USC Steve Spurrier's Weekly Press Conference, quote

"Southern Mississippi has a lot of football tradition. Their team has been good over the years. They've been to eight straight bowl games and haven't had a losing record in 18 years or something like that. They have a rich tradition."Gamecocks' Spurrier said.

"Their coach already said publicly that they expect to beat us. It will be a down to the wire, probably tough physical game for us. Very similar to a lot of our conference games this will be. We'll find out what kind of team we are early and go from there. I hope we'll improve from the first game to the second game and throughout the season, but that's where we are right now."

NCAA denies Masoli waiver; Ole Miss to appeal

According to a notice posted on the school's website, the NCAA has denied Masoli's request for a waiver. There was no reason given for the denial, although the school has scheduled a press conference for 5 p.m. ET today.

Ole Miss has already appealed an NCAA decision that would technically preclude Masoli from suiting up for the Rebels until 2011.

"The Ole Miss appeal of the NCAA staff's decision will now be reviewed by an NCAA subcommittee. A response could be expected as early as Friday but no later than one week." Ole Miss opens the 2010 regular season on Saturday.

Bama's Mark Ingram out for opener following knee surgery

According to a press release issued by the school, Ingram underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning. Ingram sustained the injury during practice Monday.

The 2009 Heisman winner will miss the opener this weekend, and will then, with a showdown with Penn State looming the second weekend, be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

"Mark Ingram sustained a left knee injury late in Monday's practice," said UA coach Nick Saban in a statement. "It was a situation where everyone involved thought it would be better to take care of now, so he would not have any issues with it later in the season.

"Mark had an arthroscopic procedure this morning with Dr. Lyle Cain and Dr. James Andrews and it was successful. We have full confidence in our medical staff and we know the doctors and athletic trainers will do an outstanding job in taking care of Mark and assisting him in his rehab."

TE Saunders a no-go for Gamecocks' opener and More

"He's not on the team. He won't play Thursday," head coach Steve Spurrier said according to Chris Low's ESPN.com SEC blog.

Saunders has been suspended since Aug. 23 for violating unspecified team rules unrelated to the twin probes. It's been reported that Saunders lied to coaches regarding his whereabouts after missing team meetings, resulting in a suspension that's yet to be lifted.

The Gamecocks could be without additional players due to the NCAA investigations, however. Spurrier said the school has yet to hear from the NCAA regarding any penalties for players involved in a hotel brouhaha. The school is hopeful they will hear something definitive from the NCAA before the opener.

The coach also reiterated his stance that the school will not fight what if any punishment the NCAA decides to dole out and will simply move on.

"We will accept what the NCAA says and move on," Spurrier said. "I don't believe in distractions. If a guy gets hurt, the next guy has to go play. Whatever team is out there Thursday night, that's our team. They will be expected to go play well."

Gamecocks' Taylor out to finish what he started

In the history of South Carolina football, you’d be hard pressed to find a defensive player who enjoyed a better debut than defensive end Devin Taylor last year at N.C. State. After becoming a situational player the second half of the season, Taylor aims to both start and finish 2010 strong. Coaches believe Taylor can consistently make the type of impact he flashed a year ago in Raleigh. "He’s got a year behind him playing in the SEC. Hopefully, he’ll have a productive year," defensive line coach Brad Lawing said. "A lot of time those ends, that position lends itself to more productivity than the tackle position. I expect Devin to play well." Starting in place of the suspended Clifton Geathers, Taylor stunned the Wolfpack with the two momentum-changing plays early in the game and later forced another fumble. He finished with six tackles and led USC with three tackles for loss.

Florida Gators' Jelani Jenkins impresses with his speed

Jelani Jenkins' size has spawned plenty of doubts that he can be an effective middle linebacker, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin doesn't have any. A 6-1, 223-pound redshirt freshman, Jenkins has played himself into a position battle with Jon Bostic, who carries 15 more pounds and more closely resembles the prototypical middle linebacker. Austin still hasn't settled on who will start, but Jenkins has impressed with his speed. "I don't care what they think,'' Austin said. "I know what he does for us.'' You can count freshman Neiron Ball as another linebacker on his coach's good side. Austin said Saturday that Ball would see plenty of playing time. "He's got a chance to be a dynamic player with a little seasoning and stuff, but he's one of the young guys that stood out during camp,'' Austin said.

Vanderbilt head coach Robbie Caldwell stays with Larry Smith at QB

Vandy's HC Robbie Caldwell made it official Sunday night after practice when he announced that Smith would be the starter Saturday against Northwestern.
"Larry has separated himself and deserves to get the ball," Caldwell said. "He has the big edge in experience and really understands the offense. I expect to see Larry play well Saturday."

Auburn Tigers turn attention to Arkansas State

"You get to the grind of the everyday practice and all the things that go with pre-fall camp," Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said,,and at some point it’s like there’s no end in sight, and now they’re finally seeing for the next 14, 15 weeks, we’ve got games. I think it changes mentally the whole outlook for those guys." It’s only six days until the No. 22 Tigers kick off the season at Jordan-Hare Stadium against the Red Wolves, ending an offseason of rising expectations in Year 2 of the Chizik regime, both externally and internally. "It’s way more confident than we were last year," linebacker Josh Bynes said. "We feel it, not just from media but we feel it within ourselves, that we don’t see anything less than an SEC championship year. And that’s the feeling from the get-go." "It’s put up or shut up," quarterback Cam Newton said. "Go hard or go home. That’s words I live for before the game. If you’re not going to give your all, why are you out here?" Auburn hopes to use the early part of the season to get its newcomers accustomed to the college game. The Tigers added 31 players last offseason, 28 of which are freshmen. Chizik estimated that 10 to 20 players of that group could play right away, although he didn’t want to be held to a specific number. Regardless, he knows getting them early experience will help the team in the long run.

Free SEC Football Betting Line...LSU vs NC at the Georgia Dome Sept. 4th

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. LSU Tigers @Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA: Saturday, September 4: 8:00 p.m. ABC

College Football Betting Lines:

North Carolina: +1 ½
LSU: -1 ½

The first Saturday of the season will end with one of the most intriguing college football picks of the day: Mighty LSU of the SEC will kickoff against upstart North Carolina, Who’ve you got?

For LSU, if things are to improve, quarterback Jordan Jefferson needs to be better. Behind Jefferson, this passing offense finished just 97th in college football last season (181.8 yards per game).

Things won’t be easy against North Carolina, and against a swarming defense that returns nine starters off a unit that allowed just 16.9 points a game (13th in college football) in 2009. Of course UNC’s offense wasn’t anything to write home about last year either, scoring just 24 points a game. Will they be better in 2010?

They will be.

Look for this game to be low scoring, and come down to the fourth quarter. However, with LSU’s defense having to replace several starters, North Carolina will do just enough to get this victory.

