Edward Aschoff

  (12:01 PM)

Greetings! I hope everyone enjoyed national signing day last week and the Super Bowl last night. Great game and an SEC quarterback takes home another ring. Oxford will claim it, as it should. Let's talk some SEC football on this fine Monday.

Cameron (Baltimore)

Ed what do you know about Shaq Roland?Everything I've heard about him is good and do you think he has what it takes to be a playmaker in the SEC?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:03 PM)

I really think that he can be a star in this league. He's a tough player and a very, very good athlete. He has tremendous speed and can make people miss when he has the ball. South Carolina needs receiving help and the Gamecocks got it in Roland. I think if he can get the playbook down early, he'll compete for solid playing time in his first year.

Sylvain (Calgary)

Hey Ed, I've been very impressed with what Georgia has done on the field and in their last 2 recruiting classes...Do you see them at this rate regaining their top dog status in the east that they held for the first part of the last decade?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:05 PM)

Georgia always gets the athletes. Talent isn't the question. It's all about attitude and the mindset of these players and coaches. Will the conservative play at the wrong time return? Will players feel entitled when they are picked to win? I could see a change in the way this team approached games after losing to South Carolina last season. I think Aaron Murray is a tremendous leader and still has some growing to do, but he knows how to be THE GUY. I like the way this team is built, but I want to see what happens when the target is on its back to start the year.

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

What is it going to take for the Hogs to be on par with LSU and Alabama? How do they break through?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:08 PM)

The Razorbacks have made tremendous strides in the last two years. I know people look at the recruiting stars and say Arkansas just doesn't cut it, but there's no question that Bobby Petrino develops his players, especially on offense. I think it's all about beating both of them in the same season. Making it to the SEC championship game and winning it. Can Arkansas get to the BCS title game? Defensively, Arkansas has to improve its depth year in and year out. Challenge those teams' lines are important.

Donald (Birmingham)

Is your Jordan Diamond a big time pick up for Auburn?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:09 PM)

Auburn needed linemen and did OK I guess ... and by OK I mean great. Auburn really impressed me with that lineman class. I think getting Diamond was huge because you can never have too many tackles and he's extremely athletic. You have to win the battle up front.

Kevin (Huntsville, Alabama)

Just Read that Coach Dooley is having his Tennessee players have closer relationships with each other off the field with a Madden 2012 tournament. Do you think other coaches could learn from this?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:11 PM)

No matter what it is, if you can get players to be bond then you're on the right path. Tennessee had issues with players buying in last season and there was concern that it might bleed over to this season. If you can get them together now, it will go a long way for this team.

Andre (Monticello, FL)

Ed, with Florida having the 4th rated recruiting class how much of an impact this class will have along with the youth and talent they already have. Could this be at least a nine win season.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:13 PM)

I think you see D.J. Humphries on the field early because of how talented he is at the tackle spot and the issues the Gators have had there. Dunker could also compete for time up front because Florida's line wasn't exactly good last season. If Florida gets Stefon Diggs I think he plays early as well. This class hit the line of scrimmage hard and that's what Will Muschamp needed. The impacts will come up front and if Diggs signs. Not sure about win numbers yet because I don't know how this offense will look just yet.

Sean (SC)

Is the Gamecocks recruiting class the most underrated this year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:14 PM)

I really like the balance. It will make its impact down the road, but Spurrier got what he needed. It's underrated because South Carolina took care of business early. If the Gamecocks are battling for prospects on signing day you're hearing more about it.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

How big on an impact do you expect Duron Carter to have to the Tide next season? I know Bama picked up some big receivers in this recruiting class, but Carter is supposed to be a beast.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:16 PM)

There are some who think he'll be a real playmaker for the Tide. A lot of people think he can be a true deep threat, which is something Alabama really didn't have in its offense last year. This will be an important offseason for him.

