Tennessee hires Tech strength coach

Bennie Wylie, the Texas Tech football team’s strength and conditioning coach the last five years, has been hired by Tennessee. The Volunteers announced the move Saturday, and it also was confirmed by a Tech spokesman. Wylie, 33, is the second member of former Tech coach Mike Leach’s staff to accept an offer from new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley. Former Tech special teams coach Eric Russell was hired in the same capacity shortly after Dooley left Louisiana Tech for Tennessee in mid-January. “It’s just a great opportunity to be here with coach Dooley and be on the front end of this movement,” Wylie said in a statement released by the Tennessee athletic department. “I’m ready to get this program back on top of the SEC and I’m just really excited about the kids we have here. We have great talent, and I’m just really excited to work with those guys just as soon as I get here.” Wylie had been retained on a six-month trial basis by new Tech coach Tommy Tuberville after Tuberville was hired on Jan. 9.

Ambles stuck due to storm, may not make visit to the Vols

Markeith Ambles just wants to get out of Charlotte, N.C.
After being routed through Charlotte from Atlanta to get to Knoxville, the highly rated receiver from Henry County High School in McDonough, Ga., was stranded for more than 12 hours at a hotel near the airport, waiting to see if his last minute official visit will happen.
“If I can I’ll go,” the 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver said Saturday morning of traveling to UT. “But if they’re saying they don’t have a flight to Knoxville and they have one to Atlanta, I’m going back home.”
Ambles has been to UT several times, but has never taken his official visit.
Ambles was committed to UT for months before the Vols’ coaching change. He then ruled out the Vols and seemed to be leaning towards joining former UT coach Lane Kiffin at Southern California before hastily putting together this weekend’s trip to Knoxville.
Ambles arrived in Charlotte on Friday evening after he couldn’t get a direct flight from Atlanta to Knoxville.
“If I can get home, I’m going to go home,” Ambles said. “It’s probably not worth it.”
Even though National Signing Day is Wednesday, Ambles won’t face a strict time constraint.
He said he might wait until after National Signing Day on Wednesday to announce his decision since he has two more official visits scheduled.

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Ole Miss Great Bull Churchwell Passes Away

Ole Miss lost another sports legend Friday, Jan. 22, with the passing of Donnis H. “Bull” Churchwell, 73, at Greene County Hospital in Leakesville.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 25, at Freeman Funeral Home, with Rev. Jimmy Holcomb officiating. Interment was at Antioch Cemetery in Leakesville. Churchwell, an offensive and defensive interior lineman, earned two letters (1957-58) while playing for Coach John Vaught and was a member of squads which defeated Texas (39-7) in the Jan. 1, 1958 Sugar Bowl and Florida (7-3) in the Dec. 27, 1958 Gator Bowl. During Churchwell’s three varsity seasons (1956-58), Ole Miss compiled a 25-6-1 overall record. In the Gator Bowl win over Florida, Churchwell came up with one of the game’s biggest plays when he forced Gator quarterback Jimmy Dunn to fumble and then recovered the ball at the Ole Miss 15-yard line with 3:10 remaining. The Rebels then ran out the clock to nail down the victory.
Following his senior season, Churchwell participated in the 1959 Chicago All-Star Game against the defending National Football League Champion Baltimore Colts and the 1959 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Churchwell was voted the Senior Bowl’s Outstanding Lineman for the South squad.
After being selected in the fifth round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, Churchwell played offensive tackle that season with the Washington Redskins before ending his professional career in 1960 as a member of the American Football League Oakland Raiders.
Churchwell (6-0, 220) signed with Ole Miss out of George County High School in Lucedale, Miss., becoming the first Rebel signee ever from George County. He earned three prep football letters and was a standout in the 1955 Mississippi High School All-Star Game.

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Former UGA DC finds new coaching home

Following the 2009 season, and much to the delight of many of their fans, Georgia dumped defensive coordinator Willie Martinez along with two other defensive assistants. Former Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez has been hired to coach defensive backs at Stanford, according to Cardinal Report.com, a Web site that covers the program.
Martinez coached defensive backs under Mark Richt for nine seasons at Georgia and was defensive coordinator for five seasons before he was one of three coaches fired Dec. 2.
Defensive backs coach Clayton White left the Pac-10 school to join former Cardinals assistant Willie Taggert, the new head coach at Western Kentucky.
Martinez, 46, previously coached in his native state of Florida, Michigan and Georgia.
Stanford finished 8-5 in 2009 under third-year coach Jim Harbaugh, losing to Oklahoma, 31-27, in the Sun Bowl.

New Saban statue could debut at A-Day game

Work for a statue of University of Alabama coach Nick Saban commemorating the Crimson Tide's fifth national championship coach has already begun, and the manufacturer is working toward a completion goal of April 17, the date of the annual A-Day spring game, The Tuscaloosa News has learned. When the Walk of Champions was built in 2006, five semicircles lined the entrance, with statues of UA's four national championship winning coaches: Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Paul W. “Bear” Bryant and Gene Stallings. The fifth semicircle was left open for the Tide's next national championship winning coach. UA Director of Photography Kent Gidley chose photos of each coach, which were used to create pencil drawings that eventually became the statues. Athletics Director Mal Moore oversaw the process. Coach Saban: The new statue will reflect Saban's role as an encourager and teacher. He will not be wearing a suit and tie. Saban's wife, Terry, will be involved in decisions about the appearance.
MTM Recognition, the company that produced the four statues of previous UA national title coaches beside the Walk of Champions plaza outside the north end zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium, is also handling the planned bronze replica of Saban. The project manager for those statues, Corey Beltz, is also working closely with the latest project.
According to Beltz, Saban's wife, Terry, is among several people who will have input on the statue's appearance.
“We are sculpting clay right now and we have pretty good direction on what they want for the look of it,” Beltz said. “Coach Saban's love of student-athletes, his love of being a teacher, that is what we have been asked to emphasize. He won't be in a suit and tie — that's not his style. It will reflect more of his role as an encourager, a director, that's the general direction. They're sculpting the face right now.”
Beltz declined to divulge the cost of the statue, but UA Director of Athletic Facilities Thad Turnipseed estimated the price tag around $50,000, noting that the original four statues came at a combined cost of $196,000.
“We don't know the final cost, but it's around $50,000,” Turnipseed said.
Whether or not the statue will be completed by A-Day remains to be seen. Beltz is encouraged by the progress, but said it is too early to declare the project “on pace.”

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Nutt exploring options for Austin’s successor

Ole Miss football coach Houston Nutt is working fast and furious on finding a new offensive coordinator, after Kent Austin left that position to become the head coach at Cornell earlier this week.
However, on the reports that former Tulsa coach Dave Rader is on his way to Oxford.
Tulsa TV station Fox 23 has reported that Rader’s hiring may be imminent, but sources say Nutt is interviewing several candidates for the job, while he is on the road recruiting, too.
Rader is a potential candidate, along with former Ole Miss assistant Hugh Freeze, who recently took the offensive coordinator’s job at San Jose State, along with Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach David Lee and possibly former Tulsa and Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe.
Austin’s departure came less than a month after former Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead decided to give up his senior year of eligibility with the Rebels to make himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Snead had shown a lot of promise for NFL scouts as a sophomore at Ole Miss, but he struggled most of last season, particularly in the Rebels’ losses to Alabama and South Carolina.

Snead announced his decision within a few days of the Rebels’ return from Dallas for the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss finished 9-4 for the second consecutive season by stopping Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.

Rader a candidate at Ole Miss?

