The last memory many South Carolina fans have of Stephen Garcia is from the Outback Bowl, when the Tampa native had four first-half turnovers in a 31-10 loss to Iowa that was about as miserable a homecoming as could have unfolded.
But Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier recently saw footage of Garcia that was far more encouraging - video of the Gamecocks' spring game in which he completed 13 of 20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
"I called Stephen that night and I said, 'You know what, you actually looked pretty good in the spring game. You took your steps, had your head in the right position, one time you stepped up and hit Dion (LeCorn) on a little short corner route, instead of taking off running,' " Spurrier said Thursday following his annual media golf outing. "I said, 'Last year you would have just taken off running anywhere.’ “
As he mentioned last week at the SEC Media Days, Spurrier said Garcia has to stay healthy because none of his backups has taken a snap in a game. The SEC Rocks!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Gamecocks Fall Drills begin August 4
The University of South Carolina football squad will officially report for fall camp on Monday, August 3, with the 1st practice scheduled for Tuesday, August 4. The first practice will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Bluff Road "Proving Grounds."
The 1st practice of the fall camp will be open to the public. Any additional open practices will be announced at a later date. No cameras (video or still) will be allowed after the first 15 minutes of the practice. Pets are not permitted on the practice fields.
The Gamecocks will open the 2009 season on Thursday, September 3 when they travel to Raleigh to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The 7 p.m. ET contest will be televised nationally on ESPN. The SEC Rocks!
The 1st practice of the fall camp will be open to the public. Any additional open practices will be announced at a later date. No cameras (video or still) will be allowed after the first 15 minutes of the practice. Pets are not permitted on the practice fields.
The Gamecocks will open the 2009 season on Thursday, September 3 when they travel to Raleigh to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The 7 p.m. ET contest will be televised nationally on ESPN. The SEC Rocks!
Bama's McClain does his Talking on the Field
A star middle linebacker, 3rd-team All-American, All-SEC recipient and high NFL draft pick in waiting, McClain also has a reputation of being one of the most reluctant stars on Alabama's team when it comes to interviews.
"I don't like to be in the eye of the media or the limelight," McClain said. "I don't really care for it."
McClain estimates he had made about 5 media appearances total since arriving at Alabama and winning a starting job as a true freshman. Reporters basically learned last season not to ask for McClain, since he usually declined to show.
So how is it that McClain, of all players, wound up amid the biggest media circus in college football? He was in attendance at last week's SEC Media Days in Hoover, joining left guard Mike Johnson as representatives of the Crimson Tide.
"They drug me out of bed, made me come here," McClain said in mock annoyance. "No, it's fun. They said I'm here to represent my team. So if it's going to benefit my team, I'm just trying to say the best things to represent our team. I don't really mind."
To balance talk about what McClain is not, there is plenty about what he is.
Above all, he's a tough guy, a throwback to the days of Butkus and Lambert and Nitschke, a player who genuinely enjoys savage contact.
He was last year's team leader in tackles (95), tackles for loss (12) and tied for the lead with (2) fumble recoveries, doing all this after a scary motorcycle accident months before that left scars and limited his offseason work. Then again, this is the same guy who barely missed a play after gashing his thumb so bad against Mississippi State last season that it required outpatient surgery after the game! The SEC Rocks!
"I don't like to be in the eye of the media or the limelight," McClain said. "I don't really care for it."
McClain estimates he had made about 5 media appearances total since arriving at Alabama and winning a starting job as a true freshman. Reporters basically learned last season not to ask for McClain, since he usually declined to show.
So how is it that McClain, of all players, wound up amid the biggest media circus in college football? He was in attendance at last week's SEC Media Days in Hoover, joining left guard Mike Johnson as representatives of the Crimson Tide.
"They drug me out of bed, made me come here," McClain said in mock annoyance. "No, it's fun. They said I'm here to represent my team. So if it's going to benefit my team, I'm just trying to say the best things to represent our team. I don't really mind."
To balance talk about what McClain is not, there is plenty about what he is.
Above all, he's a tough guy, a throwback to the days of Butkus and Lambert and Nitschke, a player who genuinely enjoys savage contact.
He was last year's team leader in tackles (95), tackles for loss (12) and tied for the lead with (2) fumble recoveries, doing all this after a scary motorcycle accident months before that left scars and limited his offseason work. Then again, this is the same guy who barely missed a play after gashing his thumb so bad against Mississippi State last season that it required outpatient surgery after the game! The SEC Rocks!
DB Hornsby kicked off of Ole Miss...this time
This morning, defensive back Jamar Hornsby was indicted on felony aggravated assault charges.
He then became an ex-Rebel as the 2009 recruit was dismissed from the Ole Miss football program, the school announced in press release.
"I am releasing Jamar Hornsby and he will not be a member of our football team," head coach Houston Nutt said. "We wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Hornsby was a 2nd-team JUCO All-American last season.
SuperPrep had him listed as the No. 3 JUCO player in the nation.
Hornsby was accused of hitting a man in March with brass knuckles during an altercation at a Starkville, Miss., McDonald's drive-thru.
In 2007, the DB was kicked out of the Florida program after being arrested for fraudulently using the credit card of the deceased girlfriend of one of his then-Gator teammates. He ultimately pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts stemming from that incident.
Hornsby was still on probation for the above incident at the time of his latest run-in with the law.
The SEC Rocks!
He then became an ex-Rebel as the 2009 recruit was dismissed from the Ole Miss football program, the school announced in press release.
"I am releasing Jamar Hornsby and he will not be a member of our football team," head coach Houston Nutt said. "We wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Hornsby was a 2nd-team JUCO All-American last season.
SuperPrep had him listed as the No. 3 JUCO player in the nation.
Hornsby was accused of hitting a man in March with brass knuckles during an altercation at a Starkville, Miss., McDonald's drive-thru.
In 2007, the DB was kicked out of the Florida program after being arrested for fraudulently using the credit card of the deceased girlfriend of one of his then-Gator teammates. He ultimately pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts stemming from that incident.
Hornsby was still on probation for the above incident at the time of his latest run-in with the law.
The SEC Rocks!
UF Training Camp
The University of Florida announced today that the first two days of the football team’s 2009 training camp – Thursday, Aug. 6, and Friday, Aug. 7 – will be open to the public. All sessions on those days will be held at the UF football practice field.
The season’s first practice will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6:10 a.m. until 8 a.m. and will consist only of returning players. Freshmen will practice later that day from 5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 7, returning players will again practice from 6:10 a.m. until 8 a.m., while freshmen will take the field from 4:35 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Practice then moves to the UVS Fields, and practice will no longer be open to the public and the media due to space constraints.
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Fans are reminded that no video cameras are allowed at UF practices.
The season’s first practice will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6:10 a.m. until 8 a.m. and will consist only of returning players. Freshmen will practice later that day from 5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 7, returning players will again practice from 6:10 a.m. until 8 a.m., while freshmen will take the field from 4:35 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Practice then moves to the UVS Fields, and practice will no longer be open to the public and the media due to space constraints.
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Fans are reminded that no video cameras are allowed at UF practices.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Spurrier Speaks out about this year at USC
"I really believe I've got maybe the best coaching staff I've ever had. I've watched these guys coach through spring practice, I've watched them interact with our players and I've watched them recruit. We've got coaches that can go recruit guys and get committed and get them signed. We've added 5 new assistant coaches and Craig Fitzgerald, our strength and conditioning coach. Since they've been here, academically we had our best semester in the history of South Carolina Football - a 2.62 grade point average and our best class attendance. I think a lot of that is contributed to our new coaches - demanding and expecting and making sure the players do what they're supposed to do."
"We're sort of looking forward to a new era of South Carolina Football. We've been here 4 years. We're trying a new direction. We've got some new coaches in place. Our players really seem to have accepted our new coaches and have bought in to the new ideas we're doing. We elected captains during spring practice, something we have not done before. Eric Norwood and Cliff Matthews are the defensive captains; Patrick DiMarco and Moe Brown are the offensive captains."
Stephen Garcia has gone through his first spring and his first summer. Stephen needs to keep progressing. He does have the ability to play this game. Obviously, we need to keep him healthy this year. Backup players Reid McCollum and Aramis Hillary have not taken a snap. Hopefully they'll be ready in case we need them. Quarterback play is something that must get better here, as well as offensive line play. We're going to be very patient with Stephen. I believe he is so much better prepared. He's our quarterback and baring injury, he's expected to go the distance." The SEC Rocks!
"We're sort of looking forward to a new era of South Carolina Football. We've been here 4 years. We're trying a new direction. We've got some new coaches in place. Our players really seem to have accepted our new coaches and have bought in to the new ideas we're doing. We elected captains during spring practice, something we have not done before. Eric Norwood and Cliff Matthews are the defensive captains; Patrick DiMarco and Moe Brown are the offensive captains."
Stephen Garcia has gone through his first spring and his first summer. Stephen needs to keep progressing. He does have the ability to play this game. Obviously, we need to keep him healthy this year. Backup players Reid McCollum and Aramis Hillary have not taken a snap. Hopefully they'll be ready in case we need them. Quarterback play is something that must get better here, as well as offensive line play. We're going to be very patient with Stephen. I believe he is so much better prepared. He's our quarterback and baring injury, he's expected to go the distance." The SEC Rocks!
Arkansas' Ground- Game gets a Boost
Arkansas' ground game received a much-need shot in the arm today with the announcement that running back Broderick Green has been cleared to play immediately, the (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette).
Green announced he was transferring from Southern Cal last November and, normally, would be forced to sit out a season after moving to a Div. 1-A school.
However, Green appealed to the NCAA as the reason for his transfer was to be closer to his ailing maternal grandmother. The organization agreed and reinstated his eligibility effective immediately.
Needless to say, Green was extremely pleased upon hearing the news.
"When I got out of class today they called me down to the office and told me the news and I went crazy" Green said. "I had been waiting all this time and I didn't know what the NCAA was thinking. We got the answer now and I'm ready to roll."
Arkansas director of compliance Jon Fagg got the word regarding Green's eligibility late yesterday afternoon.
Last season at USC, Green rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns.
Including this season, the 240-pound back will have three years of eligibility remaining. The SEC Rocks!
Green announced he was transferring from Southern Cal last November and, normally, would be forced to sit out a season after moving to a Div. 1-A school.
However, Green appealed to the NCAA as the reason for his transfer was to be closer to his ailing maternal grandmother. The organization agreed and reinstated his eligibility effective immediately.
Needless to say, Green was extremely pleased upon hearing the news.
"When I got out of class today they called me down to the office and told me the news and I went crazy" Green said. "I had been waiting all this time and I didn't know what the NCAA was thinking. We got the answer now and I'm ready to roll."
Arkansas director of compliance Jon Fagg got the word regarding Green's eligibility late yesterday afternoon.
Last season at USC, Green rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns.
Including this season, the 240-pound back will have three years of eligibility remaining. The SEC Rocks!
2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
University of Florida senior quarterback Tim Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) has been named a candidate for the 2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given annually to the nation’s top senior quarterback.
The prestigious award bears the name of former Louisville Cardinal Johnny Unitas, who many refer to as the finest quarterback to ever play the game of football. Established in 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has previously honored 22 outstanding young men. The winner of the 2008 award was Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell, while Boston College’s Matt Ryan won the award in 2007.
(by www.gatorzone.com)
The prestigious award bears the name of former Louisville Cardinal Johnny Unitas, who many refer to as the finest quarterback to ever play the game of football. Established in 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has previously honored 22 outstanding young men. The winner of the 2008 award was Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell, while Boston College’s Matt Ryan won the award in 2007.
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Atlanta Bulldog Club
ATHENS, Ga. --- The annual meeting of the Greater Atlanta Bulldog Club was held Monday at Cobb Galleria Centre. A reception is scheduled starting at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Featured during the meeting will be UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans, head football coach Mark Richt, head men’s basketball coach Mark Fox, equestrian coach Meghan Boenig, and new gymnastics coach Jay Clark.
An all-sports highlight video from this past season will also be shown during the meeting. Chuck Dowdle of WSB TV will serve as master of ceremonies.
( by www.georgiadogs.com)
Featured during the meeting will be UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans, head football coach Mark Richt, head men’s basketball coach Mark Fox, equestrian coach Meghan Boenig, and new gymnastics coach Jay Clark.
An all-sports highlight video from this past season will also be shown during the meeting. Chuck Dowdle of WSB TV will serve as master of ceremonies.
( by www.georgiadogs.com)
Vandy's Bobby Johnson at SEC Luncheon Thursday
Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson will join his new counterpart at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin, as special guests when the Nashville Sports Council hosts its annual Southeastern Conference Football Luncheon Thursday at the Wildhorse Saloon. Tickets are available to the event, which is part of the organization's Comcast Spotlight Sports Speaker Series. Registration starts at 11:00 a.m., with the luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for non-NSC members are $35, and $25 for members. The Wildhorse is located at 120 2nd Avenue North in Nashville. Kevin Ingram, co-host of "The Wake Up Zone" show on 104.5-FM in Nashville, will emcee the preview. Ingram also serves as sideline reporter on the Vanderbilt Radio Network. This marks Johnson's third visit to the popular SEC preview. On both previous occasions, he shared the stage with Phillip Fulmer. "I'm excited about the event, and excited about the opportunity to talk more about Vanderbilt football," Johnson said. "The Nashville Sports Council does a fantastic job with this event and I'm very happy to be a part of it again. "We're excited about the upcoming season and I sense our fans share that excitement. I think this event is a great opportunity to build local interest in our program and create more Commodore fans," Johnson added. To purchase tickets or get more information, call the Nashville Sports Council at 743-3120. The SEC Rocks!
Gators' Andre Debose nursing Hamstring
Highly touted freshman Gators wide receiver Andre Debose has been limited in offseason workouts while nursing a hamstring injury, according to a team source.
Debose, a former Seminole High School star, is expected to be ready for fall camp next Thursday, according to the source. The injury hasn't allowed teammates to see much of Debose' playmaking skills that earned him All-American status and an ESPY nomination.
Many expect Debose, one of the highest-rated recruits of 2009, to replace Percy Harvin as a backfield/wide receiver threat. Debose worked out for part of the summer in Central Florida before arriving in Gainesville in late June for Summer B session. The SEC Rocks!
Debose, a former Seminole High School star, is expected to be ready for fall camp next Thursday, according to the source. The injury hasn't allowed teammates to see much of Debose' playmaking skills that earned him All-American status and an ESPY nomination.
