Bryce Brown wants to go to K-State; Dooley won't release RB from Vols scholarship

Brown infamously notified Dooley earlier this week of his decision to transfer from the Vols and requested his release via text message. Dooley said Brown's method of conveying his future plans -- which came a couple days after a face-to-face meeting -- had no bearing on not releasing Brown from his scholarship, but did say that the sophomore did not meet the criteria utilized in making such a decision.

Dooley said he makes decisions on who to release based on three criteria: what was the player's personal investment into the program; what harm the player's departure would cause the program; and how the player handled the situation as a person.

"I have an obligation to protect the program," said Dooley, who has released some players and declined to release others since taking over the Vols. "Bryce can still go to Kansas State but I'm not releasing him.

Masoli still faces obstacles to be an Ole Miss Rebel

Ole Miss officials, including coach Houston Nutt and athletic director Pete Boone, are investigating Masoli's background, which includes two run-ins with police over the past six months that led to his dismissal from the Oregon team. Masoli has applied to the Ole Miss graduate school to earn a master's degree in parks and recreation management, but he had not yet been accepted as of Thursday afternoon, according to the registrar's office. If accepted, he could play immediately if the NCAA waives a rule requiring one year of in-state residency. David Wells, UM's assistant athletic director for compliance, said he cannot comment on prospective athletes until they are enrolled. Though the Masoli-to-Ole Miss talk has made headlines for nearly a week, it's hardly a done deal. Masoli's attorney, Dan Koenig, has said the quarterback is done with all legal matters in Oregon. But there is still concern that last month's guilty plea to a misdemeanor drug charge may be deemed a violation of the one-year probation Masoli received after his burglary conviction in March, according to The Oregonian of Portland. "There still is the potential that the district attorney could file a probation violation," Koenig told The Oregonian. "We don't know if they see these violations - not crimes - in Springfield as a probation violation." Masoli has taken a beating in the media for his legal problems - including pleading guilty to a second-degree burglary charge in March. He was also cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession and has a juvenile record.To try to spin those issues, the Masoli family has retained the Los Angeles-based firm Sitrick And Company, which bills itself as "one of the top strategic communications firms in the United States."

Vols AD Hamilton nixes idea of synthetic turf at Neyland Stadium

Dooley, speaking Friday at the Knoxville Orthopedic Kickoff Classic Lunchion, hinted at the possibility of replacing Neyland Stadium's grass with a synthetic surface in the near future. After wishing the audience good luck with the high-school jamboree that's being held Aug. 13 at Neyland Stadium, which had an artificial surface from 1968-93: Dooley joked that he didn't want the field to be torn up too much. He then said he hoped to install "field turf" in the near future to open the possibility of giving players at the high-school level and lower the opportunity to play inside Neyland Stadium. Hamilton, men's athletic director, responded in a text message that there are no plans in the works to get rid of the grass. "I'm a traditionalist,'' Hamilton texted, "I think we have one of the best fields in football and the grass has been replaced in the last couple of years. "But, we don't have enough practice space and we'll keep discussing options for that.''Hamilton also said the synthetic turf on the indoor practice field in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex will be replaced in the next 12 months. Tennessee installed an artificial surface at Neyland Stadium in 1968. It was known as "Doug's Rug" because Doug Dickey was the head coach who advocated the switch. UT was prepared to return to natural grass if the stadium was selected as a venue for the 1992 World Cup, but that did not happen. Grass returned for the 1994 season.

Alabama's Kareem Jackson, Auburn's Ben Tate agree to contracts with Texans

The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with their top two draft picks, cornerback Kareem Jackson and running back Ben Tate. Houston took Jackson with the 20th overall pick in the draft out of Alabama. He missed the Texans' first training camp workout on Friday morning, but coach Gary Kubiak said Jackson would be officially signed and ready for the second practice of the day in the afternoon. The Texans expect Jackson to start immediately after longtime cornerback Dunta Robinson signed with Atlanta in the offseason. The 5-11 Tate, who played at Auburn, has signed his contract and worked out with the Texans on Friday morning. Houston took Tate in the second round of the draft. Tate and Arian Foster are expected to challenge Steve Slaton for the starting running back job.

Touted linebacker Trey DePriest chooses Alabama over Ohio State

Alabama picked up commitment No. 16 today in the form of highly coveted linebacker Trey DePriest of Springfield, Ohio. The 6-foot-2, 230 pound DePriest committed to Alabama over local favorite Ohio State moments ago at a restaurant near his home. Rivals has DePriest as a four-star prospect on its five-star scale and the nation's sixth-best linebacker. Scout has him as a five-star and the nation's third-best linebacker. He becomes the fourth linebacker commitment to Alabama's expected 2011 signing class, joining Shannon Brown of Georgia and in-state prospects Brent Calloway of Russellville and Vinnie Sunseri of Tuscaloosa. Vinnie's father Sal, Alabama's outside linebackers coach, played a prominent role in prying DePriest from the Buckeyes. "The initial thought was that he was going to go to Ohio State, because he's extremely close to mom and grandma and grandpa here in town," Springfield High coach Rick Robertson said. "But they've been great, because from the get-go they said, 'Trey, don't worry about us. You do what's best for you.' That's given him some flexibility to look at different places. I know he's hit it off with Coach (Sal) Sunseri. I can't deny that. When he has an opportunity to talk to Sal, comparing his body language and demeanor when he talks to other coaches, it's night and day."

Tom Jackson thinks Strong, Phillips will enhance UK-UL rivalry

Tom Jackson is more known for his run as an ESPN analyst that has now gone on for more than 20 years. Jackson making an appearance Wednesday in Louisville for the Governor's Cup Classic luncheon, held annually to hype the Louisville-Kentucky football game that will be held Sept. 4 this year.Jackson's main focus was the future of the in-state rivalry; specifically, the two men now charged with leading their respective programs.

Both Louisville's Charlie Strong and Kentucky's Joker Phillips are in their first years as head coach, and Jackson feels that the presence of the long-time friends-turned-football-adversaries will greatly enhance the rivalry.

"It's Kentucky and Louisville, and as the years go on, it almost doesn't matter what sport. You say Kentucky-Louisville, you automatically get a certain amount of intensity that comes with that," Jackson said according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

"I think it's going to be enhanced by the fact that these two young African-American coaches are coaching these two football teams. I can't see that it wouldn't be."

Brake now Dangerous curve ahead...Probation could derail Masoli-to-Ole Miss talk

When Jeremiah Masoli pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in March, he was sentenced to, among other things, 12 months probation. Then, three months later, the quarterback was busted for, possession of marijuana.

That last act led to his permanent dismissal from Oregon. This could play a major role in what his football future holds as now, just as talk of the former Oregon QB enrolling at Ole Miss and playing football for the Rebels in the fall has reached a fever pitch,

Houston Nutt was given clearance by the higher-ups at Ole Miss to pursue the logistical aspects involved in getting Masoli to Oxford, now it appears that, in addition to admittance to grad school and securing a waiver from the NCAA, the probation angle is one of those "logistical aspects" that will have to be overcome in order for Masoli to do what seems inevitable, become a member of the Ole Miss football program.

Masoli reportedly admitted to grad school at Ole Miss

Jeremiah Masoli has reportedly cleared one of the hurdles that would allow him to play for another school in 2010.

Neal McCready of Rivals.com's Ole Miss is reporting Wednesday night that, per sources close to the program, Masoli has been admitted to graduate school at Ole Miss.

McCready also reports that Masoli will take an official visit to Oxford this weekend, and multiple unnamed sources sources close to the program feel confident Masoli will end up at Ole Miss this fall.

It was reported earlier today that head coach Houston Nutt was given permission by his administration to pursue the logistical aspects of getting Masoli to Oxford, one of those obstacles, getting the former Oregon quarterback into grad school, has apparently been successful.

Another would be the waiver from the NCAA for a rule that forces a transfer to sit out a year before becoming eligible to play at a new school. If the grad school he was reportedly accepted into offers a program that's not available at Oregon, Masoli would likely receive the waiver from the NCAA.