Former University of Tulsa football coach David Rader could be headed for a fourth tour of duty in the Southeastern Conference.
Mississippi football coach Houston Nutt has targeted Rader to be the Rebels' new co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a source familiar with the situation. Rader would replace Kent Austin, a former Ole Miss offensive coordinator who was recently named Cornell's head coach.
Rader began his college coaching career in the SEC as an assistant coach at Alabama from 1983-85. He also spent one season as an assistant at Mississippi State and returned to the SEC for his most recent coaching job as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama from 2003-2006.
Rader, a Rogers High School and TU graduate, was the Golden Hurricane's head coach from 1988-99. He returned to Tulsa to go into business following his last coaching job.

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Ex-UT player Mike Edwards at Texas Southern

Former Tennessee defensive back Mike Edwards has enrolled at Texas Southern.
Edwards, who was dismissed from UT on Nov. 16 after being charged with attempted armed robbery, said he will wear jersey No. 5. Since Texas Southern is not a Football Bowl Subdivision school, Edwards will be available to play in 2010 and has three years of eligibility remaining.
He pleaded guilty Jan. 14 to a reduced charge of reckless endangerment in a plea arrangement that allowed him to maintain a pristine record if he stays out of trouble for two years.
Edwards was one of two players dismissed for their role in a botched holdup Nov. 12 at the Pilot convenience store on Cumberland Avenue. Freshman receiver Nu'Keese Richardson also was dismissed and has enrolled at Hampton. Freshman defensive back Janzen Jackson was reinstated after the charge against him was dropped.
Edwards signed with UT in February 2009 from Glenville High School in Glenville Academic Campus in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Cornell hires Mississippi coordinator

A person familiar with the negotiations says Cornell has hired Mississippi offensive coordinator Kent Austin as its football coach.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because Cornell had not announced the hire.
The Ivy League university has scheduled a news conference for today regarding a replacement for Jim Knowles, who resigned in December to become defensive coordinator at Duke.
Knowles was 26-34 in six seasons, including 2-8 in 2009 - the school's worst record since 2003.
Austin is a former Rebels quarterback. He was the offensive coordinator at his alma mater for two seasons. Austin helped guide the Rebels to back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time in nearly 50 years.

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UT commit Loften to visit USC

Tennessee commitment Eddrick Loften will visit Southern California this weekend, following the path made by his former Vol recruiter, coach Willie Mack Garza.
"I had interest in USC from the get-go," Loften told USCfootball.com. "I never got interest from them, but with coach Garza going there, I told him I would like to visit. I'd like to see how it is. I mean, it's USC.
"Everybody knows about USC. It's a good school with great tradition. Distance isn't a problem for me. I've got family in California - I've got family everywhere.
"I've got relatives in Oakland and in L.A. I've got my grandpa, my uncle and a few more relatives living out there. I went to Los Angeles when I was little, so it's not like I haven't been out there before either."
Garza, who left UT suddenly last week after one season as defensive backs coach to join USC’s staff, helped the Vols secure a commitment from Loften, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound safety from Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas. Loften said Garza called his high school this week to set up the visit to USC.
"Coach Garza is a real cool dude," said Loften. "He tells it like it is. Recruiting wise, I think he'd be a nice coach to play for. He's one of the coolest coaches I've ever met."
Loften maintained he is still committed to UT, but said he’ll announce his final decision on National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Loften said his decision will come down to UT and USC.

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Vols still searching for d-coordinator

There's no need for UNC fans (or recruits) to panic. Defensive coordinator Everett Withers is staying at North Carolina, despite preliminary conversations with Tennessee about possibly taking the same position there. "I'm happy to be a Tar Heel," Withers said. "I feel like this is the best situation for me and my family. Butch Davis has been great to us and I think the program has a great future." It certainly does, considering Withers and all of the top players from his loaded defense are returning. It should be the best defense in the ACC and one of the best in the country. When it comes to coaches and players coming and going in the ACC during the offseason, UNC has definitely come out the biggest winner.


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Former Vol Richardson finds new home at Hampton

Two months after Nu'Keese Richardson's arrest ended his freshman season and football career at the University of Tennessee, the wide receiver has resurfaced.
One day before coach Lane Kiffin's sudden move to Southern California, Richardson pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery Jan. 11. Last Friday, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Richardson roamed Hampton University's campus, on his second chance in an new environment conducive to his maturation.
"I was watching (Richardson) walk from weight lifting and it was as if he was just another student," said Hampton coach Donovan Rose. "No one was running up to him, trying to get his autograph or talk to him. It's amazing how few recognize him on campus."
Now one of only 5,656 undergraduates enrolled at Hampton, Richardson's mentor believes his high-profiled player, whose last-minute decision to leave Florida and attend Tennessee created headlines, is a good fit for the Pirates.

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USC board will consider big raise for Johnson Gamecocks' defensive boss would double his salary

USC defensive chief Ellis Johnson is in line for a significant raise. Johnson and USC officials have discussed a contract extension that would add two years to Johnson’s current deal and double his salary, the chairman of USC’s board of trustees said Tuesday. The proposed extension calls for Johnson to receive a four-year deal worth $700,000 a year, chairman Miles Loadholt said. The contract is pending approval by the board’s executive committee, which is scheduled to meet Feb. 11. Johnson, the Gamecocks’ assistant head coach for defense, has two years remaining on his current contract, worth $350,000 annually. If approved, the new deal would be in line with the lucrative contracts offered to coordinators at other SEC schools this offseason. New Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham received a three-year deal worth $750,000 a year. Tennessee reportedly made a similar offer to Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who received a $575,000-a-year deal to stay at Clemson, according to reports. The 58-year-old Johnson also was contacted about the Tennessee opening, as well as the head-coaching vacancy at Louisiana Tech. Johnson did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday. USC’s defense has ranked in the top four in the SEC and the top 15 nationally in Johnson’s first two years with the Gamecocks.

Cornell to Name Kent Austin as Head Football Coach Ole Miss offensive coordinator

Kent Austin will be Cornell's 26th football coach, multiple sources close to the situation confirmed today, replacing Jim Knowles '87 as the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Football.

Austin was offensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi for the past two seasons, the same school at which Knowles was defensive coordinator before coming to Cornell. In 2009, the Rebels were tied for No. 39 in the country in scoring offense with 32.9 points per game.

In his first year after taking over as offensive coordinator, Austin's 2008 squad ranked No. 28 in the country with 32.1 points per game, up from 20.1 the prior year.

The University will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. tomorrow to announce the signing.

Knowles resigned on Dec. 23 to take the defensive coordinator job at Duke University. The team was 2-8 in his last season as head coach, and finished No. 6 on offense and No. 7 in defense in the Ivy League.

Players said Ron Vanderlinden, the linebackers coach at Penn State, was another final candidate, but they were told last week that Austin was the frontrunner.

Vols captain pushing to return from ACL tear

During his time in Knoxville, Nick Reveiz has gone from an afterthought walk-on to starting middle linebacker and a captain on defense. This past year, however, was a nightmare in what has otherwise been a southern football fairytale.

An ACL injury in the third game wiped out most of Reveiz's junior season, a serious setback for a player some already considered too small and too slow to be an effective MLB in the SEC.

Four months after the injury, Reveiz is once again focused on returning to the playing field sooner rather than later, perhaps as early as spring practice. And doing more than what's expected of him, as he's done throughout his entire collegiate career.

"They've told me I'm going to be limited, but I'm going to be in pads, I'm going to be running," Reveiz told the Knoxville News Sentinel. "At the same time, there are going to be times when my knee is hurting and I'm going to have to pull out. I don't think there will be any full-contact stuff and I've got to be careful.

Florida may have One of the Best Recruiting Classes Ever.

After all, the Gators are recruiting like gangbusters. So well in fact that ESPN’s Tom Luginbill has said this might end up being one of the best signing classes ever. Clearly, some of the top college football players out there are convinced Meyer plans to be coaching for a while longer. Then again, maybe Florida has a national brand that sells no matter what the circumstances are surrounding the head coach. I’d probably lean toward the latter, and I’d also give Meyer a lot of the credit for elevating the program to that level. The Gators aren't just getting great players out of Florida. They're getting them out of Virginia, California, South Carolina, Maryland and New York.