Dan (Austin, Tx)

Ed, Which AUburn skill players have a breakout year next season?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:17 PM)

Can Trovon Reed make me look good finally? I thought he'd be one of those guys last fall and he really let me down. I might stick with him because I really do think that he can be a top offensive player in this league, but I also like a couple of Auburn's running backs. Tre Mason has could breakout, but he'll have his hands full with those other running backs, like Mike Blakely and Corey Grant. Also, Ricardo Louis is someone who I think will get some attention early.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

Ed, do you think it was a good idea of Chizik to give some of this year's recruits 4 year scholarships? I think it's like communism: sure, it sounds like a great idea, but eventually complacency will set in and people won't work their hardest. Players might not compete as hard in practice if they don't have to earn their scholarship through their performance. What's your take?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:19 PM)

I'm not a fan of four-year scholarships for the exact reasons you stated. Maybe we won't notice it at all, but if some of those bigger recruits don't pan out, I'm sure someone will bring it up. I say earn it from year-to-year.

Matt W. (Suwanee, GA)

Do you see UGA redshirting any of their 3 youngest running backs this year to get them to bulk up and be more of a factor next year?(Crowell, Marshall, Gurley)

Edward Aschoff

  (12:20 PM)

Georgia needed running backs last year and I don't see any difference this year. In the SEC, you need more than one running back to succeed and coaches have told me they'd love to use 3-4 because it keeps everyone fresh and wears down defenses. Unless the coaches absolutely have to redshirt players, they won't when it comes to RB.

Derek (Atlanta)

I have been witnessing the meltdown of the LSU fanbase. On the surface, it seems they are being ridiculous. But looking into it further, it seems they have valid points, as ridiculous as it sounds, LSU is really held back by Les Miles. He consistently makes giant coaching mistakes that cost LSU games. LSU should probably be on par with Alabama or better, but his flaws leave the #2 spot in the SEC open for teams like Arkansas, Florida, and UGA.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:23 PM)

I don't know if we'll every really know what happened with LSU during that game. But it wasn't good and some of the players I talked to were pretty upset with how things went down before and during the game. I'm not ready to say the sky is falling because LSU's offense should be much better with Zach Mettenberger and the defense shouldn't fall off much at all with all those sophomores returning. Let's see how they play next season before we say LSU is out of the top two in the SEC.

Casey (Louisville)

Ed, why are people not higher on the Rebels signing class? 3 ESPN top 150s!

Edward Aschoff

  (12:26 PM)

Hugh Freeze has to be happy with this class, but missing out on Jeremy Liggins was a big hit to this class. You just can't lose someone who lives right down the street from your university, especially someone who is that highly rated. But I think that getting those two defensive lineman and Elston at safety are big gets for him. Again, let's see how this class looks in a few years before we see if he struck out or not.

Chris (Atlanta)

Ed I hope your monday is great. What impact do you think Cordarrell Patterson will have on Tennesse this year. I see it as a triple threat between Hunter, Rogers and Patterson...Defenses will have a hard time stopping all 3. Thoughts?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:28 PM)

Having two big-time receivers is great. But having three is something that teams don't really have. Arkansas was blessed to have that and now Tennessee might if Paterson lives up to the hype. He's big, physical and fast. Tyler Bray should be pretty excited about the offseason. If Justin Hunter comes back 100 percent healthy, Tennessee WILL challenge Arkansas for the best passing offense next year.

Ryan (Bryan Arkansas)

do you by chance know were the Jordan Diamond kid went I havent heard anything

Edward Aschoff

  (12:28 PM)

Auburn. Kind of selfish of Auburn because that OLine class was pretty darn good to begin with.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

Missouri's western conference opponents next season are A &M and Alabama. Was this chosen at random or is this just a polite welcoming to the SEC from Slive where they get to play their twin-step-brother and one of the big boys?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:29 PM)

Not sure how the schedules were done, but I think Missouri should be happy that it doesn't have to play both Alabama and LSU or Alabama and Arkansas. Turned out OK for the Tigers.