Ole Miss' Nutt given permission to ramp-up Masoli pursuit

George Schroeder of the Eugene Register-Guard, who spoke with Houston Nutt Wednesday morning and wrote that the Rebels head coach has been given permission by his administration to pursue the logistical aspects of getting Masoli to Oxford.

It appears the higher-ups at the university have given Nutt two thumbs-up for a pursuit of the former Oregon quarterback.

Still, Nutt attempted to put on the brakes on the speculation by saying Masoli coming into his football program is not a done deal.

"We're just looking into the entire situation, from the background, to his academic transcripts, to his graduation from Oregon to graduate school, the whole bit," Nutt told Schroeder over the phone. "We've made no determination."

Kiffin-style...(class act)Bryce Brown severs ties with Vols via a text

The one-time Volunteers running back was scheduled to have a meeting Tuesday with head coach Derek Dooley about possibly returning to the football program, a program he abruptly left earlier this offseason.

Brown not only blew off the meeting, but the sophomore informed Dooley that he no longer had a desire to return to UT. He did this via a text message.

That's a class act alright, Bryce, bad move, Hey, someone said Kiffin, We must have been hearing things.

According to a tweet from Josh Ward of the Knoxville News Sentinel, the fashion in which Brown decided to leave Knoxville did not sit well with a prominent member of his family.

"Brown's father was 'ballistic that Bryce wasn't man enough to tell Dooley to his face that he's leaving."

The news that Brown was leaving would not have come as a surprise to Dooley, who said last week that "at some point he's going to have to ask for a release, which I expect to be soon." However, the manner in which Brown left, after Dooley left the door open for a return far longer than most coaches would've, will certain leave a bad taste in the coach's mouth.

Miss State...McPhee and Sherrod named Preseason All-SEC by Media

Mississippi State placed a pair of players on the Preseason All-Southeastern Conference Second Team. Seniors Pernell McPhee and Derek Sherrod were selected by the vote of 177 media members.

McPhee and Sherrod, along with senior linebacker K.J. Wright, earned preseason All-SEC honors from a vote of the league’s coaches earlier in the week.

Last season, McPhee earned All-SEC honors from both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press and twice earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in 2009. The Pahokee, Fla., native finished the year tied for sixth in the conference with 12.0 tackles for loss. He also recorded 56 total tackles, one of the highest totals in the league for defensive linemen and led the Bulldogs with 5.0 sacks.

Sherrod was an All-SEC performer in 2009 and enters his third year as the Bulldogs starting left tackle. A year ago, he helped pave the way for the Southeastern Conference’s leading rushing attack. State averaged better than 225 yards per game on the ground and eclipsed the 300-yard mark four times. Sherrod helped a line reduce its number of sacks allowed by 16 over the previous season.

The Bulldogs were picked fifth in the Western Division. Mississippi State begins practice on August 3 in preparation for their September 4 season opener against Memphis.

Media Select Cobb, Locke to Media Days All-SEC First Team

University of Kentucky wide receiver/quarterback Randall Cobb and tailback Derrick Locke have been voted 2010 All-SEC Media Days Football first and second team by members of the media.
Both players were named to the first team by way of special teams. Cobb was selected as a first-team all-purpose player, while Locke was voted as a first-team return specialist. Out of the four players voted first-team special teams, Cobb received the most votes with 123 while Locke was marked on 43 ballots.
Both of the UK stars also made the second team on offense - Cobb as a wide receiver and Locke as a running back. Locke received the fifth-most votes on the second-team offense with 40 while Cobb gained 14 votes.
Kentucky joins Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Georgia as the only teams to have multiple selections on the first and second teams. UK finished fifth in the conference with four selections, trailing Alabama (12), Florida (10), Auburn (six) and Georgia (six).
The honors for Cobb and Locke come days after the two Wildcat stars were selected to the Preseason All-SEC first team by league coaches.

Masoli possibly a week away from becoming an Ole Miss Rebel

The Jackson Clarion-Ledger is reporting that the Rebels continue to maintain "serious interest" in adding the former Oregon quarterback, while the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal takes it one step further, writing that the word they have received from sources recently indicates that Masoli will be admitted to Ole Miss. According to head coach Houston Nutt, Masoli must first visit the school, which he has yet to do. Nutt also added that the entire process to get Masoli to Oxford could take another seven days.

That, of course, if Nutt gets the OK from his athletic director and his chancellor, who labeled Masoli coming to the Rebels as "a very complex issue." Also, Masoli would need to get a waiver from the NCAA regarding the one-year residency requirement for transfers, which would seem to be a non-issue provided Masoli enters a graduate program not offered by Oregon.

Nutt certainly understands that he will take a PR hit if and when Masoli becomes a Rebel, but he also knows that he would take a hit if he stands pat and that position falls apart either through injury or poor performance.

"What about criticism I might receive if I don't have a QB to finish the year if something was to happen," Nutt told the Daily Journal.

UGA loses projected starter at LB for up to six weeks

Georgia prepares to embark on its first summer camp under new coordinator Todd Grantham and his 3-4 defense, they'll do so without a projected starter at linebacker.

According to a press release issued by the school, LB Akeem Dent underwent surgery for a toe injury suffered in an off-field accident last week.

The release did not specify exactly how the injury occurred, but did say the recovery time for the senior will be 4-6 weeks. Such a time frame would likely take Dent out for the whole of camp and put his availability for the season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette questionable.

Dent exited spring practice atop the depth chart at strongside linebacker. Sophomore Mike Gilliard could slide into Dent's starting spot until he recovers from the injury.

Glenn Guilbeau on: LSU's Les Miles definitely on the hot seat

National writer Matt Hayes of The Sporting News wrote, "Quick update for those nuts on parade: Saban won 48 games in his first five seasons at LSU, Miles has 51." Quick update for Matt and any other uninformed persons, Saban won 48 games in his five seasons at LSU after inheriting a program that had gone 7-15 with a 3-13 SEC record the previous two seasons with very average recruiting classes from his predecessor. Miles won 51 games in his first five seasons at LSU after inheriting a program that had gone 22-4 overall and 13-3 in the SEC with a national championship and an SEC title the previous two seasons with elite recruiting classes from his predecessor. Miles was 34-6 and 19-5 when the majority of the roster was recruited, signed and developed by Saban, including more than 30 on the 2007 national championship team. Since the roster turned over to players recruited, signed and developed by Miles in 2008, LSU is 17-9 and 8-8. Miles inherited an elite program and has made it average. He will have another season or maybe two to return the program to where it was. But athletic directors and the other power brokers at major schools are paid the big bucks to see things slipping before they completely reformulate. This is why Miles is indeed on the hot seat this season regardless of what he or anyone else says. "Let me tell you about the hot seat," Miles said Friday. "We've been on the hot seat since the day we got here." No, sorry, Miles, in your first three years, you were on Saban's seat. It was very cool and comfortable, and you did very well by going 34-6. Even the games you did lose, you benefitted from a favorable media. Although even a bad coach could have won 25 games with all that well-coached talent in the upper and lower classes. Most realize this now, and that it is indeed Miles who put himself on this hot seat.

Former Alabama signee Melvin Ray ends baseball career, hopes to rejoin Tide

Wide receiver Melvin Ray, a 2008 Alabama signee who chose a pro baseball career, is ready to return to football and the Crimson Tide. Ray, now 21 years old, has left the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization after spending the past three seasons in the minor leagues. He returned home to Tallahassee, Fla., this weekend and is taking steps to join Alabama's 2011 signing class and possibly enroll in time for practice next spring. "My heart is still with Alabama because I signed with them," Ray said. "I wouldn't have made that commitment for no reason. I want to play. I want to play with Alabama no matter what. "I'm in the process of getting in contact with defensive coordinator, Kirby Smart and head coach Nick Saban right now. I've got to figure out what's next. Everything has happened so fast over the last couple of days." The Dodgers drafted the Ray, who is now listed at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, in the 33rd round of the 2008 Major League first-year player draft. Ray spent the past three seasons as an outfielder for the Dodgers' rookie league team. His batting average didn't top .162 in 2008 or 2009, though he was hitting .269 through 20 games this season in the Arizona League. Ray said he will not reopen his college football recruitment beyond Alabama. His commitment has yet to be formally accepted by Alabama, but Saban indicated in 2008 that the door would be open for Ray to return to football at some point in the future. Ray was No. 68 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 for 2008. Ray's father Melvin Sr. said his son needs to complete one class to be able to enroll at UA possibly next spring, meaning the plan is for Ray Jr. to be in junior college this fall either at Shelton State in Tuscaloosa or Tallahassee Community College. After one semester, the hopes are he could enroll at UA after Christmas break, Ray's father said. Presumably, Ray could have his full four years of eligibility for college football since he never enrolled at UA or played for the Crimson Tide.