CBS urged to scrap Super Bowl ad with Tim Tebow,and Mom

NEW YORK (AP) - A national coalition of women’s groups called on CBS on Monday to scrap its plan to broadcast an ad during the Super Bowl featuring college football star Tim Tebow and his mother, which critics say is likely to convey an anti-abortion message.
“An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year - an event designed to bring Americans together,“ said Jemhu Greene, president of the New York-based Women’s Media Center.
The center was coordinating the protest with backing from the National Organization for Women, the Feminist Majority and other groups.
CBS said it has approved the script for the 30-second ad and has given no indication that the protest would have an impact. A network spokesman, Dana McClintock, said CBS would ensure that any issue-oriented ad was “appropriate for air.“
The ad - paid for by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family - is expected to recount the story of Pam Tebow’s pregnancy in 1987 with a theme of “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life.“ After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored a recommendation by doctors to abort her fifth child and gave birth to Tim, who went on to win the 2007 Heisman Trophy while helping his Florida team to two BCS championships.
The controversy over the ad was raised Sunday when Tebow met with reporters in Mobile, Ala., before beginning preparations for next weekend’s Senior Bowl.
“I know some people won’t agree with it, but I think they can at least respect that I stand up for what I believe,“ Tebow said. “I’ve always been very convicted of it (his views on abortion) because that’s the reason I’m here, because my mom was a very courageous woman. So any way that I could help, I would do it.“

Word on the street: Kiffin telling recruits Gators Meyer is replacing Lee Corso on ESPN

"Here's a snippet from Recruiting Coordinator, Justin Wells','Recruiting Thoughts of the Day' as posted on GatorCountry.com:
1. ANIMAL HOUSE: Word on the street is that Kiffin and Orgeron are hammering away at Urban Meyer on the recruiting trail. Reportedly, recruits are being told that Urban Meyer already has a plan in place to succeed Lee Corso on ESPN’s College GameDay. Forget, for a moment, how Meyer feels; poor Corso, who battled back from a stroke and is one of the biggest supporters of college football, must feel like he was blindsided. While it’s a cute story those two concocted, me thinks Laney should worry more about what TMZ uncovers regarding his sordid social life in Knoxville during his short stay on Rocky Top. And Coach O(gre), well. ... He should just try to make English his first language. After all, that Geico “So easy a Caveman can do it” marketing campaign has got to run out at some point, right?"

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Saunders to rejoin South Carolina

Suspended South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders has been reinstated to the team. The rising senior, in and out of the coaches' doghouse the past couple of seasons, will rejoin winter workouts Monday.
Saunders missed the team's initial meeting of 2010 and fell behind in workouts as he considered entering his name in the NFL draft.
Coach Steve Spurrier then suspended Saunders early this past week, until he could get his attitude straightened out and catch up on what he'd missed.
'We had some issues with him about a week ago,' Spurrier said. 'He had some responsibilities to fulfill this past week and he achieved them all.'
The leash is still bound to be short with Saunders.
A lot was expected of the Durham, N.C., native going into the 2009 season, after Jared Cook left early for the NFL.
Saunders wound up with 32 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns, far from the anticipated production level.
That's the case especially when you consider that Stephen Garcia threw for nearly 3,000 yards.
Almost a third of Saunders' production came in the Sept. 12 Georgia game (eight catches, 96 yards). But, from there, he caught only five passes over the next six weeks."

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Meyer to coach spring ball

Florida football coach Urban Meyer met with the media at halftime of the Florida-South Carolina basketball game Saturday and said he plans to be coaching the Gators on the first day of spring practice.“I’m going to have a series of tests in February to try to figure this thing out,” Meyer said. “I have to take some time off. I’ve been instructed to by my bride and my boss. I have to change some things. That’s obvious.”
Asked if the tests would be for his heart or for stress, Meyer said, “yes and yes.”
Meyer said he has cut way back on his travel during recruiting.
“They don’t want me traveling,” he said. “I did most of my traveling before the bowl game. I keep hearing about this time off. I tried it for a day and a half. That didn’t work out.”
Meyer said he plans an “in-depth meeting” with interim coach Steve Addazio once recruiting is over to figure out what Addazio’s duties will be during the leave of absence.
Meyer said he has put on 20 pounds and now weighs 200 pounds.
“That’s how I gauge this,” he said of his recovery. “I’m exercising a lot now.”
Meyer’s comments were his first in public since the Sugar Bowl.

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Cam Newton's Dad didn't want son to be a 'rented mule'...signs with Auburn

On how they chose Auburn: ``We both decided what to do a few days before we went to Gene Chizik, but Cam was apprehensive. He was leaning toward Starkville. He had that relationship with Dan Mullen and there was a comfort level there. I didn't think that was the right place for Cam. They just don't have all the moving parts. Cam was going to have to be the star. He'd have to do everything himself. I didn't want him to be a rented mule. Auburn has far more varsity players returning, they have more skill players, they're attracting more highly recruited players and it's right down the street."
On if MSU was the early leader: ``Absolutely they were. Auburn came on strong at the end. A lot of people pre-supposed that (Cam) would hook up with Dan Mullen. He made an official visit around Thanksgiving and that went really well. I just wasn't sure about it. I like Dan Mullen and I think he has a very bright offensive mind. He's just having to go against the odds in Starkville. I just didn't want Cam to be blinded by an affiliation. It was important for us to study Auburn, to study Malzahn and Chizik. Auburn has bright minds, too."
On how Auburn's recruiting has picked up since Newton's commitment: ``It's greatly encouraging. You can see the momentum snowballing. They've gotten several big commitments and they'll probably get more with the shake-ups we've seen at Tennessee and Florida. Auburn is making a big move."

Ole Miss rewards Nix's loyalty

Last month, Tyrone Nix was rumored to be a candidate to replace Charlie Strong as Florida's defensive coordinator.
This month, Nix has received a new title from Ole Miss. And a bump in pay.
According to the school, the coordinator has been promoted to assistant head coach that will come with a salary increase. The exact amount of the increase has not been released.
"Ty has done an excellent job for us the last two seasons and is recognized as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football," head coach Houston Nutt said in a statement.
"Not only does Ty have a great passion for this game, he possesses great judgment, discipline and character. He has always been considered a team player and is most deserving to take on the role."
The 36-year-old coach was hired by Nutt in December of 2007 as one of the first members of his first Rebels' coaching staff.

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Volunteers call Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach Joe Barry about being defensive coordinator

Another Bucs assistant coach could run the University of Tennessee's defense next season.
Linebackers coach Joe Barry is a candidate to replace Monte Kiffin as the Vols' defensive coordinator. Barry was contacted by Derek Dooley on Saturday, the same day he was named Tennessee's new coach.
"I really didn't know Coach Dooley from the man in the moon until he called," Barry, 39, said. "But he said he really liked what Monte did on defense … and wanted to continue it. He said through all his research, my name was the one that kept coming up."
The Vols were close to hiring Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, but he told Dooley on Thursday he was staying. Steele reportedly was offered a three-year deal worth $750,000 annually.
"Of course, I'm very interested," Barry said. "Yes, it's college football. But you're talking about the chance to be a defensive coordinator at a big-time program like Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference. It would be a good opportunity."
Barry said Dooley has contacted him twice since he was hired. Dooley replaced Monte's son Lane Kiffin, who resigned after one season to take the coaching job at Southern Cal.

New Kiffin 'tribute' song burning up the charts

It goes without saying that Lane Kiffin is not exactly Mr. Popular in Knoxville these days.
However, he does still have his pockets of supporters, as evidenced by the video that will follow.