Many expect Debose, one of the highest-rated recruits of 2009, to replace Percy Harvin as a backfield/wide receiver threat. Debose worked out for part of the summer in Central Florida before arriving in Gainesville in late June for Summer B session. The SEC Rocks!
Alabama Opens Against ACC Title Favorite
For the 2nd consecutive season, Alabama won't just begin its schedule in Atlanta against an Atlantic Coast Conference team.
It will do so against the ACC favorite.
ACC media voted Virginia Tech as an overwhelming pick to win a 2nd-consecutive league title during the conference's kickoff event. (Sound familiar, anyone?) Of 87 votes cast, 69 projected Virginia Tech to win the ACC title game.
Far more surprising, however, was that Hokies coach Frank Beamer welcomed the bulls-eye, unlike most coaches who try to downplay such fanfare.
'That's not ho-hum. I appreciate it,' Beamer said. 'People talk about high expectations, but I think high expectations are great as long as you don't forget what got you those high expectations" The SEC Rocks!
It will do so against the ACC favorite.
ACC media voted Virginia Tech as an overwhelming pick to win a 2nd-consecutive league title during the conference's kickoff event. (Sound familiar, anyone?) Of 87 votes cast, 69 projected Virginia Tech to win the ACC title game.
Far more surprising, however, was that Hokies coach Frank Beamer welcomed the bulls-eye, unlike most coaches who try to downplay such fanfare.
'That's not ho-hum. I appreciate it,' Beamer said. 'People talk about high expectations, but I think high expectations are great as long as you don't forget what got you those high expectations" The SEC Rocks!
Auburn Tigers' Players agree to 4 year NFL Deals
Jerraud Powers and Sen' Derrick Marks, who left Auburn after their junior seasons, agreed to four-year NFL deals on Tuesday.
Marks, a defensive tackle from Mobile, was a 2nd-round pick by Tennessee. Powers, a defensive back from Decatur, was a 3rd-round pick by Indianapolis.
Though slowed by injuries last season Marks finished his Auburn career with 114 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
Powers played 3 years for the Tigers. He was slowed by a bad ankle last season, but still finished his career with 136 tackles and 6 interceptions. The SEC Rocks!
Marks, a defensive tackle from Mobile, was a 2nd-round pick by Tennessee. Powers, a defensive back from Decatur, was a 3rd-round pick by Indianapolis.
Though slowed by injuries last season Marks finished his Auburn career with 114 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
Powers played 3 years for the Tigers. He was slowed by a bad ankle last season, but still finished his career with 136 tackles and 6 interceptions. The SEC Rocks!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ole Miss Ticket Sales are Hot
"Pete Boone the A.D. of Ole Miss said that this season's ticket sales have already reached 45,000 and that is 6,000 more than last season. There is still 2 months to go before the season opener. Single tickets for LSU, Tennessee and Alabama can not be found." The way the sales are going, the other home games will more likely go the same way. This is all great news, during this hard pressed times. Ole Miss and all the SEC will benefit from the SEC/ESPN/CBS broadcast deal that will be spreading 2.25 billion over a 15 year period! Ole Miss will benefit with about 6 million extra in it's budget.The SEC Rocks!
Ole Miss Alumni Association Chartering Buses for Memphis Game
The Ole Miss Rebels kick off the 2009 football season Sept. 6 against the University of Memphis, and the Alumni Association is offering charter bus service to the game. Seats sell out quickly, so fans are urged to sign up now to secure a seat.
'I encourage our fans to travel to Memphis with the Alumni Association for the 1st game of the season, which also is the last game in our series against the Tigers,' said Tim Walsh, executive director of the Alumni Association. 'The bus trip will be a great way to begin this much anticipated football season.'
Buses are to depart from the Triplett Alumni Center on campus at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the game. A boxed lunch, soft drinks, water, cups and ice are provided during the trip to Memphis. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, and the buses return to campus immediately after the game." The SEC Rocks!
'I encourage our fans to travel to Memphis with the Alumni Association for the 1st game of the season, which also is the last game in our series against the Tigers,' said Tim Walsh, executive director of the Alumni Association. 'The bus trip will be a great way to begin this much anticipated football season.'
Buses are to depart from the Triplett Alumni Center on campus at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the game. A boxed lunch, soft drinks, water, cups and ice are provided during the trip to Memphis. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, and the buses return to campus immediately after the game." The SEC Rocks!
Arkansas Front 1st Line of D
The Arkansas Razorbacks had its struggles on defense a year ago in Bobby Petrino's first season as head coach. The Hogs had a difficult time pressuring the quarterback as well as plugging the line of scrimmage against the run.
While he is not expecting miracles from 2nd year defensive coordinator Willy Robinson, Petrino did like the improvement he saw in the spring from the Hogs' first-line of defense. He even expects the defensive front to be a team strength." The SEC Rocks!
While he is not expecting miracles from 2nd year defensive coordinator Willy Robinson, Petrino did like the improvement he saw in the spring from the Hogs' first-line of defense. He even expects the defensive front to be a team strength." The SEC Rocks!
Alex Box Stadium
BATON ROUGE -- The LSU Athletics Department has announced that individual game parking permits are now on sale for the new Alex Box Stadium West Lot located on Gourrier Lane off of Nicholson Drive.
The permits can be ordered at or through the LSU Athletics Ticket Office at (225) 578-2184 or online at www.LSUsports.net.
The lot will open at 8 a.m. on gameday and specific spaces are on a first-come first-serve basis. Concession stands and restrooms will be open at the new Alex Box Stadium on game days.
Passes in the lot are $50 per game and must be purchased at least one week prior to each game. However, the Oct. 10 Florida and Oct. 24 Auburn games will not be available on an individual game basis, but will be sold as part of two “Pick ‘Em Pack” options. Only one permit per game per person can be ordered.
(by Kent Lowe)
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Dome is Home for the SEC
The SEC and the Georgia Dome have agreed on a 5-year extension for the SEC Football Championship Game to be played at the facility through 2015, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive announced in a press release this afternoon.
"The SEC Football Championship Game has become one of the season's premiere events," said Slive. "The Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center is a fitting host for our event. Their operations staff and leadership have been tremendous to work with and we look forward to continuing the relationship."
Since coming to the Georgia Dome in 1994, all but one of the years: 1995, has been a sellout. That fan support aided in the decision to extend the contract with the dome.
"The city of Atlanta has also served us well in the past," Slive said. "The quality of accommodations and the fact that it is a transportation hub for the Southeast makes it a great city to host the SEC Weekend of Champions." The SEC Rocks!
"The SEC Football Championship Game has become one of the season's premiere events," said Slive. "The Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center is a fitting host for our event. Their operations staff and leadership have been tremendous to work with and we look forward to continuing the relationship."
Since coming to the Georgia Dome in 1994, all but one of the years: 1995, has been a sellout. That fan support aided in the decision to extend the contract with the dome.
"The city of Atlanta has also served us well in the past," Slive said. "The quality of accommodations and the fact that it is a transportation hub for the Southeast makes it a great city to host the SEC Weekend of Champions." The SEC Rocks!
Gator Charity Challenge
The University of Florida football team is preparing to hold its second annual Gator Charity Challenge event on Friday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The fundraiser, which was initiated prior to the 2008 season, will feature the 2009 Gator squad challenging each other in a series of strength competitions. The event is weather permitting and will be free and open to the public. Gates 1-4 on the west concourse of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be open for entrance to the event at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
(by www.gatorzone.com)
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Tennesse and the SEC Football Media Days
Lane Kiffin, Tennessee's new coach, will help close down SEC Football Media Days from July 22-24 at Hoover, Ala.
Kiffin and LSU's Les Miles share the last slot on the final morning of the annual preseason media convention.
The even begins on a Wednesday afternoon with Bobby Petrino of Arkansas and Bobby Johnson of Vanderbilt, followed by Mississippi State's new coach, Dan Mullen, and Kentucky's Rich Brooks.
Alabama's Nick Saban and Georgia's Mark Richt go first on Thursday, followed by Urban Meyer of defending national champion Florida and Houston Nutt of Ole Miss.
Friday's session opens with Gene Chizik of Auburn and Steve Spurrier of South Carolina, yielding to Kiffin and Miles.
Each school also brings two athletes for the sessions with print, online, radio and TV media. UT has not named which players it will bring but one of them is expected to be Eric Berry.
(by www.govolsxtra.com)
Kiffin and LSU's Les Miles share the last slot on the final morning of the annual preseason media convention.
The even begins on a Wednesday afternoon with Bobby Petrino of Arkansas and Bobby Johnson of Vanderbilt, followed by Mississippi State's new coach, Dan Mullen, and Kentucky's Rich Brooks.
Alabama's Nick Saban and Georgia's Mark Richt go first on Thursday, followed by Urban Meyer of defending national champion Florida and Houston Nutt of Ole Miss.
Friday's session opens with Gene Chizik of Auburn and Steve Spurrier of South Carolina, yielding to Kiffin and Miles.
Each school also brings two athletes for the sessions with print, online, radio and TV media. UT has not named which players it will bring but one of them is expected to be Eric Berry.
(by www.govolsxtra.com)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Gamecocks Score DB from Georgia
DB Cadarious Sanders (6'-0" -185lbs) of LaGrange, Ga., was at USC on Saturday for its Showcase Camp.
It was his first visit to USC. Sanders received an offer from the Gamecocks and pulled the trigger on a commitment.
"I had it in my mind that they were going to offer," Sanders said. "I accepted right when they offered."
Sanders said the Gamecocks like him as a cornerback, but he can also play safety. He said he had a good camp performance, and that impressed defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward.
"My footwork in the drills was good," Sanders said. "I didn't drop one pass all day and I finished all of the drills."
Sanders said he also had commitable offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, and he had a verbal offer from LSU.
He becomes the 15th commitment for USC's 2010 class. The SEC Rocks!
It was his first visit to USC. Sanders received an offer from the Gamecocks and pulled the trigger on a commitment.
"I had it in my mind that they were going to offer," Sanders said. "I accepted right when they offered."
Sanders said the Gamecocks like him as a cornerback, but he can also play safety. He said he had a good camp performance, and that impressed defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward.
"My footwork in the drills was good," Sanders said. "I didn't drop one pass all day and I finished all of the drills."
Sanders said he also had commitable offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, and he had a verbal offer from LSU.
He becomes the 15th commitment for USC's 2010 class. The SEC Rocks!
Oklahoma State the Toughest Opener for Georgia Ever
The hype is starting for the Sept. 5 opener at Oklahoma State.
“I’ve been watching a lot of film,” quarterback Joe Cox said, and that game is going to be a big challenge. A lot of people are saying that might be the toughest Georgia opener ever.”
Oklahoma State is the first of 3 non-conference BCS opponents on the Bulldogs’ schedule. By contrast, defending National Champion Florida has only 1 non-conference BCS opponent, the annual game against Florida State , and coach Urban Meyer says one is enough.
“Do we wake up and say, ‘Let’s put together the most difficult schedule in college football?’ Absolutely not,” Meyer said. He said the Gators’ scheduling philosophy is to play one “big-time” opponent, in addition to FSU, “every couple of years.” The SEC Rocks!
“I’ve been watching a lot of film,” quarterback Joe Cox said, and that game is going to be a big challenge. A lot of people are saying that might be the toughest Georgia opener ever.”
Oklahoma State is the first of 3 non-conference BCS opponents on the Bulldogs’ schedule. By contrast, defending National Champion Florida has only 1 non-conference BCS opponent, the annual game against Florida State , and coach Urban Meyer says one is enough.
“Do we wake up and say, ‘Let’s put together the most difficult schedule in college football?’ Absolutely not,” Meyer said. He said the Gators’ scheduling philosophy is to play one “big-time” opponent, in addition to FSU, “every couple of years.” The SEC Rocks!
Arkansas Place in the SEC
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorback football team was chosen to finish fourth in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division by the media in attendance at the 2009 SEC Football Media Days and three Razorbacks, D.J. Williams, Michael Smith and Malcolm Sheppard were selected on the media’s preseason All-SEC squads.
(by www.arkansasrazorbacks.com)
(by www.arkansasrazorbacks.com)
LSU to Mend Their Way...Will Do a 180' Turnaround
There were 3 SEC football coaches pictured on the front page of the Birmingham News on Friday — Auburn coach Gene Chizik, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin.
LSU coach Les Miles, like the aforementioned 3, spoke Friday at the SEC Media Days news conferences here, but he did not make the front cut(of the paper).
How quickly they forget. Last season, Miles was the toast of suburban Birmingham as LSU was coming off the 2007 National Championship and would be picked No. 6 in the nation going into the season. On Friday, the buzz instead followed Kiffin, a first-year coach who has created as much of a stir with his mouth as with his recruiting. On Thursday, it was mostly about defending national champion Florida and defending West champ Alabama.
LSU, which had its worst regular season and SEC records this decade last season at 7-5 and 3-5, is in a strange place. The Tigers were picked to finish second in the West behind Alabama by reporters Friday, but they are decidedly under the radar.
"I think by winning a championship is how we're measured," said Miles, who won the SEC West title in his first season in 2005. "I understand how that happens. But it's not any fun."
The Tigers lost five of their last eight regular season games in 2008 and came close to a monumental upset at the hands of 19-point underdog Troy at home before erasing a 31-3 third quarter deficit to win 40-31. Ole Miss enjoyed its most lopsided victory over LSU — 31-13 — since 1992. Arkansas at 4-7 became the first team with such a poor record to defeat an LSU team with a winning record since 3-7 Tulane upset the 8-1-1 Tigers in 1982. LSU's defense blew a 30-14 lead in the third quarter at Arkansas to lose 31-30.
"I can tell you that that will not happen again," Miles said of the Arkansas game.
LSU became the first defending national champ since USC in 1975 to finish below .500 in conference.
"I certainly understand what happened at the back end of last year," Miles stated. The SEC Rocks!
LSU coach Les Miles, like the aforementioned 3, spoke Friday at the SEC Media Days news conferences here, but he did not make the front cut(of the paper).
How quickly they forget. Last season, Miles was the toast of suburban Birmingham as LSU was coming off the 2007 National Championship and would be picked No. 6 in the nation going into the season. On Friday, the buzz instead followed Kiffin, a first-year coach who has created as much of a stir with his mouth as with his recruiting. On Thursday, it was mostly about defending national champion Florida and defending West champ Alabama.