Chad (Lake City)

Ed,Florida's defense seemed to settle in last year, and with the depth that was signed this year they should be even better next year. They held Georgia and South carolina in check but our offense could not handle it. If Brisset can get rolling early do you think Florida has a shot at the east?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:31 PM)

I don't think we can say that Brissett owns the starting job yet. New coordinator, no favorites this time. I'm not saying that Driskel was better by any means, but I think this should be one of the more exciting position battles to watch this offseason. With that said, if Florida's offense can keep up, Florida should be able to compete in the East. For as bad as Florida has been on offense in the last two seasons there are a lot of athletes out there. Something has to give, right? The defense should be pretty good once again.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Will Les Miles taking the low road with Gunner Kiel come back to bite him and have a negative impact on recruiting efforts in the future?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:32 PM)

I doubt it. That fired up his players, the fans and his recruits. I was a little surprised by his comments, but I don't think prospects are going to look at it as much of a negative. It might help and show how much he cares about the guys who really want to be at LSU.

Richard (Chicago)

If they stay healthy, do the Gamecocks have the best running backs in the SEC?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:34 PM)

Hard to say at this point. I still think that LSU has the best RB stable in the SEC. The Tigers will be able to throw out five quality running backs next season. South Carolina has one of the best in the country in Marcus Lattimore and found a very solid backup in Brandon Wilds. It's good, but I don't think it's better than LSU's.

Scott (Dallas)

Do you think next season is finally the season Petrino beats Saban?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:35 PM)

In Fayetteville against a secondary that lost some key components? I wouldn't be shocked one bit.

phillip (dc)

What's BAMA best game plan to beat Michigan? Will the 2012 BAMA team be a repeat of the 2010 team?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:35 PM)

Be a SEC team against a Big Ten team in a big game.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

When/Do you think the SEC will eventually get rid of divisions and let the top 2 in the entire conference play for the SEC championship?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:36 PM)

NCAA won't allow it. You have to have divisions in order to have a championship game. I think it's beyond silly, really. Maybe that will change as expansion continues.

Will (Athens, GA)

Do you think the East closes the gap this year at all with the West? Or will it become even bigger?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:38 PM)

I think the East will look much better next season. While there isn't an LSU or an Alabama in the East, I think that Georgia and South Carolina could claim the SEC and Florida and Tennessee will compete for a shot at Atlanta. Missouri will help the East as well because I think the Tigers are going to be just fine in their first season. And don't forget about Vanderbilt. The Commodores aren't going to let teams run over them anymore. The East race might be more exciting in 2012.

AFRich (Deutchland)

How far is Tennessee away from ever being ranked again? :(

Edward Aschoff

  (12:39 PM)

I keep saying that I think Tennessee has the talent to really compete in the East. It's all about attitude and determination for this team. The Vols can't use youth as an excuse next season.

Dan (Austin, Tx)

Who is the fastest player in the SEC?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:40 PM)

Jeff Demps. For 2012? Not sure yet ...

Derrin (Plano, TX)

How will Arkansas whiffing on Dorial Green-Beckham and Courtney Gardner impact their depth and production on the outside? Are guys like Hamilton and Wade ready to step up? Who else should Hog fans be looking out for?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:43 PM)

Missing on Green-Beckham hurt just because the coaches worked so hard to get him. And he would have contributed early, but he would have contributed early anywhere he went. Hamilton has been ready for a while and I think he's shown a lot during his career. You shouldn't worry about him and the coaches are pretty excited about Wade. I think Quinta Funderburk can contribute next year and also tight Chris Gragg will have a bigger role as well.

Seth (Baton Rouge)

Ed, why do people think LSU is done? Before this season, much of the fan base believed that the 2012 season was our year and, in retrospect, we had a great year given the lack of quality at some key positions (no need at finger pointing). I think the coaches and teams will be even more fired up next year and we could look at another National Championship run. Thoughts?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:44 PM)

Silly people think LSU is done. And I'm not silly ... well, it depends on the situation.