Tennessee strikes out twice in the ACC

So far the Vols are 0-for-2 this month in trying to recruit knowledgeable coaches from the ACC, as Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was the latest to prioritize people over his paycheck. Both Steele and sports information director Tim Bourret have confirmed that Steele isn't going to Tennessee, despite multiple reports to the contrary.

In order to understand what Clemson gained, you have to realize what Steele lost.

Would you turn down a salary offer in excess of $700,000? At your alma mater? SEC blogger Chris Low's sources say that's how much Steele was offered.

Dykes takes over at La. Tech

Louisiana Tech has tapped Arizona Wildcats offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes to replace Derek Dooley as head football coach.

Dykes, who was introduced Wednesday, has coached in college for 15 years and has been with Arizona since 2007, serving as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He has never been a college head coach.

Last Friday, Dooley left to replace Lane Kiffin at Tennessee.

Dykes, son of Texas Tech coaching legend Spike Dykes, is known as a spread offense specialist and figures to bring the same wide-open style to Louisiana Tech.

Shula-to-ECU not happening

It looks as if Alabama will remain the only collegiate football fans to feel the pain of a Mike Shula-coached team. At least for now.

Earlier today, we noted a report from the Greenville Daily Reflector that stated the former Tide head coach is a leading candidate for ECU's vacancy.

As per Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News, and citing a "Shula source", Shula is staying in the NFL and remaining in his current capacity as the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks coach.

The source stated that Shula was indeed contacted about the opening at ECU, but indicated he preferred to remain an assistant in the NFL rather than give collegiate head coaching another shot.

Vols continue search for new coaches

A Clemson athletics department spokesperson confirmed news through head coach Dabo Swinney that defensive coordinator Kevin Steele planned to stay with the Tigers.

Steele, a former UT player and assistant coach, contemplated over (and possibly accepted) an offer to return to his alma mater for a substantial raise, but Swinney and Co. kept him in the fold.

Dooley was on the road Wednesday recruiting and speaking with assistant coaching candidates, and he wasn't available for comment.

Two sources said UT was willing offer up to seven-figures annually for the "right" defensive coordinator -- but the department wouldn't complain if the best available candidate to accept the job demanded less money. UT men's athletic director Mike Hamilton often speaks about the "line-item" business of coaching staffs, and the only price figure restriction is the combined sum.

"I hate to be so cold about it, but I look at this as a line-item, and you're trying to pay for experience and the coaches that they'd hire and all those kinds of things," Hamilton said. "The way I look at it is, 'OK, we're going to pay the head coach this, and what does the rest of that line-item look like for their assistant coaches?'"

Hamilton, as he said he would, claimed to ask every potential UT head coaching candidates to questions about their collections of assistants: "Who would you bring with you, and what are the dollars necessary to hire the best coaches you can bring to the University of Tennessee?"

"I challenge them," Hamilton continued. "We now have that model out there to hire the best possible coaches they can hire. In some cases, you might have a head coach that has a higher salary, and the pool would be less for the assistant coaches."

Klenakis named Arkansas' Offensive Line Coach

Chris Klenakis has been named to the Razorback football staff as an assistant coach for the offensive line University of Arkansas, football head coach Bobby Petrino announced. Klenakis has 19 years of Division I experience and comes to Arkansas from Nevada where he was at the helm of the "Pistol" offense that had prolific production and a powerful running game led by the offensive line for the last six seasons "I've been able to follow his impressive career since the beginning and Chris has an innovative offensive mind," said Petrino. "There are elements of the Pistol offense he ran at Nevada that are intriguing and blend well with our philosophy of being aggressive and attacking defenses in a number of ways. He was raised in the profession by Chris Ault, who is one of just a few active head coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame. Chris Klenakis brings great energy and I know our offensive line will enjoy playing for him." In 2008, the Wolf Pack offense steamrolled over opposing defenses to the tune of a number of school records including total offense, most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. In 2009, Klenakis and the offense eclipsed all those marks and the Wolf Pack had the number one ranked rushing offense in the nation, averaging 344.9 yards per game. Nevada also became the first team in NCAA history to have three players rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. In addition, the Wolf Pack ranked second nationally in total offense (505.6) and sixth in scoring (38.2). In 2007, Nevada's offensive line paved the way for the top rushing attack in the WAC and the 12th-best rushing offense in the nation at 214.1 yards per game. The group was paced by Luke Lippincott who led the WAC in rushing at 109.2 yards per game. As offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, Klenakis has tutored 12 All-WAC selections. The group includes wide receiver Brandon Wimberly who was the 2009 WAC Freshman of the Year and a second-team honoree. Offensive lineman Alonzo Durham and running back Vai Taua were selected to the first team in 2009, while offensive lineman Kenneth Ackerman, tight end Virgil Green and quarterback Colin Kaepernck were also second-team choices. In 2008, Dominic Green was a first-team All-WAC honoree and Durham and Mike Gallett were second-team selections. Center Jimmy Wadhams was also named the team's offensive MVP in 2006, while the Wolf Pack offensive line helped the team to rank 24th in the nation in rushing offense that year. Klenakis saw Tony Moll (first team) and Barrett Reznick (second team) earn All-WAC honors in 2005, and Nevada's WAC co-championship team led the nation in time of possession and ranked eighth in the NCAA in third-down conversions that season.

LSU to Request Coaches' Contract Adjustments

A salary adjustment is being proposed for LSU football defensive coordinator John Chavis and approvals are being sought for new football assistant coaches Billy Gonzales and Frank Wilson.
Chavis, who was pursued by another Southeastern Conference school in December, will receive a new three-year contract valued at $700,000 per year. Under the terms of his previous contract, he was scheduled to be paid $475,000 in 2010 and $500,000 in 2011. Under the terms of the new contract, Chavis will receive $25,000 for radio, television and internet appearances and the $175,000 will be paid in privately-raised funds.
Wilson, who will serve as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, will receive a three-year contract worth $325,000 per year. He replaces Larry Porter, now the head coach at the University of Memphis, who was to be paid $350,000 in 2010 and $400,000 in 2011.
Gonzales, who will serve as receivers coach and passing game coordinator, will receive a three-year contract worth $285,000 per year. He replaces DJ McCarthy who resigned following the 2009 season and was receiving $200,000 per year.
According to a study by USA Today, LSU is one of only two universities in the nation that uses no state financial support to fund its athletics program.

Receiver Hunter switching to UT

Justin Hunter committed to UT according to multiple media reports because of the departure of receivers coach D.J. McCarthy from LSU, according to Hunter’s high school coach, Chris Scott of Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Va.
Scott told Virginiapreps.com that Hunter, who had been committed to LSU since May, was interested in attending a college closer to home.
McCarthy resigned amid reports of potential NCAA recruiting violations last month.
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound receiver is considered one of the top receiver prospects in the nation. He was considering UT under former coach Lane Kiffin and visited Knoxville’s campus last year.
Kiffin’s staff, however, wasn’t able to lure Hunter away from LSU despite some persistent recruiting. Hunter is the first public commitment under newly hired UT coach Derek Dooley.
“Justin left impressed with the facilities, but more importantly he hit it off with a couple of the players,” Scott said of Hunter’s visit to UT. “He said that was the most impressive thing to him, the family-like bond that the Tennessee players have and wanted him to be a part of.”
The about-face seems quick to most, but Scott said Hunter had long been considering UT since his official visit to Knoxville.
“