LSU, which had its worst regular season and SEC records this decade last season at 7-5 and 3-5, is in a strange place. The Tigers were picked to finish second in the West behind Alabama by reporters Friday, but they are decidedly under the radar.
"I think by winning a championship is how we're measured," said Miles, who won the SEC West title in his first season in 2005. "I understand how that happens. But it's not any fun."
The Tigers lost five of their last eight regular season games in 2008 and came close to a monumental upset at the hands of 19-point underdog Troy at home before erasing a 31-3 third quarter deficit to win 40-31. Ole Miss enjoyed its most lopsided victory over LSU — 31-13 — since 1992. Arkansas at 4-7 became the first team with such a poor record to defeat an LSU team with a winning record since 3-7 Tulane upset the 8-1-1 Tigers in 1982. LSU's defense blew a 30-14 lead in the third quarter at Arkansas to lose 31-30.
"I can tell you that that will not happen again," Miles said of the Arkansas game.
LSU became the first defending national champ since USC in 1975 to finish below .500 in conference.
"I certainly understand what happened at the back end of last year," Miles stated. The SEC Rocks!
Ole Miss...Taking it to TV
After starting the season 2-2 and losing to Vanderbilt, Ole Miss pulled off a miracle and beat the eventual national champion Florida Gators, on the road, by a blocked extra point.
They won their final 6 games of the season, finished 9-4, No. 14 in the polls, and thrashed Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The team that was just 10-25 under the previous coach suddenly enters 2009 as one of the hottest programs in the nation.
"Last year we had an attitude, we're fixing to go hunt," the coach says in his thick Southern accent. "Right now, we're the hunted."
Except this is no sitcom. It's reality television, starring coach Houston Nutt and the Ole Miss Rebels.
They will star in "Gridiron U" this fall, a reality show on a cable channel called TruTV that will give an inside look at the training camp of one of college football's unlikeliest favorites.
The show was Nutt's idea. His players don't exactly have much experience dealing with national media attention.
"I want the cameras on them. I want them to get used to it, not to flinch," said Nutt, the Rebels' second-year coach, at SEC media days this week. "You win six straight, you beat a good team like Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl, there's going to be some attention. Now, you've got to embrace it."The SEC Rocks!
They won their final 6 games of the season, finished 9-4, No. 14 in the polls, and thrashed Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The team that was just 10-25 under the previous coach suddenly enters 2009 as one of the hottest programs in the nation.
"Last year we had an attitude, we're fixing to go hunt," the coach says in his thick Southern accent. "Right now, we're the hunted."
Except this is no sitcom. It's reality television, starring coach Houston Nutt and the Ole Miss Rebels.
They will star in "Gridiron U" this fall, a reality show on a cable channel called TruTV that will give an inside look at the training camp of one of college football's unlikeliest favorites.
The show was Nutt's idea. His players don't exactly have much experience dealing with national media attention.
"I want the cameras on them. I want them to get used to it, not to flinch," said Nutt, the Rebels' second-year coach, at SEC media days this week. "You win six straight, you beat a good team like Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl, there's going to be some attention. Now, you've got to embrace it."The SEC Rocks!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
SEC Football Online has 4 SEC Teams in the Top 10
Well, again it's time to go out on that perverbial limb. SEC Football Online has 4 SEC teams in the Top 10 this season. A no brainer for the number 1 spot: Florida, the number 4 slot is taken by LSU. In the 5th position is that of Alabama and the final spot at number 10 : is Ole Miss. We have Georgia at 13th. We here at SEC Football Online, need not mention what teams fill the other spots. Who cares, they are not SEC teams. Just as everyone that knows college football, knows the SEC is the Number 1 Conference. The SEC Rocks!
USC...Stuck by Eric Norwood
All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood said he was denied admission to USC 3 times before the university accepted his appeal. The Georgia native has made the most of his opportunity, Norwood has a 2.9 GPA, has made the Dean’s list several times and is scheduled to graduate in December after 3 ½ years with a degree in criminal justice.
Norwood said he had a 1.6 GPA at North Cobb High that he pulled up to around a 2.0. While several teams, including Georgia, backed off Norwood because of his academics, he is grateful that USC stuck with him. The SEC Rocks!
Norwood said he had a 1.6 GPA at North Cobb High that he pulled up to around a 2.0. While several teams, including Georgia, backed off Norwood because of his academics, he is grateful that USC stuck with him. The SEC Rocks!
Gamecocks Picked 3rd in the East
The University of South Carolina has been picked to finish third in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division in a preseason media poll released by the conference office yesterday. The Gamecocks are expected to finish behind only Florida and Georgia in the SEC East, despite having just one player, Eric Norwood named to the all-league team.
(by gamecocksonline.cstv.com)
(by gamecocksonline.cstv.com)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Urban Meyer...Leaving UF,Yes or No
Urban Meyer is probably leaving Florida after this season to go to Notre Dame. Meyer says he's not going. He insists he loves it in Gainesville and has no intention of taking a position he once described as "my dream job."
Meyer has become obsessed with success and power, the lure of being "the man" at South Bend might be too much for him to turn down.
Besides, Meyer knows better than anyone that Tim Tebow is gone after the season and Florida's reign of terror in the SEC will be over. Don't think Meyer isn't just a tad concerned about Nick Saban stockpiling warehouses loaded with blue-chip talent in Tuscaloosa. Meyer knows he dodged a bullet in the 4th quarter of the SEC title game last year. However, that wasn't enough for the self-absorbed coach. Beating Saban once wasn't enough. He needed to beat him a second time.
Why else do you think that leading up to the Sugar Bowl Meyer was helping his one-time assistant Kyle Whittingham, construct the game plan that beat the Tide 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl? The SEC Rocks!
Meyer has become obsessed with success and power, the lure of being "the man" at South Bend might be too much for him to turn down.
Besides, Meyer knows better than anyone that Tim Tebow is gone after the season and Florida's reign of terror in the SEC will be over. Don't think Meyer isn't just a tad concerned about Nick Saban stockpiling warehouses loaded with blue-chip talent in Tuscaloosa. Meyer knows he dodged a bullet in the 4th quarter of the SEC title game last year. However, that wasn't enough for the self-absorbed coach. Beating Saban once wasn't enough. He needed to beat him a second time.
Why else do you think that leading up to the Sugar Bowl Meyer was helping his one-time assistant Kyle Whittingham, construct the game plan that beat the Tide 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl? The SEC Rocks!
Coaches Vote, What Happened?
South Carolina's Steve Spurrier admitted Friday at the SEC media days that he was the one who didn't vote for Tim Tebow on the all-SEC team. What's that got to do with the coaches poll? In apologizing for leaving Tebow off his ballot, Spurrier admitted that he hadn't filled out his all-SEC ballot for his last 17 seasons.
(by www.cbssports.com)
(by www.cbssports.com)
Tail-Feathers Plucked Off of 2 'Cocks
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier announced today that 2 of his playrs will be facing multiple game suspensions!
The 2 players facing suspensions are defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye and offensive lineman Kyle Nunn. Ajiboye was arrested in February for possession of marijuana. The reason for Nunn's suspension has yet to be disclosed.
"We'll let you know next week or so. It's not anything final, yet," Spurrier said today. "But they'll miss some games, yeah."
There's no word yet on whether Spurrier will determine the specific number of games or if he'll let his director of football operations do the deed .
Spurrier also indicated that cornerback C.C. Whitlock will be suspended for "one or two games" after he was arrested for trespassing this past May. The charge against the defensive back was ultimately dropped after the owner of the building decided against pursuing legal action. The SEC Rocks!
The 2 players facing suspensions are defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye and offensive lineman Kyle Nunn. Ajiboye was arrested in February for possession of marijuana. The reason for Nunn's suspension has yet to be disclosed.
"We'll let you know next week or so. It's not anything final, yet," Spurrier said today. "But they'll miss some games, yeah."
There's no word yet on whether Spurrier will determine the specific number of games or if he'll let his director of football operations do the deed .
Spurrier also indicated that cornerback C.C. Whitlock will be suspended for "one or two games" after he was arrested for trespassing this past May. The charge against the defensive back was ultimately dropped after the owner of the building decided against pursuing legal action. The SEC Rocks!
LSU's Starting QB...Jordan Jefferson
In a move that was not the least bit unexpected, LSU head coach Les Miles has named Jordan Jefferson as his starting QB.
Miles had kept his QB cards close throughout the offseason, but Jefferson's performance at the end of his true freshman season last year , including being named the game's most outstanding offensive player in their thrashing bowl appearence of Georgia Tech, was just too much for the coach to ignore any longer.
Additionally, the work Jefferson put in this spring and into the summer helped him to be picked over the other two most serious contenders.
It remains to be seen how , or how much, heralded freshman Russell Shepherd will be utilized.
Jarrett Lee, who started 8 games last season, going 4-4; will enter fall camp as Jefferson's backup. The SEC Rocks!
Miles had kept his QB cards close throughout the offseason, but Jefferson's performance at the end of his true freshman season last year , including being named the game's most outstanding offensive player in their thrashing bowl appearence of Georgia Tech, was just too much for the coach to ignore any longer.
Additionally, the work Jefferson put in this spring and into the summer helped him to be picked over the other two most serious contenders.
It remains to be seen how , or how much, heralded freshman Russell Shepherd will be utilized.
Jarrett Lee, who started 8 games last season, going 4-4; will enter fall camp as Jefferson's backup. The SEC Rocks!
South Carolina's Schedule
I want to point out the good and bad things about South Carolina's Schedule.
BAD:
Georgia-Away
Alabama-Away
Tennessee-Away
Arkansas-Away
GOOD:
Florida-Home
Clemson-Home
Vanderbilt-Home
South Carolina State-Home
BAD:
Georgia-Away
Alabama-Away
Tennessee-Away
Arkansas-Away
GOOD:
Florida-Home
Clemson-Home
Vanderbilt-Home
South Carolina State-Home
Gators At SEC Football Media Day
University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer and seniors Ryan Stamper (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Tim Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) traveled to Hoover, Ala., on Thursday for the Southeastern Conference Football Media Day.
Below are excerpts from their respective sessions with the print media.
COACH URBAN MEYER
COACH MEYER: Thank you all for coming. I’m honored to be here and represent the SEC and the University of Florida. Also here to clear up that mystery that I'm the guy that didn't vote for Tebow. We have a very good football team. I’m very appreciative of the leadership of our program. It's as good a summer as I've been around in coaching as far as dealing with our guys and watching our strength staff work, talking to them about the professionalism. That was the key word throughout the month of January as we prepared for the championship game and December preparing for the SEC game. That has continued through spring practice and the summer. The key is let's get to August 6th. I've never been more anxious to coach a football team.
Q. There's a lot of expectations for your team. What are your expectations for this team?
COACH MEYER: Well, I want to get through these next two weeks. We go real hard for a week, then they have a week off and we start camp. I don't look much past that. This time last year, we had some real tough injuries. So we've given a lot of thought to how we're going to practice to keep that edge, to make it a very difficult training camp, yet safe, make sure we can get to the show, and that's our first game. Expectation as far as the season, our goals are always the same as it was in 2005, as it is in 2009, and that is we want to do everything we can to get to Atlanta. That's our whole we wake up every morning to try to achieve that goal.
Q. Would you talk about during this off season, I know you intended to make it the most difficult that Florida has ever had. Are you satisfied they did have that?
COACH MEYER: Well, I'll find out when we get 'em. Coach [Mickey] Marotti turns over the team to me on August 6th. You can usually tell once we get started in training camp what kind of off season they've had. We've had good ones and not so good ones. According to our players and strength coach, this has been one of the best, if not the best.
Q. With so much depth, how have you kept everyone happy so far?
COACH MEYER: I think we've really promoted the competition and we've promoted team first. Great things happen when you have an unselfish team. Last year's was arguably the most unselfish I've been a part of. They got to wear a championship ring, compete in the SEC championship game. That's what we have going for us right now. I really believe our guys love it at Florida. More importantly, I really believe they care for each other. It's a good situation right now in that locker room, in the weight room, and when they're together. That's not easy. You have 105, 120, 18 to 22 year olds from every stretch, some overrecruited, some underrecruited, some overrated, some underrated. And to keep those guys happy and motivated, that certainly a difficult task. The only way to get it done is with great leadership on our team and our staff does a heck of a job.
Q. There's been some concern about Tebow not getting under center enough in the past, especially concerning his future in the NFL. Do you see he'll get under center a little bit?
COACH MEYER: There's a lot made of that. The concern is not from the professional coaches that I have a lot of conversation with. That never comes up. Tim Tebow, we can't make this more complicated than what it is. If you want Tim Tebow under center, teach him to get under center, he'll probably do it better than anybody else. Are we going to place him under center? A lot of it depends on the quality of our tailback. To play an under center offense, you better have a monster back there at tailback that can take the pounding involved in that style of offense. I was involved in an offense I think 15 years. So we know that offense. Coach Addazio was very familiar with it. It’s a great offense.
It's very personnel-based on your fullback, on your tailback, your tight end. We've not had that luxury. This year, if T.J. Pridemore comes back, he’s a good fullback, we have three quality tailbacks. If they develop, it helps us win a game, we'll do that. We are certainly not trying to, because someone said Tim needs to be under center to enhance his draft status. I assure you, him playing under center has nothing to do with his draft status with the programs we talked to. If it did, we would help him because he earned that. It's not that different. To answer your question, he will be under center if it helps us win a game.
Q. Would you review the play calling process, offense, the impact that Dan Mullen's departure will have on that?
COACH MEYER: Sure. There's a little transition there. Steve Addazio will be on the sideline. We have two new coaches that will be in the press box. I have a graduate assistant very close to me, and he'll assist, as well. There's a little bit of a concern there. However, we've all been together. Not one guy calls a play at Florida. There's a play-caller, however, that's done between series and there's very good involvement. So I am concerned because Dan was very good at what he did, obviously. However, I'm very, very excited about the transition and the guys we have doing it. So the biggest issue I have is Steve Addazio will be on the field, and we were still working through that. But I have a lot of confidence we'll be fine.
Q. How amused are you when you see reports that say you'll leave eventually? Is that the nature of the business now when someone is perfectly happy that people think it can't last?