NCAA plans to interview only one Georgia football player

The NCAA intends to interview only one Georgia player as part of its probe into improper benefits given to athletes by agents. In an e-mail obtained by The Associated Press on Monday, Marcus Wilson, the NCAA's assistant director in charge of agents activities, outlined plans for the interview. The NCAA is investigating possible rules violations at a party on Miami's South Beach in May. Wilson wants to find if the player was involved in, or knew about, NCAA rules violations. Georgia redacted the student-athlete's name when releasing the e-mail. Standout wide receiver A.J. Green says he has never been to Miami and coach Mark Richt says the university will wait to see what happens. Football players at Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina are part the probe.

QB Masoli going to Ole Miss Update

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt has confirmed that he has received the release papers from former Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli, the process will move slowly, but we're hearing Masoli could very well end up at Ole Miss. A San Francisco, Calif., native, Maoli was kicked off the team by Oregon coach Chip Kelly in June following his second arrest, this one for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license. He had previously been arrested in January for his part in a frat house break-in and was suspended by Kelly for the 2010 season with the chance to return in 2011. By NCAA rules Masoli, who has completed his undergrad work at Oregon, can enroll at any graduate school and be eligible for football this season if he enrolls in a graduate program not offered at Oregon. Masoli had previously contacted Ole Miss, as he had contacted many other school, but Nutt was not interested. Things changed over the weekend. Nutt passed on Masoli when he already had a less than ideal situation. He had two young guys who had been in the program, but only one, Nathan Stanley, had taken meaningful snaps in a game, and Stanley had just a few of those in the Cotton Bowl. Now with Raymond Cotton’s departure, Nutt is left with an unproven first-year starter and behind him a junior college transfer, who is a terrific athlete but has no exposure to D1 football and just arrived in Oxford in June. For all his athleticism, it’s unclear how Mackey will adapt to the other demands of quarterback. Perhaps very well, but that won’t be known before a decision on Masoli must be made.

Masoli sends scholarship release papers to Ole Miss

Jeremiah Masoli becoming a member of the Ole Miss Rebels is a step closer today, the Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting.

Head coach Houston Nutt confirmed to the paper that the former Oregon quarterback has sent his scholarship release papers to the Rebels. Masoli graduated from Oregon earlier this month and is now free to sign with another school without sitting out a transfer year, provided the school with which he signs offers a graduate program not available at Oregon.

Nutt, who has stated he will look to add a third quarterback following the transfer of Raymond Cotton, also confirmed via a text his interest in possibly bringing Masoli into the fold.

"Checking all avenues," Nutt texted to the Commercial Appeal. "I anticipated Jevon Snead's departure, leaving school early for the NFL draft, but Cotton's really puts us in a bind. Will let you know if I get serious with Masoli."

Nutt also said he's certain Masoli emailed his release papers to several other schools, although Ole Miss is the only one to have confirmed receiving them.

Nick Saban's comparison of unscrupulous agents to pimps: An insult to pimps everywhere

On Wednesday, he helped launch the SEC Football Media Days with a quote that resonated all week. Referring to agents preying on players and jeopardizing their eligibility, Saban said, "How are they any better than a pimp?" That was an insult to pimps everywhere. With college football season six weeks away, it should be a continuing celebration of Alabama's national championship. It should be eager anticipation over Auburn's renaissance. It should be time to embrace the phrase Commissioner Mike Slive reprised, that this is "the Golden Age" of the Southeastern Conference. The trouble that bubbled up this week concerned the ever-popular phrase "illegal contact with an agent." Marcell Dareus, the defensive MVP of Alabama's BCS title game win, has been accused of doing so while attending a lavish party in Miami. Players from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have also come under scrutiny. As with most professions, it's a minority of agents giving the majority a bad name. Even if most agents might be missing a scruple or two, they are at least rule-abiding and seem to have the players' best interest at heart. Not so the more slimy ones. To do their dirty work, they use "runners," typically college-aged, able to blend into the campus scene and ingratiate themselves with players. They act as a player's pal, perhaps picking up a bar tab here, a bill for some new clothes there, maybe some walking-around money. Maybe a party invitation. They create a sense of obligation to sign with the agent the "runner" represents. Sometimes that comes with a "sign this now, take the money and nobody will ever know" arrangement well before the player's college eligibility is complete. "There's a lot of good agents out there that don't do this stuff. They're not out there chasing guys and giving them money and breaking rules and flying them all over the country, sending girls after them, all kind of stuff," Saban said. "They're not breaking the rules."

Vandy's interim coach revels in unexpected opportunity of Head Coach in the SEC

Robbie Caldwell stood at the front of a big ballroom at SEC Media Days on Thursday, looking out at several hundred reporters. "I know the first question you're asking," he said, "is ‘Who's Robbie Caldwell?'"
He is Vanderbilt's interim head coach, having ascended to the position when Bobby Johnson surprisingly retired last week.
An offensive-line coach at various colleges for 30 years, the past eight at Vanderbilt, Caldwell is reveling in his unexpected opportunity to be a head coach, even if it proves to be a one-season gig, as most expect.
"I told my wife, if it's two days or 20 years, I will now be able to say, ‘Hey, I was a head coach one time,'" Caldwell said. "This is the greatest thrill of my life other than my child being born.
"I go from lining the field to being a head coach in the SEC."
Caldwell broke the tension of the SEC's preseason media event, which has been dominated by talk of improper dealings between players and agents. Caldwell's session with the media, by contrast, was full of quips and laughs as he talked about everything from his first job on a turkey farm to his anonymity in the high-profile SEC.
"I can still walk in places and nobody knows me," Caldwell said. "Last night I was opening the door for people, and they gave me a tip."

QB Cotton gone from Ole Miss

Cotton has indeed decided to transfer. According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Cotton was concerned about playing time and the fact that Nathan Stanley, who nudged Cotton for the starting job coming out of spring practice, was invited to the Manning Passing Academy this summer and he wasn't.
The Mobile Press-Register reports that Cotton could be headed to South Alabama.
Cotton's departure leaves the Rebels with just two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, Stanley and JUCO transfer Randall Mackey. Nutt has stressed that he will look to add a third quarterback before the start of camp.

USC Gamecocks shown respect in preseason rankings

South Carolina has still never been picked higher than third in the preseason media poll – but the Gamecocks came closer than ever this year. The Gamecocks were picked third in the SEC East in the preseason poll, one vote behind second-place Georgia. That tied for the second-closest margin in the two-decade history of the voting; the closest was a tie between USC and Georgia for third in 1995. The poll was announced Friday at SEC media days. It was the second straight year USC was picked third, after being picked fourth the previous seven times. It was the fifth time USC has been picked third, and the first time that has happened in consecutive years. South Carolina has twice finish tied for second, in 2000 and 2005. Florida was picked to win the East, and Alabama the West, both by comfortable margins. Those two teams have met in each of the past two league championship games. In the bottom half of the East, the predicted order of finish was Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. That was the lowest-ever predicted finish for Tennessee. Vanderbilt received one first-place vote. In the West, the order behind Alabama was Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State and Mississippi.

Six Georgia Bull Dawgs On Coaches Preseason All-SEC Teams

Six Georgia football players have been named to the Southeastern Conference Coaches Preseason All-SEC teams, according to a league announcement.
Georgia and Auburn are tied with the third-most players on the All-SEC teams as Florida leads the way with 10 selections and Alabama has nine.
The Bulldogs have four players who were named First Team selections. Only the Crimson Tide has more players on the First Team with six.
Junior flanker A.J. Green, a native of Summerville, S.C., and senior offensive tackle Clint Boling, a native of Alpharetta, were named to the First Team offense.
From the special teams, junior place kicker Blair Walsh, a native of Boca Raton, Fla., and junior punter Drew Butler, a native of Duluth, also both grabbed First Team honors.
Junior offensive guard Cordy Glenn, a native of Riverdale, was named to the Second Team offense while junior cornerback/returner Brandon Boykin, a native of Fayetteville, was placed on the special teams Second Team.
Georgia hosts the University of Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 4 to start its 2010 season. The Bulldogs first SEC matchup is at South Carolina on Sept. 11 with a noon kickoff.