The Pick: North Carolina +1 ½

Gamecocks' Spurrier, and team ready for action

Steve Spurrier stood on the USC practice field on a pleasant Saturday evening and sounded ready to put four weeks' worth of work into play Thursday night against Southern Miss in the season opener. "It wasn’t too hot. Nice little breeze here. Maybe it’ll be like this in about five days," Spurrier said. “So anyway, I’m looking forward to the ballgame and looking forward to practicing a little harder the next couple of days." "There’s always just a little bit more awareness that the game is getting closer. As you know, four weeks is a long time before you play a game. We used to have three weeks to practice, now it’s four," he said. "You have to pace yourself. I’ve seen teams get ready too early and forget to get ready the week of the game." Spurrier, who’s entering his sixth season with a 35-28 record in Columbia, would like nothing more than to finally put USC’s last game behind him. The Gamecocks dropped a 20-7 decision to UConn in the Papajohns.com goal on Jan. 2. He’s confident the fall camp has them prepared to erase the memory of that game. "We haven’t overdone it. Our team will be a ready to play. Southern Miss is a good team, and they believe they’re going to come in here and beat us," he said. "What we have to do is prove we’re a tough, disciplined team. Last time we attempted football at South Carolina, we were not. We were embarrassing. So we’re going to try not to be embarrassing."

Gator's Mike Pouncey Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List

Senior center Mike Pouncey (Lakeland, Fla.) was named to the 2010 Rimington Trophy Watch List, as announced on Thursday. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the Most Outstanding Center in NCAA Division I-A College Football. Pouncey has appeared in 39 games with 32 starts and started all 14 games during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, including the Gators’ 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl victory, the 2008 SEC Championship Game victory and the 2008 FedEx BCS National Championship Game victory. Last season, Pouncey was named a 2009 AP Second-Team All-American, as well as an AP First-Team All-SEC selection. In 2009, Mike’s brother, Maurkice, became the first Gator to win the award after tallying 40 career starts over his three seasons, while also garnering recognition as a first-team All-American by Walter Camp, the FWAA, Sporting News and CBSSports.com. Maurkice was the 18th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The award is named in honor of Dave Rimington, a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only double winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. In all, there are 37 players on the Watch List. The ACC checks in with the most candidates, with six players being named. The SEC, Big-12 and PAC-10 are represented by five players each on the Watch List.

Ole Miss' Grandy taking on Punt Return duty

With Marshay Green gone, Grandy has taken over the punt return duties, said special teams coordinator James Shibest. Markeith Summers is the next best candidate, but that could change, Shibest said. Ole Miss spent much of Friday's practice working on special teams, preparing for the Sept. 4 season opener against Jacksonville State. "It was a pretty thorough day today, with organizing all special teams, substitutions, you try to go over everything you can think of from the last play of the game, the last second to victory formation," said Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt. "We'll do a rehearsal today and go A through Z." In addition to Grandy and Summers, others in the mix to return kicks include Derrick Herman, running backs Brandon Bolden and Jeff Scott and cornerback Frank Crawford. The Rebels will have a dress rehearsal for the Jacksonville State game today at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium."We'll put them in situations from kicking and punting to everything, to make sure we get 11 out on the field and make sure everybody's paying attention," Nutt said.

Spurrier likes tough early games

The coach is sold on the thought of moving the annual South Carolina/Clemson matchup from an end-of-the-season meeting to a season-opening event. "I have wished we could play Clemson in the first game of the year. It would give fans something to talk about all summer," Spurrier said. While no plans are in place to make that kind of change in the near future, according to Spurrier, he thinks the idea makes sense. A schedule that opens with Clemson, jumps into the conference schedule, leads to a conference championship game and a chance to play for a national title would be ideal. "Bowl games are great, but playing for a championship is what everyone wants," Spurrier said.

Vols secondary in better shape for Opener

The Volunteers have redshirt freshman cornerback Eric Gordon, and he's ready to prove he's as aggressive as Berry. Gordon, Janzen Jackson, Art Evans and Marsalis Teague, with their presence on the field makes coach Derek Dooley feel much more comfortable about the Vols' secondary heading into the Sept. 4 season opener against Tennessee-Martin than he felt a month ago. Part being with Evans returning from shoulder surgery and Jackson back from a hamstring injury.

Two Gator freshmen arrested on alcohol charges

Two freshmen on the University of Florida football team were arrested over the summer for possession of alcohol under the age of 21, the Miami Herald has learned.Freshman safety Matt Elam was arrested on July 2 and freshman receiver Solomon Patton was arrested on Aug. 1.
Strong safety Matt Elam pleaded no contest to the first-degree misdemeanor charge July 21 and was ordered to pay $184 in court costs and fees. His payment is due Oct. 27. The case will remain open until the fine is paid, according to court records.
Wide receiver Solomon Patton, charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, accepted a deferred prosecution agreement Aug. 19. If he meets the terms of the agreement, which includes performing community service, Patton’s record will be clean. He is a first-time offender.Elam received public recognition from UF coach Urban Meyer on Thursday for being a leader of the freshman class. A strong safety by trade, Elam has also practiced at nickel back during the preseason and could receive playing time at the position in the Gators' season opener on Sept. 4 against Miami (Ohio). Elam will not be suspended for the season opener, according to Florida assistant coach Chuck Heater, who coaches the team's safeties.Patton's status for the season opener has not been determined.

UGA suspends RB Ealey for minimum of one game

In a statement released by the school, head coach Mark Richt announced that Ealey will be suspended for at least the opener against Louisiana Lafayette.

"I'm extremely disappointed in Washaun's lack of good judgment," Richt said in the statement. "He was fully aware of his suspended license and had been instructed not to get behind the wheel. As a result he'll miss the first game and will also be subject to internal discipline."

Ealey was charged very early Friday morning with hit and run of a parked vehicle and driving with a suspended license. It was subsequently found that there was an outstanding warrant out on Ealey for failure to appear in July on speeding and vehicle registration charges.

Richt did tell reporters that Ealey will have a shot at playing in the SEC opener against South Carolina the second weekend of the season if he does what's asked of him.

UGA RB Ealey arrested following hit-and-run

Washaun Ealey had been locked in a battle with Caleb King for Georgia's starting running back job throughout summer camp.

This morning, the sophomore is locked in a county jail.

According to multiple reports, Ealey was arrested very early this morning and charged with hit and run of a parked vehicle and driving on a suspended license. Ealey was booked at 5:22 ET this morning and remains in the Clarke County Jail in lieu of a $3,000 bond.

Ealey was driving a gold Chevrolet Impala that hit a parked truck in the East Deck at 3:19 a.m. today, university police chief Jimmy Williamson told the Athens Banner-Herald.

Parking service employees saw the incident and stopped Ealey and asked him to wait for police, but Ealey said he couldn't wait for the police and he left the scene, Williamson said.

"Our officers arrived on the scene ran the car and it came back to an individual not the individual that was arrested," Williamson said. "We went to the room of that individual and he told us he had not been driving a car, that his roommate had been driving the car and he gave us the name of Washaun Ealey."

Police talked to Ealey, who told them details about the accident. It was then determined he was driving on a suspended license.

Ealey led the Bulldogs in rushing last season with 717 yards, but King was tentatively named the starter Thursday by running backs coach Bryan McClendon.

Embattled Gamecock TE defends himself

According to The State, Saunders phoned in to 107.5 The Game and used the Friday afternoon call to release a statement that chastised those who know not what they report.