COACH MEYER: Well, it's disturbing. I'd lie to you if I said it wasn't. It's disturbing. I care about my family. I care about our football players, our staff and recruiting. If it affects that, then it bothers me. If it's something else, then that's good watercooler discussion. That's what makes the SEC such a valuable commodity right now, is the intense scrutiny and fan support. I've been on the other side now. I've had a couple press conferences where there was no one out there. So I certainly understand it. When it starts affecting your livelihood, that bothers you. Then you go into defense mechanism, attack it. You have to. We have to do that. It bothers you, but I also understand it.
Q. Regarding last year's SEC championship game, the momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. Alabama dominated you throughout the third quarter. You were able to flip it. Saban's Talk about that momentum shift, what happened there, how that carried you forward not just the fourth quarter by Miami and Oklahoma.
COACH MEYER: And through our off season and through the summer. I made this comment, I've been involved in football for quite a while, that was arguably the finest football game. You evaluate the way I do, you evaluate football and how hard the teams are playing, not how many yards a kid passes for or how many rushing yards. Are both teams absolutely spilling it? It's easy to evaluate. Watch the punt team, kickoff return team. Two football teams that were very well prepared. It was an unbelievable football game. Tim made some throws in there where guys were fairly well covered. He stuck it in there. That's how you win championships. They took the momentum very clear to this day. We punted a ball down, I believe, on the four-yard line. They take it, drive it right down on the field 96 yards, take the lead. It didn't look good for Florida football or the Gators that day. Then Tim and our defense worked together, and the offense. It wasn't Tim. We held Alabama to one yard in that fourth quarter. You can say it was Tim, but there's a lot of guys on defense that had something to do with that, as well.
Q. You've had some great defenses at Florida, obviously in 2006, arguably the best defense the school ever had. Last year, they were also very good. Now you're bringing back everybody on the two deep. Talk about how special that unit could be and maybe a historically great defense this season.
COACH MEYER: It really could. I'm real excited about that. More important, our defensive players are real excited. Last year, we gave some yards, but our guys would stop them. The national championship game was a perfect situation, a perfect example about not letting them in. Our red zone defense was phenomenal a year ago. We can certainly improve in a lot of other areas.
The best thing we have going is rotation and depth. One of the popular things in college football in and out is to go from a four down to a three down. That's not easy. First of all, you have to have the coaches that can do it. Then you have to have the players that have that kind of athleticism to stand up. You look at [Justin] Trattou, Duke Lemmens, Jermaine Cunningham, Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, have all those body types, that (snapping fingers), they could be a defensive end or linebacker. That's a problem for the offense. Our package has grown. Right now we're very comfortable with having those kind of athletes that can play a defensive down position, stand up, play a walk around guy. You're going to see a lot of that in college football. You already do. I would think that's the next cycle of defensive football, is the ability to go three down, four down quite often.
Q. Won two of the last three national titles. Miami and Florida State had their runs. What is it about the state of Florida that makes it such a great football state? Just the talent pool? What have you done to lock down that talent pool?
COACH MEYER: Well, we haven't locked it down. We've lost our recruiting battles. I think when our staff first got there, there's an energy of newness down there, the intensity. A big reason why I think Gainesville is the best job in America is because five hours in each direction, north, south, you got as good a football quality players. I think a lot of it has to do with the transition of population from the north to the south. I grew up in Northeastern Ohio where every year there would be a bunch of players going to Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. The population base just kind of shrunk down for a variety of reasons. Florida, the quality of high school football down there is phenomenal, and Georgia and Alabama. I mean, it's all right there, along with Texas. There's a bunch of them. There's still great football everywhere and we recruit everywhere. The population base and the level of importance of football in the south is phenomenal.
Q. How is Emmanuel Moody progressing?
COACH MEYER: We're looking for that all day, everyday tailback. Someone asked us the question about under center. Emmanuel Moody and Chris Rainey and [Jeff] Demps are going to have a lot to do with it. Scot Loeffler and Tim are not going to be the guys that are going to determine if we go under center. It's going to be the quality of tailback play. We're looking for that. We've not had that quality that we expect at Florida. Emmanuel looks terrific. He physically looks fabulous. He's a great young person that works hard. I'm anxious. That's an area we're going to really watch the first two weeks of training camp, and they know it. Big year for all those three guys.
Q. Are you concerned your middle linebacker was too shy to come and meet us today?
COACH MEYER: No. When he heard about this room, he heard about the whole deal, heard about all the cameras, he started squiggling his way out of that thing. Then he used the 'ol, ‘Coach, I think Stamper, he's the captain, he should be there, not me.’ But Coach Strong handled that. It's all good. Nothing is wrong with Brandon Spikes. He's great. He's just shy, I guess.
QB TIM TEBOW
TIM TEBOW: Good evening, first of all. Glad to be here. No, I do not know who did not vote for me. Got that question a lot (laughter). It's an honor to be here. I'm just happy I get to share with y'all for a minute. I'm so excited about my senior season. It's a dream come true to me to be playing this year at the University of Florida, a school that I love and I'm so happy to be at. My teammates that I'm playing with are the best in the world. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm just so looking forward to playing with them. This season is very special for us. I think we've had the best offseason that we've had since I've been at the University of Florida. My teammates are extremely focused, ready for the season to start.
Q. It would have been easy for you to walk away with two national championships and a Heisman Trophy. You're in the spotlight every day. Why didn't you walk away, start over, be okay with that?
TIM TEBOW: I definitely didn't look at it like that. I don't look at it as madness. I look at it as I'm blessed to come back to the University of Florida for my senior year. When I was deciding to go or to stay, there are a lot of things that crossed my mind. But I think the important things that I looked at were No. 1, the opportunity that I had to have an influence in the state of Florida and around the South, and the U.S. for that matter.
Something that really illustrated that for me is when we were sitting down at lunch, me, Coach Meyer, my mom and dad. We got a call, two days or so after the national championship game. That call told us that since the national championship game, the verse that was under your eyes was Googled 94 million times. That just kind of showed me, wow, the impact. I could wear something under my eyes and millions of people were going to Google it. I really had a platform. I wanted to take advantage of that for one more year, be a good role model for the kids that look up to me, set an example for them. That was kind of my No. 1 goal as far as coming back, and also to be loyal to Coach Meyer, to my teammates who have done so much for me. I wanted to come back and finish this thing strong for them.
Q. How aware are you, if at all, about, I guess I'd call, a Tim Tebow backlash, that people have had their fill of hearing about you? I don't think it's directed at you as much as the coverage, people doing the coverage. Do you sometimes wish there was less attention on you? Does it get embarrassing at times?
TIM TEBOW: Some things are hard to deal with. You would like to go to a restaurant without people trying to take pictures or go to a movie or something like that. But also you think that because of the articles that y'all have written and because of the articles that people continue to write, it's not only backlash from it, but there's also a lot of positive. So I try to look at things from the positive, and there have been a lot of great things. There have been a lot of people that have been encouraged not to have an abortion because they heard the story of my mom, or they have been encouraged because they have heard me share my faith on TV or in a report or something. You know what, although there has been a backlash, oh, well. You know what, I'll deal with it if I have to. It's not a big deal to me because of the kids and people that have been encouraged by the stories we have tried to tell and by the life that I've tried to live. Hopefully that's been an encouragement more than a hindrance to people.
Q. You're a competitive guy. You used last year's Heisman voting as motivation. How does this All SEC snub motivate you?
TIM TEBOW: I didn't know I was going to get that question (laughter). I really don't think this will be something that I will think about too much. I’ll probably get asked about it a few more times, but it really won't be something that I'll focus on. I really have enough to be motivated about. Plus, I'm pretty a pretty self-motivated person. This won't play too big into my motivation factor. I'm not going to run sprints thinking about the coach that didn't vote for me. You know, that's quite all right (laughter).
Q. Everybody knows about Coach Meyer's high scoring offense. Does he have any old-school qualities, toughness, physicality that maybe you can talk about, the old Bear Bryant school?
TIM TEBOW: Our offense is all about old-school toughness, dedication, go hit him in the mouth, that type of mentality. I think we feed off of that. We try to play like that. Our offensive line tries to be a tough offensive line. I think they have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder because we're known as a spread team who likes to do reverses and throw down the field and stuff. I think if you look at our team, you see that it's not just a dink or dunk are throw down the field, reverse team with fast players. I think we kind of take pride on being a tough team. Being a team, if we need to, we're going to try to hit you in the mouth over and over and over again. We take a lot of pride in that, being a tough team, being a team if we need to, we're going to go three yards in a cloud of dust over and over and over again. We have the toughness to do that, we have the leaders to do that. It's something that we do take pride in, that if we need to win a game by will and toughness, we want to be able to do that. All the guys, we just take pride in that.
Q. The struggles to repeat have been well documented in college football. What do you talk about during the summer, you and your teammates, about complacency, how you guard against it?
TIM TEBOW: We talk about it all the time. Complacency, leadership, not resting on your laurels, not worry about what we did yesterday, but worry about how we can get better today. I think the No. 1 way you counteract that is by every day you step in that weight room, every day you step on that practice field, you're worried about getting better and not getting by. We talk about that all the time as a football team when we're out on that field, ‘Don't worry about when it's gonna be over; worry about how much better you can get right now. Be the best you can be as a football player, be the best you can be today as a person, a football player, don't worry about getting by.’ So many times in every aspect of life, people are worried about getting by. You're worried about, ‘I can't wait to get done with this so I have my free time. I can't wait to get this interview done with Tim Tebow so I can get it over with,’ instead of worrying about how it can be the best it can be. In so many different ways, that's people's mindset. Our focus is to get better every day. How can we be the best team, best player, best unit we can be. Not how we can get by. I think that's our mindset. If we do that, I think we'll be successful.
Q. We asked Coach Saban earlier about the fourth quarter, the last two drives. He gave you a lot of credit for that, said Florida outplayed his team. Talk about those two drives, plays that got you over the hump, and also the conversation you had on the sideline with Coach Meyer before you went on the field.
TIM TEBOW: That conversation was simply, it's in our hands to go get it done. Then we talked to the offense, said we train for this, we train all year to finish strong. That's why we do everything, it's for these moments. You know what, it's in our hands right now. We're going to take advantage of it, believe in that, believe in each other, we're going to go get it done.
You just see on every play guys giving it their all in that fourth quarter. Not always being the prettiest, not always being the fanciest, but guys cared a lot about it. They were willing it to happen. Through the runs, through the passes, just everything that happened, you know, guys were ready to step up because they wanted it so bad.
I think offensively and defensively everybody was ready to step up. When his number was called, David Nelson stepped up, when Riley Cooper's number was called, he stepped up, when Carl Moore's number was called, he stepped up, when Jeff Demps' number was called, he stepped up. Our offensive line, Alabama was big and strong, but when they needed to, they stepped up. They were able to move the line and drive them back. I'm just so proud of my teammates for the character they showed, the toughness that they showed. When they needed a play, someone stepped up to make it. They just did a great job. That's what I'm so proud of my teammates for, is it wasn't one person, it wasn't two people, it wasn't five people, it was everybody in a collective effort to win that game. That's the reason we won.
LB RYAN STAMPER
"Coming into the season ranked No. 1, the whole team realizes we want to work every day. Our coaches do a great job keeping our heads level and focusing on our goal to win the Southeastern Conference Championship. Our offseason has been very tough for us. Our coaches are not treating us as a national championship team. Our mind-set is to work hard and get back to where we left off last year."
"With the success we have had, two national championship teams, we know how to win and know that believing in the hype is not a way to win a national championship. We have to be focused on every team, every game and not be complacent. With the leadership returning this season, we know we can win."
"There is no man like Tim Tebow. With everything he goes through, I do not know how he handles all the pressure and media attention. Tim is a great teammate. He really cares about everyone and makes sure everyone stays on top of everything. He is our leader and we all look up to him."
"We are focused on winning the SEC Championship. I'd be lying if I said the national championship hasn't crossed my mind, but we know if we win the SEC our chances to play for the national championship are much higher."
"Even though we lost [versus LSU in 2007] it was a great game. We fought really hard. I recall a fourth-and-one when Hester ran the ball. I made the hit on him, but he still got the first down. If I would have brought a little more to that hit, the game would have been over, but they got the first down. I'm looking forward to this year's game at LSU. They have a great fan base, they are very rowdy, and create a great atmosphere to play in."
The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Below are excerpts from their respective sessions with the print media.
COACH URBAN MEYER
COACH MEYER: Thank you all for coming. I’m honored to be here and represent the SEC and the University of Florida. Also here to clear up that mystery that I'm the guy that didn't vote for Tebow. We have a very good football team. I’m very appreciative of the leadership of our program. It's as good a summer as I've been around in coaching as far as dealing with our guys and watching our strength staff work, talking to them about the professionalism. That was the key word throughout the month of January as we prepared for the championship game and December preparing for the SEC game. That has continued through spring practice and the summer. The key is let's get to August 6th. I've never been more anxious to coach a football team.
Q. There's a lot of expectations for your team. What are your expectations for this team?
COACH MEYER: Well, I want to get through these next two weeks. We go real hard for a week, then they have a week off and we start camp. I don't look much past that. This time last year, we had some real tough injuries. So we've given a lot of thought to how we're going to practice to keep that edge, to make it a very difficult training camp, yet safe, make sure we can get to the show, and that's our first game. Expectation as far as the season, our goals are always the same as it was in 2005, as it is in 2009, and that is we want to do everything we can to get to Atlanta. That's our whole we wake up every morning to try to achieve that goal.
Q. Would you talk about during this off season, I know you intended to make it the most difficult that Florida has ever had. Are you satisfied they did have that?
COACH MEYER: Well, I'll find out when we get 'em. Coach [Mickey] Marotti turns over the team to me on August 6th. You can usually tell once we get started in training camp what kind of off season they've had. We've had good ones and not so good ones. According to our players and strength coach, this has been one of the best, if not the best.
Q. With so much depth, how have you kept everyone happy so far?
COACH MEYER: I think we've really promoted the competition and we've promoted team first. Great things happen when you have an unselfish team. Last year's was arguably the most unselfish I've been a part of. They got to wear a championship ring, compete in the SEC championship game. That's what we have going for us right now. I really believe our guys love it at Florida. More importantly, I really believe they care for each other. It's a good situation right now in that locker room, in the weight room, and when they're together. That's not easy. You have 105, 120, 18 to 22 year olds from every stretch, some overrecruited, some underrecruited, some overrated, some underrated. And to keep those guys happy and motivated, that certainly a difficult task. The only way to get it done is with great leadership on our team and our staff does a heck of a job.