10 Gators Selected to 2010 SEC Media Days Preseason All-SEC Football Team

The defending SEC Eastern Division Champion Florida Gators had 10 representatives on the 2010 All-Southeastern Conference Media Days Football Team in a vote of media attending the 2010 SEC Football Media Days, held July 21-23 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala. The SEC Media Day-record 177 voters selected the Gators to win the SEC East and play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Football Championship Game on Dec. 4 in Atlanta. The Gators were on 17 of the ballots for the winner of the SEC Championship Game and were on 153 ballots to win the Eastern Division. Filling out the Eastern Division, Georgia was voted to finish second, followed by South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Florida had three first-team selections. Senior center Mike Pouncey was the lone offensive selection, while senior linebacker Brandon Hicks and senior safety Ahmad Black were named to the first-team defense. The Gators led the conference with seven second-team selections. Senior offensive linemen Marcus Gilbert and Carl Johnson led UF’s second-team offense selections, while senior defensive lineman Justin Trattou , junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins and junior safety Will Hill were second-team defense selections. The second team was rounded out by senior punter Chas Henry on special teams and junior Chris Rainey , who was selected as an all-purpose player.

Vols' Bryce Brown's situation still a Mystery

Bryce Brown was in Knoxville on Friday, but even Tennessee coach Derek Dooley claimed not to know how long the talented young tailback would stay. Brown, who came to the Volunteers as the No. 1 prospect in the nation and accumulated 597 rushing yards and four touchdowns as a freshman last year, skipped spring practice and hasn’t worked out with the team this summer. He has been contemplating a transfer but hasn’t announced definitive plans. “I have not met with Bryce. I promise you, I haven’t met with him,” Dooley said Friday morning at SEC media days. “There’s nothing new — which shocks you, I know. He was in town when I was leaving. I anticipate us talking before he leaves town. “I feel the same way that I felt since he left, that he’s not a part of our team. The only reason this is dragging is because he hasn’t told me he wants a release to a certain school, and he’s never told me he wants to come back. “At some point, he’s going to have to ask for a release — which I expect will be soon. That’s where we are.” “It’s no different than what I said several months ago,” Dooley said. “It starts with whether he wants to return with his heart in it the right way, and if his teammates would embrace him back. I’m sure they would, because we’ve talked about it.

Tide 'not aware of any issues with' Ingram trip

TMZ.com reported Thursday afternoon that the NCAA is interested in speaking to Alabama running back Mark Ingram in relation to a trip to Washington D.C. the reigning Heisman winner took earlier this year.

According to Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register, that's not the case.

A university spokesperson told the paper the NCAA cleared the trip in advance and is not interested in investigating Ingram.

"Mark provided all the appropriate documentation," spokesman Doug Walker told the Press-Register, "and we are not aware of any issues with the visit."

One of the issues cited by TMZ as being of interest to the NCAA were receipts Ingram was required to provide after being cleared for the D.C. trip by the NCAA, Walker told the paper that Ingram submitted the necessary receipts.

Nutt trying to keep Cotton from bolting Ole Miss

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt arrived at SEC Media Days on Friday fielding plenty of questions about redshirt freshman quarterback Raymond Cotton, who is considering transferring to another school as summer camp approaches. Cotton, a 6-foot-4 athlete from Fort Meade, Md., came out of spring drills as the No. 2 quarterback behind Nathan Stanley and was expected to compete for playing time this season for the Rebels, who have won the last two Cotton Bowls while finishing 9-4 overall both times. "Nothing has been decided, not as of yet" , Nutt said. "His mom and dad are visiting him today or tomorrow, and I'm hoping he makes the right decision. We'll see what happens. "Quarterbacks want to play yesterday. We're really excited about Nathan Stanley and Randall Mackey. You've got to go with the ones who are there." Nutt later said that Cotton's parents, Raymond and Gwen Cotton, want their son to stay at Ole Miss. The Rebels have to replace two-year starter Jevan Snead, who left for the NFL draft with one year of eligibility remaining but had to settle for a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nutt believes the Rebels' defense will be the strength of their team. "We're going to lean on Tyrone's group," he said, referring to defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix.

Media sees another Tide-Gator battle for Title

It is media days and the hoop-la is on. Voting conducted by the media, of which the results were released this morning, the Tide and Gators were runaway picks to win their divisions and meet again in December.

The media picks a repeat of the last two conference title games, they also see a repeat winner; 143 of the 177 voters picked the Tide to be the SEC champion, with 17 for the Gators.

The Crimson Tide received 153 first-place votes, far outpacing Western Division rival Auburn and their 10 votes. Arkansas had fewer first-place votes (6) than the Tigers, but were still picked to finish second behind the Tide in the West.

Also receiving first-place votes were Ole Miss (3) and LSU (1); even with three voters placing them atop the division, the media still sees the Rebels sitting in the West's cellar.

In the Eastern Division, the Gators received 153 first-place votes to hold the top spot in that division, followed by Georgia (15) and South Carolina (8).

Heisman winner Bama's Ingram has drawn NCAA's interest

TMZ.com is reporting that the NCAA is interested in speaking with Alabama running back Mark Ingram regarding a trip he took this off-season. It's not the now, infamous South Beach party either. The NCAA is looking to question the reigning Heisman winner, a source told the entertainment gossip website, about a party he attended in Washington D.C., that was described by the site as a celebration of college stars who had just been drafted.

The NCAA is interested in how Ingram paid for the trip and, by extension, if any agent was involved.

An Alabama compliance department official told the website that Ingram had "asked if could visit[former Florida Gator Joe Haden at his home in Baltimore." The compliance department "checked with the NCAA and they approved this trip as long as Mark provided receipts for his expenses."

It's unclear whether Ingram submitted the proper paperwork following his trip or if the university even acknowledged that the NCAA is interested in speaking to Ingram.

The website reports that, even with the school's claim that Ingram's trip was above board, the NCAA is still looking to talk to Ingram in regards to the trip

WR Hammonds gets Gator scholarship taken away for DUI arrest

A month after being arrested and charged with DUI, wide receiver Frankie Hammond reached a plea deal on July 16 and was sentenced to, among other things, 12 months probation.

Five days after that deal, head coach Urban Meyer laid out the deal for Hammond's future and it's not good news for the redshirt sophomore.

Meyer announced that Hammond has been stripped of his scholarship, although he could be allowed to return to the team as a non-scholarship player.

"He's off of scholarship at Florida," Meyer said. "If he tries to come back and play, which I understand he will, he'll have to pay his own way and earn a spot like any other member that would like to be a part of Florida football.

"There will be playing time taken away from him. He'll be on probation like other players that have made mistakes. If he does something again, it will be probable dismissal."

Hammond was suspended indefinitely following his arrest, and has been working out on his own away from his teammates.

While Hammond had just four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in 2009, he was being counted on to be a significant contributor in the Gators' passing game in 2010.

Bulldog's A.J. Green denies he's part of South Beach party scandal

A.J. Green is the target of the latest agent-related inquiry, one of several involving players from North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama who allegedly attended a party in Miami's South Beach hosted by a player agent.

Before the news of the NCAA's interest in Georgia even broke, the star Bulldogs wide receiver denied being in South Florida.

"I never went to South Beach," Green told the website.

Even given Green's denial, SI.com reports that, per a source, Green is a potential interview subject. It's unclear if Green would be the sole interview target for the Athens inquiry.

Attending a party would not constitute a violation of NCAA rules. Although, if any of the players had things paid for by an agent, such as airfare, hotel rooms, and more, this would constitute a violation and the player could be stripped of their eligibility.