Bulldog's Grantham's contract contains big buyout

Newly hired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham can leave Georgia to become an NFL or college head coach without paying a buyout, but resigning for any other reason including for another assistant coaching job could come with a hefty price tag.
Grantham would then owe at least $1.125 million if he resigns within the first year of the three-year deal that pays him $750,000 annually. That buyout figure decreases to $112,500 entering the final year of the agreement with the Dallas Cowboys' former defensive line coach.
The terms are detailed in a
memorandum of understanding obtained Tuesday by the Athens Banner-Herald in an open records request.
Grantham signed the six-page memorandum Thursday, one day before Georgia announced his hire. University president Michael Adams and athletic director Damon Evans signed it on Saturday.
"When we took a look at this, we're making a significant commitment to Todd," Evans said Tuesday. "We felt with us doing something like that on our end, we had to have a significant commitment from him as an individual coach. That's why we put in the buyout the way that we did."
The breakdown of Grantham's $750,000 package, which is the third highest for a college coordinator: $300,000 in base salary and $450,000 in "supplemental income."
If Grantham is fired without cause, the Athletic Association must pay him all remaining base salary and supplemental income for the length of the contract (the "termination payments").
If Grantham resigns for anything other than an NFL or Division I college head coaching job before Feb. 1, 2011, he will owe 75 percent of the termination payments. If he steps down between Feb. 1, 2011 and Feb. 1, 2012, he will owe 20 percent of the payments and after Feb. 1, 2012, he will owe 15 percent.
"We call that stair-stepping," Evans said. "As the contract goes down, the amount of money that we owe him goes down, so we felt that what he would owe us should decrease as well. ... It's just making sure that we protect ourselves in some way, that we want a commitment from him to be here and we put it on what we would consider to be a lateral move.
"We understand individuals have aspirations to be a head coach. We're not into blocking that. If he can go on to being a head coach at some point in time, so be it. That would mean he would have done an outstanding job here."
Grantham can make up to an additional $75,000 (25 percent of his base salary), if Georgia win the BCS national title. An Southeastern Conference championship would be worth an additional $39,000 (13 percent of base) and there are other bonuses included based on bowl games the Bulldogs get to each season.

QB McCollum leaves USC football team

South Carolina backup quarterback Reid McCollum has quit the team, two sources said Tuesday. McCollum, a redshirt freshman from Summerville, played sparingly in two games. He completed four-of-six passes for 39 yards, including a touchdown.
The reasons for his leaving were unclear. Current starter Stephen Garcia has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Head coach Steve Spurrier said in a statement that "Reid McCollum has indicated to coach [G.A.] Mangus that he is researching the possibility of transferring to a lower-division school with the opportunity to play right away."
McCollum's departure depletes the quarterback depth. Redshirt freshman Aramis Hillary and junior Zac Brindise have yet to throw a college pass. Andrew Clifford redshirted this year as a freshman, and Connor Shaw enrolled early this semester. Incoming freshman Dylan Thompson is set to enroll in the fall.
The Gamecocks had two veteran quarterbacks transfer out last year: Chris Smelley to Alabama to play baseball, and Tommy Beecher to Liberty.

USC TE Saunders suspended indefinitely

USC tight end Weslye Saunders has been suspended indefinitely for undisclosed team reasons, according to a source close to the program.
Saunders, a junior from Durham, N.C., was the Gamecocks’ third-leading receiver last season with 32 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns. He had 12 receptions in the first two games, including an eight-catch game in a loss at Georgia.
Saunders asked for an evaluation from the NFL’s underclassmen advisory committee, but elected to return to school for his senior season.
The outspoken Saunders has landed in Steve Spurrier’s doghouse occasionally for his public comments. Before the N.C. State game, Saunders jokingly said he planned to ask Spurrier if he could take an unsportsmanlike penalty after he scored against the Wolfpack.

UF radio broadcaster faces child porn charges

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Longtime University of Florida sports broadcaster Steve Babik is facing federal charges of having child pornography on his home computer.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday that the 50-year-old Babik is charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
His attorney, Larry Turner, says Babik appeared in court Tuesday, pleaded not guilty and was released with restrictions. Turner says it was too early in his investigation to comment on the charges.
The University Athletic Association said Tuesday that Babik has been fired.
Babik was the sideline reporter for Gators football games and handled other radio duties. He had been at UF since 1987.

Kiffin UT intrigue doesn't end with his exit

Back in August, former Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin was involved in a single-car accident as he was heading home after a late night at the Volunteers football complex. At the time, he was driving a vehicle provided by an area Lexus dealer.
Kiffin claimed at the time that he had "nodded off... about a half mile from home" and proceeded to slip "off the side of the road into the ditch." According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, neither the Knox County Sheriff's Office nor the Tennessee Highway Patrol have a record of any wreck involving Kiffin in 2009.
Perhaps in response to the 'net-generated speculation, the Lexus dealership issued a statement this afternoon addressing the incident.
"For the past 15 years, Lexus of Knoxville has been a proud sponsor of the Tennessee Fund and the coach's vehicle program at the University of Tennessee for the men's and women's athletic programs," the statement reads. "Former University of Tennessee head football coach Lane Kiffin was involved in a single car accident in one of our vehicles. The proper authorities were contacted and the vehicle was towed to our location. Coach Kiffin's insurance was contacted and promptly paid the claim.
"We have no knowledge of any of the alleged facts surrounding the accident being reported on the Internet. Any further questions should be forwarded to Lane Kiffin at the University of Southern California."
A university spokesman told the News Sentinel that no internal investigation into the accident was conducted because "there was no reason for discipline to our knowledge."

Kevin Steele to stay at Clemson as defensive coordinator

Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney said his defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is going to stay at Clemson, turning down an offer to become defensive coordinator at University of Tennessee.

Steele reconsidered his decision after meeting with Clemson players Tuesday afternoon.

M.L.K. Day...Posting Continues

Due to M.L.K. observance, we at SEC Football Online, did not post. Sorry for the delay.

Dooley raids former staff to help fill current one

New Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley has reached back into the not-too-distant past in order to help shape his future with the Volunteers, the school announced this afternoon.

According to a press release issued by the Volunteers, Dooley announced Sunday the additions of Terry Joseph and Eric Russell to the Vols coaching staff.

Both have a history with Dooley from his three seasons at Louisiana Tech; Joseph having spent all three years in Ruston with the Vols new head coach and Russell the first two before moving to the Texas Tech coaching staff for 2009.

Russell was the Red Raiders special teams coordinator, while Joseph was La. Tech's secondary coach and recruiting coordinator.

Strong poaching recruits from Florida for Louisville

After stating that he wouldn't be taking coaches from Florida to Louisville, Charlie Strong took a couple of coaches with him from Florida to Louisville -- not that there's anything wrong with that.

The former Gator defensive coordinator never said, though, that he wouldn't poach recruits from his former school. It's a good thing, too, because, in the case of at least one sorta commitment, that's exactly what he's doing.

According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, Strong has grabbed quarterback Marcus Smith and pulled him into the Cardinals' verbal commitment fold.

Smith told the paper that he was likely headed to Gainesville until Strong came a callin'."If Louisville would have never been in the mix, I would have probably went to Florida," Smith said. "But I'm glad Louisville came into the mix. I like coach Strong a lot and I really wanted to play for coach Strong. Louisville is a great program."

Likely a big reason for Smith shifting his focus from Florida to Louisville is the fact that Strong will start the athlete out at QB.

"He wants me to play quarterback, he established that during our talk this morning," Smith said. "To tell you the truth, I just want to play so I am good wherever he wants me."

That being said, and given a 2010 recruiting haul littered with four- and five-star commitments, I really don't think the Gators are going to lose any amount of sleep over Smith's non-binding decision.

Dooley commences coaching shakeup at UT

Tennessee's new head coach, Derek Dooley has begun the process of reshaping Lane Kiffin's leftover staff.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Kippy Brown, who was the school's interim coach and interviewed for the permanent job that ultimately went to Dooley, has left Knoxville and will become a member of Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks staff. It's unclear what position Brown will fill in the NFL, but he was hired to coach the Volunteers' wide receivers.
Additionally, quarterbacks coach David Reaves, who also happens to be Kiffin's brother-in-law, and offensive line coach James Cregg are no longer members of the football program.
It's unclear if the latter two were fired or left of their own volition.
It's also unknown where either will ultimately land.