Q. There's been some concern about Tebow not getting under center enough in the past, especially concerning his future in the NFL. Do you see he'll get under center a little bit?
COACH MEYER: There's a lot made of that. The concern is not from the professional coaches that I have a lot of conversation with. That never comes up. Tim Tebow, we can't make this more complicated than what it is. If you want Tim Tebow under center, teach him to get under center, he'll probably do it better than anybody else. Are we going to place him under center? A lot of it depends on the quality of our tailback. To play an under center offense, you better have a monster back there at tailback that can take the pounding involved in that style of offense. I was involved in an offense I think 15 years. So we know that offense. Coach Addazio was very familiar with it. It’s a great offense.
It's very personnel-based on your fullback, on your tailback, your tight end. We've not had that luxury. This year, if T.J. Pridemore comes back, he’s a good fullback, we have three quality tailbacks. If they develop, it helps us win a game, we'll do that. We are certainly not trying to, because someone said Tim needs to be under center to enhance his draft status. I assure you, him playing under center has nothing to do with his draft status with the programs we talked to. If it did, we would help him because he earned that. It's not that different. To answer your question, he will be under center if it helps us win a game.
Q. Would you review the play calling process, offense, the impact that Dan Mullen's departure will have on that?
COACH MEYER: Sure. There's a little transition there. Steve Addazio will be on the sideline. We have two new coaches that will be in the press box. I have a graduate assistant very close to me, and he'll assist, as well. There's a little bit of a concern there. However, we've all been together. Not one guy calls a play at Florida. There's a play-caller, however, that's done between series and there's very good involvement. So I am concerned because Dan was very good at what he did, obviously. However, I'm very, very excited about the transition and the guys we have doing it. So the biggest issue I have is Steve Addazio will be on the field, and we were still working through that. But I have a lot of confidence we'll be fine.
Q. How amused are you when you see reports that say you'll leave eventually? Is that the nature of the business now when someone is perfectly happy that people think it can't last?
COACH MEYER: Well, it's disturbing. I'd lie to you if I said it wasn't. It's disturbing. I care about my family. I care about our football players, our staff and recruiting. If it affects that, then it bothers me. If it's something else, then that's good watercooler discussion. That's what makes the SEC such a valuable commodity right now, is the intense scrutiny and fan support. I've been on the other side now. I've had a couple press conferences where there was no one out there. So I certainly understand it. When it starts affecting your livelihood, that bothers you. Then you go into defense mechanism, attack it. You have to. We have to do that. It bothers you, but I also understand it.
Q. Regarding last year's SEC championship game, the momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. Alabama dominated you throughout the third quarter. You were able to flip it. Saban's Talk about that momentum shift, what happened there, how that carried you forward not just the fourth quarter by Miami and Oklahoma.
COACH MEYER: And through our off season and through the summer. I made this comment, I've been involved in football for quite a while, that was arguably the finest football game. You evaluate the way I do, you evaluate football and how hard the teams are playing, not how many yards a kid passes for or how many rushing yards. Are both teams absolutely spilling it? It's easy to evaluate. Watch the punt team, kickoff return team. Two football teams that were very well prepared. It was an unbelievable football game. Tim made some throws in there where guys were fairly well covered. He stuck it in there. That's how you win championships. They took the momentum very clear to this day. We punted a ball down, I believe, on the four-yard line. They take it, drive it right down on the field 96 yards, take the lead. It didn't look good for Florida football or the Gators that day. Then Tim and our defense worked together, and the offense. It wasn't Tim. We held Alabama to one yard in that fourth quarter. You can say it was Tim, but there's a lot of guys on defense that had something to do with that, as well.
Q. You've had some great defenses at Florida, obviously in 2006, arguably the best defense the school ever had. Last year, they were also very good. Now you're bringing back everybody on the two deep. Talk about how special that unit could be and maybe a historically great defense this season.
COACH MEYER: It really could. I'm real excited about that. More important, our defensive players are real excited. Last year, we gave some yards, but our guys would stop them. The national championship game was a perfect situation, a perfect example about not letting them in. Our red zone defense was phenomenal a year ago. We can certainly improve in a lot of other areas.
The best thing we have going is rotation and depth. One of the popular things in college football in and out is to go from a four down to a three down. That's not easy. First of all, you have to have the coaches that can do it. Then you have to have the players that have that kind of athleticism to stand up. You look at [Justin] Trattou, Duke Lemmens, Jermaine Cunningham, Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, have all those body types, that (snapping fingers), they could be a defensive end or linebacker. That's a problem for the offense. Our package has grown. Right now we're very comfortable with having those kind of athletes that can play a defensive down position, stand up, play a walk around guy. You're going to see a lot of that in college football. You already do. I would think that's the next cycle of defensive football, is the ability to go three down, four down quite often.
Q. Won two of the last three national titles. Miami and Florida State had their runs. What is it about the state of Florida that makes it such a great football state? Just the talent pool? What have you done to lock down that talent pool?
COACH MEYER: Well, we haven't locked it down. We've lost our recruiting battles. I think when our staff first got there, there's an energy of newness down there, the intensity. A big reason why I think Gainesville is the best job in America is because five hours in each direction, north, south, you got as good a football quality players. I think a lot of it has to do with the transition of population from the north to the south. I grew up in Northeastern Ohio where every year there would be a bunch of players going to Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. The population base just kind of shrunk down for a variety of reasons. Florida, the quality of high school football down there is phenomenal, and Georgia and Alabama. I mean, it's all right there, along with Texas. There's a bunch of them. There's still great football everywhere and we recruit everywhere. The population base and the level of importance of football in the south is phenomenal.
Q. How is Emmanuel Moody progressing?
COACH MEYER: We're looking for that all day, everyday tailback. Someone asked us the question about under center. Emmanuel Moody and Chris Rainey and [Jeff] Demps are going to have a lot to do with it. Scot Loeffler and Tim are not going to be the guys that are going to determine if we go under center. It's going to be the quality of tailback play. We're looking for that. We've not had that quality that we expect at Florida. Emmanuel looks terrific. He physically looks fabulous. He's a great young person that works hard. I'm anxious. That's an area we're going to really watch the first two weeks of training camp, and they know it. Big year for all those three guys.
Q. Are you concerned your middle linebacker was too shy to come and meet us today?
COACH MEYER: No. When he heard about this room, he heard about the whole deal, heard about all the cameras, he started squiggling his way out of that thing. Then he used the 'ol, ‘Coach, I think Stamper, he's the captain, he should be there, not me.’ But Coach Strong handled that. It's all good. Nothing is wrong with Brandon Spikes. He's great. He's just shy, I guess.
QB TIM TEBOW
TIM TEBOW: Good evening, first of all. Glad to be here. No, I do not know who did not vote for me. Got that question a lot (laughter). It's an honor to be here. I'm just happy I get to share with y'all for a minute. I'm so excited about my senior season. It's a dream come true to me to be playing this year at the University of Florida, a school that I love and I'm so happy to be at. My teammates that I'm playing with are the best in the world. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm just so looking forward to playing with them. This season is very special for us. I think we've had the best offseason that we've had since I've been at the University of Florida. My teammates are extremely focused, ready for the season to start.
Q. It would have been easy for you to walk away with two national championships and a Heisman Trophy. You're in the spotlight every day. Why didn't you walk away, start over, be okay with that?
TIM TEBOW: I definitely didn't look at it like that. I don't look at it as madness. I look at it as I'm blessed to come back to the University of Florida for my senior year. When I was deciding to go or to stay, there are a lot of things that crossed my mind. But I think the important things that I looked at were No. 1, the opportunity that I had to have an influence in the state of Florida and around the South, and the U.S. for that matter.
Something that really illustrated that for me is when we were sitting down at lunch, me, Coach Meyer, my mom and dad. We got a call, two days or so after the national championship game. That call told us that since the national championship game, the verse that was under your eyes was Googled 94 million times. That just kind of showed me, wow, the impact. I could wear something under my eyes and millions of people were going to Google it. I really had a platform. I wanted to take advantage of that for one more year, be a good role model for the kids that look up to me, set an example for them. That was kind of my No. 1 goal as far as coming back, and also to be loyal to Coach Meyer, to my teammates who have done so much for me. I wanted to come back and finish this thing strong for them.
Q. How aware are you, if at all, about, I guess I'd call, a Tim Tebow backlash, that people have had their fill of hearing about you? I don't think it's directed at you as much as the coverage, people doing the coverage. Do you sometimes wish there was less attention on you? Does it get embarrassing at times?
TIM TEBOW: Some things are hard to deal with. You would like to go to a restaurant without people trying to take pictures or go to a movie or something like that. But also you think that because of the articles that y'all have written and because of the articles that people continue to write, it's not only backlash from it, but there's also a lot of positive. So I try to look at things from the positive, and there have been a lot of great things. There have been a lot of people that have been encouraged not to have an abortion because they heard the story of my mom, or they have been encouraged because they have heard me share my faith on TV or in a report or something. You know what, although there has been a backlash, oh, well. You know what, I'll deal with it if I have to. It's not a big deal to me because of the kids and people that have been encouraged by the stories we have tried to tell and by the life that I've tried to live. Hopefully that's been an encouragement more than a hindrance to people.
Q. You're a competitive guy. You used last year's Heisman voting as motivation. How does this All SEC snub motivate you?
TIM TEBOW: I didn't know I was going to get that question (laughter). I really don't think this will be something that I will think about too much. I’ll probably get asked about it a few more times, but it really won't be something that I'll focus on. I really have enough to be motivated about. Plus, I'm pretty a pretty self-motivated person. This won't play too big into my motivation factor. I'm not going to run sprints thinking about the coach that didn't vote for me. You know, that's quite all right (laughter).
Q. Everybody knows about Coach Meyer's high scoring offense. Does he have any old-school qualities, toughness, physicality that maybe you can talk about, the old Bear Bryant school?
TIM TEBOW: Our offense is all about old-school toughness, dedication, go hit him in the mouth, that type of mentality. I think we feed off of that. We try to play like that. Our offensive line tries to be a tough offensive line. I think they have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder because we're known as a spread team who likes to do reverses and throw down the field and stuff. I think if you look at our team, you see that it's not just a dink or dunk are throw down the field, reverse team with fast players. I think we kind of take pride on being a tough team. Being a team, if we need to, we're going to try to hit you in the mouth over and over and over again. We take a lot of pride in that, being a tough team, being a team if we need to, we're going to go three yards in a cloud of dust over and over and over again. We have the toughness to do that, we have the leaders to do that. It's something that we do take pride in, that if we need to win a game by will and toughness, we want to be able to do that. All the guys, we just take pride in that.
Q. The struggles to repeat have been well documented in college football. What do you talk about during the summer, you and your teammates, about complacency, how you guard against it?
TIM TEBOW: We talk about it all the time. Complacency, leadership, not resting on your laurels, not worry about what we did yesterday, but worry about how we can get better today. I think the No. 1 way you counteract that is by every day you step in that weight room, every day you step on that practice field, you're worried about getting better and not getting by. We talk about that all the time as a football team when we're out on that field, ‘Don't worry about when it's gonna be over; worry about how much better you can get right now. Be the best you can be as a football player, be the best you can be today as a person, a football player, don't worry about getting by.’ So many times in every aspect of life, people are worried about getting by. You're worried about, ‘I can't wait to get done with this so I have my free time. I can't wait to get this interview done with Tim Tebow so I can get it over with,’ instead of worrying about how it can be the best it can be. In so many different ways, that's people's mindset. Our focus is to get better every day. How can we be the best team, best player, best unit we can be. Not how we can get by. I think that's our mindset. If we do that, I think we'll be successful.
Q. We asked Coach Saban earlier about the fourth quarter, the last two drives. He gave you a lot of credit for that, said Florida outplayed his team. Talk about those two drives, plays that got you over the hump, and also the conversation you had on the sideline with Coach Meyer before you went on the field.
TIM TEBOW: That conversation was simply, it's in our hands to go get it done. Then we talked to the offense, said we train for this, we train all year to finish strong. That's why we do everything, it's for these moments. You know what, it's in our hands right now. We're going to take advantage of it, believe in that, believe in each other, we're going to go get it done.
You just see on every play guys giving it their all in that fourth quarter. Not always being the prettiest, not always being the fanciest, but guys cared a lot about it. They were willing it to happen. Through the runs, through the passes, just everything that happened, you know, guys were ready to step up because they wanted it so bad.
I think offensively and defensively everybody was ready to step up. When his number was called, David Nelson stepped up, when Riley Cooper's number was called, he stepped up, when Carl Moore's number was called, he stepped up, when Jeff Demps' number was called, he stepped up. Our offensive line, Alabama was big and strong, but when they needed to, they stepped up. They were able to move the line and drive them back. I'm just so proud of my teammates for the character they showed, the toughness that they showed. When they needed a play, someone stepped up to make it. They just did a great job. That's what I'm so proud of my teammates for, is it wasn't one person, it wasn't two people, it wasn't five people, it was everybody in a collective effort to win that game. That's the reason we won.
LB RYAN STAMPER
"Coming into the season ranked No. 1, the whole team realizes we want to work every day. Our coaches do a great job keeping our heads level and focusing on our goal to win the Southeastern Conference Championship. Our offseason has been very tough for us. Our coaches are not treating us as a national championship team. Our mind-set is to work hard and get back to where we left off last year."
"With the success we have had, two national championship teams, we know how to win and know that believing in the hype is not a way to win a national championship. We have to be focused on every team, every game and not be complacent. With the leadership returning this season, we know we can win."
"There is no man like Tim Tebow. With everything he goes through, I do not know how he handles all the pressure and media attention. Tim is a great teammate. He really cares about everyone and makes sure everyone stays on top of everything. He is our leader and we all look up to him."
"We are focused on winning the SEC Championship. I'd be lying if I said the national championship hasn't crossed my mind, but we know if we win the SEC our chances to play for the national championship are much higher."
"Even though we lost [versus LSU in 2007] it was a great game. We fought really hard. I recall a fourth-and-one when Hester ran the ball. I made the hit on him, but he still got the first down. If I would have brought a little more to that hit, the game would have been over, but they got the first down. I'm looking forward to this year's game at LSU. They have a great fan base, they are very rowdy, and create a great atmosphere to play in."