"I love the university and my coaches. Allegations of this being all about me and being a me-first guy and trying to bring the team down are false. Coach Spurrier and I are on good terms. We did have a misunderstanding, but that's all cleared up now. I couldn't have more respect for Steve Spurrier or Eric Hyman. I understand perception is reality and people will see what they want to from the outside. But what they see is not the case on the inside."

Given the pains the school has taken to remain relatively mum on these issues and keep the players involved even more mum, how pleased were they when they found out the central figure in the dual NCAA probes went on local radio to break what's been described as a school-imposed silence?

If Saunders is looking to make his way out of Spurrier's doghouse and get the suspension lifted, he may have taken the very wrong track.

Tide's Richardson looks forward to many happy returns

"I love kickoff returns," Ala­bama's standout sophomore running back said. "I didn't really get to return none in high school, because they all kicked away from me. But when I did, I always ran them back." In the second game of his sophomore season in 2006 at Es­cambia High School in Pensa­cola, Fla., Richardson returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown against Washington High School. Late in his junior season, Rich­ardson returned a kickoff 100 yards in a loss to Pine Forest. In the third game of his senior season, Richardson returned a kickoff 90 yards for a fourth­quarter touchdown that helped make the difference in a five­point victory. Pace High had just taken a 16-14 lead. "You can't just put the ball in Trent's hands in any way," Jimmy Nicholls, Escambia's head coach at the time, told the Pensacola News-Journal after the game. "I'm telling you, be­cause more times than not, you'll pay for it." It appears Richardson will get a chance to return kickoffs this season for Alabama. Twice dur­ing the preseason, coach Nick Saban has mentioned Richard­son as the man most likely to re­place departed All-American Jav­ier Arenas.

Rebels begin implementing game plan for season opener

Ole Miss had a spirited practice under warm, sunny skies on Thursday and began to focus in on next Saturday's season opener against Jacksonville State.
"Boy, we had a good practice today," head coach Houston Nutt said. "We had a lot of enthusiasm. I thought our guys bounced around for the most part. We ended with a two-minute drill. The offense did much better today than yesterday, and I was proud of that. We really started zeroing in on Jacksonville State today. We went separate scout teams for part of the practice."
With former Clemson and Memphis head coach Tommy West visiting the practice fields adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the special teams took center stage.
Nutt talked about the vital role of the kickoff and punt units to the team's success.
"Once we get everything situated, we don't mind putting some starters on the kickoff team," he said. "There will be some good starting tacklers on there. You can't use them all, but a second-team linebacker ought to be a starter on the kickoff team and a second-team corner. You're looking for speed. The way our guy is kicking with the hangtime he gives us, we ought to be able to cover that kick."
Sophomore punter Tyler Campbell and the entire punting unit drew praise from Nutt. Campbell figures to be one of the top punters in the SEC again this year.
"He's awesome. Changes your season. A guy that can flip the field consistently and make them go the long distance with our defense gives you a chance in every game. I've been proud of the brand new deep snappers, too, and now Wesley Phillips is back. He's snapping good, and Will Denny's done an excellent job."

Gator's Jeff Demps Named a Candidate for 2010 Doak Walker Award

University of Florida junior running back Jeff Demps was named a candidate for the 2010 Doak Walker Award, announced by the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back. This marks the second-consecutive year that Demps has been nominated for the award. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification. In 2009, Demps played in all 14 games for the Gators and started 12. He accumulated 745 yards rushing on 99 carries and scored seven touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the nation with an average of 7.5 yards per carry. The field of candidates is highlighted by the nation’s leading returning rusher, Dion Lewis from Pittsburgh; 2009 Doak Walker Award finalist and Heisman Trophy recipient, Mark Ingram from Alabama; and Ryan Williams from Virginia Tech, who ranked third nationally and led the ACC in rushing last season. The recipient of the 2010 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 9. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, in Feb. 2011.

Georgia Bulldogs host final scrimmage before first game

Coach Mark Richt set up the scrimmage to resemble an actual game as much as possible. There was a pre-game warm-up, coin toss, running game clock and coaches were situated in the press box. The scrimmage lasted 60 minutes.
"It felt like a game, I know I felt it in the locker room, during our pre-game routine and during the scrimmage," said Richt, who enters his 10th season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
Redshirt freshman Aaron Murray went 9-for-17 for 127 yards and one touchdown to junior A.J. Green, who caught 4 passes for 40 yards. Senior receiver Kris Durham had three catches of his own for 78 yards.
Defensive leaders included senior outside linebacker Darryl Gamble, who had eight tackles and two sacks. Senior cornerback Vance Cuff had six tackles and sophomore safety Bacarri Rambo housed a 66-yard interception for a touchdown.
Georiga captains for the season opener will be fullback Shaun Chapas on offense, Cuff and senior Demarcus Dobbs on defensive and senior fullback Fred Munzenmaier on special teams.
Georgia begins the 2010 season ranked #21 and #23 in the USA Today and AP polls, respectively, and is expected to be a dark horse contender in the SEC East.

Vanderbilt's Warren Norman may miss season opener

According to The Tennessean, running back Warren Norman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier today and is questionable for the opener.

It's unknown exactly when or how Norman suffered the injury, but swelling in the knee in recent days prompted doctors to perform an MRI and led to their scoping the knee this morning.

"He had little pieces of cartilage floating around in there and they cleaned it up," Caldwell said. "Hopefully, he's going to be ready to go. We don't know if he'll make it for the first game, but he's got a shot.

"Team physician Kurt Spindler also cleaned up his meniscus. There were some rough edges there. A piece of cartilage floating around in there - that's what was causing it to swell up. He didn't have pain, but it was causing it to puff up. Hopefully, he's going to be good as new."

Last season, Norman rushed for 783 yards and returned three kickoffs for touchdown, the latter total tying an SEC record, on his way to laying claim to SEC Freshman of the Year honors.

"Warren says he's going to be ready the first game, but it's probably going to be about two weeks," Coach Robbie Caldwell said. "We don't want to rush it. We want to make sure it's healthy."

Vanderbilt Commodores need more sacks from defense

While the offense, which finished 110th nationally, bore the brunt of the blame for last year's 2-10 record, the defense also contributed fewer sacks than the previous season. In 2008, when Vandy went 7-6 and won the Music City Bowl, the defense was fifth in the SEC with 30 sacks. Last year it dropped to 10th with 20. "Our defense played real well last year and obviously as an offense we left them on the field too long,'' said new Coach Robbie Caldwell, the offensive line coach last year. "But coming up with more sacks, putting some more pressure on the quarterback, is something we're stressing this year." The ends accounted for eight sacks. Of the returning players, senior Theron Kadri had three and junior Tim Fugger and senior Teriall Brannon had one. The trio will rotate at the two positions. "The defensive end is a tough position because the offensive tackles are great in the SEC," Caldwell said. "We've gotten stronger and bigger there and gotten a couple of fast people I think can really help us."Fugger and Kadri each weigh 255 pounds and Brannon is 245. One of last year's starters, Broderick Stewart, weighed 230.

