cobi Hamilton. Though he's been overshadowed at times, the senior-to-be has 85 career catches for 1,519 yards and 13 scores. He's fast and physical and with Tyler Wilson throwing the ball, he'll have plenty of chances to make a strong run as the league's best.
Odell Beckham at LSU came on strong as a true freshman last season, catching 41 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns, and now that Rueben Randle is gone, Beckham should be LSU's top receiving target this fall. Florida's Andre Debose has yet to have a complete season at receiver, but he's the Gators best deep threat. If he can finally focus in a little more, he'll get more touches. Kentucky's La'Rod King was 11th in the league in receiving last year, and that was with major issues at the quarterback spot. A more settled QB situation in Lexington should help him move up the receiving chart.
As for some newcomers, Ryan Swope at Texas A&M is the first name you have to consider. He was third in the Big 12 in receiving, catching 89 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns. He could have easily left for the NFL after last season. At Missouri, T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' top receiver, but deep threat Marcus Lucas and incoming freshman Dorial Green-Beckham could also do some damage this fall. Lucas is a guy the coaches can't wait to let loose, but if Green-Beckham is as good as the coaches hope, he could be an instant star.
Past producers:
The SEC returns five of the top 10 statistical wideouts from a year ago. Top statistical receiver Jarius Wright has departed, but the No. 2 receiver in the SEC is back, which means he'll have a chance to claim the crown as the league's top wideout in 2012.
Here is the conference's top returning producer at receiver:
Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee: While Rogers dealt with some issues last season that didn't pertain to football, he was still one of the best receiving threats in the SEC. He lead the league with 67 catches and was second with 1,040 receiving yards. He was also second in the conference with nine receiving touchdowns. Rogers finished the season averaging 15.5 yards per catch and hauled in six 100-yard receiving games, including having three in Tennessee's last four games. When he's totally invested, Rogers is a handful for defenders to stop. He's not only fast and can break away from defenders in a hurry but with his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, he's a much bigger load for defensive backs to handle.
The SEC returns four more of the top 10 statistical receivers from a year ago:
- Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt: He caught 41 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns, and averaged 19 yards per catch.
- Tavarres King, Georgia: He caught 47 passes for 705 yards and eight touchdowns, and averaged 15 yards per catch.
- Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia: He caught 45 passes for 665 yards and four touchdowns, and averaged 14.8 yards per catch.
- Emory Blake, Auburn: He caught 36 passes for 613 yards and five touchdowns, and averaged 17 yards per catch.
Rogers will have his hands full trying to take the title of the SEC's best receiver, and it'll start in his own backyard, as big-time deep threat Justin Hunter is back from his ACL injury. Hunter might be the most gifted receiver in the league and he's showed in the past that it's hard to find a better deep threat with the speed and length he possesses. Quarterback Tyler Bray is no doubt salivating at the thought having both of these guys completely healthy for the fall.
Arkansas might have lost three NFL receivers from last year, but don't forget about Cobi Hamilton. Though he's been overshadowed at times, the senior-to-be has 85 career catches for 1,519 yards and 13 scores. He's fast and physical and with Tyler Wilson throwing the ball, he'll have plenty of chances to make a strong run as the league's best.
Odell Beckham at LSU came on strong as a true freshman last season, catching 41 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns, and now that Rueben Randle is gone, Beckham should be LSU's top receiving target this fall. Florida's Andre Debose has yet to have a complete season at receiver, but he's the Gators best deep threat. If he can finally focus in a little more, he'll get more touches. Kentucky's La'Rod King was 11th in the league in receiving last year, and that was with major issues at the quarterback spot. A more settled QB situation in Lexington should help him move up the receiving chart.
As for some newcomers, Ryan Swope at Texas A&M is the first name you have to consider. He was third in the Big 12 in receiving, catching 89 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns. He could have easily left for the NFL after last season. At Missouri, T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' top receiver, but deep threat Marcus Lucas and incoming freshman Dorial Green-Beckham could also do some damage this fall. Lucas is a guy the coaches can't wait to let loose, but if Green-Beckham is as good as the coaches hope, he could be an instant star.
There's more to Mizzou WRs than numbers
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
11:15
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- On paper, Missouri's group of wide receivers bleeds inexperience.
Outside of veteran T.J. Moe, who will be a senior this fall, Missouri's returning receiving targets have combined for 51 catches for 712 yards and five touchdowns in their careers.
But when you talk to players and coaches at Missouri, those numbers tell a much different story. They say that while the returners aren’t burning up the stat sheet, it hasn't been because of a lack of talent.
"It's only unproven because guys haven't got the chance to do anything yet," Moe said. "We have a lot of good receivers out here and we have a lot of guys out here who have made plays."
Last year, Moe led the Tigers with 54 receptions and 649 yards. Behind him, Missouri had former All-American tight end Michael Egnew (50 receptions) and seniors Wes Kemp (29 receptions) and Jerrel Jackson (17 receptions), who combined for 36 starts.
"It's hard to beat those guys out because they do all the right things," offensive coordinator David Yost said.
While most of the talk concerning Missouri's receivers has revolved around inexperience and numbers, Yost and Co. are excited about what this group can do.
Coaches and players think they have bona fide deep threats in rising juniors Marcus Lucas and L'Damian Washington. Lucas was fourth on the team in receiving last year (23 catches for 414 yards) and tied for first with five touchdowns. Washington was fifth with 20 catches for 364 yards and three scores.
Yost said both received more time as the season went on because of how explosive they were (Lucas has been clocked running a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash). Both ended the year averaging 18 yards per catch.
Washington was banged up this spring, but Lucas said he took full advantage of his time on the field. With more reps, Lucas said he shook the laziness that hurt him last year. His jogging and trudging around the field turned into sprints, his head stopped swimming and he finally learned how to finish plays after getting more comfortable in Missouri's offense.
"It comes with confidence, really," said Lucas, who caught four passes for 81 yards in Missouri's spring game. "When you don't really know exactly [what's going on] and you're guessing on what your exact assignment is it slows you down. Whenever you're out there just playing, you can play at your top-end speed."
Players like Bud Sasser, who worked at the Y position/tight end position, Gahn McGaffie and Jimmie Hunt, who caught an 88-yard touchdown in the spring game, all impressed this spring. So did tight end Eric Waters, who will now take over for Egnew, before he went down with an MCL injury that required surgery. Coach Gary Pinkel said Waters, who has two career catches, will be a key cog in the offense and should be back up to speed in three months.
Upperclassmen Rolandis Woodland, Jaleel Clark and Kerwin Stricker should also contribute more this fall and much ballyhooed recruit Dorial Green-Beckham, known around the program as "the big guy," will be on campus this summer.
"We're in pretty good shape," Pinkel said.