Alabama DE Marcell Dareus declared ineligible

According to the Tuscaloosa News, and citing a source close to the situation, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus has been declared ineligible as the school is in the midst of a probe centered on the player's relationship with an agent Fortunately for the Tide, Dareus appears to be the only current player who attended a player-agent's party in Miami's South Beach, a soirée that's caused investigations at North Carolina and South Carolina as well as Alabama.

The News reports that the school will petition the NCAA immediately for the reinstatement of the defensive lineman's eligibility.

The SEC is assisting Alabama in its probe.

Grades KO starting Uof Kentucky corner Warford

The Louisville Courier-Journal is reporting that cornerback Paul Warford will not return to Lexington for his senior year.

During his time at the SEC Media Days, new head coach Joker Phillips confirmed that Warford will not be on the roster this fall, and that academics was the reason behind the development. Warford also sat out the 2008 season due to academic issues.

During the three years he was academically eligible, Warford started a total of 23 of the 36 games he played in since 2006.

Pouncey denies 'absolutely ridiculous' claim he took $100K from agent

In a press release sent exclusively to the Gainesville Sun, Pouncey has adamantly denied being the recipient of illegal benefits from an agent or anyone associated with an agent.

"I did not accept $100,000, it is an absolutely ridiculous claim," Pouncey said in a very brief denial.

"I have completely cooperated with the investigation and answered any and all questions put to me."

NCAA investigators now have Georgia on their mind

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Georgia received a call from the NCAA this afternoon requesting permission to send investigators to Athens to conduct an inquiry.

UGA was told by the NCAA to provide no further information to the media other than acknowledging the NCAA has requested an inquiry.

Georgia becomes the fifth school publicly identified in the last week as having drawn the interest of the NCAA. The first four -- North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Alabama -- have conducted or are conducting investigations in conjunction with the NCAA regarding football players' relationships with player agents and, or their associates.

SEC facing off-field troubles before media days

Troubling events have made headlines in the two weeks leading up to the three-day SEC event that begins Wednesday. There was a bar brawl involving Tennessee players and there are potential NCAA troubles brewing at Florida and South Carolina. The latest, and potentially biggest, issue arose with a report Monday that Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey got $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended. The NCAA is also looking into a possible rules violation involving South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders. SEC commissioner Mike Slive declined to discuss specific issues involving Florida and South Carolina, but said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press that he would like the NCAA at some point to consider changes to rules involving agents. “The agent issue is one that’s been of concern not only to us but I think to everyone associated with intercollegiate athletics and I do think it’s time to re-examine some of the NCAA rules that relate to agents,” he said. “I have felt for a long time that it would be helpful to be able to provide student-athletes with more information and more opportunities to learn what their professional potential might be than is currently allowed by NCAA rules.”

Florida coach Urban Meyer, and Pouncey’s brother, Mike, are scheduled to appear at media day on Wednesday afternoon.

Pouncey to deny accepting 100K from agent while at Florida

A report from ESPN.com's Pat Forde surfaced Monday in which it was alleged that Pouncey received $100,000 from someone tied to a player agent at some point between Florida's loss to Alabama in the SEC title game and the Gators' Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati. If it were to be proven that Pouncey accepted illegal benefits, the first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be declared retroactively ineligible and UF could be forced to vacate their bowl win.

A source told Schad that Florida originally became aware of the Pouncey allegation through a letter that was postmarked from Canada, and contained photographic evidence that showed a runner for a sports agent interacting at social events with with Maurkice Pouncey and his twin brother Mike, who will be a senior offensive lineman for the Gators in 2010.

The Pounceys have been cooperating with the dual investigations being conducted by both Florida and the NCAA, and, Schad writes, have provided phone, bank and credit card statements that do not show any large payments. Two sources told Schad that Pouncey purchased an Escalade and jewelry after the April NFL draft with a deferred line of credit.

A separate source told PFT's Mike Florio that he's 99.99-percent certain Pouncey did not receive any extra or illegal benefits before playing his final game in Gainesville.

Florida the latest school to earn agent-related NCAA probe

According to ESPN.com's Pat Forde, the NCAA is investigating an allegation that former Florida Gator offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from an associate of an unnamed sports agent while still a member of the football program. Pouncey, selected in the first round of the April draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers after leaving Gainesville a year early, allegedly received the money in the time between the Gators' loss to Alabama in the SEC title game and the win over Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.

Florida is doing its own investigation into the situation after informing the NCAA of the rumor when they first caught wind of it.

"We were made aware of some information in early June that we reported to law enforcement and we then shared with the NCAA and the SEC," athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. "At this time we have no information that has indicated that there are any compliance issues for the University of Florida."

If it's proven that Pouncey received the illicit benefits, Florida could be forced to vacate their bowl win.

'Cocks AD Hyman releases statement on NCAA's interest in USC player

South Carolina has released a statement from athletic director Eric Hyman regarding the NCAA's interest in one member of his football program.

"The NCAA has been in contact with us regarding possible rules violations in one of our programs. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with their inquiry. We have confidence in our compliance program and will work with the NCAA to bring this matter to a resolution in a timely fashion."

So far, it's student-athletes from North Carolina and South Carolina who have publicly been fingered as being of interest to the NCAA; according to a source, there's the possibility that the names of at least two more prominent Div. 1-A schools could be made public over the next few days/weeks in relation to an NCAA investigation that has the potential to reach much, further than the scope of it right now.

NCAA looking into Gamecocks TE Saunders

According to The State, an NCAA investigator was in Columbia last week interviewing South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders regarding his relationship with an agent.

The paper reports that it's believed the Saunders questioning is tied to the North Carolina investigation, although no specifics were given connecting the two.

The Tar Heels probe is seemingly focused on players with eligibility remaining allegedly receiving illegal benefits from an agent or agents.

Saunders, who was suspended earlier this year for violating unspecified team rules, was third on the team last season with 32 receptions.

LSU QB Chris Garrett to transfer

Quarterback Chris Garrett plans to transfer to another school for the 2010 football season, LSU coach Les Miles confirmed. "We wish Chris the best," Miles said in a release by LSU's sports information department. "There are no hard feelings. Chris is a good kid. We hope he has success wherever he ends up." Garrett (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) would have to sit out the 2010 season if he transfers to another upper division school. He could play this season should he transfer to a lower division school. Garrett, who would have been a redshirt freshman at LSU in 2010, signed with LSU in February of 2009 out of Tupelo High in Tupelo, Miss., as the No. 18-ranked, pro-style quarterback in the nation, according to Rivals.com, and the No. 13 overall prospect in Mississippi. He did not play last season and was redshirted.LSU's coaching staff did not have major plans for Garrett this season as he was third string behind 2009 starter Jordan Jefferson, who will be a junior this season, and No. 2 quarterback Jarrett Lee, who will also be a junior and was the starter in 2008. Garrett attempted only four passes in the spring game last March, completing one for 14 yards, and had one rush for 6 yards.

Leroy WR Sammie Coates switches commitment from Southern Miss to Auburn

It was tough to miss lanky receiver Sammie Coates on the practice field Saturday.

He turned heads with a couple of spectacular catches in tight coverage and made one grab in the end zone that seemed all but impossible.

Auburn coaches noticed too, and they quickly offered him a scholarship after the workouts were finished. Coates, a Leroy standout who was previously committed to Southern Mississippi, readily accepted.

"I got an offer and committed," he told AuburnUndercover.com. "I'm ready to celebrate now."

The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder plans to join his former quarterback, Clint Moseley.

'Bama's AD Mal Moore deserves contract extension

Mal Moore's tenure as Alabama's athletics director has certainly seen its ups and downs.

When the former Crimson Tide football player and assistant coach took the reins of the athletic department in November 1999, Mike Dubose was leading the Tide to that year's SEC championship in football.

Since then, Moore has presided over the rotating Mikes (DuBose, Price, Shula), Dennis Franchione's unceremonious departure for Texas A&M, and numerous brushes with the NCAA.

He also spearheaded a $125 million facilities fund-raising campaign, improving the facilities for nearly every sport on campus, and perhaps most importantly, hired Nick Saban as head football coach.