LSU's Kelvin Sheppard earns preseason All-America honors

LSU senior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard has earned a spot on the Sporting News Preseason All-America Team, as the publication’s college football preview issue hit newsstands this week. Sheppard was the only Southeastern Conference player to be named to the defense. He was joined by Tank Carder (TCU) and Lawrence Wilson (Connecticut) at the linebacker position. The publication also tabbed LSU 20th in its preseason Top 25 poll. North Carolina is ranked 21st, while five SEC teams are ranked in the poll led by No. 1 Alabama. Sheppard, a native of Stone Mountain, Ga., has garnered national award watch list attention heading into his final season. He is a candidate for five major defensive awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award.

Gator's Sturgis Named to Groza Award Watch List

Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine, Fla.) has been named to the Lou Groza Award watch list. Kickers on the Lou Groza Award Watch List were chosen based on statistics from the 2009 season and 2010 preseason expectations. Fifteen out of the 30 kickers chosen for the award are semifinalists returning from 2009, including Boise State senior Kyle Brotzman and Missouri junior Grant Ressel. The Pacific Ten leads the conferences with six players on the list and the ACC and SEC have landed five kickers each. From this list, a panel of over 300 experts selects the top three finalists for the award by Nov. 22. That same group then selects the national winner which will be announced Dec. 9 during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Award Show. The 19^th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl Committee, recognizes the three finalists during an early week celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with a gala awards banquet on Dec. 7. Sturgis was named a semifinalist for the award last year. He has handled all kickoff duties the past two years and has made 22 of his 30 field goal attempts and 44 of his 47 PATs. Florida’s Judd Davis won the award in 1993.

Tide's Dont'a Hightower ready to fill the key role vacated by Rolando McClain

In Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, the Mike is the boss. He's in charge, directing traffic, calling signals, audibles and making sure players line up correctly. It's a critical part of a complex defense, so much that Saban has only had one true starter at Mike during his tenure at Alabama. McClain held the role for three years, taking it as a freshman in 2007. But when McClain passed up his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL draft, Hightower became the quarterback of Alabama's defense. "He's done a good job making calls," Saban said. "He doesn't make a lot of errors out there in a new role. He had a good understanding of what we're doing, so we're really pleased with him." "It's kind of tough duty trying to replace Rolando," Hightower said. "He was such a great player, and he knew the defense so perfect. It's been a tough journey, but I feel so comfortable in it now. I feel like I've played Mike since I've been here." In a linebacking corps where players are still being shuffled less than two weeks before the Sept. 4 season opener against San Jose State, only Hightower is clearly secure. While Courtney Upshaw figures to be the "Jack," in Alabama's base defense, Chris Jordan, Nico Johnson, Jerrell Harris and other players are still vying to be in the rotation in some form.

Auburn's Mario Fannin up for Doak Walker Award

Auburn tailback Mario Fannin has been added to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation's top running back. Fannin, who is taking over the starting tailback slot for the departed Ben Tate, has rushed for 971 yards and six touchdowns in his career. He has 2,722 all-purpose yards. Last season, Fannin was third on the team in rushing with 296 yards (averaging 8.4 yards per carry) and second in receiving with 42 catches for 413 yards (averaging 9.8 yards per reception.)
The versatile Fannin has those 971 rushing, 944 yards in kickoff returns, 812 yards in receiving and minus-5 yards in receiving. A running back at heart, Fannin's 80 career receptions are five shy of tying for the 15th most in school history.

NCAA probe could cost Gamecocks two players for opener

Speaking at a Touchdown Club luncheon and as relayed by The State, head coach Steve Spurrier told attendees that one or two of his players could miss the opener because of the ongoing NCAA investigation.

"That's probably what it'll be," Spurrier said. "But maybe they won't. Who knows?"

Spurrier did not specify which players are in jeopardy of missing the game, although, the following have been in the spotlight.

Tight end Weslye Saunders, as well as North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin, has been at the center of discussion ever since word leaked over the course of a couple of days that the NCAA was investigating players at several programs regarding their relationships with agents. Saunders, along with several teammates, have also been questioned by the NCAA regarding their living arrangements at a local hotel.

Additionally, Saunders was "temporarily suspended" recently for reportedly lying to coaches about why he was late for several meetings scheduled ahead of last Saturday's practice. Spurrier denied initial reaction that the punitive measures taken against the senior were NCAA-related.

Regardless of which players were to be suspended, Spurrier said the school would not appeal the punishment.

Pouncey: Gator freshmen need to 'shut their mouths and play'

Asked recently about the newest members of the Florida football program, the Mike Pouncey was not shy in giving his opinion about a "whole recruiting class that is just cocky."

"At the end of the day the freshmen need to just shut their mouths and just come play," Pouncey said with a chuckle. "They haven't done nothing on Saturday, and most of the fans don't even know who they are. Until they prove themselves they just need to sit back and let the older guys play.

"You always want to shut them up. I hate when guys come in and talk too much and don't show nothing on the field. But with this great recruiting class all of them played good, it's just time for them to shut up and play on Saturday."

USC Gamecock's Saunders suspended from team

Weslye Saunders, the South Carolina tight end embroiled in an NCAA investigation, has been “temporarily suspended” from the team, Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Monday night. Saunders was not at Monday’s practice, the first one the senior has missed since being linked last month to the NCAA’s wide-ranging probe of possible illegal agent activity involving players at a number of SEC and ACC schools. But Spurrier said Saunders was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules, and it had “nothing to do with the NCAA” investigation. "Weslye has been, I guess you’d say, temporarily suspended for a violation of team rules," Spurrier said. "and his situation will be determined a little later." Likewise, Spurrier said the suspension was not tied to Saunders’ involvement with the Whitney Hotel. Saunders is one of at least seven players under NCAA scrutiny for their long-term living arrangements at the Shandon-area hotel. The players were asked to vacate the hotel last week and pay any outstanding balances. "I said team rules," Spurrier said. "Whitney don’t have nothing to do with our team."

Simms pulls ahead as Vols starting QB

The Tennessee Volunteers have plenty of issues heading into 2010, including breaking in a new coach, a serious lack of depth and experience and the NCAA probes. Deciding who will be their starting quarterback, however, will not be one of those issues.
Matt Simms, the son of former New York Giant Phil Simms, appears to be on track to win the starting job for the Vols this season over freshman Tyler Bray. Matt Simms' experience appears to be giving him the edge in Tennessee's quarterback competition. With one week of the Volunteers' fall camp left, the junior who spent a year at Louisville and another at a junior college, is poised to become the team's starter when it begins preparing for the season opener against Tennessee-Martin next week. The competition for starting quarterback has been fairly even throughout much of the spring and summer. Both players possess strong arms, but Simms has fared better during two-minute and red zone drills.

FB Allen decides to leave LSU football

Sophomore fullback Dominque Allen has been released from the football program. Media relations director Michael Bonnettee confirmed the big fullback's departure. Tigers coach Les Miles suspended Allen in mid-July for violating team rules. Miles said earlier in fall camp that the 5-foot-11, 275-pound Tennessee native was making progress academically. Apparently the progress wasn't enough, though. Allen appeared in just one game in 2009, but was penciled in as the starting fullback during spring drills. Without Allen, the fullback job remains wide open. Veterans James Stampley, Richard Dugas and Kellen Theriot are in the mix, along with freshman Travis Dickson.