Before spring practice, 7-on-7 sessions helped build receiver chemistry, but what really brought this group together was not having quarterback James Franklin healthy this spring. After being sidelined with a shoulder injury, the receivers were forced to work with backups Corbin Berkstresser, Alex Demczak and Ashton Glaser.
Lucas said it was tough building chemistry with the other quarterbacks at first, but it forced the receivers to be more vocal in film sessions and in the huddle with the QBs
It also helped the receivers learn to take on more responsibility in the offense. They felt as though they were the voices this spring, and Lucas said that will be more beneficial for this group than in past seasons.
"We just want to be dominant," he said.
"We're kind of like the motor for [the offense]. We run the pace out there. If the wideouts are having a good day, it feels like the offense is having a good day."
Outside of veteran T.J. Moe, who will be a senior this fall, Missouri's returning receiving targets have combined for 51 catches for 712 yards and five touchdowns in their careers.
But when you talk to players and coaches at Missouri, those numbers tell a much different story. They say that while the returners aren’t burning up the stat sheet, it hasn't been because of a lack of talent.
"It's only unproven because guys haven't got the chance to do anything yet," Moe said. "We have a lot of good receivers out here and we have a lot of guys out here who have made plays."
Last year, Moe led the Tigers with 54 receptions and 649 yards. Behind him, Missouri had former All-American tight end Michael Egnew (50 receptions) and seniors Wes Kemp (29 receptions) and Jerrel Jackson (17 receptions), who combined for 36 starts.
"It's hard to beat those guys out because they do all the right things," offensive coordinator David Yost said.
While most of the talk concerning Missouri's receivers has revolved around inexperience and numbers, Yost and Co. are excited about what this group can do.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Matt YorkMissouri will be counting on speedy WR Marcus Lucas to make a significant impact in 2012.
AP Photo/Matt YorkMissouri will be counting on speedy WR Marcus Lucas to make a significant impact in 2012. Yost said both received more time as the season went on because of how explosive they were (Lucas has been clocked running a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash). Both ended the year averaging 18 yards per catch.
Washington was banged up this spring, but Lucas said he took full advantage of his time on the field. With more reps, Lucas said he shook the laziness that hurt him last year. His jogging and trudging around the field turned into sprints, his head stopped swimming and he finally learned how to finish plays after getting more comfortable in Missouri's offense.
"It comes with confidence, really," said Lucas, who caught four passes for 81 yards in Missouri's spring game. "When you don't really know exactly [what's going on] and you're guessing on what your exact assignment is it slows you down. Whenever you're out there just playing, you can play at your top-end speed."
Players like Bud Sasser, who worked at the Y position/tight end position, Gahn McGaffie and Jimmie Hunt, who caught an 88-yard touchdown in the spring game, all impressed this spring. So did tight end Eric Waters, who will now take over for Egnew, before he went down with an MCL injury that required surgery. Coach Gary Pinkel said Waters, who has two career catches, will be a key cog in the offense and should be back up to speed in three months.
Upperclassmen Rolandis Woodland, Jaleel Clark and Kerwin Stricker should also contribute more this fall and much ballyhooed recruit Dorial Green-Beckham, known around the program as "the big guy," will be on campus this summer.
"We're in pretty good shape," Pinkel said.
Before spring practice, 7-on-7 sessions helped build receiver chemistry, but what really brought this group together was not having quarterback James Franklin healthy this spring. After being sidelined with a shoulder injury, the receivers were forced to work with backups Corbin Berkstresser, Alex Demczak and Ashton Glaser.
Lucas said it was tough building chemistry with the other quarterbacks at first, but it forced the receivers to be more vocal in film sessions and in the huddle with the QBs
It also helped the receivers learn to take on more responsibility in the offense. They felt as though they were the voices this spring, and Lucas said that will be more beneficial for this group than in past seasons.
"We just want to be dominant," he said.
"We're kind of like the motor for [the offense]. We run the pace out there. If the wideouts are having a good day, it feels like the offense is having a good day."
Missouri was forced to deal with injuries all spring, and that was again the case last Saturday in the Tigers’ annual Black & Gold Game to conclude the spring.
A crowd of 18,614 watched the Tigers play without an array of starters and key contributors. Among the starters who were out were quarterback James Franklin, running back Henry Josey, offensive tackle Elvis Fisher, defensive end Brad Madison, and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The Tigers are keeping their fingers crossed on Franklin, who had surgery in March to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He’s scheduled to resume throwing in July. The outlook for Josey isn’t nearly as positive. He will need a second surgery on his knee and is doubtful for the 2012 season.
In their absence, there were mixed results over the weekend.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Corbin Berkstresser, who worked with the first unit, finished 13-of-20 for 187 yards. He threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moe, who made a ton of big plays this spring for the Tigers. But Berkstresser also took a sack on third down, and threw an interception that was returned 65 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Donovan Bonner.
Even without Josey, it looks like the Tigers are going to have some weapons in the running game. Senior Kendial Lawrence, the starter, had 69 yards on six carries. Sophomore Marcus Murphy led all rushers with 87 yards on 10 carries.
Offensive coordinator David Yost said Murphy gives the Tigers that explosive element in the backfield, and is the kind of back that can change the game with one big play.
The Tigers’ second-team offense also had some success against the first-team defense. Junior Ashton Glaser threw a pair of touchdown passes -- an 88-yarder to Jimmie Hunt, and a 35-yarder to Rolandis Woodland.
The first half pitted the first-team offense and defense against the rest of the team. The reserves were spotted a 14-0 lead to start the game and took a 34-10 lead into the half. The second half was an offense vs. defense scrimmage.
You can go here for official stats from the Tigers' spring game.
A crowd of 18,614 watched the Tigers play without an array of starters and key contributors. Among the starters who were out were quarterback James Franklin, running back Henry Josey, offensive tackle Elvis Fisher, defensive end Brad Madison, and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The Tigers are keeping their fingers crossed on Franklin, who had surgery in March to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He’s scheduled to resume throwing in July. The outlook for Josey isn’t nearly as positive. He will need a second surgery on his knee and is doubtful for the 2012 season.
In their absence, there were mixed results over the weekend.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Corbin Berkstresser, who worked with the first unit, finished 13-of-20 for 187 yards. He threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moe, who made a ton of big plays this spring for the Tigers. But Berkstresser also took a sack on third down, and threw an interception that was returned 65 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Donovan Bonner.
Even without Josey, it looks like the Tigers are going to have some weapons in the running game. Senior Kendial Lawrence, the starter, had 69 yards on six carries. Sophomore Marcus Murphy led all rushers with 87 yards on 10 carries.
Offensive coordinator David Yost said Murphy gives the Tigers that explosive element in the backfield, and is the kind of back that can change the game with one big play.
The Tigers’ second-team offense also had some success against the first-team defense. Junior Ashton Glaser threw a pair of touchdown passes -- an 88-yarder to Jimmie Hunt, and a 35-yarder to Rolandis Woodland.