Stan (Tampa)

Who are some under-the-radar SEC guys in this year's draft class that you think will become difference makers in the NFL? I would put money on DeQuan Menzie becoming an excellent NFL cover corner.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:45 PM)

I like that pick. I think Jarius Wright is flying under the radar. Jaye Howard is another guy who I think could be pretty good at the pro level. Jake Bequette is undersized but has a great motor, so I think he can certainly play at the next level.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Is the maturity off the field, and in the locker room, of star players like Tyler Bray and Da'Rick Rogers the key to the Vols having a successful season and Dooley keeping his job?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:46 PM)

It's certainly key to keeping that team together. The more wins the better in 2012.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Do you think how Mark Ingram fared in his rookie year will hurt Trent Richardson in the draft?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:47 PM)

Honestly, I don't. I think Trent is a better players overall. They are two different players and I don't think Mark Ingram's play has any influence whatsoever.

Kevin (TX)

Hey fellas, glad to be joining you next year! Any ideas as to how long it will take TAMU (remember ampersands don't work in these parts) to be in the top half of the league? The talent is growing year by year and the coaching staff is gaining quite a bit of momentum IMO.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:50 PM)

Welcome, Kevin! Glad to have you. I'm pumped about my first trip to College Station, whenever it maybe. I think 2012 won't be the year of the Aggy. It's going to be really tough for Texas A&M next season when you look at the losses in personnel. This last recruiting class was a step in the right direction, so building off that and hitting in the southeast is the next step. Recruit some big uglies out of the southeast and you'll start to see the improvement. I think it will take a couple of years.

Jason (Charleston)

Ed, Who who fares better in their first year in the SEC? TAMU or MIZZOU?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:50 PM)

Missouri. Better depth and no LSU or Arkansas.

Brandon Boykin (Athens)

Give me two years, I'll be a pro bowler.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:51 PM)

Remember, it's all about the follow-through ...

Honey Badger (somewhere with a Bee Hive stuck on my head)

Ed, am I going back to New York to try to win the bronze trophy next season?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:53 PM)

I don't know. It's going to be tough because I think a lot of teams are going to start really game planning for you. You'll see a lot more plays directed away from you. That didn't really make much of a difference at times last fall, but I think offensive coordinators want to keep you away from the ball as much as possible.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Will Mettenberger provide the Bayou Bengals with the championship QB play they lacked with Lee and Jefferson?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:53 PM)

I don't see how it could be any worse.

Ryan (SC)

Any takers for UGA's schedule being named their "12th" man?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:54 PM)

Texas A&M fans attack!

Duckhuntercock (Charleston, SC)

Ed, Gamecocks, Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor on the Def Ends..best in the SEC?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:56 PM)

What about Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery? Or Corey Lemonier and Nosa Eguae? Good duos out there ...

Richard (Chicago)

Ed...waaaaayyyyy too early prediction for the 2012 SEC Championship???

Edward Aschoff

  (12:57 PM)

How about ... South Carolina-LSU? I think this should cause a stir ...

Austin (Georgia)

The RB that recieves the first carry of the season for UGA will be...?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:59 PM)

Wow. Good question. I'm going to with Isaiah Crowell. I'm not sold on him yet and I think that he really let the fame get to him last year, but I think he's a competitor and he'll improve during the offseason.

Max (Oklahoma )

Wisconsin coach showing some hurt feelings about Meyers recruiting practices and then refered to the SEC as the orgin ? I don't think this practice orginated in the SEC . I think it is legal and fair and has been going on since recruiting started Sounds like sour grapes to me ? Your thoughts ?

Edward Aschoff

  (1:04 PM)

I wish I hadn't been out of town when all this crying from Madison came out. Chris got to write the reaction and I was pretty jealous. It is TOTALLY legal. There is nothing in the rule book that says you can't go after a committed player. It's recruiting. It's college recruiting. It happens and it will continue. I never knew about this silly "unwritten rule" in the Big Ten, but I guarantee it will be destroyed now that Urban is in town. It really is sour grapes and for Bret Bielema to call out the SEC like that just adds to the silliness. You don't want to be like the SEC? Really? You don't want to recruit like the best conference in the country? Blows my mind. You would think that the SEC would be a model for recruiting. And how come he didn't call out the Pac-12? I'm pretty sure I saw a few prospects flip commitments late and there's no way that didn't happen without more recruiting from those other schools. Silly.

Edward Aschoff

  (1:04 PM)

OK, guys, I'm out. Great talking with everyone again. Talk to you all later.