Gamecocks TE reportedly to sit out practice...First NCAA probe casualty

According to a tweet from Travis Haney of the Charleston Post & Courier, South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders will not practice this week due to "personal reasons". This mini-report comes from an unnamed source, and the school has yet to address Saunders' current status.

Head coach Steve Spurrier is expected to meet with the media following practice Monday evening, and there's little doubt that Saunders will be a major focus of the discussion.

Saunders, along with North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin, has been a public focal point of the NCAA's probe into several players jetting to Miami's South Beach and attending a party this past Memorial Day weekend. Exactly how the players paid for the trip and accommodations are of special interest to the NCAA.

Additionally, Saunders was one of three Gamecock players who had been staying at a local hotel, an arrangement that's also come under scrutiny of late. NCAA investigators have been to the USC campus at least three times regarding the two "issues" related to Saunders.

Joker Phillips still hedging his UK QB bets

Speaking after Saturday's scrimmage, Phillips said he and his coaching staff may have a decision Tuesday on whether Mike Hartline, Morgan Newton or Ryan Mossakowski will be the starter in the opener against in-state rival Louisville. In quotes distributed by the school Sunday evening, the head coach said he'll go to the tape and try to unravel this QB mystery.

"We are going to have to go back and look at (the scrimmage video) again," Phillips said. "We have to make the right decision for our program and the three kids involved too. We will look at it and then try to come up with a decision on this thing.

"I can't see everything when I am sitting in the back at the scrimmage. I try to watch demeanor, body language, command of the huddle and they all three have that. Then you want to see production. I will go back and watch it and try to figure out who the guy is."

Gamecocks' Swearinger set for anything

D.J. Swearinger doesn’t know where he may end up in the secondary. But he does know that he’s ready to make an impact this fall. "The secondary was able to break up a lot of passes," said Swearinger, whose transition in the defensive backfield continues. "I’m handling that well. Last year I played boundary corner so that got me a lot of experience. I also played nickel last year," he said. "Coming in this spring I played free safety and now I’m moving over to boundary strong safety. I know pretty much what to do anywhere I line up on the field. I’m getting adjusted to it." Swearinger had 19 tackles in no starts last season, but he is pushing to get that number much higher this season. He’s ready to go regardless of where he plays. "It really doesn’t matter. I’m most comfortable at safety, but I can play pretty much wherever they put me," he said. The veteran defense is going to be counted on in a big way this season, and he sees the unit getting better over the course of the last few scrimmages.

Cornerbacks hold key for Crimson Tide this season

B.J. Scott played very little defense in high school, starring at Vigor as a quarterback and receiver. He went to Alabama in 2008 with visions of offensive packages being designed for him to showcase his skills. But after catching only two passes as a freshman, Scott jumped at the chance to move to cornerback, taking a redshirt year last season as he made the transition. Scott and sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick are the projected starters at cornerback in a rebuilt Alabama secondary. With Ryan Mallett in the SEC West and Auburn's Cam Newton also expected to shine, Scott and Kirkpatrick will be challenged early and often. How they respond will be the key to the Tide's hopes of defending their national title.

Ex-Ole Miss...Barksdale could play against Rebels

Tig Barksdale might play at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium after all. JSU plays Ole Miss at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 in Oxford. JSU coach Jack Crowe says Barksdale practiced with the Football Championship Subdivision team on Friday. The freshman and former Mississippi Mr. Football set the Class 5A record with 2,917 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior in 2007 at South Panola. Although, he was never able to get on the field with the Rebels because of a host of issues. He did not qualify academically in 2008 and attended Hargrave Military Academy. Then he re-signed with the Rebels in 2009, but was arrested on a DUI charge in Batesville just a few days before preseason camp began. After a few days of camp, he left the team for "health reasons." He returned in the spring, but only lasted for a few practices before he was suspended for "breaking team rules." He was poised to return with the team this fall, but just before camp was dismissed after once again "breaking team rules."

'Bama begins 2010 : atop the AP poll

As expected, Alabama is far and away the No. 1 team in the AP's preseason poll released this morning. It's the first time 'Bama has headed into a season holding the top spot in the AP rankings since 1978.

(AP) -- Alabama will start this season where it ended last season. The Crimson Tide is on top. Coach Nick Saban has the Tide rolling the way Bear Bryant did in his day, first in The Associated Press preseason poll for the first time since 1978.Alabama received 54 of 60 first-place votes from the media panel and 1,491 points to easily outdistance second-ranked Ohio State in the Top 25 released Saturday.

Ex-Vols Bryce Brown questioned by NCAA

Kansas State Wildcat Bryce Brown was interviewed Thursday for roughly two hours by the NCAA. Brown was asked primarily about former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and recruiting practices by him and his staff wihle at Tennessee.
"The NCAA has asked us not to speak to the specific questions that Bryce was asked about their investigation," said Bryce's father Arthur Brown. "What I will say is that at the time Bryce was being recruited, he was already under investigation by the NCAA."
Brown's interview is a part of many inquiries by the NCAA regarding Kiffin's nature and timing of contact with recruits.
This isn't the first time the NCAA has spoken with Brown, either. Before committing to Tennessee, the NCAA looked into whether money was improperly raised so Brown could visit college campuses while in high school.
Tennessee should be receiving a letter of inquiry from the NCAA in the coming days and Kiffin is expected to interview about recruiting practices as well.
Since leaving Knoxville, Brown has appealed Vols coach Derek Dooley's decision to not to release him from scholarship. If he can't get a release, Brown's parents will have to pay his tuition for 2010.

South Carolina players told to leave local hotel

University officials have asked several Gamecock players to move out of the Whitney Hotel in Columbia. The hotel is also being questioned as part of the NCAA's ongoing investigation with SC, according to The State Newspaper. "There's been some issues," coach Steve Spurrier said. "We've encouraged our guys to move out of the Whitney, to pay their monthly bill and move out... Whatever their arrangements were, they need to pay up and move out."
Players living at the hotel were Saunders, defensive tackles Travian Robertson and Ladi Ajiboye, safety Akeem Auguste and offensive tackle Jarriel King.
If the NCAA finds that the aforementioned players did not pay for their rooms or received a discount, it could be deemed as an improper benefit.

Gamecocks' Spurrier uses freshman Shaw to motivate Garcia

Steve Spurrier is trying hard to motivate junior quarterback Stephen Garcia.
After Thursday's scrimmage, Spurrier mentioned that he will play both Garcia and freshman Conner Shaw in the Sept. 2 season opener against Southern Miss.
"Right now we're planning on both of them playing and go from there. Statistically, Shaw been the best quarterback on the team in every scrimmage. So, that's where we are with that," said Spurrier.
Shaw insists Spurrier will make the correct decision. "That's really not my call," Shaw said. "I just have to prepare myself for Southern Miss and the games ahead."
What Shaw lacks in experience, he's been making up for in competitiveness and consistency. In Thursday's scrimmage, Shaw went 5 forf 8 for 111 yards and a touchdown. Garcia went 11 for 16 for 113 yards, a touchdown and.... wait for it.... two interceptions.
On the contrary, Spurrier has been giving Garcia the silent treatment, only mentioning the junior in relation to Shaw. "Connor Shaw played well again," Spurrier said. "Our other quarterbacks (Garcia) had too many sacks again... maybe Stephen will get his act together."