The first half pitted the first-team offense and defense against the rest of the team. The reserves were spotted a 14-0 lead to start the game and took a 34-10 lead into the half. The second half was an offense vs. defense scrimmage.
You can go here for official stats from the Tigers' spring game.
The receiver discusses the Tigers' receiving corps, and the offense adapting to the SEC.
Missouri not worried about change in SEC
April, 12, 2012
Apr 12
11:15
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
John Rieger/US PresswireMissouri coach Gary Pinkel will bring the nation's ninth-ranked rushing offense to the SEC in 2012.Could Missouri’s spread offense work in the bigger, badder, faster SEC? Could the Tigers hold up in the nation’s best, most physical conference? Could all of this hyperbole about a college football conference get under the skin of a team and staff leaving the Big 12?
Coach Gary Pinkel and those around the program calmly answer each one of those with a simple “Yes.”
Pinkel has had to answer questions about change for far too long, and just so everyone is on the same page, he’s very confident the football his team has played -- both offensively and defensively -- during his 11 years in Columbia will work in the SEC. To say that there won’t be tweaks made to combat the obvious speed and power the SEC is known for would be “inappropriate,” Pinkel said. But to suggest that the Tigers should overhaul most of what they do is just as inappropriate.
“We’re going to run our offense and we’re going to run our defense,” Pinkel said. “We’re going to do what we do.”
What the Tigers did last year was rank first in the Big 12 and ninth nationally in rushing (243.5 yards per game). Missouri was also fifth in the Big 12 in total offense (475.5). In a conference known more for burning out scoreboard lights, the Tigers averaged 32.8 points per game and 30 in league play.
Say what you will about Big 12 defenses, but the Tigers are proud of their numbers and their competition. The SEC will no doubt be tougher, but Pinkel isn’t looking to change just because of a new challenge.
Most of the questions concerning change have centered on the offense. Missouri runs as true a spread as anyone. The Tigers love space for receivers and linemen. Rarely is there a tight end attached, shotgun is the primary formation, there is a lot of motion and there will be empty sets.
This is an offense built more on finesse, but offensive coordinator David Yost insists that there is power. New wrinkles were added last year to attach the tight end more and run more I-form. Both will make appearances, along with a little three-back action, if the personnel works out.
[+] Enlarge
Photo by Scott Rovak/US Presswire T.J. Moe said he's confident that Missouri's spread offense will give the highly regarded SEC defenses reason for concern.
Photo by Scott Rovak/US Presswire T.J. Moe said he's confident that Missouri's spread offense will give the highly regarded SEC defenses reason for concern.“We will be a spread team and we will try to give people fits in different ways than how other people do it,” Yost said.
“There’s not a lot of what we do happening in that league right now. It’s a change for us going against new people, but it’s also a change for them for what they’re going to see because we’re different and we’re different in how we do it.”
Wide receiver T.J. Moe, who led Missouri with 54 catches for 649 yards and had four touchdowns in 2011, agrees. He understands the SEC is good, but thinks SEC defenses will have to catch on as well.
"Offensively, they have to cater to us because whatever we do they have to try and defend us," Moe said. "They can't put eight in the box when we're spreading it five wide. You just can't do that.
"For us, we're going to do what we do and they're going to have to stop it."
Defensively, the Tigers feel just as confident. This group ranked fourth in the Big 12 in total defense last fall, and defensive coordinator Dave Steckel said he doesn’t plan to change much -- physically or schematically -- in the move. In fact, he’s been so focused on his own team and recruiting that he hasn’t seen much SEC offensive tape at all. When asked about any changes he might think about making, Steckel seemed disinterested in the idea.
“I can’t answer that question. I’m too old, man,” he said with a laugh. “Football is football. You just play football.
“We’ve always emphasized since we’ve been here tough and physical football.”
As far as taking on bigger or faster skill players, linebacker Will Ebner isn’t concerned because he doesn’t believe he’ll see anything faster than what he saw in the Big 12.
“I don’t agree with that,” Ebner said about the SEC being a faster conference. “We play against fast guys. The Big 12 is not a bad conference. They’ve got a lot of skill guys, especially [with] all those spread offenses. Those guys can fly.”
The defense’s toughness will be constantly judged, but the offense will continue to receive the most attention this fall. Yost said change will be considered week-to-week, and until then, the plan is to make defenses answer to them, not the other way around.
“We try to do as many things as we can that defenses don’t like," he said, "and try to put the onus on them to handle us and react to us as opposed to we react to what they do.”
Missouri was one of the first SEC schools to get football practice started this spring, so Saturday counted as a big step for the Tigers, as they went through their first spring scrimmage Saturday.
Led by seven takeaways, Missouri's defense won the scrimmage 19-7. Sophomore defensive end Kony Ealy forced two fumbles, recovering one, broke up two passes and registered a quarterback hurry. Junior linebacker Andrew Wilson also recorded an interception and recovered a fumble. Sophomore cornerback Xavier Smith and redshirt freshman corner Ernest Payton each grabbed an interception as well.
While the defense dominated Saturday's session, the offense was without a number of key players, including starting quarterback James Franklin, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, left tackle Elvis Fisher (knee), running back Henry Josey (knee), and wide receiver L'Damian Washington (hamstring).
That didn't stop the offense from getting a couple of scores, though. Junior quarterback Ashton Glaser recorded the first score of the day when he connected with senior receiver Rolandis Woodland on a fade in traffic for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Senior running back Kendial Lawrence came up with the second score with a 19-yard run. Lawrence finished the day with 12 rushes for a team-best 61 yards.
Senior Gahn McGaffie led all receivers with eight catches and 75 receiving yards, while senior T.J. Moe had five catches for 54 yards.
With Franklin out, redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser got the start and completed 10 of 25 passes for 105 yards. Berkstresser didn't turn the ball over and closed the day when he led the No. 1 offense down field against the No. 1 nickel defense for a field goal in two-minute drill work. He capped the drive with a nice 24-yard scramble to get out of bounds with less than 5 seconds left. That play set up Trey Barrow for a 33-yard field goal to close the series.
You can check out the scrimmage stats on Missouri's official website.
Florida also went through its first practice weekend. Michael DiRocco of ESPN's GatorNation has a slew of info on the Gators' first practice in pads.
One thing that sticks out in DiRocco's observation is that the quarterbacks didn't have much success throwing the ball downfield.
DiRocco writes:
"[Jeff] Driskel, Jacoby Brissett and [Tyler] Murphy had a lot of success completing passes in the 10- to 15-yard range, but were unable to get the ball down the field. Each quarterback did complete deep balls over the two days, but it was rare to see any completions of 20 or more yards that weren't sideline or seam patters. No deep ins or outs. It's understandable that they would struggle, though, because it is only the first week of practice, and the Gators' secondary is pretty good."
Obviously, that will come with more practice, but it's something to keep an eye on as the Gators progress through the spring.