MSU Bulldogs have their new defensive coordinator

Manny Diaz from Middle Tennessee State to Mississippi State has come to MSU, the school stated this afternoon.
According to the press release, Diaz has officially agreed to become the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator and will replace Carl Torbush, who left Starkville for the same position on Turner Gill's new Kansas staff after just one season.
Additionally, MSU announced that Chris Wilson has left Oklahoma after spending the past five seasons as the Sooners' defensive line coach.
"Manny has proven to be a bright defensive mind and will bring an aggressive and exciting style of coaching to our defense. Chris has taught some of the best defensive lines in the Big 12 at Colorado and Oklahoma, and brings a knowledge of the OU defensive system that is one of the best in the nation," head coach Dan Mullen said in a statement. "We're excited to welcome both of them to our team and they'll both hit the ground running as we sprint to the finish of the recruiting season."

Louisiana Tech hasn't called Auburn on Malzahn; three Tigers' careers over because of injuries

Auburn coach Gene Chizik said Saturday he fully expects his coaching staff to return next season. He said no one from Louisiana Tech has asked to speak to offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.The Louisiana Tech head coaching job opened Friday when Derek Dooley was hired by Tennessee."My goal is to keep our coaching staff intact,'' Chizik said. "I expect to be able to do that. There's been no official contact from Louisiana Tech to our department."I fully anticipate having our staff back together.''Chizik said he doesn't think Internet talk about Malzahn and Louisiana Tech will hurt recruiting."Everybody understands how the rumor mill starts,'' Chizik said. "There are a lot of things out there that people know that aren't necessarily fact."Those things are going to continue to happen. We can't control those things."**Chizik said linebacker Spencer Pybus and Adam Herring as well as offensive lineman Vance Smith have given up football because of injuries."Those are three great, great kids who absolutely love football,'' Chizik said.

Gamecocks DE Geathers opts for early NFL route

If you suspected Clifton Geathers was leaving South Carolina early because of his family's influence, you were correct.
Steve Spurrier said Thursday that the junior defensive end watched his brother, Robert, get drafted by Cincinnati in the fourth round. Things have worked out for Geathers, a starting linebacker for the Bengals.
"He got drafted and he's made a lot of money," Spurrier said of the 2004 pick out of Georgia. "When he looks at that, he thinks he can do it."
Geathers' father and uncle also played in the NFL. He's working with that advice, though, and not the counsel of the league's draft advisory board, which said he'd be a late-round pick.
Spurrier urges players that aren't first- or second-round projections to return to school.
"Oh, he knows all that," said Spurrier, who last spoke with Geathers two days ago. "I still think he should've stayed. But if he's gone, he's gone."
Geathers has left the team and school. Spurrier said Geathers has turned off his cell phone.

Alabama's Kareem Jackson expected to enter NFL draft

Kareem Jackson has told several people that he has decided to forego his senior season at the University of Alabama and make himself eligible for the National Football League draft, sources have told The Tuscaloosa News. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound cornerback, who was a junior in the 2009 season, consulted with head coach Nick Saban and his family after the BCS National Championship Game before making his decision to enter the pro ranks. Today is the deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the April draft.
Jackson turned his name in to the NFL Draft Advisory Board before the national title game, but didn't check the results until after Alabama's game against Texas on Jan. 7 in Pasadena, Calif. He handed the envelope to Saban and told the coach he didn't want to see it until after the game because he didn't want to be distracted.
Jackson, from Macon, Ga., started the last 38 games of his UA career. He finished sixth on the team in tackles as a junior with 45 stops, intercepting three passes while breaking up five passes and defending eight. As a sophomore, he broke up 10 passes and defended 11 with one interception.
WalterFootball.com, an NFL draft projection Web site, has Jackson projected to go in the lower half of the second round of the draft.

Tennessee hires Dooley

Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley has been hired as coach at Tennessee.
Reports that had been coming from numerous media sources this afternoon about the hiring were confirmed by UT in late afternoon. Tennessee will have a press conference to introduce Dooley at a 9 tonight at the Peyton Manning Locker Room Complex at Neyland Stadium, UT confirmed.
Dooley replaces Lane Kiffin who left Tennessee after one season to coach at Southern Cal.
Earlier in the day, the coaching search had come down to two candidates -- Dooley, the son of former Georgia coach Vince Dooley -- and Kippy Brown, who has been serving as interim coach at UT since Lane Kiffin left on Tuesday night.
Brown was interviewed by athletic director Mike Hamilton in the early afternoon. Then Hamilton and prominent booster Jim Haslam took off in the Pilot Corp. plane for Ruston, La., where Louisiana Tech is located. The plane was photographed at the Ruston airport in late afternoon.
A prominent Louisiana Tech booster was quoted by the Monroe (La.) News Star as saying the hire was a done deal.
"He's gone," the newspaper quoted Steve Davison, the booster, as saying. "Now we have to make another good hire. Coach Dooley was a good hire for us, and I'm confident we'll make another one."
During a Wednesday press conference, Hamilton had stressed the importance of moving on the hire with the Feb. 3 signing day for high school players nearly upon the Vols.
In addition to Dooley and Brown, coaches believed to be under consideration in the coaching search begun with Kiffin's abrupt resignation, include Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and Duke coach David Cutcliffe.
Dooley was 17-20 in three seasons at La. Tech, a record somewhat deceiving because of the school's habit of playing some of the country's top teams in non-conference games to boost revenue.
Dooley has a law degree from Georgia. He completed his undergraduate degree at Virginia where he played receiver.

Steve Spurrier formally introduced offensive line coach Shawn Elliott Thursday at 4 p.m.

Offensive Line Coach Shawn ElliottOpening Statement: I just want to say it's such a great opportunity to come to the University of South Carolina and have this chance to compete in the SEC with this ball club at this university in the state of South Carolina. It's exciting for myself and my family. We're looking forward to the upcoming season. It's a lot of peoples dream job to be at USC. I'm just thrilled to death to have the chance and come down and be close to my family and have this opportunity.
On being a fan as a child: I was a huge fan of South Carolina growing up. My father was a highway patrolman so he worked the games on Saturday. I can remember looking where the coaches offices are now and sitting in the stands as a boy. I grew up as a huge fan of the Gamecocks. I remember seeing George Rogers playing here and Sterling Sharpe play and the team in `84.
On his coaching beliefs: I'm a big believer in perfect technique. That's the bottom line. If you'll have the best offensive line on the field they have to be great technicians and have a lot of fight in them. That's something I have to see if they have a lot of (here). I know that's important.
On the type of coach he is: I'm an exciting coach. I coach with great emotion. I love players to play with great emotion. I think there was a little of that lacking just from sitting on my couch watching the bowl game. It didn't seem like they were having fun. I can incorporate the passion that they will want to go out there and win. When I was sitting on the couch and they were struggling to move the football, I said those guys need someone to lead them. I think that can be me. Not just for the offensive line but for the whole football team. I feel I can bring that passion and heart to Columbia, S.C., and instill that in this football team.
On the difference in coaching the SoCon and the SEC: Last time I looked they were bigger, faster and stronger (in the SEC) but there's still 11 on defense and 11 of offense. Unless they slip one out there I don't know about, I think we'll be ok.
On deciding to leave Appalachian State: I had several opportunities to go to other Division I programs (in the past). I love Boone, N.C and Appalachian State. I told my wife I would never leave (Appalachian State) unless I got a great opportunity. South Carolina is just a great opp. It's SEC football. It's the best football in the country, hands down, so the move was a no brainer. The SEC Rocks!