Gamecocks OT suspended following assault allegation

Already sidelined following shoulder surgery, South Carolina's Quintin Richardson will also have to overcome a school-initiated penalty in order to return to the playing field.

According to The State, university police are investigating a claim that the offensive tackle assaulted his girlfriend in the parking lot of Williams-Brice Stadium last week. Based on what we know, there have yet to be charges filed.

A police report stated that a 20-year-old South Carolina student said Richardson assaulted her at around 8:30 p.m. ET Aug. 10 outside the stadium. Upon learning of the alleged incident, Richardson was indefinitely suspended by head coach Steve Spurrier.

"We don't know them all. I don't know who all was there," Spurrier said Friday. "We'll let the legal system within the university run its course before we make a final decision on him."

Richardson started five games at right tackle as a sophomore in 2009 and played in a total of eight.

WR Coxson leaves Gators for Terps

Wide receiver Adrian Coxson told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday night that he will transfer from Florida to Maryland. "It’s a positive environment, and the coaches are really good," Coxson said of Maryland. "It’s a great place for me to achieve my goals and take me to the next level." The Orlando Sentinel reported earlier in the day that the 6-foot-2, 196-pound freshman was granted his release from Florida. As a high school senior, Coxson played quarterback for the Knights, completing 27 of 57 passes for 650 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 1,280.yards and 11 touchdowns on 106 carries. He returned four punts for touchdowns and was named to The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro first team. The Baltimore native was part of Florida's highly-touted 2010 recruiting class, but fell behind a pair of early enrollee receivers, which no doubt exacerbated his desire to get back from where he came.

Ex-Razorback Burlsworth has national walk-on award named in his honor

It's hard to believe its been 11 years since former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth tragically died of injuries sustained in a car wreck just weeks after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

A new award set to be announced next week will ensure that Burlsworth's collegiate career, at least, will be remembered for many years going forward.

According to the Associated Press, the Burlsworth Trophy will be introduced Monday at a news conference at Arkansas' Razorbacks Stadium. Beginning with the 2010 season, the national award will annually honor a college football player who began his career as a walk-on.

Burlsworth was a former walk-on for the Razorbacks who, through hard work and sheer determination, turned himself into a second-team All-American and a third-round pick in the 1999 NFL draft. 11 days after that April draft, Burlsworth was killed when the vehicle he was driving following a workout drifted across the center line and, ultimately, was struck head-on by a tractor-trailor.

Former Arkansas head coach Danny Ford and former athletic director Frank Broyles are expected to take part in the ceremony.

Alfy Hill's status at Alabama held up by NCAA Clearinghouse

Alabama freshman linebacker Alfy Hill's eligiblity is on hold because of a late academic snag, multiple sources said. The issue reportedly has to do with online coursework that is being red-flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse. As a result, it's unclear if Hill will be able to join the Crimson Tide this season or have to attend prep school or a junior college to become eligible. Hill, a signee from Shallotte, N.C., was a four-star prospect on Rivals' five-star scale and had been working as a "Jack" linebacker under assistant coach Sal Sunseri the past two weeks. Hill has participated in preseason practice with the Crimson Tide until Wednesday.

Members of the news media were handed a statement from Mike Ward, Alabama's associate athletics director in charge of compliance.
"The eligibility Center has declined to accept certain courses taken at Alfy Hill's high school as core courses for use in certification," the statement said. "This has resulted in Alfy being deemed a nonqualifier. We will continue to assist the high school in their efforts to have the courses reevaluated by the Eligibility Center.
"Harrison Jones has elected to enroll immediately to fill the roster spot created by this situation."
Jones is a freshman tight end from Memphis, and he is the brother of Barrett Jones, a redshirt sophomore who is the Crimson Tide's starting right guard.

SEC sets fine amounts for Mississippi State cowbell violations

What is this, now ringing cowbells in Starkville at the wrong time will cost Mississippi State major bucks. According to The Jackson Clarion-Ledger, the SEC has decided the first offense will cost the school $5,000, the second offense is a $25,000 penalty, and the third offense is worth $50,000. Cowbells can be used before a game, at halftime, during timeouts and after scores. Using the cowbell during the game action, which Mississippi State fans have done for years as a school symbol , would constitute a penalty. The fines will be per game in which a violation or violations occur, not per violation. The SEC has capped the fine structure at $50,000, and the first-offense fine will be reduced to $5,000 if Mississippi State goes three years without a violation. Yeah right, like that will happen. Some major questions still remain on this one-year trial experiment. Mainly, how will the SEC determine if a violation has occurred? Mississippi State AD Scott Stricklin told The Clarion-Ledger he expects the SEC representative assigned to each game and feedback from opposing schools will determine if there was a cowbell violation. So how much is too much cowbell? What's it take for there to be a violation during game action? One cowbell ringing? Two thousand cowbells ringing? Enough ringing that an offensive lineman says he can't hear the snap count? It's entirely subjective and alot of crap. Where were the fines in the World Football Cup "soccer", face it, it's soccer dudes. That noise was annoying! Non-stop noise.

He's Back...Brett Favre giving it 'one more try'

After staying away from training camp, as he's done for much of the past two summers, Favre was practicing less than 24 hours after the team sent Steve Hutchinson, Jared Allen and Ryan Longwell, three of his closest friends, to Mississippi to bring him back. Favre underwent left ankle surgery on May 21 and just a few weeks ago texted several teammates and Vikings officials that he would not return because the recovery was slower than he expected.
"There is nothing on me that's 100 percent, there wasn't anything that was 100 percent last year or the year before," Favre said. "The surgery made me a little better.
"I have played 309 straight games, I can't complain."
Favre's return to the field came on the one-year anniversary of the day he signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Vikings.
In a scene nearly identical to his arrival last August, Favre took a private plane from Hattiesburg on Tuesday, was followed by news helicopters from a suburban airport to the team headquarters and was greeted by dozens of fans and media members upon his arrival.
"Helicopters acting like they are following O.J.," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe tweeted. "Where is the bronco."
This time around, virtually everyone expected the quarterback to return. Favre's latest departure centered on the ankle that was injured in New Orleans and needed surgery. This is the third straight year the Vikings have dealt with questions about Favre, so they weren't convinced he was done.

Hamstring injury delays Gamecocks' Wilson’s move to the weak-side position vacated by Norwood

South Carolina linebacker Shaq Wilson, tweaked his hamstring and spent the first two weeks of preseason drills on the Gamecocks’ mellow yellow squad; the color of the jerseys given to the Gamecocks’ injured players. "I just want to get out here and have fun" Wilson said. "It’s no fun watching." Wilson returned to practice this week and is expected to play in the Gamecocks’ scrimmage tonight at Williams-Brice Stadium. The session is closed to the public. Fans are eager to see how Wilson compares to the player whose name adorns the southwest corner of Williams-Brice Stadium as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for loss. Wilson is getting used to the scrutiny. He was one of three USC players who represented the team at SEC Media Days last month in Alabama. Norwood’s name came up once or twice. "I got a lot of Norwood questions. But I kind of expected that," Wilson said."“Norwood’s a great player, so that’s a lot to live up to." Although, Wilson finished with more tackles (85) than Norwood (81) and everyone else on the USC defense, last season when he and Norwood played side by side. But with Wilson shifting from middle linebacker to Norwood’s former ‘Will,’ or weak-side position, the comparisons are inevitable. "I'm going to do my job to the best of my abilities, just stay healthy, go out there and do whatever I can to help the team win," Wilson said. "That’s what Norwood did. Norwood gave 110 percent every time. He made plays. He was just a great person to be around. He made people around him better."