Vanderbilt also went through its first weekend of spring practice. Coach James Franklin praised his players for the energy and attitude they brought to Friday's opening practice.
"I thought our energy was much better," Franklin said. "I think we’re obviously in much better shape. We had a hard time practicing like that last year. We’ve come a long way. I still have much higher expectations and I think our guys do, too. For the first day, I thought it was pretty good."
After a lengthy 11-on-11 team drill, Franklin ended practice with a series of competitive 1-on-1 tire pulls.
With depth issues at running back, wide receiver Wesley Tate got work out of the backfield Friday. He started off his career as a running back at Vandy, and will continue to work there throughout the spring.
Three quarterbacks also took snaps for the Commodores, as last year's starter Jordan Rodgers, Wyoming transfer Austyn Carta-Samuels and early enrollee Patton Robinette all shared reps. This is expected to be an intense battle for the Commodores this spring and will receive a ton of attention from Franklin.
"The area I talked to the guys about after practice is we have to do a better job throwing the ball during competitive periods," he said. "That’s something we have to talk to them about in the offseason. I don’t think we’re doing a very good job of that."
Led by seven takeaways, Missouri's defense won the scrimmage 19-7. Sophomore defensive end Kony Ealy forced two fumbles, recovering one, broke up two passes and registered a quarterback hurry. Junior linebacker Andrew Wilson also recorded an interception and recovered a fumble. Sophomore cornerback Xavier Smith and redshirt freshman corner Ernest Payton each grabbed an interception as well.
While the defense dominated Saturday's session, the offense was without a number of key players, including starting quarterback James Franklin, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, left tackle Elvis Fisher (knee), running back Henry Josey (knee), and wide receiver L'Damian Washington (hamstring).
That didn't stop the offense from getting a couple of scores, though. Junior quarterback Ashton Glaser recorded the first score of the day when he connected with senior receiver Rolandis Woodland on a fade in traffic for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Senior running back Kendial Lawrence came up with the second score with a 19-yard run. Lawrence finished the day with 12 rushes for a team-best 61 yards.
Senior Gahn McGaffie led all receivers with eight catches and 75 receiving yards, while senior T.J. Moe had five catches for 54 yards.
With Franklin out, redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser got the start and completed 10 of 25 passes for 105 yards. Berkstresser didn't turn the ball over and closed the day when he led the No. 1 offense down field against the No. 1 nickel defense for a field goal in two-minute drill work. He capped the drive with a nice 24-yard scramble to get out of bounds with less than 5 seconds left. That play set up Trey Barrow for a 33-yard field goal to close the series.
You can check out the scrimmage stats on Missouri's official website.
Florida also went through its first practice weekend. Michael DiRocco of ESPN's GatorNation has a slew of info on the Gators' first practice in pads.
One thing that sticks out in DiRocco's observation is that the quarterbacks didn't have much success throwing the ball downfield.
DiRocco writes:
"[Jeff] Driskel, Jacoby Brissett and [Tyler] Murphy had a lot of success completing passes in the 10- to 15-yard range, but were unable to get the ball down the field. Each quarterback did complete deep balls over the two days, but it was rare to see any completions of 20 or more yards that weren't sideline or seam patters. No deep ins or outs. It's understandable that they would struggle, though, because it is only the first week of practice, and the Gators' secondary is pretty good."
Obviously, that will come with more practice, but it's something to keep an eye on as the Gators progress through the spring.
Vanderbilt also went through its first weekend of spring practice. Coach James Franklin praised his players for the energy and attitude they brought to Friday's opening practice.
"I thought our energy was much better," Franklin said. "I think we’re obviously in much better shape. We had a hard time practicing like that last year. We’ve come a long way. I still have much higher expectations and I think our guys do, too. For the first day, I thought it was pretty good."
After a lengthy 11-on-11 team drill, Franklin ended practice with a series of competitive 1-on-1 tire pulls.
With depth issues at running back, wide receiver Wesley Tate got work out of the backfield Friday. He started off his career as a running back at Vandy, and will continue to work there throughout the spring.
Three quarterbacks also took snaps for the Commodores, as last year's starter Jordan Rodgers, Wyoming transfer Austyn Carta-Samuels and early enrollee Patton Robinette all shared reps. This is expected to be an intense battle for the Commodores this spring and will receive a ton of attention from Franklin.
"The area I talked to the guys about after practice is we have to do a better job throwing the ball during competitive periods," he said. "That’s something we have to talk to them about in the offseason. I don’t think we’re doing a very good job of that."
James Franklin not worried about receivers
March, 9, 2012
Mar 9
10:45
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
James Franklin understands that from the outside, Missouri's wide receiver corps doesn't appear to be very polished.
Three starting pass-catchers from 2011 are gone and the leading returning receiver (T.J. Moe) caught 54 passes last year. After that, Missouri's returners have just 77 career catches combined.
But for Franklin, who enters his second year as Missouri's starting quarterback, he's fine with the personnel he's passing to. Players might not have excelled in games, but he saw the talent and potential just about every day in practice last fall.
"Thankfully, it's been good to have so much depth at receiver," Franklin said.
"There's just not enough positions on the field to play them all."
There will be plenty of room in 2012.
Moe already has his place carved out in Missouri's starting lineup, but he isn't the only one defenses will have to account for. Junior Marcus Lucas showcased his deep threat skills last year and will see his role expand on the outside this fall, Franklin said. He's also expecting bigger things from outside threat L'Damian Washington, who caught 25 passes in 2011.
But those are names that people are familiar with. Franklin said there is still a heap of players who should gain more attention this fall.
There's Bud Sasser, who Franklin said really caught his eye during 7-on-7 drills but is dealing with a hamstring injury, Jimmie Hunt, who caught one pass for a 54-yard touchdown and has the ability to challenge as one of Franklin's deep-threat targets, and tight end Eric Waters, who is now out of Michael Egnew's shadow.
Franklin said he was impressed by the way his receivers and tight ends performed during 7-on-7s, but he was also thrilled by how fast the chemistry started to develop with them. Chemistry, Franklin said, will boost Missouri's passing game going after losing key components from a year ago.
"Obviously, we don't have telepathy," Franklin said, "but we know what the other guy is going to do in any given situation."
What else will help is having a big, talented youngster in top wide receiver prospect Dorial Green-Beckham coming in this summer. The hype machine has been pumping away when it comes to Green-Beckham and Franklin can't help but be excited about the chance to work with the 6-foot-6, 220-pounder.
Franklin said bringing Green-Beckham in will improve Missouri's passing game in multiple ways. First, he's a bigger, faster target for him to use vertically. Secondly, he's going to grab a lot of defensive attention. He can be used as a decoy at times, which should help open things up for other players.
"Really, it opens up everyone on the field to where [the defense] is going to have to start playing each side evenly, as if everyone were the same, and that's going to open up those opportunities because we have a lot of good route runners and a lot of good playmakers," Franklin said.