The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A Repeat for the Gators
With 18 starters back, UF has the speed,skill and the experience to win. Tebow, along with a great defense, has a chance for domination, with 11 returning starters. But, then again it is who you play, and who you don't! The only team to beat the Gators in 2008 was Ole Miss, they drop out of the SEC Western rotation. In their place is Mississippi State. There is not going to be an Alabama either! The only possible loss is to LSU (Tiger Stadium Oct.10 Sat. night). The Gators play 3 other SEC road games: Kentucky(Sept.26), Miss State(Oct.24) and S. Carolina(Nov.14) with FSU coming to Gainesville.None of these being a real threat. So, can they(UT) repeat...of course! The SEC Rocks!
Another One Bites the Dust...Vols QB Hopeful...that is
QB Jesse Scroggins confirmed the reports that had circled around his recruiting for weeks: He’s committed to Southern California.
Scroggins’ announcement went public on ESPN on Thursday afternoon. The statement was taped at the Elite 11 football camp on Tuesday.
“Basically, the decision came down to, I’m going to USC,” the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder said on College Football Live.
UT was thought to be in the lead earlier this summer until Scroggins won a skills competition at a USC camp that earned him a scholarship offer from the Trojans.
Florida was also in the hunt but long thought to be trailing UT and USC.
“It came down to 3 colleges mainly : Florida, Tennessee and USC,” the star quarterback from Lakewood High (Calif.) School said. “The things about Florida, I like the offense, because it is basically based on my high school. It’s Florida and it’s a beautiful place.”
As for UT, Scroggins said his mother’s family, which resides in Memphis, was a factor.
“It’s my mother’s home state,” Scroggins said. “That was a plus for me. 100,000 fans (in Neyland Stadium), that’s a great thing.”
USC, however, held the strongest family tie. Lakewood is about a 20-minute drive from USC’s campus.
“It’s close to my home, where I live,” Scroggins said. “That’s in my backyard.”
Scroggins is the latest of a handful of QB's to reject the Vols’ advances.The SEC Rocks!
Scroggins’ announcement went public on ESPN on Thursday afternoon. The statement was taped at the Elite 11 football camp on Tuesday.
“Basically, the decision came down to, I’m going to USC,” the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder said on College Football Live.
UT was thought to be in the lead earlier this summer until Scroggins won a skills competition at a USC camp that earned him a scholarship offer from the Trojans.
Florida was also in the hunt but long thought to be trailing UT and USC.
“It came down to 3 colleges mainly : Florida, Tennessee and USC,” the star quarterback from Lakewood High (Calif.) School said. “The things about Florida, I like the offense, because it is basically based on my high school. It’s Florida and it’s a beautiful place.”
As for UT, Scroggins said his mother’s family, which resides in Memphis, was a factor.
“It’s my mother’s home state,” Scroggins said. “That was a plus for me. 100,000 fans (in Neyland Stadium), that’s a great thing.”
USC, however, held the strongest family tie. Lakewood is about a 20-minute drive from USC’s campus.
“It’s close to my home, where I live,” Scroggins said. “That’s in my backyard.”
Scroggins is the latest of a handful of QB's to reject the Vols’ advances.The SEC Rocks!
Auburn's Night Moves...aka Bob Segar
The Auburn football team's first 2 games of the 2009 season, vs Louisiana Tech on Sept. 5 and Mississippi State on Sept. 12, at Jordan-Hare Stadium, will both kick off at 6 p.m. CT, announced the Southeastern Conference Wednesday. The Louisiana Tech game will be televised by ESPNU, while the Mississippi State game will air on Fox Sports Net. Auburn's Sept. 19 game at Jordan-Hare Stadium vs West Virginia will start at 6:45 p.m. and will air on either ESPN or ESPN2, while the Tigers' Nov. 27 contest vs Alabama will be televised by CBS beginning at 1:30 p.m. How about them Night Moves.The SEC Rocks!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
2009 SEC Football Media Days
2009 SEC College Football Media blitz begins Wednesday in Hoover, Ala. It's the 3-day long Southeastern Conference Media Days and this year there will be plenty of sizzle and dirt.
Here is 1 for the Gipper, Florida coach Urban Meyer and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin will address reporters from the same podium. Unfortunately for the reporters, the coaches will speak separately and on different days. Their paths likely will not cross this week.
That means, there won't be a face to face confortation.
Meyer, who was called a cheater by Kiffin this off-season, will meet the media from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Kiffin likely will not arrive in Hoover until Friday, when the Vols are officially scheduled to appear. In addition to coaches, 2 players from each school are scheduled to field questions. QB Tim Tebow and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will represent the Gators. The SEC Rocks!
Here is 1 for the Gipper, Florida coach Urban Meyer and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin will address reporters from the same podium. Unfortunately for the reporters, the coaches will speak separately and on different days. Their paths likely will not cross this week.
That means, there won't be a face to face confortation.
Meyer, who was called a cheater by Kiffin this off-season, will meet the media from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Kiffin likely will not arrive in Hoover until Friday, when the Vols are officially scheduled to appear. In addition to coaches, 2 players from each school are scheduled to field questions. QB Tim Tebow and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will represent the Gators. The SEC Rocks!
Update to BAMA's Alonzo Lawrence
Alonzo Lawrence has been granted a release from his Alabama scholarship. The school granted his release yesterday, with one stipulation.
"I got my release from (Alabama) Coach (Nick Saban) yesterday," Lawrence told the website. "I was released to any school except the SEC West (division) schools."
What's up with that? That doesn't seem to matter to Lawrence, however, the corner is heavily considering SEC West foe Ole Miss as well as Southern Miss as potential teams to play out this season. He can do, what he wants to do? The SEC Rocks!
"I got my release from (Alabama) Coach (Nick Saban) yesterday," Lawrence told the website. "I was released to any school except the SEC West (division) schools."
What's up with that? That doesn't seem to matter to Lawrence, however, the corner is heavily considering SEC West foe Ole Miss as well as Southern Miss as potential teams to play out this season. He can do, what he wants to do? The SEC Rocks!
SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A total of 564 freshmen student-athletes were named to the 2009 Southeastern Conference Freshmen Academic Honor Roll, Thursday by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. A total of 2,352 student-athletes around the league earned Academic Honor Roll recognition in 2008-09.
The University of South Carolina topped the list with 82 freshmen student-athletes on the academic roster. Next in line were the University of Florida (69), the University of Alabama (58) and the University of Georgia (57).
Each student-athlete must 1) have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above at the nominating institution; 2) be on scholarship or a letter winner; 3) have completed 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit at the nominating institution; and 4) have been a member of the varsity team for the sport's entire NCAA Championship segment.
The 2009 SEC Freshmen Academic Honor Roll is based on grades from the 2008-09 academic calendar.
South Carolina's representatives on the honor roll follow.
(by gamecocksonline.cstv.com)
The University of South Carolina topped the list with 82 freshmen student-athletes on the academic roster. Next in line were the University of Florida (69), the University of Alabama (58) and the University of Georgia (57).
Each student-athlete must 1) have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above at the nominating institution; 2) be on scholarship or a letter winner; 3) have completed 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit at the nominating institution; and 4) have been a member of the varsity team for the sport's entire NCAA Championship segment.
The 2009 SEC Freshmen Academic Honor Roll is based on grades from the 2008-09 academic calendar.
South Carolina's representatives on the honor roll follow.
(by gamecocksonline.cstv.com)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
UT's Coach KIFFIN...stresses the Need for Speed
Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin emphasized the importance of speed at Today’s media conference. And he wasn’t referring to his players.
He was talking about play-calling.
"I pride myself on being extremely fast at it," said Kiffin, who will call plays from the sideline in his first season as UT’s head coach. "I memorize most of the call sheet, so I only have to look at it sometimes.
"4 seconds is a big deal. If you hesitate and wait 4 seconds, that’s 4 less seconds (the quarterback) has at the line of scrimmage. So I get it to him as fast as can be to give him more time at the line of scrimmage."
Kiffin called plays as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders and as an offensive coordinator at Southern California. Although he will continue to call plays at UT, he will rely heavily on his staff, particularly offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who was a longtime play caller at Purdue.
The SEC Rocks!
He was talking about play-calling.
"I pride myself on being extremely fast at it," said Kiffin, who will call plays from the sideline in his first season as UT’s head coach. "I memorize most of the call sheet, so I only have to look at it sometimes.
"4 seconds is a big deal. If you hesitate and wait 4 seconds, that’s 4 less seconds (the quarterback) has at the line of scrimmage. So I get it to him as fast as can be to give him more time at the line of scrimmage."
Kiffin called plays as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders and as an offensive coordinator at Southern California. Although he will continue to call plays at UT, he will rely heavily on his staff, particularly offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who was a longtime play caller at Purdue.
The SEC Rocks!
The New SEC Network
ESPN Regional Television, the new over-the-air syndication home for Southeastern Conference programming, and the SEC announced Today a regionally syndicated college sports package that will air in more than 73 television markets, along with the branding of the syndication package as the SEC Network ... all part of the groundbreaking 15-year agreement between ESPN, Inc., and the SEC.
Within the 9-state SEC footprint, the SEC Network will be delivered in markets by the local over-the-air carrier of SEC events. In markets outside the SEC footprint, the syndicated programming will air on either local, over-the-air television stations or regional sports cable networks. The SEC Rocks!
Within the 9-state SEC footprint, the SEC Network will be delivered in markets by the local over-the-air carrier of SEC events. In markets outside the SEC footprint, the syndicated programming will air on either local, over-the-air television stations or regional sports cable networks. The SEC Rocks!
Monday, July 20, 2009
UK Kick-off Luncheon set for Friday, July 31
The annual Kentucky Football Kickoff Luncheon has been set for Friday, July 31, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.
During the luncheon, fans will hear Coach Rich Brooks' plans for the 2009 season as he attempts to guide the Wildcats to an unprecedented 4th-consecutive bowl trip. Fans also will have the opportunity to ask questions of the head coach. The event is capped by the always-popular highlight video, which chronicles the successes of the 2008 season and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl championship.
Individual tickets cost $40 each and a table of 10 costs $400. Parking will be available in the High Street parking lot across from the hotel. For reservations, contact Leslie Bray at 859-257-2589 or leslie.bray@uky.edu . The SEC Rocks!
During the luncheon, fans will hear Coach Rich Brooks' plans for the 2009 season as he attempts to guide the Wildcats to an unprecedented 4th-consecutive bowl trip. Fans also will have the opportunity to ask questions of the head coach. The event is capped by the always-popular highlight video, which chronicles the successes of the 2008 season and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl championship.
Individual tickets cost $40 each and a table of 10 costs $400. Parking will be available in the High Street parking lot across from the hotel. For reservations, contact Leslie Bray at 859-257-2589 or leslie.bray@uky.edu . The SEC Rocks!
Saving Grace...Flee FSU for Auburn, A.Phillips transfers to Auburn
In a move that was somewhat expected, former Florida State signee Aubrey Phillips has decided to transfer to Auburn.
In a move that was somewhat unexpected, the offensive lineman ripped the school in general, and high-strung offensive line coach Rick Trickett specifically, on his way out the door.
Phillips said the reason he left the school was because of the derogatory way he was treated by certain members of the coaching staff!
"I was mistreated and cussed out for no reason every day. I was told I would never play and called a ************ every day," Phillips was quoted. "He (Trickett) told me I would never play for him. He said he wished he had never signed me and all of that."I tried to put up with it, but it kept going on. He kept calling me a stupid ************ and all of that. My leaving had nothing to do with football. I told them I came there to play football, not be mistreated as a person."
Phillips also denied a recent report that his weight was on the rise and may have played a role in his decision to move on.
"I am just amazed at what the media is saying at Florida State," Phillips said. "They said I left because of my weight and everything. I left because of what was going on! I was losing weight something like 15 or 16 pounds while I was there--so the weight was not going to be a problem." The SEC Rocks!
In a move that was somewhat unexpected, the offensive lineman ripped the school in general, and high-strung offensive line coach Rick Trickett specifically, on his way out the door.
Phillips said the reason he left the school was because of the derogatory way he was treated by certain members of the coaching staff!
"I was mistreated and cussed out for no reason every day. I was told I would never play and called a ************ every day," Phillips was quoted. "He (Trickett) told me I would never play for him. He said he wished he had never signed me and all of that."I tried to put up with it, but it kept going on. He kept calling me a stupid ************ and all of that. My leaving had nothing to do with football. I told them I came there to play football, not be mistreated as a person."
Phillips also denied a recent report that his weight was on the rise and may have played a role in his decision to move on.
"I am just amazed at what the media is saying at Florida State," Phillips said. "They said I left because of my weight and everything. I left because of what was going on! I was losing weight something like 15 or 16 pounds while I was there--so the weight was not going to be a problem." The SEC Rocks!
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Mississippi State athletic ticket office will begin the sale of tickets for the Sept. 5 season-opening Jackson State game at 8 a.m. on Monday. A kickoff time is expected to be set next week.
The individual game tickets are available on the lower deck on the East Side in Section U at a cost of $54 and in the upper level on the West Side for $40.
The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.mstateathletics.com)
The individual game tickets are available on the lower deck on the East Side in Section U at a cost of $54 and in the upper level on the West Side for $40.
The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.mstateathletics.com)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bama Players Role out of Town
Three times in the last three days, a current member of the Alabama football program may be actively seeking to become a former member .
According to the Mobile Press-Register, and citing a source close to the situation, cornerback Alonzo Lawrence is "checking his options" when it comes to remaining with the Tide or transferring.
Lawrence is still enrolled in school, but will meet with members of the coaching staff this week to discuss his future, and/or options.
Wednesday, wide receiver Chris Jackson was granted permission to talk to other schools about a transfer; the following day, linebacker Brandon Fanney was granted the same permission.
Could this have anything to do with Coach Woodcock attempting to get down to the 85 member limit? The SEC Rocks!
According to the Mobile Press-Register, and citing a source close to the situation, cornerback Alonzo Lawrence is "checking his options" when it comes to remaining with the Tide or transferring.
Lawrence is still enrolled in school, but will meet with members of the coaching staff this week to discuss his future, and/or options.
Wednesday, wide receiver Chris Jackson was granted permission to talk to other schools about a transfer; the following day, linebacker Brandon Fanney was granted the same permission.
Could this have anything to do with Coach Woodcock attempting to get down to the 85 member limit? The SEC Rocks!