James Wilder Jr. heading to Tallahassee...FSU, not UGA

At a press conference that took place in the auditorium of his Tampa high school, Wilder announced that he will be attending Florida State in the fall of 2011.

With yesterday's UGA report, the Seminoles verbal would not be a surprise as it's been long rumored that FSU and in-state rival Florida were the leading contenders for Wilder's services.

Rivals.com ranks Wilder as the No. 3 high school player at any position in the entire country for the Class of 2011. While he plays both running and defense; defensive end and linebacker, one of the selling points for FSU was the fact that they will be using Wilder as a RB.

UT appears set at linebacker

"What we went through last year, it helps us with our depth this year," senior LaMarcus Thompson said after Tuesday morning’s practice. "A lot of young guys got to get in there and got to play. With everybody back and everybody healthy, that’s going to help our linebacker depth, hopefully have that be a strength." The challenging season began when Nick Reveiz, the defense’s quarterback, tore the ACL his right knee against Ohio. Four games later, Savion Frazier, his replacement also tore his ACL. Herman Lathers, then a redshirt freshman, started the last five games despite a blood disorder that required offseason spleen-removal surgery. Thompson missed two games himself at outside linebacker, one coming after he was immobilized and carted off the field on a stretcher with a scary neck injury late in the fourth quarter of UT’s loss to Ole Miss "We weren’t where we wanted to be last year as a unit," said Lathers, a All-SEC Freshman selection last year. "It’s always tough to see one of your teammates go down cause they’re like a brother to you," Thompson said. "You feel it inside, and you just have to be there for them to get them back right and get them back healthy." The return of linebacker coach Lance Thompson has eased the transition from former coordinator 's defense to current coordinator Justin Wilcox’s new schemes. "Just having our same position coach and knowing how he coaches and what he expects of us is a big help to us as a unit," Lathers said. "He was able to relate a lot of Coach Wilcox’s defensive calls to Monte’s calls, and we were able to pick up from there."

LSU freshman Zach Lee to play baseball...not QB

LSU freshman quarterback Zach Lee will skip college football altogether to pursue a career in the major leagues. According to Yahoo! Sports, Lee signed a deal with the LA Dodgers worth $5.25 million on Monday.
Lee, a pitcher, was expected to be a two-sport athlete for the Bayou Bengals despite being taken 28th overall in the 2010 MLB draft.
The Texas native had been practicing well for LSU and could have potentially seen playing time this fall.
"This was a very personal decision for Zach and his family," said coach Les Miles. "This opportunity was just too difficult to pass up. We wish Zach and his family the very best. He's an outstanding young man and we hope he develops into a great Major League pitcher."

Hey, Miles, this one got away won't be able to grayshirt him.

Arkansas broadcaster wears Gators hat, loses job

Renee Gork, a radio personality at KAKS in Arkansas, attended a Bobby Petrino press conference two days ago. While that's not exactly out of the ordinary, her choice of head gear for an Arkansas event was.

Ms. Gork, a University of Florida graduate, was wearing, wait for it, a hat emblazoned with the Gators logo!

Petrino noticed the Gator cap and, being the gentleman that he is, proclaimed "that will be the last question I answer with that hat on."

Word leaked out that an Arkansas "media member" had the audacity to wear enemy gear to rival press conference! All fan hell broke loose, was this chick blonde, or what. Razorback Nation's Internet community immediately took up arms and called for the traitor's ouster. Even as Gork attempted to explain her way out of it, by saying that it was raining and she unknowingly grabbed the Gator hat on her way out the door, yeah right.

So, how is this, Gork wrote her own Ozarks career obituary on a social media site.

"Was hoping to publicly apologize to coach Petrino and UA fans on the show today, but I won't get that chance," Gork wrote on KAKS' Twitter account. "I've been fired."

That is right, she was canned, rocking a conference rival's gear at a press conference,

Gamecocks' Paulk puts injuries in past

"I had to understand everything happens for a reason," Paulk said. "My mindset has not changed. I want to go out and contribute to this team however I can. I feel being back 100 percent healthy, I can be one of the main contributors on defense. I will play as hard as I can for as long as I can. I can’t think about the injuries the past two years. I just have to go out and play." Assistant head coach for defense Ellis Johnson believes Paulk can return to the form he flashed in his first two seasons. As a freshman in 2006, Paulk made 36 tackles with a 3.5 tackles for loss in 10 starts. He was named a first-team freshman All-SEC and second-team freshman All-America by The Sporting News. In 2007, he started all 12 games and was fourth on the team in tackles with 64. "He is physically fine," Johnson said. "I can tell he has been out for two years though. There are a lot of little things that he has forgotten but he is doing fine." Coach Steve Spurrier feels as long as Paulk can stay healthy, he will be a solid contributor. "Rodney is doing fine," Spurrier said. "He’s 100 percent and he’s out there. He should be able to start this year. He and Shaq Wilson will probably be the two inside backers right now."

Razorback Williams named to Mackey Award watch list

University of Arkansas football tight end D.J. Williams has been named to the 2010 John Mackey Award preseason watch list, it was announced by the Nassau County Sports Commission Monday. The annual award is presented to the nation's best collegiate tight end. Williams returns to Arkansas having surmounted 1,228 receiving yards in his career. The senior hailing from Little Rock, Ark., caught 32 passes for 411 yards in 2009, scoring three touchdowns. He was a semifinalist for the award in the 2008 season; the first Razorback to do so in program history.

Update on Wildcat DT Elliot Porter

Elliott Porter, Defensive Tackle, 6-4, 290, Fr-HS, Waggaman, La. (Archbishop Shaw) – All-America selection as chosen by SuperPrep magazine, which also named him the No. 6 overall prospect in Louisiana … The nation’s No. 35 defensive tackle by Scout.com … No. 24 nationally by Rivals.com, which listed him as an offensive guard … Four-year letterman and three-year starter at Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, La. … Helped the Eagles to a four-year record of 45-11, including trips to the state finals in Class AAAA in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons … Primarily played at defensive end at Shaw … Totaled 65 tackles as a senior after missing the first five games of the season because of an injury … Best year came as a junior when he notched 85 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback sacks … Coached by Scott Bairnsfather … Played in the Offense-Defense All-America Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., following his senior season … Was a teammate of current Wildcat freshman Jerrell Priester in the All-America Bowl … Also threw the discus for the track and field team, advancing to the state meet his junior year … Honor-roll student.
Personal: Born in Marrero, La. … Son of Elliott and Rhea Porter … Has two cousins who played college football, Ralph Norwood at LSU and Hilton Armstrong at Iowa … Planning a major in business.