It's also going to push the handful of receivers already on campus. Franklin said there are some players who are a little worried about Green-Beckham coming in and taking playing time, but he's seen that motivate players to work just a little harder.
The Tigers will face a few more questions as they make the transition to the SEC, but Franklin assures the passing game won't be an issue this fall.
Three starting pass-catchers from 2011 are gone and the leading returning receiver (T.J. Moe) caught 54 passes last year. After that, Missouri's returners have just 77 career catches combined.
[+] Enlarge
Photo by Scott Rovak/US PresswireT.J. Moe, Missouri's top returning receiver, caught 54 passes in 2011.
Photo by Scott Rovak/US PresswireT.J. Moe, Missouri's top returning receiver, caught 54 passes in 2011."Thankfully, it's been good to have so much depth at receiver," Franklin said.
"There's just not enough positions on the field to play them all."
There will be plenty of room in 2012.
Moe already has his place carved out in Missouri's starting lineup, but he isn't the only one defenses will have to account for. Junior Marcus Lucas showcased his deep threat skills last year and will see his role expand on the outside this fall, Franklin said. He's also expecting bigger things from outside threat L'Damian Washington, who caught 25 passes in 2011.
But those are names that people are familiar with. Franklin said there is still a heap of players who should gain more attention this fall.
There's Bud Sasser, who Franklin said really caught his eye during 7-on-7 drills but is dealing with a hamstring injury, Jimmie Hunt, who caught one pass for a 54-yard touchdown and has the ability to challenge as one of Franklin's deep-threat targets, and tight end Eric Waters, who is now out of Michael Egnew's shadow.
Franklin said he was impressed by the way his receivers and tight ends performed during 7-on-7s, but he was also thrilled by how fast the chemistry started to develop with them. Chemistry, Franklin said, will boost Missouri's passing game going after losing key components from a year ago.
"Obviously, we don't have telepathy," Franklin said, "but we know what the other guy is going to do in any given situation."
What else will help is having a big, talented youngster in top wide receiver prospect Dorial Green-Beckham coming in this summer. The hype machine has been pumping away when it comes to Green-Beckham and Franklin can't help but be excited about the chance to work with the 6-foot-6, 220-pounder.
Franklin said bringing Green-Beckham in will improve Missouri's passing game in multiple ways. First, he's a bigger, faster target for him to use vertically. Secondly, he's going to grab a lot of defensive attention. He can be used as a decoy at times, which should help open things up for other players.
"Really, it opens up everyone on the field to where [the defense] is going to have to start playing each side evenly, as if everyone were the same, and that's going to open up those opportunities because we have a lot of good route runners and a lot of good playmakers," Franklin said.
It's also going to push the handful of receivers already on campus. Franklin said there are some players who are a little worried about Green-Beckham coming in and taking playing time, but he's seen that motivate players to work just a little harder.
The Tigers will face a few more questions as they make the transition to the SEC, but Franklin assures the passing game won't be an issue this fall.
Schedule: Missouri opens practice Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. ET and concludes the spring with its Black & Gold Spring Game on April 14 at 2 p.m. ET. The Tigers will hold scrimmages on March 17 at 10 a.m. ET and April 7 at 10 a.m. ET.
What's new: Well, Missouri will train this spring for its first season in the SEC. The Tigers left the Big 12 last fall and will officially join their new conference at July 1. The Big 12 logo is no longer at Missouri's football facility and there shouldn't be any shortage of SEC gear floating around the Tigers' practice field this spring. There will no doubt be some changes to how the Tigers operate in practice and in the weight room as they get ready for their new conference foes.
Question marks: Missouri's offensive and defensive lines both lost three starters from 2011. That's six starting linemen gone on a team making the move to a true line-of-scrimmage league. The offensive line will be banged up this spring, but a positive is that four returning linemen have starting experience. There's a chance that Missouri will have just one first-year starter up front this fall (left guard Mitch Morse). Still, replacing three quality starters on a solid line will be tough. Defensively, Missouri is very thin at defensive tackle. Richardson is recovering from surgery, so the Tigers will throw out four tackles with six combined starts -- all coming from senior Jimmy Burge, who saw his production dip in 2011. Madison is also recovering from surgery at defensive end, but that position is in better shape, as Brayden Burnett, Kony Ealy and Michael Sam have played in 63 combined games.
Key battle: The Tigers said goodbye to three starting pass catchers from 2011, meaning this area of the team should be intense to watch this spring. Most notably, tight end Michael Egnew is gone. T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' leading receiver, while the coaches are hoping for big things from Marcus Lucas, but after that there are a lot of questions. There are bodies to throw out there, but there isn't a ton of past production to go with those bodies. Outside of Moe and Lucas, Missouri's returning receiving threats have combined for 51 catches for 712 yards and five touchdowns in their careers. L'Damian Washington should continue to be used as a deep threat with Lucas, while Eric Waters should replace Egnew at tight end. Keep an eye on upperclassmen Jaleel Clark, Gahn McGaffie, Kerwin Stricker and Rolandis Woodland, who could challenge for time this spring as well. All of these players should be working extra hard before top recruit Dorial Green-Beckham arrives this summer.
Don't forget about: Missouri might be thin up front defensively, but the linebacker spot is loaded. Starters Andrew Wilson, who led the Tigers with 98 tackles in 2011, and Zaviar Gooden, who was third in tackles last year, are both back. The Tigers also return Will Ebner, who was granted a fifth year. Those three have combined for 484 career tackles. Redshirt junior Donovan Bonner should be Missouri's top reserve with his ability to play all three linebacker positions. Redshirt sophomore Darvin Ruise played mostly special teams, but should get more reps at linebacker this spring.
Breaking out: Lucas didn't haul in a ton of catches last season, but he showed that he can be that big-play wide receiver Missouri is searching for. He caught 23 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns. That's an average of 18 yards per catch. He should receive more reps this spring and should improve on his 2011 numbers. He will likely play on the outside for the Tigers and will likely be Missouri's top deep threat this spring.
All eyes on: As Missouri prepares to make the transition to face SEC defenses week in and week out, quarterback James Franklin will receive even more attention. He had a true breakout season in 2011, passing for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding 981 rushing yards and 15 more scores. But he and his coaches will have to make some adjustments to the offense in order to combat the SEC speed they'll see this fall. Franklin enters the year as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, but in order to build off of his 2011 season, he'll have to improve on some parts of his game, including accuracy and his downfield passing. There's even more pressure on Franklin with Josey out and with questions still surrounding the receiving corps. Franklin has all the talent to succeed in the SEC, but you have to believe that tweaks need to be made to Missouri's offense to help him along the way.
Sanders Commings suspended two games
February, 15, 2012
Feb 15
5:35
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Georgia cornerback Sanders Commings will sit out the first two games of the 2012 season after he was arrested Jan. 21 and charged with simple battery and domestic violence after an early-morning incident with a girlfriend in downtown Athens.