Vandy Hits Pay-Dirt with Recruiting for 2010
With 16 commitments for the 2010 acedemic year,Vandy has hit pay-dirt. "We're off to a good start recruiting," Vanderbilt recruiting coordinator Warren Belin said. "But we've still got a long way to go. It's a long time between now and the first Wednesday in February (National Signing Day). The recruiting process is never over."
Myron Ross, a 6-feet, 1-inch, 205-pound running back from Ambler, Pa., is the most recent player to announce his plans to join the Vanderbilt program . (4 times the number of announced commitments over this time last summer).
"As much as recruiting has become a game of momentum, I think it's really big for them to get a lot of these guys in the fold," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barton Simmons said. "And it's not like they're just picking up players that are scraps. They're getting highly recruited guys. I think they really have to be happy with the recruits they've got so far."
Through this same point a year ago, the Commodores had secured just 4 verbal commitments. The SEC Rocks!
Myron Ross, a 6-feet, 1-inch, 205-pound running back from Ambler, Pa., is the most recent player to announce his plans to join the Vanderbilt program . (4 times the number of announced commitments over this time last summer).
"As much as recruiting has become a game of momentum, I think it's really big for them to get a lot of these guys in the fold," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barton Simmons said. "And it's not like they're just picking up players that are scraps. They're getting highly recruited guys. I think they really have to be happy with the recruits they've got so far."
Through this same point a year ago, the Commodores had secured just 4 verbal commitments. The SEC Rocks!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Jim Donnan Inducted Into College Football Hall of Fame
ATHENS, Ga. --- Former University of Georgia football coach Jim Donnan will be inducted into the College Football Divisional Hall of Fame during the annual National Football Foundation Enshrinement Festival in South Bend, Ind.Donnan, who served as head coach at Marshall from 1990-95 and at UGA from 1996-2000 will be part of the class which is comprised of players and coaches from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA), Divisions II, III, and NAIA.After a successful career as a quarterback for North Carolina State, Jim Donnan carried his love for the game into the realm of coaching. As an offensive coordinator, Donnan drove the University of Oklahoma’s legendary “Wishbone” offense and the Sooners plowed through opponents to snag a national championship in 1985.
(by http://www.georgiadogs.com/)
(by http://www.georgiadogs.com/)
Auburn's Receiver Position is still Up in the Air
With 2-a-days slated to begin in less than a month, a quarterback undoubtedly remains Auburn’s biggest question mark for a 2nd straight year.
But who that player will be throwing to is becoming nearly as big of a concern.
In the 3 months since the Tigers wrapped up spring practice, the uncertainty surrounding Auburn’s suspect receiving corps has only increased.
Tim Hawthorne, tabbed by nearly everyone as the player most likely to break out in 2009, recently broke a bone in his foot and could miss all of August practice. Harry Adams, a converted cornerback who switched to wideout in the spring because of his big-play ability, is back on defense because of depth concerns.
Montez Billings, the only returning receiver who caught more than 20 passes last year, remains in academic limbo, and nobody is quite sure how Philip Pierre-Louis, will return after tearing up his knee in last season’s opener.
“It’s wide open,” said junior Terrell Zachery, who emerged from the spring as a tentative starter, along with Hawthorne and Darvin Adams. “We had a depth chart from the spring, but once camp starts, it’s back wide open.” The SEC Rocks!
But who that player will be throwing to is becoming nearly as big of a concern.
In the 3 months since the Tigers wrapped up spring practice, the uncertainty surrounding Auburn’s suspect receiving corps has only increased.
Tim Hawthorne, tabbed by nearly everyone as the player most likely to break out in 2009, recently broke a bone in his foot and could miss all of August practice. Harry Adams, a converted cornerback who switched to wideout in the spring because of his big-play ability, is back on defense because of depth concerns.
Montez Billings, the only returning receiver who caught more than 20 passes last year, remains in academic limbo, and nobody is quite sure how Philip Pierre-Louis, will return after tearing up his knee in last season’s opener.
“It’s wide open,” said junior Terrell Zachery, who emerged from the spring as a tentative starter, along with Hawthorne and Darvin Adams. “We had a depth chart from the spring, but once camp starts, it’s back wide open.” The SEC Rocks!
Will the next A.J. Green...Please Stand Up
There has been no shortage of buzz about whether another Georgia freshman receiver could have the type of impact this season that A.J. Green had last season. A.J. Green made a major impact on the Bulldogs last year. Which freshman pass catcher will follow in his footsteps this season?
WR Marlon Brown, WR Wooten , or TE Charles !
Senior receiver Michael Moore,states:
“It’s really not fair to compare anybody to A.J. Green right now,” Moore said. “That’d be putting too much pressure on somebody.”
Even so, Moore has been impressed by highly touted incoming freshmen receivers Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten and Orson Charles in workouts this summer.
“I really feel all three of them can make plays,” Moore said. “Marlon — you throw it up, and he’s going to get it. Wooten — he’s a fast, quick guy; put the ball in space and he can make something happen. And Orson — he’s a hard-worker, a nitty-gritty guy ... a big body who can also run.”
But as for a Green-like impact? “Just come in and work hard and prove it during the season,” Moore said.
Charles also has caught the attention of sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin.
“He is probably going to make a big impact,” Boykin said. “I feel he’s a man-child. I don’t know where [coaches] will put him — he can play both tight end and receiver — but I feel like he came in off the bat doing really good. I look for him to be making plays.”
Receiver will be a closely watched position in the Bulldogs’ preseason practices because only Green and Moore are proven producers at the position.
‘Countdown to Kickoff’
7 weeks from today, Georgia opens its football season at Oklahoma State. So, it’s time for the “Countdown to Kickoff.”The SEC Rocks!
WR Marlon Brown, WR Wooten , or TE Charles !
Senior receiver Michael Moore,states:
“It’s really not fair to compare anybody to A.J. Green right now,” Moore said. “That’d be putting too much pressure on somebody.”
Even so, Moore has been impressed by highly touted incoming freshmen receivers Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten and Orson Charles in workouts this summer.
“I really feel all three of them can make plays,” Moore said. “Marlon — you throw it up, and he’s going to get it. Wooten — he’s a fast, quick guy; put the ball in space and he can make something happen. And Orson — he’s a hard-worker, a nitty-gritty guy ... a big body who can also run.”
But as for a Green-like impact? “Just come in and work hard and prove it during the season,” Moore said.
Charles also has caught the attention of sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin.
“He is probably going to make a big impact,” Boykin said. “I feel he’s a man-child. I don’t know where [coaches] will put him — he can play both tight end and receiver — but I feel like he came in off the bat doing really good. I look for him to be making plays.”
Receiver will be a closely watched position in the Bulldogs’ preseason practices because only Green and Moore are proven producers at the position.
‘Countdown to Kickoff’
7 weeks from today, Georgia opens its football season at Oklahoma State. So, it’s time for the “Countdown to Kickoff.”The SEC Rocks!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Former Auburn Lineman Chaz Ramsey...Suing 2 Coaches
Former Auburn offensive lineman Chaz Ramsey is suing two former university employees for ``pain and anguish'' and ``the denial of a very probable career in the NFL'' because of an injury that the lawsuit claims ended Ramsey's college career.
. Chaz RamseyThe lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Birmingham on Thursday seeks ``compensatory and/or punitive damages'' against former offensive line coach Hugh Nall and former athletics trainer Arnold Gamber, but does not list a monetary figure.
Attorney Steve Heninger said Thursday that he's filed suit against Nall and Gamber, claiming their actions resulted in Ramsey suffering a career-ending injury following back surgery. Heninger said he is not suing Auburn University.
``A lot of people will see at this as a suit against Auburn under a different name, but it's really not,'' Heninger said.
Nall said Thursday he was advised not to comment on the specifics of the case.
``I haven't seen the lawsuit and I don't know the details of it, but I'm proud of my 24-year career, so this comes as a real surprise,'' Nall said. ``I'm proud of the young men that I've coached. This is the first thing like this in my 24 years.'' The SEC Rocks!
. Chaz RamseyThe lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Birmingham on Thursday seeks ``compensatory and/or punitive damages'' against former offensive line coach Hugh Nall and former athletics trainer Arnold Gamber, but does not list a monetary figure.
Attorney Steve Heninger said Thursday that he's filed suit against Nall and Gamber, claiming their actions resulted in Ramsey suffering a career-ending injury following back surgery. Heninger said he is not suing Auburn University.
``A lot of people will see at this as a suit against Auburn under a different name, but it's really not,'' Heninger said.
Nall said Thursday he was advised not to comment on the specifics of the case.
``I haven't seen the lawsuit and I don't know the details of it, but I'm proud of my 24-year career, so this comes as a real surprise,'' Nall said. ``I'm proud of the young men that I've coached. This is the first thing like this in my 24 years.'' The SEC Rocks!
Celebration of the Razorback
University of Arkansas Razorback fans are reminded to attend the “Celebration of the Razorback,” which will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2009, in downtown Fayetteville at the Walton Arts Center Parking lot on Dickson Street from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. David Gearhart, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long, head football coach Bobby Petrino and Frank Broyles are scheduled to be in attendance for a special announcement.
Fans can join representatives from Razorback sports teams, UA spirit squad members, the Razorback live mascot (Tusk II) and athletic department members for the event. Coaches and athletes in attendance will sign autographs, and activities for children include free face painting, free balloon animals, free posters and schedule cards. Razorback football student-athletes scheduled to be in attendance include Ryan Mallett, Michael Smith, D.J. Williams, Adrian Davis, Jerry Franklin, Malcolm Sheppard, Isaac Madison and Tyler Wilson.
Both UA mascots will be in attendance and fans will be able to get their picture made with them by donating one dollar to the Tusk Fund. In addition, the band Oreo Blue is scheduled to perform. The SEC ROCKS!!!!
(by http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/)
University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. David Gearhart, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long, head football coach Bobby Petrino and Frank Broyles are scheduled to be in attendance for a special announcement.
Fans can join representatives from Razorback sports teams, UA spirit squad members, the Razorback live mascot (Tusk II) and athletic department members for the event. Coaches and athletes in attendance will sign autographs, and activities for children include free face painting, free balloon animals, free posters and schedule cards. Razorback football student-athletes scheduled to be in attendance include Ryan Mallett, Michael Smith, D.J. Williams, Adrian Davis, Jerry Franklin, Malcolm Sheppard, Isaac Madison and Tyler Wilson.
Both UA mascots will be in attendance and fans will be able to get their picture made with them by donating one dollar to the Tusk Fund. In addition, the band Oreo Blue is scheduled to perform. The SEC ROCKS!!!!
(by http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
GATORS fan day...Sunday August 16
The GATORS' football team will hold Verizon Wireless Football Fan Day on Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Admission is free and the doors will open at 12:30 p.m.
Fans will be able to meet and get autographs from their favorite Gator players and coaches. The University Athletic Association will supply the 2009 Gator team posters for player autographs and cannot allow outside items to be brought in to the event due to NCAA compliance issues!
"Unfortunately, when players have signed various autograph items such as helmets and footballs, they have on occasion been sold to the general public," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance Jamie McCloskey said. "This practice could put the eligibility of some of our student-athletes into question. We want to be proactive in this area and are asking our fans to cooperate with our policy of requesting an autograph on our team poster only. The poster should be for personal use only and not intended for sale."
Due to the high demand for many of the players' and coaches' autographs, the lines will be monitored and closed to ensure that fans are not waiting for autographs with no chance of reaching the signing table by the event's conclusion. The SEC Rocks!
Fans will be able to meet and get autographs from their favorite Gator players and coaches. The University Athletic Association will supply the 2009 Gator team posters for player autographs and cannot allow outside items to be brought in to the event due to NCAA compliance issues!
"Unfortunately, when players have signed various autograph items such as helmets and footballs, they have on occasion been sold to the general public," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance Jamie McCloskey said. "This practice could put the eligibility of some of our student-athletes into question. We want to be proactive in this area and are asking our fans to cooperate with our policy of requesting an autograph on our team poster only. The poster should be for personal use only and not intended for sale."
Due to the high demand for many of the players' and coaches' autographs, the lines will be monitored and closed to ensure that fans are not waiting for autographs with no chance of reaching the signing table by the event's conclusion. The SEC Rocks!
Gamecocks' Whitlock is a go...if he makes the grade
USC cornerback C.C. Whitlock has been reinstated to the team following his 2nd! suspension this year.
Athletics director Eric Hyman cleared Whitlock last week, but said it was up to Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier to reinstate Whitlock. (Through a team spokesman Wednesday, Spurrier said Whitlock is back on the squad).
Whitlock still has some work to do academically to play this fall. Sources have said Whitlock needs As and Bs in his summer school classes to remain eligible.
Whitlock, a sophomore who played in 9 games last season, was cleared last month on a trespassing charge stemming from an incident at a nightclub near his hometown of Chester.
The trespassing arrest in May came days after Whitlock was reinstated from an academic-related suspension that forced him to miss most of spring practice. When he reinstated Whitlock the first time, Spurrier said he would be suspended for at least 1 game this season.
If he is academically eligible, Whitlock would provide much-needed depth to a secondary that lost 3 starters and a veteran player. The SEC Rocks!
Athletics director Eric Hyman cleared Whitlock last week, but said it was up to Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier to reinstate Whitlock. (Through a team spokesman Wednesday, Spurrier said Whitlock is back on the squad).
Whitlock still has some work to do academically to play this fall. Sources have said Whitlock needs As and Bs in his summer school classes to remain eligible.
Whitlock, a sophomore who played in 9 games last season, was cleared last month on a trespassing charge stemming from an incident at a nightclub near his hometown of Chester.
The trespassing arrest in May came days after Whitlock was reinstated from an academic-related suspension that forced him to miss most of spring practice. When he reinstated Whitlock the first time, Spurrier said he would be suspended for at least 1 game this season.
If he is academically eligible, Whitlock would provide much-needed depth to a secondary that lost 3 starters and a veteran player. The SEC Rocks!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
BAMA WR..gets permission to be an Ex-BAMA
Buried on the depth chart behind quite a few talented and perhaps more importantly, young underclassmen, wide receiver Chris Jackson has asked for, and been granted permission to, talk to other schools about a transfer.
"Chris has received permission to transfer, but he has not spoken to anyone," Jackson's high school coach, Rex Robertson, told the (Birmingham News). "That's just rumors that he's transferring. He hasn't spoken to anyone. So he's going to be speaking to some people in the next week or two."