With one BCS championship trophy and a Heisman resting in Alabama's new state-of-the-art football building and construction crews expanding Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gentry Estes reported yesterday that an extension to Moore's contract is in the works.

Some thought the 70-year-old Moore would retire soon, but that does not appear to be the case.

Gator WR Hammond pleads out Crown Royal-fueled DUI

According to the Gainesville Sun, Hammond was sentenced to 12 months probation, a $500 fine plus court costs and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service as part of a plea deal stemming from his June 13 DUI arrest.

Hammond was pulled over by university police early that Sunday morning after being clocked doing 45 in a 20 mph zone. Two breathalyzer tests revealed BAC levels more than twice the legal limit. Two open bottles of Crown Royal were found in his vehicle, which explained the twin pair of .19's.

Almost immediately after his arrest, Hammond was suspended from all team activities by head coach Urban Meyer; reports surfaced later that Hammond could possibly be suspended for at least one game and possibly two, but no official punishment has either been levied or made public.

While Hammond had just four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in 2009, he's being counted on to be a significant contributor in the Gators' passing game in 2010.

LSU FB Allen hit with suspension

Another one bites the dust(good tune) The latest to be bit by the catch-all phrase for screwing up is LSU fullback Dominique Allen, who was suspended indefinitely Thursday by head coach Les Miles for violating unspecified team rules.

"There is a responsibility our players have to this program," Miles said. "There are things that you can and can't do and we are not going to compromise the integrity of our program."

"To be part of the LSU football team, we ask our players to strive for excellence in the classroom, and in competition, and to represent this university in a first-class manner in the community. Anything short of that, will not be accepted."

A sophomore in 2010, Allen played in just one game for the Tigers as a true freshman last season.

Razorback's Mallett ...fully expecting to be full-go by camp

"I'm fully expecting to be full go by camp," Mallett said during a teleconference according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "Unless something changes, that's the plan. I don't see anything changing as long as everything stays on schedule."

Mallett, who has not been cleared to run although that should happen soon, tried his best to ease the concerns of the Razorback faithful over the state of his foot.

"Everybody is worried. We kind of laugh at everybody because they don't think we're going to be ready, but we're going to be ready."

2nd Shoulder surgery could sideline Gamecock's OL Richardson

An injury to Quentin Richardson's right shoulder knocked him out of South Carolina's PapaJohns.com Bowl loss to UConn in January.

Now an injury to the other shoulder has placed the offensive lineman's availability for the 2010 season in jeopardy.

According to a press release issued by the school, the junior tackle will be forced to undergo surgery after suffering an injury to the left shoulder. The release did not state how Richardson suffered the injury.

His status for the 2010 season will be determined after the surgery, the release read.

Richardson started the first four games of the season last year before being relegated to a backup role, then reclaimed the starting job in the regular-season finale.

Suspended UGA RB Jackson leaving Bulldogs

Three days after being hit with a multigame suspension, running back Dontavius Jackson has decided to transfer from the University of Georgia.

Jackson was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with six misdemeanors, including driving under the influence and hit and run. The next day, head coach Mark Richt suspended the redshirt sophomore for at least the first six games of the 2010 season.

Jackson will leave school at the end of this semester, although there's no word on where he may end up continuing his collegiate football career.

In four games last season, Jackson rushed for 38 yards on four carries.

SEC's Sportsmanship Award winner arrested after campus fight

According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Scott was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with disturbing the peace. The charge was a result of an on-campus fight with an Elmer Johnson. That's E-l-m-e-r Johnson.

Scott's charge is a misdemeanor; Johnson is facing felony charges for having the name "Elmer".

Head coach Houston Nutt is still in the information-gathering phase of the process and had no comment.

The sophomore rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns in 2009, and is in the mix to replace Dexter McCluster as the Rebels' starting back.

Playback: On June 22, Ole Miss running back Rodney Scott was awarded the SEC's Sportsmanship Award for his quick-thinking actions in the wake of a serious neck injury suffered by Auburn safety Zach Etheridge.

Latest police report on Vol's bar brawl...where is Nelson(Waldo)

A UT Athletic Department official, who asked not to be identified because of the ongoing investigation, said an internal review indicated Nelson wasn't present the night of the brawl. No one has been charged yet in the assaults against either Russell or Capouellez. Darren Myles Jr., 19, is charged with assaulting a UT Police Department officer, evading arrest and resisting arrest. The sophomore safety, who previously was charged in April with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, has since been kicked off the team. Rogers, along with Myles, Moore, 21, and players John Brown, 22, and Matthew Milton, 18, all have been named as possibly being involved in the beating of Capouellez, according to UTPD reports. Players Marlon Walls and Greg King, who have not been mentioned in police reports, were indefinitely suspended from the team by Dooley on Friday. Yet the newly released KPD incident report, based on Russell's hospital interview with police, is the first instance that Nelson has been mentioned as being involved, at least by name. On a sports call-in radio show on WNML on Friday, a caller identifying himself as "Allen" and claiming to be a co-owner of Bar Knoxville said he witnessed a UT player start the initial fight with the patron inside, said host Jimmy Hyams. When asked which player it was, the caller only replied "number 97," Hyams said. Nelson's jersey number is 97.

What now at Vandy...Coach Johnson Retires

Bobby Johnson announced at a hastily-called press conference Wednesday afternoon that he was stepping down as Vanderbilt's head coach and retiring from coaching.

On at least two occasions, Johnson made sure to stress that he was retiring from coaching, not resigning from the Commodores. The coach who was on the precipice of coaching his ninth season at the school said there were no health concerns for either him or wife that would've forced him into this abrupt decision.

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has been named as Vandy's interim head coach for the 2010 season. That move becomes effective immediately, although Johnson stated in his press conference that he will officially step aside at the end of July.

"I've decided to retire, not resign," Johnson said. "I will not be coaching the Commodores in the 2010 season. It is a tough decision with which my wife Catherine and I struggle. This is a personal decision. It's about what we want to do with our lives."

Johnson first spoke to Vanderbilt officials Tuesday about his desire to retire; those officials attempted to talk Johnson out of his decision at the time, last night, and then again this morning. Even as there are just 52 days before the Commodores open the 2010 season, there was simply no talking Johnson out of his decision.

"Believe me, there's not a great time for a college football coach to retire," Johnson said. "This is the way we worked it out. It was a hard decision when to do it and where to do it."

Johnson's career record of 29-66 at the school belies just how competitive his Commodores were in the face of both a death march of a football conference and the stringent academic requirements at the institution.

Vols DT Nelson instigated fight that led to bar brawl

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, one facet of a police report seemingly points the finger of blame at senior defensive tackle Chase Nelson as the person who started a fight that ultimately escalated and ended with two patrons, including an off-duty police officer, hospitalized and two UT players charged for their respective roles.

In a statement given to the Knoxville Police Department, 20-year-old Gary Russell, one of the two hospitalized, claimed that Nelson started a fight with him inside Bar Knoxville.

The fight quickly turned into a brawl that spilled out into the street and resulted in the injuries to the KPD Officer Robert Capouellez, and safety Darren Myles and freshman wide receiver Da'Rick Rodgers facing charges. Myles was subsequently dismissed from the football program.

No charges have been filed for the alleged assaults on either Russell or Capouellez, but the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Nelson, the News Sentinel writes, has been serving an academic suspension since the end of the spring semester and has not taken part in any team activities.

WR Salters leaving Razorbacks football for pro baseball

Razorbacks wide receiver Carlton Salters is leaving the football field to follow his dreams on the baseball diamond. University of Arkansas head football Coach Bobby Petrino made the announcement Monday about Salters, who played in 27 games over his Razorbacks football career. “Carlton has indicated to me he plans to pursue his goal of playing professional baseball,” Petrino said. “I support his decision and want to thank Carlton for his contributions to the Razorback football team. I wish him well as he furthers his career.” Salters had 13 catches for 185 yards and a touchdown. In 2009, he played in eight games and had three catches on the season for 81 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 27.0 yards per catch. As a redshirt sophomore in 2008 he played in 10 games and started against South Carolina. He finished the year with six catches for 66 yards. He saw action in nine games as a redshirt freshman and played on special teams and had four receptions for 38 yards.