Mark Richt's suspension of Commings means the rising senior will miss the season opener against Buffalo and the SEC opener at Missouri on Sept. 8.
Commings started all 14 games for the Bulldogs last year, tied for fourth on the team in tackles (55), broke up 12 passes and recorded an interception.
The cornerback position has taken a few hits in 2012. Richt already dismissed freshmen Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders. Georgia also said goodbye to three other defensive backs in Jakar Hamilton, Jordan Love and Derek Owens at the beginning of last season.
The Bulldogs likely won't feel the loss of Commings in Week 1 against Buffalo, but come the second week of the season, Georgia will have to face a Missouri team that likes to sling the ball around a bit and returns veterans T.J. Moe and Marcus Lucas. Plus, incoming freshman Dorial Green-Beckham will probably add something to that passing game.
Mark Richt's suspension of Commings means the rising senior will miss the season opener against Buffalo and the SEC opener at Missouri on Sept. 8.
Commings started all 14 games for the Bulldogs last year, tied for fourth on the team in tackles (55), broke up 12 passes and recorded an interception.
The cornerback position has taken a few hits in 2012. Richt already dismissed freshmen Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders. Georgia also said goodbye to three other defensive backs in Jakar Hamilton, Jordan Love and Derek Owens at the beginning of last season.
The Bulldogs likely won't feel the loss of Commings in Week 1 against Buffalo, but come the second week of the season, Georgia will have to face a Missouri team that likes to sling the ball around a bit and returns veterans T.J. Moe and Marcus Lucas. Plus, incoming freshman Dorial Green-Beckham will probably add something to that passing game.
Will DGB make an instant impact at Mizzou?
February, 15, 2012
Feb 15
1:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
From the moment Dorial Green-Beckham put that black-and-yellow Missouri ball cap on his head, the expectations for him at Missouri went through the roof.
Actually, the former Springfield, Mo., Hillcrest High star probably would have had relatively high expectations no matter where he signed. He's a special talent, who caught 119 passes for 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns as a high school senior. The No. 1 receiver prospect stands 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 220 pounds, making him an ideal target for any quarterback in any type of offense. And even with his size, he still has the speed to be a legit deep threat at the college level.
Stop drooling James Franklin. You'll get to start working with him before you know it.
But will DGB be a star on the field from the word "go?" Will he immediately be that top-flight receiving threat that Missouri is still searching for in its offense? Will he take the SEC East by storm and help propel the Tigers toward the top of the division?
The hype machine says yes and he should benefit from having Franklin as his quarterback and being able to learn from vets, like T.J. Moe, who was Missouri's leading receiver last year, and Marcus Lucas, who emerged as a top receiving threat for the Tigers in 2011. However, he's never played on the level of the SEC or seen anything like what he'll see from SEC defenses.
Still, if DGB can nail Missouri's playbook down early and get pretty comfy in the Tigers' offense during the offseason, he could move from watcher to doer very quickly next season.
With his measurables and skill set, DGB could be a very special player in this league and if recent history is an indicator, he could very well make that immediate impact that Mizzou fans expect him to.
We don't have to go far to see success from rookie receivers in this league. Just last season Georgia's Malcolm Mitchell proved to be the Bulldogs' most talented pass catcher. He led Georgia, and was fourth in the SEC, in receiving, hauling in 45 passes for 665 yards and four touchdowns. He did that only playing 11 games, as a hamstring injury cut into his playing time during the middle part of the season.
There was also LSU's Odell Beckham Jr., who was second on the team in receiving and grabbed 41 catches as a frosh. Ole Miss' Donte Moncrief and Vanderbilt's Chris Boyd also made big impacts in their respective offenses, as Moncrief led the Rebels in receiving and Boyd led the Commodores with eight touchdown receptions.
Over the years, we've seen other freshmen come in and make their presences well known in passing games. Percy Harvin was one of the most exciting players to watch in 2006 at both a wide receiver and a running back, as he registered 855 total yards of offense and five touchdowns for Florida. In 2009, SEC All-Freshman mates Alshon Jeffery and Chad Bumphis led their schools in receptions and yards.
And who could forget what A.J. Green did at Georgia and what Julio Jones did at Alabama in their first seasons? Both could have just jumped to the NFL at the end of the seasons if they were allowed to. Coincidentally, DGB is being compared to both, so that's nice.
We've only seen a glimpse of what DGB can do as a football player and if the experts are correct, he has a bright future ahead of him. And Mizzou's faithful is hoping he can have the early success of some of those receivers who have come before him in this league.
Actually, the former Springfield, Mo., Hillcrest High star probably would have had relatively high expectations no matter where he signed. He's a special talent, who caught 119 passes for 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns as a high school senior. The No. 1 receiver prospect stands 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 220 pounds, making him an ideal target for any quarterback in any type of offense. And even with his size, he still has the speed to be a legit deep threat at the college level.
Stop drooling James Franklin. You'll get to start working with him before you know it.
But will DGB be a star on the field from the word "go?" Will he immediately be that top-flight receiving threat that Missouri is still searching for in its offense? Will he take the SEC East by storm and help propel the Tigers toward the top of the division?
The hype machine says yes and he should benefit from having Franklin as his quarterback and being able to learn from vets, like T.J. Moe, who was Missouri's leading receiver last year, and Marcus Lucas, who emerged as a top receiving threat for the Tigers in 2011. However, he's never played on the level of the SEC or seen anything like what he'll see from SEC defenses.
Still, if DGB can nail Missouri's playbook down early and get pretty comfy in the Tigers' offense during the offseason, he could move from watcher to doer very quickly next season.
With his measurables and skill set, DGB could be a very special player in this league and if recent history is an indicator, he could very well make that immediate impact that Mizzou fans expect him to.
We don't have to go far to see success from rookie receivers in this league. Just last season Georgia's Malcolm Mitchell proved to be the Bulldogs' most talented pass catcher. He led Georgia, and was fourth in the SEC, in receiving, hauling in 45 passes for 665 yards and four touchdowns. He did that only playing 11 games, as a hamstring injury cut into his playing time during the middle part of the season.
There was also LSU's Odell Beckham Jr., who was second on the team in receiving and grabbed 41 catches as a frosh. Ole Miss' Donte Moncrief and Vanderbilt's Chris Boyd also made big impacts in their respective offenses, as Moncrief led the Rebels in receiving and Boyd led the Commodores with eight touchdown receptions.
Over the years, we've seen other freshmen come in and make their presences well known in passing games. Percy Harvin was one of the most exciting players to watch in 2006 at both a wide receiver and a running back, as he registered 855 total yards of offense and five touchdowns for Florida. In 2009, SEC All-Freshman mates Alshon Jeffery and Chad Bumphis led their schools in receptions and yards.