As is standard operating procedure, head coach Nick Saban is not permitting Jackson to transfer to another SEC school, so Jackson will likely look toward the ACC as a potential destination.
According to Robertson, Duke and Georgia Tech are 2 possibilities from that conference.
(Last season, Jackson played in 12 games, mostly on special teams.) The SEC Rocks!
"Chris has received permission to transfer, but he has not spoken to anyone," Jackson's high school coach, Rex Robertson, told the (Birmingham News). "That's just rumors that he's transferring. He hasn't spoken to anyone. So he's going to be speaking to some people in the next week or two."
As is standard operating procedure, head coach Nick Saban is not permitting Jackson to transfer to another SEC school, so Jackson will likely look toward the ACC as a potential destination.
According to Robertson, Duke and Georgia Tech are 2 possibilities from that conference.
(Last season, Jackson played in 12 games, mostly on special teams.) The SEC Rocks!
Morant...Trumps, Bama and Auburn
Dexter Morant, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound defensive end from Manning, S.C., announced his commitment to Georgia on Tuesday, choosing the Bulldogs over a host of other offers that included Alabama and Auburn.
Morant, who runs a 4.9 40, racked up more 100 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior last season and was ranked as a 4-star prospect and the 16th best strong-side defensive end prospect in the nation by (Rivals.com). He also had offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
Morant, No. 101 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120, is a teammate of top cornerback prospect John Fulton, a 4-star prospect who is the 11th-rated cornerback in the nation according to Rivals and No. 49 on the Super Southeast list.
Fulton (6-1, 180), who runs a 4.4, visited Clemson this week, but lists his top five as Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and LSU. The SEC Rocks!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Razorbacks'..TE Williams...looks forward to a great year
The Mackey Award, named after John Mackey, the former Syracuse University and Baltimore Colts' College Hall of Fame and Pro Hall of Fame tight end, is annually voted to the nation's outstanding tight end just like the Rimington Award is awarded to the nation's outstanding center or the Doak Walker Award awarded to the nation's outstanding running back. Williams out of Central Arkansas Christian received Mackey Award votes last year while setting a Razorbacks tight end record 61 catches for 723 yards with 3 touchdowns.
As a resHerve freshman in a 2007 run-oriented offense under former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, Williams had virtually zero national name recognition going into the 2008 season before blossoming with coach Bobby Petrino's more prolific passing attack.
Now with a name established as the only returning semifinalist, and as one of Arkansas' 2 players to be interviewed at next week's SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., Williams ought to have plenty of recognition with 2009 Mackey Award voters. The SEC Rocks!
VOLS...Rogers out for 2009 Season
There was some uncertainty surrounding the condition of the knee of Tennessee wide receiver Austin Rogers.
Unfortunately for the Volunteers, that uncertainty has turned 180 degrees into a unwanted certainty.
According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, and citing head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh, Rogers has indeed torn an ACL, an injury which will sideline the redshirt senior for the entire 2009 season.
Rogers will undergo surgery at some point during the next two weeks. Ouch...The SEC Rocks!
Unfortunately for the Volunteers, that uncertainty has turned 180 degrees into a unwanted certainty.
According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, and citing head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh, Rogers has indeed torn an ACL, an injury which will sideline the redshirt senior for the entire 2009 season.
Rogers will undergo surgery at some point during the next two weeks. Ouch...The SEC Rocks!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Ole Miss...accident follow-up
Two senior members of the Ole Miss football team - defensive end Greg Hardy and wide receiver Dexter McCluster - were involved in a two-car accident Saturday at approximately 6 p.m. near Pontotoc, Miss.
"We are thankful to God that they are safe and well," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "They were really fortunate to walk away from the accident. From what I understand, the impact was near the front tire and not broadside, leaving them bruised and sore."
Head Athletics Trainer Tim Mullins reported that Hardy did aggravate his right foot, which underwent surgery after the 2008 season.
"Greg was seen by the doctors who have been working his case since his second surgery," Mullins said. "It has been recommended that Greg be placed in a walking boot for 10 days. He will have treatment on the foot for the next 10 days and his doctors will then reevaluate his progress."
According to Mullins, prior to the accident, Hardy had been working out daily with no problems.
"We're just taking it one day at a time for Greg to get better."The SEC Rocks!
"We are thankful to God that they are safe and well," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "They were really fortunate to walk away from the accident. From what I understand, the impact was near the front tire and not broadside, leaving them bruised and sore."
Head Athletics Trainer Tim Mullins reported that Hardy did aggravate his right foot, which underwent surgery after the 2008 season.
"Greg was seen by the doctors who have been working his case since his second surgery," Mullins said. "It has been recommended that Greg be placed in a walking boot for 10 days. He will have treatment on the foot for the next 10 days and his doctors will then reevaluate his progress."
According to Mullins, prior to the accident, Hardy had been working out daily with no problems.
"We're just taking it one day at a time for Greg to get better."The SEC Rocks!
Ole Miss players...injured in a 2 car accident
Ole Miss starters Greg Hardy and Dexter McCluster were involved in a two-car accident over the weekend, (ESPN.com's Joe Schad is reporting).
Rebels head coach Houston Nutt told Schad that a vehicle pulled out in front of the pair's vehicle, striking them on the front passenger side. The force of the impact pushed the tire into the engine compartment, causing the car to burst into flames.
According to Nutt, it could've been a lot worse than what it was.
"They are very, very fortunate," Nutt said. "If [the other driver] had hit them in a little bit different place, it could have been even worse."
Hardy,who suffered a damaged foot, during the season, aggravated it during the accident. The defensive end will be in a boot for the next 5-7 days.
There was no word on what if any injuries McCluster suffered, although the wide receiver, along with Hardy, will be examined by team medical personnel today.
Rebels head coach Houston Nutt told Schad that a vehicle pulled out in front of the pair's vehicle, striking them on the front passenger side. The force of the impact pushed the tire into the engine compartment, causing the car to burst into flames.
According to Nutt, it could've been a lot worse than what it was.
"They are very, very fortunate," Nutt said. "If [the other driver] had hit them in a little bit different place, it could have been even worse."
Hardy,who suffered a damaged foot, during the season, aggravated it during the accident. The defensive end will be in a boot for the next 5-7 days.
There was no word on what if any injuries McCluster suffered, although the wide receiver, along with Hardy, will be examined by team medical personnel today.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Gamecocks...Better or Worst?
Taking an overview of South Carolina football this decade, and the term that comes to mind is just "average."
USC finished 7-6 last season. Since 2000, the Gamecocks have averaged 7.3 wins and 5.3 losses per season.
Never more than 9 wins and never less than 5. Never more than 7 losses and never less than 4.
Some programs might like those stats, Gamecock fans hanker for more!.
So in the final season of this decade, what can be expected? True Gamecock fans will take them for Better or Worst! The SEC Rocks!
USC finished 7-6 last season. Since 2000, the Gamecocks have averaged 7.3 wins and 5.3 losses per season.
Never more than 9 wins and never less than 5. Never more than 7 losses and never less than 4.
Some programs might like those stats, Gamecock fans hanker for more!.
So in the final season of this decade, what can be expected? True Gamecock fans will take them for Better or Worst! The SEC Rocks!
Jakar Hamilton...commits to the Bulldogs
Jakar Hamilton, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound safety from Georgia Military College, committed Saturday to continue his football career next year at the University of Georgia.
An NJCAA All-American last season for the Milledgeville school, Hamilton had several scholarship offers but chose the Bulldogs over Alabama. He is Georgia's 14th commitment for the 2010 signing class and the second safety, joining Alec Ogletree of Newnan, Ga.
Rivals.com rates Ogletree the nation's No. 1 prep safety.
Hamilton played at Strom Thurmond High School in Johnston, S.C. He plans to enroll at Georgia in January. The SEC Rocks!
An NJCAA All-American last season for the Milledgeville school, Hamilton had several scholarship offers but chose the Bulldogs over Alabama. He is Georgia's 14th commitment for the 2010 signing class and the second safety, joining Alec Ogletree of Newnan, Ga.
Rivals.com rates Ogletree the nation's No. 1 prep safety.
Hamilton played at Strom Thurmond High School in Johnston, S.C. He plans to enroll at Georgia in January. The SEC Rocks!
Arkansas Razorbacks...Trudge on
Mallett(the new face of the hogs) said he's been throwing the football for about 2 weeks and could have thrown sooner if not for some slight discomfort with his finger(broke his finger lifting weights in June). He said the 7-on-7 drills he and teammates perform voluntarily during the summer have helped him become more comfortable with his receivers. It's also helped him fine-tune his footwork, a facet of his game that has been scrutinized the most.
Mallett,at 6'6", said he has dropped 10 pounds to about 240, which he hopes will improve his quickness in the pocket.
"That's what the summer's for, and what we're using it for is working on their weaknesses and building on their strengths," Mallett said. "That's what we have to do to go where we want to."
Mallett pointed out veterans like running back Michael Smith, offensive lineman Mitch Petrus, defensive end Adrian Davis and linebacker Wendel Davis as players who had the attention of their younger teammates.
Smith, the team's top running back, and wide receiver Lucas Miller are recovering from injuries that kept them from a complete participation in spring practice.The SEC Rocks!
Mallett,at 6'6", said he has dropped 10 pounds to about 240, which he hopes will improve his quickness in the pocket.
"That's what the summer's for, and what we're using it for is working on their weaknesses and building on their strengths," Mallett said. "That's what we have to do to go where we want to."
Mallett pointed out veterans like running back Michael Smith, offensive lineman Mitch Petrus, defensive end Adrian Davis and linebacker Wendel Davis as players who had the attention of their younger teammates.
Smith, the team's top running back, and wide receiver Lucas Miller are recovering from injuries that kept them from a complete participation in spring practice.The SEC Rocks!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
VOLS' Atheletic Director...given raise and extension in contract
Tennessee men's athletic director Mike Hamilton has been "awarded" a more lucrative contract, according to a university release late Friday afternoon.
Hamilton's contract was extended from 2012 to 2014 in January, but specific compensation figures weren't released until Friday. As a result of that delay, Hamilton will receive a retroactive payment of $125,000.
The new contract will add up to at least $600,000 for 2009-10 and $525,000 in 2010-11, but various bonuses could result in a larger bump. He pulled in $339,575 this year, according to UT documents.
"Mike Hamilton continues to be an outstanding leader for the high-profile men's athletics department at the Knoxville campus," interim UT president Jan Simek said in a prepared statement. "He has had to make tough decisions in the last few years, and he has proven over and over the ability to meet or exceed expectations.
"This new agreement is a sign of our confidence in him."
Hamilton's base annual salary goes from $274,575 to $350,000 in the coming school year and to $400,000 in 2010-11. His annual supplemental compensation from media rights and appearances will rise from $40,000 to $90,000. His expense allowance will jump from $25,000 to $35,000, and his potential team performance and academic bonuses will double to $250,000. The SEC Rocks!
Hamilton's contract was extended from 2012 to 2014 in January, but specific compensation figures weren't released until Friday. As a result of that delay, Hamilton will receive a retroactive payment of $125,000.
The new contract will add up to at least $600,000 for 2009-10 and $525,000 in 2010-11, but various bonuses could result in a larger bump. He pulled in $339,575 this year, according to UT documents.
"Mike Hamilton continues to be an outstanding leader for the high-profile men's athletics department at the Knoxville campus," interim UT president Jan Simek said in a prepared statement. "He has had to make tough decisions in the last few years, and he has proven over and over the ability to meet or exceed expectations.
"This new agreement is a sign of our confidence in him."
Hamilton's base annual salary goes from $274,575 to $350,000 in the coming school year and to $400,000 in 2010-11. His annual supplemental compensation from media rights and appearances will rise from $40,000 to $90,000. His expense allowance will jump from $25,000 to $35,000, and his potential team performance and academic bonuses will double to $250,000. The SEC Rocks!
Aron White to fill Georgia's TE position...vacated from Figgins
Fans should see plenty more of Aron White on the field this season wearing his red Georgia football helmet.
The redshirt sophomore is in line to be the starting tight end on Sept. 5 against Oklahoma State.
White leads what's now a youthful tight end corps after junior Bruce Figgins was suspended for the first 6 games of the season.
"It sucks to see something like that that happen to your teammate," White said. "Nobody's happy about that. The tight end room most of all. Bruce was our most seasoned player and definitely played the most." The SEC Rocks!
LSU Changes Jersey
BATON ROUGE -- “LSU” has been added to the front of the 2009 football jerseys for the Tigers, the school announced on Wednesday.
The addition of “LSU” to the front of the jerseys marks the first time in modern school history that the name of the school will appear on the jersey. There are no other changes to the 2009 LSU football uniform. The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.lsusports.net)
The addition of “LSU” to the front of the jerseys marks the first time in modern school history that the name of the school will appear on the jersey. There are no other changes to the 2009 LSU football uniform. The SEC ROCKS!!!
(by www.lsusports.net)
Friday, July 10, 2009
GATORS game update...against VOLS and BULLDOGS
The Gator football team's games against Eastern Division rivals Tennessee and Georgia during the 2009 season will each be televised on CBS at 3:30 p.m. Florida will face the Vols in its Southeastern Conference opener at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 19 and face the Bulldogs in the annual meeting at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Oct. 31.
Smoking Policy
Starting this season, smoking is prohibited in all areas of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Violators are subject to ejection! Ouch...The SEC ROCKS!
Smoking Policy
Starting this season, smoking is prohibited in all areas of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Violators are subject to ejection! Ouch...The SEC ROCKS!
Gators in "Football Saturdays in the South"
Several members of the Gator football team will be featured during Raycom’s Emmy-award winning summer television series, "Football Saturdays in the South," that begins its sixth season , with six one-hour episodes, is hosted by Tim Brando and syndicated in 58 markets throughout the greater Southeast and Atlantic coast.
Florida's Heisman Trophy-winning senior quarterback Tim Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) is featured in episode 5, "Players I." Junior cornerback Joe Haden (Fort Washington, Md.), along with his brother Josh, is the subject of a story in episode 6, "Players II."
(by www.gatorzone.com)
Florida's Heisman Trophy-winning senior quarterback Tim Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) is featured in episode 5, "Players I." Junior cornerback Joe Haden (Fort Washington, Md.), along with his brother Josh, is the subject of a story in episode 6, "Players II."
(by www.gatorzone.com)
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