Facebook wall gets Gators in secondary hot water

According to the Orlando Sentinel, a Florida assistant coach posted on the Facebook walls of two football recruits, leading to two of four secondary violations the school "committed" between June 1,2009, and June 15 of this year. The Gators were turned into the SEC by an unnamed rival school after an unnamed assistant at the school, who was monitoring the Facebook walls of recruits, noticed the impermissible contact.

In each case, the UF assistant was, the Sentinel writes, reminded of the interpretation regarding permissible electronic contact and was prohibited from written communication in recruiting for a period of two weeks.

Additionally, Florida self-reported violations for "impermissible protective gear" and two assistants called a recruit during the same week. The "punishment" for each was a similar slap on the wrist.

Crimson Tide to repeat, according to composite preseason football poll

Alabama is favored to repeat as national champion in the Press-Register's annual composite preseason college football poll from four magazines: Phil Steele, Athlon's, Sporting News and Lindy's. Alabama got three first-place votes and 98 of a possible 100 points. Oklahoma got the other first-place vote.

Ohio State, which didn't receive a single No. 1 vote but was the No. 2 pick in three of the four magazines, narrowly trailed the Crimson Tide with 95 points and is No. 2 in the preseason compilation. It should be noted that none of the last four preseason compilations has correctly picked the eventual national champion. Last year, Florida was the preseason No. 1. Six SEC teams -- more than any other conference -- are ranked in the top 25: Alabama (1), Florida (4), Arkansas (16), Auburn (19), Georgia (20) and LSU (22). Two of the top six teams in the poll are from non-BCS leagues: No. 3 Boise State of the WAC and No. 6 TCU of the Mountain West. The Big 12 has just three teams ranked among the top 25, but they are all among the top eight, No. 5 Oklahoma, No. 7 Nebraska and No. 8 Texas.

Vols' AD,Hamilton: 'This kind of stuff just tears me up'

Vols' AD, Mike Hamilton today said the Friday bar brawl on the Cumberland Avenue "Strip" and its aftermath, which resulted in a couple of UT football players in jail and others suspended indefinitely, affected him personally. "I was telling Coach Derek Dooley this morning, this kind of stuff just tears me up. Because I know who the lion's share of our students are, what they are doing, and so when we have a setback like this, it's very disturbing personally. Because these are not the kinds of things I stand for personally or things that are part of my value system. So it's difficult to deal with that."

Police officer involved in Vols brawl still in serious condition

An off-duty Knoxville Police Department remains hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a bar fight involving several members of the Tennessee football program, the Knoxville News Sentinel is reporting.

Officer Robert Capouellez was listed in serious condition Saturday night at the UT Medical Center with a head injury. Witnesses told police that Capouellez attempted to break up a fight and was hit in the head and knocked to the ground. At that point, a suspect "kicked the officer several times before fleeing the scene."

Sophomore safety Darren Myles Jr. was arrested for assault, resisting arrest and evading arrest, while freshman wide receiver Da'Rick Rodgers was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Myles was subsequently dismissed from the football program.

Meanwhile, the university is investigating whether UT players received extra benefits in the form of not having to pay a cover charge at Bar Knoxville. The owners of the club indicated in interviews shortly after the incident that players were allowed in without a cover charge, which could be an NCAA violation.

One of the co-owners of the bar disputes that the players were receiving extra benefits, saying that no cover charges applied to some non-athletes as well.

"It's really irritating because they're making us out to be the bad guys," Sandy Morton told the News-Sentinel. "We've got somewhere between 200 and 300 people that we consider VIPs that aren't athletes. All ladies are considered VIPs, which only means they don't have to pay a cover charge.

"The VIP is nothing that has anything to do with UT athletics."

Regardless, Morton said they're "done with" VIP treatment for known athletes.

UGA's Dontavius Jackson, Tavarres King suspended indefinitely

Georgia redshirt sophomore tailback Dontavius Jackson and redshirt sophomore split end Tavarres King have been suspended indefinitely from all team activities by UGA head coach Mark Richt following their arrest early Saturday on alcohol-related charges. In addition, Jackson will serve a minimum six-game suspension while King has been handed a minimum one-game suspension. Information is still being gathered which could lead to additional penalties according to Richt. “I’m disappointed in their decision-making and lack of judgment and they will both pay a stiff price,” said Richt. “All our players need to understand that it’s a privilege to be a Bulldog and their conduct needs to reflect the standards we expect.”

Gator's Urban Meyer turns 46, and is already a Legend

Urban Meyer turned 46 today. The coach is a legend and is only getting started. To date, Meyer is 96-18 as a head coach and has produced five 10-win seasons, two Southeastern Conference titles and, of course, two national championships. Meyer's .851 winning percentage in Gainesville is the best in school history and his .800 winning percent in the SEC tops everyone who spent five or more years in the league.Last December, the Sporting News and Sports Illustrated named Meyer college football's coach of the decade.
How does he stack up against other noteworthy coaches?
So, at age 46, here goes.
-Robert Cleckler "Bobby" Bowden was coaching West Virginia to a 9-3 record and spot in the Peach Bowl. He began a legendary stint at Florida State a season later (1976) and had his only losing season in Tallahassee that fall.
-Paul "Bear" Bryant was in his second season (1959) at Alabama. He had one SEC title to his credit, but that had come at Kentucky in 1950. His 1956 Texas A&M squad went 9-0-1, but no team of his had finished ranked higher than fifth.
-Doug Dickey completed his ninth and final season as Gators coach. He went 4-7, moving his UF record to 58-43-2. Dickey had won two SEC titles -- but both occurred while he was head coach at Tennessee.
-Legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley had won three SEC titles (1966, '68 and' 76). His first and only national title didn't come until 1980, when he was 48. Before turning 46, he was 8-6-1 against Florida.
-Lou Holtz had yet to win a national title and was in his last of seven seasons at Arkansas (1983). A few days before his 46th birthday, he defeated Florida in the now-defunct Bluebonnet Bowl.
-Eddie Robinson, the king of historically black college football, was in his 23rd season as coach at Grambling (1965). He led the program until 1997 and won 408 games.
-Joe Paterno was in his seventh season (1972) at the helm of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Although he already had two unbeaten and untied teams, both finished No. 2 in the AP rankings. Paterno would not win his first national title until he was 56.
-Nick Saban was in his third season as head coach at Michigan State (1997). The Spartans went 7-5 that fall. Up to then, Saban's best season was at Toledo in 1990, when he went 9-2. He also had spent time as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.
-Steve Spurrier had completed only one season (1990) as Gators coach. He went 9-2.
Keith Niebuhr
GatorBait.net Senior Writer

Gamecocks schedule 2013, 2015 home-and-home series with Central Florida

South Carolina has scheduled an out-of-conference series a couple years from now, The State is reporting.

The Gamecocks of the SEC have reached an agreement on a home-and-home series with Central Florida of Conference USA. The Gamecocks will travel to Orlando in September 2013, and the Knights will return the road favor the same month in 2015.

In addition to an extra trip to Florida, South Carolina will also only have to pay $300,000 to UCF for their '15 trip to Columbia, the same amount they will receive for traveling to play the Knights. With prices approaching or exceeding the seven-figure mark for a game against a mid-level school, being able to secure a home-and-home with a minimal payout will be a boon to the school's bottom line.

"It's a good regional matchup and you don't have to pay that $1 million to get someone in," USC associate athletics director Charles Waddell told the paper.

"To get Coach Steve Spurrier back down there other than in Gainesville had some appeal for the people there at Central Florida. Coach was OK with doing the game and it fit with what we were trying to do."

The two schools have faced each other in football three times, with the Gamecocks winning all three. The average margin of victory has been just ten points per game, a relatively small edge considering the fact that all of the contests had the Gamecocks as the home team.

The last time they faced each other was in the opener in 2005, which also happened to be Spurrier's first game as USC's head coach.