And who could forget what A.J. Green did at Georgia and what Julio Jones did at Alabama in their first seasons? Both could have just jumped to the NFL at the end of the seasons if they were allowed to. Coincidentally, DGB is being compared to both, so that's nice.
We've only seen a glimpse of what DGB can do as a football player and if the experts are correct, he has a bright future ahead of him. And Mizzou's faithful is hoping he can have the early success of some of those receivers who have come before him in this league.
T.J. Moe, who’s led Missouri in receiving each of the past two seasons, is like most in the Show Me State.
He knows making the jump to the SEC will be an adjustment for the Tigers. How much of an adjustment remains to be seen.
He’s sure eager to find out.
Moe, a rising senior who grew up just outside St. Louis, took some time this week to discuss Missouri’s move to the SEC and what it means for both sides.
Were you a big college football fan growing up, and do you have any memories of the SEC?
T.J. Moe: I wasn’t a big college fan until I got to high school. When I was growing up, I was a Rams fan. They were winning Super Bowls, and my family had season tickets. Brad Smith is the one who lifted Missouri off the ground and made them exciting to watch. I don’t even think I went to a Missouri game until my sophomore year of high school. I really didn’t know much at all about the SEC growing up. I knew SEC schools were good. I just wasn’t exposed to them a whole lot because I was watching Missouri and the Big 12.
How big of a step do you think it will be for Missouri in the SEC?
TJM: I think it’s going to be a rigorous transition because of the bottom teams in the SEC. They’re basically what the mid-tier teams were in the Big 12. The top teams in the Big 12 are every bit as good as the top teams in the SEC. But we get to play Kansas every year in the Big 12, and there’s no Kansas in the SEC. It’s almost like you have off weeks in the Big 12. You can’t say that about the SEC. You have to bring your “A” game every week.
Are you ready for the brand of defense they play in the SEC, and how will that affect you?
TJM: Offensively, I don’t think we have to change a thing. They have to cater to what we do. We have top athletes and pass-rushers in the Big 12, so we’re used to that. At the same time, there aren’t a lot of offenses in the SEC that do what we do.
What about the adjustment on defense?
TJM: The big change for the defense is that we’re used to playing against the Colt McCoys and Brandon Weedens, the top quarterbacks. Now, we’re going to be playing against the Trent Richardsons of the world instead.
Do you buy the theory that what separates the SEC from other conferences is the quality, depth and athleticism in the defensive line?
TJM: It’s not like we didn’t have big guys who were athletic and could run in the Big 12 on the defensive line. We had some of those guys on our team, guys like Jacquies Smith, Brad Madison and Dominique Hamilton. So we have big, fast athletes on the defensive line, too. The difference might be that the SEC has a first, second and third string of those guys, and we might only have a first and maybe a second string of those guys.
What’s been the general reaction of your teammates about starting play this coming season in the SEC?
TJM: Everybody is excited. There aren’t a lot of players who can say they played in two conferences. I’ve been asked almost every day for 10 months about what I thought it would be like playing in the SEC. I’ll finally be able to answer that question after this season. I know a lot of people say that the SEC is the dominant conference, and I think that’s debatable. Yes, they’ve won six straight national championships. But if Colt McCoy doesn’t get hurt so early (against Alabama in 2009), Texas wins that game and maybe wins it handily. And this year, Oklahoma State didn't even get the opportunity to play in the game. What I do know is that you have to bring it week in and week out in the SEC.
What are you most looking forward to about the whole SEC experience?
TJM: Just seeing all the different stadiums and campuses. It’s similar to high school football in the state of Texas. All they do in Texas is play football. You never hear about anything else. That’s sort of the like the SEC. Kentucky is about the only school known for basketball. I couldn’t name a Georgia basketball player in the last 50 years, but I could name a bunch of Georgia football players.
What are you going to miss most about the Big 12?
TJM: Beating up on Kansas every year and the fact that I never got a chance to beat Nebraska. You make friendships with some of the other players around the league. I’ll miss that, too. But I’m more excited to be going to the SEC than I am upset that we’re leaving the Big 12.
Who do you think will be Missouri’s big rival in the SEC?
TJM: It has to be Arkansas. People around here do not like Arkansas, and the people in Arkansas aren’t real happy about Dorial (Green-Beckham’s) decision. He’s getting a lot of hate mail from them. But it’s more than that. People here just don’t like Arkansas, and I don’t think they’re real fond of us, either. The only thing I really know about Arkansas is when Missouri beat them by 30 points (38-7) in the (2008) Cotton Bowl.
He knows making the jump to the SEC will be an adjustment for the Tigers. How much of an adjustment remains to be seen.
He’s sure eager to find out.
Moe, a rising senior who grew up just outside St. Louis, took some time this week to discuss Missouri’s move to the SEC and what it means for both sides.
[+] Enlarge
Photo by Scott Rovak/US Presswire T.J. Moe said he's confident that Missouri's spread offense will give the highly regarded SEC defenses reason for concern.
Photo by Scott Rovak/US Presswire T.J. Moe said he's confident that Missouri's spread offense will give the highly regarded SEC defenses reason for concern.T.J. Moe: I wasn’t a big college fan until I got to high school. When I was growing up, I was a Rams fan. They were winning Super Bowls, and my family had season tickets. Brad Smith is the one who lifted Missouri off the ground and made them exciting to watch. I don’t even think I went to a Missouri game until my sophomore year of high school. I really didn’t know much at all about the SEC growing up. I knew SEC schools were good. I just wasn’t exposed to them a whole lot because I was watching Missouri and the Big 12.
How big of a step do you think it will be for Missouri in the SEC?
TJM: I think it’s going to be a rigorous transition because of the bottom teams in the SEC. They’re basically what the mid-tier teams were in the Big 12. The top teams in the Big 12 are every bit as good as the top teams in the SEC. But we get to play Kansas every year in the Big 12, and there’s no Kansas in the SEC. It’s almost like you have off weeks in the Big 12. You can’t say that about the SEC. You have to bring your “A” game every week.
Are you ready for the brand of defense they play in the SEC, and how will that affect you?
TJM: Offensively, I don’t think we have to change a thing. They have to cater to what we do. We have top athletes and pass-rushers in the Big 12, so we’re used to that. At the same time, there aren’t a lot of offenses in the SEC that do what we do.
What about the adjustment on defense?
TJM: The big change for the defense is that we’re used to playing against the Colt McCoys and Brandon Weedens, the top quarterbacks. Now, we’re going to be playing against the Trent Richardsons of the world instead.
Do you buy the theory that what separates the SEC from other conferences is the quality, depth and athleticism in the defensive line?
TJM: It’s not like we didn’t have big guys who were athletic and could run in the Big 12 on the defensive line. We had some of those guys on our team, guys like Jacquies Smith, Brad Madison and Dominique Hamilton. So we have big, fast athletes on the defensive line, too. The difference might be that the SEC has a first, second and third string of those guys, and we might only have a first and maybe a second string of those guys.