Razorback D.J.Williams set to return

University of Arkansas junior tight end D.J. Williams elected Wednesday to return to the university for his senior season. In 2009, Williams was named second-team All-SEC by the league coaches. He played in all 13 games last year and had nine starts. Williams had 32 catches for 411 yards and three touchdowns in 2009. Williams was named to the Lombardi and Mackey Award watch lists prior to the season. He was a nominee for the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award and was named to the SEC Community Service team. Williams, who was the first Mackey Award semifinalist in school history in 2008, has played in 38 career games for the Razorbacks with 19 career starts. He has had 98 career receptions for 1,228 yards and six touchdowns.
Statement from D.J. Williams: "Taking into consideration the rewarding total experience I have had in Fayetteville, I feel there is no reason to cut this short. There are a lot of teammates and people I've grown close to and the ability to spend another year with them pursuing our goals is a big reason I want to come back. With Ryan (Mallett) and most of the key guys from last season returning I think this team understands what we can accomplish next season. That is something I'm excited about and something that means a lot to all of us. It is something our fans, who are the best in the nation, deserve to be a part of. The coaches here and the atmosphere we practice and compete in have helped me develop into more of a complete player. I understand the value of gaining another year of experience and the value of working towards finishing my degree."

LSU's Alexander to Play in Texas vs. Nation Game

LSU senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2010 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game, the organizers of the contest have announced.
The game will be played on Feb. 6 in El Paso, Texas and it features the top prospects from the state of Texas against other college seniors from around the country.
Alexander, who recently completed his sixth and final season with the Tigers, played in 43 games during his career, finishing with 89 tackles and 4.5 sacks. As a senior in 2009, Alexander started all 13 games at defensive tackle, recording 29 tackles and one sack for the 9-4 Tigers. LSU's defense ranked No. 11 in the nation in scoring in 2009, allowing 16.0 points per game.
Alexander becomes the seventh Tiger invited to participate in a post-season all-star game joining Senior Bowl invitees Charles Scott, Ciron Black, Harry Coleman and Brandon LaFell, along with Richard Dickson and Rahim Alem, who will take part in the East-West Shrine Game.

Georgia's Atkins, Owens Headed To Under Armour Senior Bowl

Georgia senior defensive linemen Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens have accepted invitations to play in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 30 in Mobile, Ala., according to an announcement by bowl officials Thursday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game and all practices will be televised by the NFL Network.
Atkins, a 6-1, 290-pound native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., finished with 36 tackles, was second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and was an All-Southeastern Conference Second Team selection. Finishing with a team-leading 28 quarterback hurries, Atkins was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after equaling his career high with eight tackles versus Vanderbilt in 2009.
Atkins was named Most Valuable Defensive Player following his performance versus Texas A&M at the 2009 Independence Bowl on Dec. 28. He blocked a field goal and had three tackles, including a sack, in the 44-20 win over the Aggies.
"I'm real excited that I get to play against the best of the best in the senior class," Atkins said. "I want to show all the scouts how fundamentally sound I am and how well I can get off blocks."
Owens, a 6-3, 300-pound native of Sunrise, Fla., returned from a season-ending knee injury at the beginning of the 2008 season to tally 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks this year. He started all 13 games in 2009 and finished with the most career starts (38) of any Bulldog on the 2009 team.
Owens registered a career-high seven tackles versus #4 LSU early in 2009 season before graduating with a degree in Child and Family Development in December. Owens is also one of only 11 players in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision to be named to the 2009 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
"The Senior Bowl is where you have to bring your 'A' game," Owens said. "I just want to turn some heads and have the opportunity to prove that I can play at the next level and compete with the best of them. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Some of the best players that played the game have played in the Senior Bowl. It's a great honor for me and my family and I'm blessed to have this opportunity."

Phillip Fulmer says he's not seeking UT job

Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said he is not seeking the Tennessee coaching job.
Fulmer made the statement this morning in a release from CBS Sports for whom Fulmer has worked as a
football commentator since his firing from UT following the 2008 season.
“I am not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position,” Fulmer is quoted as saying.
In the release, he also talks about sharing the sense of embarrassment UT fans feel over the situation with the football program.
The release:
“Over the last 24 hours I have been contacted by friends, great fans and media members, and I feel it is important to comment, as a man who loves the University of Tennessee deeply and shares this love with millions of great Volunteer fans and friends.
“Recent events have been painful and an embarrassment to all of us who care about UT. I love the University; I am loyal to my alma mater and am ready to help as the University makes one of the most important decisions in the history of our football program. However, to prevent any misunderstanding, I am not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position.
“I am looking forward to embracing the next coach and have some strong beliefs about the kind of man he should be. He must embrace Tennessee’s culture and traditions, be mature and of good character, and demonstrate integrity and leadership to our young men who desperately want to be shown the way. He must deserve, earn and keep the trust of our young men -- both present and future.
“Tennessee football has been successful for so many years because it has been rooted in values and traditions. We can’t take those values for granted – if we do not guard them carefully, we will lose them.”

Another Razorback staying in school

Late last week, quarterback Ryan Mallett announced that he was returning to Arkansas for at least one more season.
Today, Mallett will be pleased to learn that one of his offensive weapons will be doing the same.
According to a statement released by the school, tight end D.J. Williams has elected to return to the Razorbacks for his senior season.
"Taking into consideration the rewarding total experience I have had in Fayetteville, I feel there is no reason to cut this short," Williams said in the statement. "There are a lot of teammates and people I've grown close to and the ability to spend another year with them pursuing our goals is a big reason I want to come back.
"With Ryan (Mallett) and most of the key guys from last season returning I think this team understands what we can accomplish next season. That is something I'm excited about and something that means a lot to all of us. It is something our fans, who are the best in the nation, deserve to be a part of. The coaches here and the atmosphere we practice and compete in have helped me develop into more of a complete player.
"I understand the value of gaining another year of experience and the value of working towards finishing my degree."
In 2009, the junior was named second-team All-SEC by the league coaches. He played in all 13 games last year and had nine starts, catching 32 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns.

UT expected to hire Cutcliffe

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe will be named Tennessee’s next head coach barring a last-second snag in negotiations, a source told the News Sentinel.
UT athletic director Mike Hamilton declined to confirm an agreement with Cutcliffe, who was an assistant coach at UT from 1983-98 and from 2006-07. Hamilton said only that UT was still in the interviewing process.
One issue between the two parties is Cutcliffe’s staff. Cutcliffe, who has spent the last two seasons at Duke, would like to bring many of his coaches to Knoxville with him, but the Vols still have six coaches leftover from the staff assembled by Lane Kiffin, who left UT to become the head coach at Southern California on Tuesday.
Cutcliffe’s staff is expected to include former UT running backs coach Kurt Roper, who has been Duke’s offensive coordinator under Cutcliffe.
UT interim head coach Kippy Brown is also expected to be retained as receivers coach. Hamilton said Brown was a candidate for the head coaching job, but Brown seemed open to working under Cutcliffe.
“I love David,” said Brown, who worked with Cutcliffe on UT’s staff in 1993-94. “David is a good coach.”
Former head coach Phillip Fulmer released a statement today who called for UT to hire a coach that displayed integrity and embraced UT’s traditions. Fulmer, who coached with Cutcliffe at UT, told the News Sentinel that he would endorse Cutcliffe’s hiring.
“He’s the kind of person I described earlier in my release,” Fulmer said. “The type of person and coach that I thought the team needed and he fits those parameters to a tee.”
Cutcliffe has let loyalty to his assistants affect his career decisions in the past. He was fired by Ole Miss in 2004 after he refused to replace some of the coaches on his staff.