UGA football players arrested for alcohol offenses

Two football players for the University of Georgia were jailed early Saturday morning on alcohol-related charges less than a week after an embarrassing drunken driving arrest prompted the university's athletic director to resign. Dontavius Jackson, listed as a sophomore tailback, and sophomore split end Tavarres King were in a Chevrolet Avalanche stopped on a campus road just before 3 a.m., UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said. Jackson, 20, was charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and other motor vehicle offenses. King, 19, was charged with underaged possession of alcohol as were two other passengers inside the Chevrolet. A fifth person was allowed to leave without being arrested. Williamson said his officers started following the truck because it failed to move into the left lane while police were conducting an unrelated traffic stop on the same stretch of road. Soon, the police officer following the car heard a radio transmission saying that the Chevrolet was wanted for an earlier hit-and-run accident. Jackson was being held in the Clarke County jail Saturday afternoon and did not return phone and e-mail messages. A phone listing for King, who was released, was unavailable. UGA spokesman Claude Felton said football coach Mark Richt was aware of the arrests and is gathering information about the incident. Felton said he was not expecting any decisions on discipline Saturday.

The arrests came less than a week after UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans resigned following an arrest for drunken driving.

Vols HC...Derek Dooley dismisses Darren Myles

Facing the first major incident since taking over at Tennessee, the first-year coach didn't blink and quickly came to a decision about a handful of players involved in Friday morning's bar brawl. Sophomore safety Darren Myles has been dismissed from the program after his second arrest in three months and sophomore defensive tackle Marlon Walls and sophomore linebacker Greg King were both suspended indefinitely by Dooley, who backed up his dedication to discipline with swift action less than 24 hours after two players were arrested outside Bar Knoxville on Cumberland Avenue. "It is a privilege, not a right, to be a member of the University of Tennessee football team," Dooley said in a statement released by UT. "The most important responsibility of that privilege is to properly represent this institution and our supporters on and off the field. I am disappointed and in many ways embarrassed by the poor judgment displayed on many fronts by several members of our football team last night. "Although we are still gathering all the facts and some legal proceedings will follow, we have taken some initial levels of discipline resulting from my conversations with the student-athletes who were present. Darren Myles has been permanently dismissed from our football program. Marlon Walls and Greg King have been indefinitely suspended." The roles of King and Walls in the incident aren't entirely clear at this point, but Myles was charged with resisting arrest, evading arrest and disorderly conduct by UTPD - the second time he's been picked up by police since the end of spring practice. Myles was one of the stars of Dooley's first 15 practices with the Vols, often leading the secondary through drills and forming a dynamic tandem with safety Janzen Jackson at the back of the defense. But that combination has officially been broken up now. "I am respectful of the process that follows with the local authorities and with our institutional guidelines and leadership," Dooley said. "As I have referenced on many occasions, a change in culture is achieved in time through a combination of education, discipline and support. "We will aggressively continue to build on the many positive changes that have occurred over the last five months to ensure our program is represented with class and dignity."

Bad Times for Vols...one player dismissed, two suspended

The fallout from an early Friday morning bar brawl involving several members of the Tennessee football program continues this evening as head coach Derek Dooley has begun meting out punishment for some involved in the incident.

Sophomore defensive back Darren Myles has been given the heave-ho from the football program, a direct result of both his early-morning arrest and the fact that it's his second arrest in the past three months.

A pair of sophomores, defensive tackle Marlon Walls and linebacker Greg King -- have been suspended indefinitely for their participation in a brawl that ended with two people hospitalized, one of whom was an off-duty police officer.

USC's Mike Garrett apologizes to Florida for allegations of tampering

Southern California athletic director Mike Garrett has sent a letter of apology to the University of Florida and several other schools regarding allegations made by USC that the schools had made impermissible contact with running back Dillon Baxter after the NCAA announced sanctions against the Trojans. ESPN reported last month that a USC compliance official had sent a letter to Pacific 10 Conference officials alleging that Florida, Washington, Oregon, Fresno State and Alabama had contacted Baxter, a freshman who enrolled at USC in January and participated in spring practice. ESPN was also first to report Garrett's letter to Florida. Garrett's July 1 letter to Florida AD Jeremy Foley read in part: "I have spoken with Mr. Baxter and he has now confirmed that he did not receive a call from your institution. Therefore, USC has no intention of pursuing this matter further. "I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment this matter has caused to you and your institution." Several media outlets have reported that Alabama and Washington also received letters from Garrett.

Ex-Auburn back Aycock heading to USF

Nearly two months after getting the boot from the Auburn football program, Dontae Aycock has found a new collegiate football home.

Aycock, long rumored to have an interest in South Florida, is indeed heading to the Bulls, Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times is reporting.

The running back's brother, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dwight Smith, confirmed to the Times that Aycock will be a walk-on at USF, with the goal of "try[ing] to earn a scholarship." Smith said that for Aycock, a Tampa native, "coming home was his No. 1 priority."

The sophomore was a four-star member of the Tigers' 2009 recruiting class who was a redshirt during his first and only year at Auburn. He was dismissed by head coach Gene Chizik for violating unspecified team rules.

After sitting out this season, Aycock will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Auburn Reserve DB Hood...Transferred

Auburn has officially suffered a slight blow to their depth in the secondary as cornerback D'Antoine Hood has transferred from the school, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer is reporting.

Hood, the cousin of former Auburn standout Roderick Hood, has decided to move on and resume his collegiate career at Alabama State.

The junior told the paper via Facebook that he has already been taking classes at the school for the past month. As Alabama State is a Div. 1-AA institution, Hood will not have to sit out a transfer year and will be eligible to play immediately.

Hood played in 22 games during his two years with the Tigers, with two starts and 22 tackles on his résumé.

USC apologizes to UF for false Dillon Baxter's accusation

According to Pete Thamel of the New York Times, USC athletic director (for now) Mike Garrett sent a letter to Florida officials apologizing for the reports, saying they were untrue. Garrett also apologized for "any inconvenience or embarrassment" the situation has caused Florida.

There was no mention as to whether the same letter was sent out or was planned to be sent out to the other four schools involved, or if this apology was specific to the Gators.

So, we get the feeling that this won't be the last of this story, and that letters to the remaining schools are coming.

Then either Baxter or USC's compliance department, or both will have some serious explaining to do.

Patrick Patterson, dismissed from Ole Miss

Rivals.com's Ole Miss website is reporting that, according to multiple sources, Patterson has been dismissed from the program. The move comes a little less than two months after Nutt told reporters Patterson's suspension was close to being lifted.

It's unclear what specific action, or inaction, on Patterson's part prompted Nutt to now move for dismissal.

In addition to the spring practice suspension, Patterson was suspended for the Rebels' Oct. 17 game against UAB last season for violating unspecified team rules.

As a true freshman last season, Patterson caught 12 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. He was the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi last year, and rated as the No. 4 receiver in the country by Rivals.com.

Georgia president names Crumley interim AD to replace Evans

Frank Crumley was named Georgia’s interim athletic director on Tuesday, though university president Michael Adams said he wants to look outside the university first for a full-time replacement for Evans.

Crumley received the promotion on Tuesday after working as Evans’ top assistant — executive associate athletic director for finance — since 2007. “Not to make light of it, but it will be business as usual,” Crumley said. Crumley said Evans’ arrest brought “some surprise and shock” to the athletic department. “I think it’s sort of shock but everybody is adjusting and happy to get back to work today. I know I was ... to get some normalcy back in it,” Crumley said. Adams selected a six-member search committee, headed by University of Georgia law professor David Shipley, to seek Evans’ permanent replacement. “This is one of the best five or six AD jobs in America, I believe, and I assure you there will be no shortage of interest,”. Adams said he is looking for “a person of integrity.” “I think in all these cases anyone you want already has a good job and so you have to work with someone else’s schedule other than your own,” he said. “I’m looking for someone who has a very high level of experience.” Adams said he hopes for an “expeditious” search, but Shipley said it is “overly optimistic” to suggest the search will end before 2011. Among the other search committee members are Georgia swimming coach Jack Bauerle, associate athletic director Carla Williams, and the student member of Georgia’s athletic board, Trey Sinyard.

Evans became the SEC’s first black athletic director in 2004 when he was hired by Adams to replace Vince Dooley, who had been at the school as football coach and athletic director for 40 years. Adams said he hoped Evans would provide continuity as a long-term head of the athletic department, but that plan was crushed by the embarrassing arrest on Wednesday.