What’s been the general reaction of your teammates about starting play this coming season in the SEC?
TJM: Everybody is excited. There aren’t a lot of players who can say they played in two conferences. I’ve been asked almost every day for 10 months about what I thought it would be like playing in the SEC. I’ll finally be able to answer that question after this season. I know a lot of people say that the SEC is the dominant conference, and I think that’s debatable. Yes, they’ve won six straight national championships. But if Colt McCoy doesn’t get hurt so early (against Alabama in 2009), Texas wins that game and maybe wins it handily. And this year, Oklahoma State didn't even get the opportunity to play in the game. What I do know is that you have to bring it week in and week out in the SEC.
What are you most looking forward to about the whole SEC experience?
TJM: Just seeing all the different stadiums and campuses. It’s similar to high school football in the state of Texas. All they do in Texas is play football. You never hear about anything else. That’s sort of the like the SEC. Kentucky is about the only school known for basketball. I couldn’t name a Georgia basketball player in the last 50 years, but I could name a bunch of Georgia football players.
What are you going to miss most about the Big 12?
TJM: Beating up on Kansas every year and the fact that I never got a chance to beat Nebraska. You make friendships with some of the other players around the league. I’ll miss that, too. But I’m more excited to be going to the SEC than I am upset that we’re leaving the Big 12.
Who do you think will be Missouri’s big rival in the SEC?
TJM: It has to be Arkansas. People around here do not like Arkansas, and the people in Arkansas aren’t real happy about Dorial (Green-Beckham’s) decision. He’s getting a lot of hate mail from them. But it’s more than that. People here just don’t like Arkansas, and I don’t think they’re real fond of us, either. The only thing I really know about Arkansas is when Missouri beat them by 30 points (38-7) in the (2008) Cotton Bowl.
Offseason to-do list: Eastern Division
January, 19, 2012
Jan 19
2:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
You've already seen Chris Low's to-do lists for the Western Division teams, so now it's time to check out what the East teams need to take care of before next fall:
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
KENTUCKY
MISSOURI
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
VANDERBILT
FLORIDA
- Two major areas new offensive coordinator Brent Pease needs to hit during his first offseason with the Gators is running back and wide receiver. Florida must find a downhill running back for Pease's offense, and a reliable go-to wide receiver -- two things Florida lacked in 2011.
- With quarterback John Brantley graduating, Pease must find a new starting quarterback. That means developing rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel, who struggled in relief of Brantley at times last season, and Tyler Murphy, who has yet to take a snap.
- Toughen up mentally and physically. The Gators ranked 89th nationally in penalties, and were called out by coach Will Muschamp as being too soft in his first season. Soft can't win in the SEC.
GEORGIA
- The Bulldogs' coaching staff needs to toughen running back Isaiah Crowell up. As the season went on he visited Georgia's training table more than the end zone in games. He was even booed by Georgia fans when he limped off the Georgia Dome field in the SEC title game. The Bulldogs were inconsistent running the ball because their lead back was always nicked up.
- Getting the offensive line ready will be key to 2012. The Bulldogs will have to replace three seniors on that line, including All-SEC performers Cordy Glenn and Ben Jones.
- Georgia also can't let the success of 2011 go to the Bulldogs' heads. We've seen what can happen to this team when expectations are high and the Dawgs are a favorite.
KENTUCKY
- With how poorly Kentucky's offense performed in 2011, coach Joker Phillips' top priority should be finding offensive playmakers. There is hope that running backs CoShik Williams and Josh Clemons can help in that department, but finding a reliable receiver to complement La'Rod King will help, as no other receiver returns with more than 10 catches from last season.
- Kentucky has to get its quarterback position settled before next season. Morgan Newton was supposed to be the guy last season, but major struggles and an ankle injury paved the way for Maxwell Smith. But neither threw a pass in Kentucky's 10-7 win against Tennessee to end the season.
- Replacing linebacker Danny Trevathan's skill on the field won't be easy, but neither will be replacing his leadership skills. Trevathan was the heart of Kentucky's defense and the team's best leader. It's time for someone else to step up and lead the Wildcats.
MISSOURI
- As the new Tigers on the block, Missouri needs to get used to its new surroundings. That means making any and all offensive and defensive adjustments to match their new SEC foes. That also means getting used to recruiting more in the southeast, especially Florida and Georgia.
- Missouri returns a lot of talent in 2012, but the Tigers need to find a big-play threat at wide receiver. T.J. Moe and Marcus Lucas are back, but one has to emerge as more than just a top target -- he needs to be someone who can consistently make plays on SEC defenses.
- The Tigers' defensive line was supposed to be better than it was in 2011. The SEC is won in the trenches, and if Missouri's line can't hold up against SEC offensive big men, the Tigers will be sunk.
SOUTH CAROLINA
- Marcus Lattimore is one of the best running backs in the country when he's healthy, so making sure his rehab for his knee goes smoothly might be South Carolina's top priority during the offseason. He expects to come back better and stronger, so proper rehab will go a long way.
- Now that Alshon Jeffery is gone, it's time for the Gamecocks to find a replacement. The Gamecocks didn't have any real receiving threats outside of Jeffery in 2011, and only Jeffery and Ace Sanders had more than 20 catches. South Carolina is a little undersized at the position, but developing a proper go-to is a must.
TENNESSEE
- Tennessee must find the pieces to create a legitimate running game. The Vols ranked 116th nationally in rushing, and were the only team in the SEC not to average more than 100 rushing yards a game. Marlin Lane heads the rushing operation, but there are other bodies to help. Developing them is the next step.
- Sal Sunseri takes over a defense equipped with a chunk of young, but talented players. Development in their games is the next step for these players, and that will rest on Sunseri.
- The attitude of this team was questioned in 2011, so for Tennessee to get back to being truly competitive in the East, players need to totally buy in to what Derek Dooley is preaching.
VANDERBILT
- Jordan Rodgers' emergence as Vanderbilt's starting quarterback during the second half of the season was a big plus for the Commodores' offense, but his confidence had to be shaken when he was basically benched for Larry Smith in the Liberty Bowl loss to Cincinnati. Rodgers had his ups and downs last season, but he needs to find the confidence that helped him make Vandy's offense explosive with him in charge.
- James Franklin kept saying that this was a new Vanderbilt team, but the little mistakes that hurt Vandy throughout the years returned. Those mistakes cost them a chance at possibly winning nine games. Franklin must hammer home ball security and make sure this team is a little more mentally tough next season.
BACK TO TOP
Page: 1
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
SEC TEAM COVERAGE
RECRUITING NATION
Florida: GatorNation
Follow everything Florida at GatorNation: Florida Gators football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
• GatorNation | Blog | RecruitingNation
RECRUITING NATION
Georgia: DawgNation
Follow everything Georgia at DawgNation: Georgia Bulldogs football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
• DawgNation | Blog | RecruitingNation