Former Georgia Head Coach Dooley To Receive Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award

Former University of Georgia head football coach and director of athletics Vince Dooley will receive the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award in ceremonies Thursday night in Houston.The award recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Bryant. Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Barry Switzer, Tom Osborne, and Glenn “Bo” Schembechler. Dooley served as head football coach at the University of Georgia from December, 1963, to Jan. 1, 1988, and as Director of Athletics from 1979-2004. Dooley is the most successful coach in Georgia history. He guided the Bulldogs to a career record of 201-77-10 becoming only the ninth coach in NCAA Division I history to win over 200 games. The Bulldogs won one national championship (1980) and six SEC Championships under his direction. He took his teams to 20 Bowl games and coached a Heisman Trophy winner (Herschel Walker, 1982), a Maxwell Award Winner (Walker, 1982), an Outland Award Winner (Bill Stanfill, 1968), 40 First Team All-Americans and 10 Academic All-Americans. Under his watch as athletic director, Georgia teams won 20 national championships (ten in his final six years) including an unprecedented four during the 1998-99 year (women’s swimming, gymnastics, men’s tennis, men’s golf). During Dooley’s tenure Georgia athletic teams won 78 SEC team championships and numerous individual national titles in both men’s and women’s sports. The Paul Bear Bryant Awards honor excellence in coaching while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke. Bryant himself suffered a heart attack prior to his death in 1983. Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association.

Georgia's Orson Charles Named To FWAA Freshman All-America Team

Georgia freshman tight end Orson Charles was named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America Team. Charles, a 6-3, 230-pound native of Tampa, Fla., started three games for the Bulldogs and finished as the team's third-leading receiver. He hauled in 23 catches for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Charles registered a career-high four catches for 73 yards versus Kentucky and finished his first year with a long reception of 44 yards during the win at Arkansas. Charles also started the game during Georgia's 44-20 win over Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl and had a pair of catches. Charles is one of five players from the Southeastern Conference to be named to the FWAA All-America Team. He had already been named a Freshman All-American by Sporting News, Phil Steele and CollegeFootballNews.com.This marks the third straight year that a Bulldog has been named to the FWAA Freshman All-America Team. Knowshon Moreno was on the 2007 team and A.J. Green was named to the 2008 squad.

Tim Tebow and Gemma Spofforth Honored as Ben Hill Griffin Award Winners

University of Florida student-athletes senior quarterback Tim Tebow and senior swimmer Gemma Spofforth were named the 2009 recipients of the Ben Hill Griffin Award, announced Tuesday by the University Athletic Association.
The award, established by Gator Boosters, Inc., and the UAA, recognizes and honors the top male and female student-athletes who excel in both athletic and academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement. Tebow is the first three-time winner while Spofforth is being honored for the first time.
Tebow finished his career with five NCAA, 14 Southeastern Conference and 28 Florida records. He was the first sophomore in NCAA history to collect the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and is a two-time recipient of the Maxwell Award. This past season, he was the winner of the 20th Anniversary William V. Campbell Trophy, along with Lowe’s Senior CLASS award. He was also named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year for a second consecutive year, marking the first time a scholar-athlete was named the Academic All-American of the Year for University Division Football in two straight years.
In 2009, Tebow was named first-team All-SEC by the AP and the league’s coaches, while also being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy for the third time, the Davey O’Brien Quarterback Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Maxwell Award and the Manning Award.
The quarterback threw a touchdown in 39 of his 41 career starts. In his final game in the Orange & Blue, Tebow set career records with 31 completions (35 attempts), 482 passing yards and a career-long 80-yard touchdown to classmate Riley Cooper. He also passed for three scores and tallied 51 yards on 14 carries in the 51-24 victory over No. 4 Cincinnati in the AllState Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. He also set Sugar Bowl and BCS Bowl records for total offense (533 yards), passing yards and completion percentage (.886). His 31 completions was a new Sugar Bowl record, while he tied a previously set mark for touchdown responsibility (four) and his 80-yard TD was the second-longest pass in the bowl’s history.

Florida CB Joe Haden declares for NFL Draft

Florida junior cornerback Joe Haden has announced he will forego his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Haden was a consensus first-team All-American this season as well as a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. The first-team All-SEC pick led the Gators with four interceptions, while contributing 68 tackles, three sacks, 10 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
"We're sad to see Joe go because he's a great leader and a dynamic player," said interim Gators head coach Steve Addazio. "But we know that with his tremendous talent, he will be a special player at the next level. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Joe, and we wish him nothing but the best."
Haden started all 40 career games that he played, and in 2007 became the first true freshman to ever start at cornerback for Florida. He finishes his career with eight interceptions and 218 tackles.
"This was a tough decision, and I spent a lot of time with my family talking about it," said Haden. "I'm so proud that I had the chance to be a Gator. It's been one of the best experiences of my life."
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 22-24.

Vols Berry Heading to the NFL

Berry is headed to the NFL whether he really wants to or not, closing out his UT career in a 37-14 loss to Virginia Tech on a Saturday night in the Georgia Dome.
“I chose to go ahead and enter the draft this following the year,” Berry said. “I really did go over every possible situation, scenario that I could, went over it with coach (Lane Kiffin), went over it with my parents, and you know coach just told me this would probably be the best thing for me to do is enter the draft.
“It’s really hard. I think that’s why it took me so long to come out here, I had to kind of get myself together because I really don’t want to leave, but I feel like it’s just something I need to do to help my family. Just to see how hard my parents worked over the past 18 years, and raising my brothers, I feel like this is something I can do to help them just sit down and relax and show my appreciation for what they’ve done for me.”
Berry should have plenty of opportunity to do it since most projections have him as a top-five pick in the draft, with some experts slotting him as a possible No. 1 overall choice.

Georgia loses another to NFL...Rennie Curran

According to a press release issued through the school, Curran announced that he will forego his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the 2010 NFL draft.
"This has been a really difficult decision," Curran said in a statement. "I love the Bulldogs and my time at Georgia has been great. But weighing all the factors over the last couple of weeks, I finally reached the decision Saturday that entering the NFL draft this year is the right decision for me at this time."
Head coach Mark Richt said in his own statement that Curran's play and his leadership will be "sorely missed".
"Rennie has been a cornerstone of our defense over the last couple years and even as a freshman, made tremendous contributions," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "I think our team¹s fondness for Rennie was demonstrated by his election by his teammates as one of our permanent defensive captains for 2009. He will be sorely missed not only on the field but in the locker room and at the University. We certainly wish him the very best."

UGA's Reshad Jones makes his NFL move

Georgia junior safety Reshad Jones, who was on the verge of entering the NFL draft a year ago, will do so this time and forgo his senior season at UGA, he confirmed late Monday night.
Although he changed his mind on the draft decision a couple of times last year, he indicated he is firm in his choice this time.
“I know I’m ready,” he said.
He said he made the decision after consulting with his family.

Ole Miss Snead Declares For NFL Draft

Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead announced that he will bypass his senior season with the Rebels in order to enter the upcoming 2010 National Football League draft.
"After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to forego my final year at Ole Miss and enter the NFL Draft," Snead said. "The fans, coaches and my teammates at Ole Miss have been unbelievable, and I want to thank them for an incredible experience. In the end, I had to do what is best for me and my family. Having finished my degree, I look forward to the challenge and hard work that comes with pursuing my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL."
A two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, Snead concluded his undergraduate degree in Marketing in December.
"After long talks last night and this morning, we tried very hard to keep Jevan as an Ole Miss Rebel for one more year," said Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt. "I'm sure the fact that he has already finished his degree played a role in his decision, and I do respect his decision. He is young man of great character and Jevan will always be a member of the Ole Miss family.
"We want to thank Jevan for his outstanding play as our quarterback the last two years and wish him nothing but the best. We will be keeping up with him on the next level."
In Snead's two years under center, the Rebels experienced their most successful period in almost 40 years, posting back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since 1961-62 and consecutive January bowl victories for the first time since 1960-61.
A native of Stephenville, Texas, Snead is just the second Ole Miss signal-caller to reach 2,000 passing yards in consecutive seasons, after throwing for 2,632 yards on 191-of-351 passing with 20 touchdowns and 20 interceptions this year as a junior. His 5,394 passing yards is the second-highest two-year total in school history and ranks fifth all-time for a Rebel career.