LSU's Elliott Porter heads to Kentucky

Les Miles summoned 2010 signee Elliot Porter into his office recently and informed the defensive tackle that, because of a numbers crunch, he was going to be grayshirted, a move that would basically shelve him until next season as he would not be on scholarship.

Porter has decided to move on, within the SEC.

In a press release, Kentucky announced that Porter has joined the Wildcats football team and began practicing Monday afternoon.

"I'm excited about getting a player of this quality at this time of year, especially a defensive lineman in August," Coach Joker Phillips said. "Elliott is a big, strong physical guy who plays hard and takes control of his position. He's a great kid, really smart and has great character. I'm excited to have him join our football family."

"Kentucky has a really good coaching staff," said Porter, when asked of his decision. "I loved the school and the players, when I visited. There's a family atmosphere here."

Freshman legacy Jordan Haden leaving Florida

Multiple text messages to the Miami Herald, from the father of true freshman defensive back Jordan Haden confirmed that his son is indeed transferring from UF.Freshman strong safety Jordan Haden is transferring from Florida, according to his father, Joe Haden Sr. In a text message on Monday morning, Haden told the Miami Herald that "Haden will be transferring." Florida has not granted the transfer yet, according to Haden Sr., but he said he and his son "are working on that today." Haden was a highly regarded piece of UF's 2011 recruiting class and rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com. He's also the brother of former UF All-American Joe Haden. "When asked why his son is transferring, Haden Sr. said, "No hard feelings. Florida is a great program and we love them. It just wasn't the best fit for Jordan." Florida has given Haden an unconditional release from his scholarship. He is now free to sign with any school, including SEC schools, and play after sitting out the 2010 season.

Vanderbilt's Larry Smith has edge in race for quarterback job

Smith, who is in competition with senior Jared Funk and junior-college transfer Jordan Rodgers, has been noticeably more accurate with his throws and decisive with his reads than he was during a rocky 2009 season and a disappointing spring. The junior can see improvement in his play, and so can Coach Robbie Caldwell. "Our quarterback picture is clearing up," said Caldwell, who has yet to name his starter. "It's just kind of like we thought. The older ones are stepping forward and taking charge. Larry,has had an excellent last couple of days. He's been a good leader and he's checking into the right plays, and he should be. You know, he's got the experience. It's kind of what we thought." Funk also has looked sharp and more comfortable than in years past, when he was further down the depth chart. But unseating Smith at this stage seems unlikely. "I'm feeling pretty good and I'm feeling pretty accurate right now," Smith said. "I really feel like the off-season, throwing with the receivers every day, improved my accuracy. I'm going to try to continue that leading into the season."

UGA's Offensive problems begin with banged-up line

Three starting offensive linemen missed Georgia's scrimmage Saturday, leading to a sluggishness that coach Mark Richt said,"got sloppy at times." "That’s the kind of day that it was offensively," he said. "I'm glad we have three more weeks before the opener. The defense gained confidence, but I’m not sure the offense did." Center Ben Jones sat out with a knee injury and will have arthroscopic surgery today. Richt said he should return in time to start the Sept. 4 opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. Jones was joined on the sidelines by guard Cordy Glenn (mono) and tackle Josh Davis (ankle). Richt said it's best for Jones to have the surgery instead of trying to play through pain and have his knee lock up during the season, which would force him to miss two or three games. "I guess it’s a meniscus or something, some cartilage issue in there," Richt said. "We feel like if we clean it up now, we’ve got a chance to go for the season." Georgia pieced together a first-team offensive line with Chris Burnette at center, Tanner Strickland at left guard and A.J. Harmon at right tackle, along with regulars Clint Boling and Chris Davis. Trinton Sturdivant also saw some action in third-and-long situations. "I want to temper my words," Richt said. "The defense certainly dominated the scrimmage. I'm not sure, we might have gotten two first downs in the first half"

Rebels' Masoli caps week with solid performance

On Saturday evening, Masoli took another step toward claiming a large role in the Rebels' offense this fall, completing 6 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown during the preseason's first scrimmage at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It capped what's been a very encouraging first week of practice for Masoli, who decided he would transfer to Ole Miss less than 10 days ago. "It's been surprisingly easy to adjust," Masoli said. "I think the coaches and the players, that whole atmosphere, has come together and it's been easier than I expected." Masoli is locked into a three-man quarterback race with sophomore Nathan Stanley and junior college transfer Randall Mackey. Stanley, who has been the starter since the spring, was 3-of-5 passing for 45 yards. Mackey was 5-of-11 for 38 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Nutt said Stanley would still be his starter if the season opened today, but the race has tightened since the first day of camp. "They're all doing very good," Nutt said. "You thought there would be a little more separation by now."

McElroy makes Tide's defense look like Swiss cheese

Greg McElroy, the senior quarterback completed 26-of-33 passes for 362 yards and six touchdowns as the Tide's offense had little issue getting the best of their teammates on the other side of the ball. Additionally, redshirt freshman A.J. McCarron 21-for-26 for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Head coach Nick Saban let it be known he was not pleased with what he saw from his defense Saturday.

"I don't think defensively as a whole, we played very well at all," Saban said. "I don't think we played good gap control up front, we didn't tackle, we didn't finish, we didn't clean up tackles and knock runners back. We didn't have the eye of the tiger that we need to be a good defensive team, and that's all 11 of them."

Saban admitted there are issues with the secondary, but also expressed confidence they would be overcome.

"It's been one thing after another in the secondary," Saban said. "Whether it's losing guys, suspending guys, having guys hurt now, we really can't get the continuity we'd like. But we're going to stay positive about it.

"We like some of the players that we have, we've just got to get them on the field and work them. They have to stay healthy enough to be on the field so that they have a chance to improve and get better and develop confidence in what they're supposed to do and how they're supposed to do it."

UF Gator's receiver Andre Debose, says Full Speed Ahead

Receiver Andre Debose said he is able to run at full speed for the first time in his college career. That bit of news could hold the key to Florida's offense in 2010. "I'm back to 100 percent. Everything's good,'' Debose said. "The last time I was 100 percent was in high school, probably like May 9 of last year.'' A redshirt freshman, Debose injured his hamstring in the spring of 2009 while running track for Sanford Seminole High. He enrolled at UF that summer with a pre-existing injury, but after a few workouts it became apparent he needed medical attention. Doctors then discovered that Debose had a torn hamstring. Before learning the extent of the injury, Florida coach Urban Meyer had hoped Debose could contribute immediately to the Gators' 2009 offense. His versatility was supposed to provide something the team lacked last season, a player who could play slot receiver as well as take handoffs out of the backfield. When Debose signed with Florida in February 2009, Meyer hyped him as the next Percy Harvin. Months later, Meyer was noticeably dejected when he broke the news that Debose would miss the entire 2009 season. Debose never liked being compared to Harvin, and the receiver said he is more at ease this preseason because he is receiving less attention.

"I feel like, the injury was a blessing in disguise because with me coming in as a freshman with a lot of hype, it kind of calmed everything down,'' Debose said. "I really enjoy how things are without all they hype and everything."

Auburn's Eltoro Freeman brings a new attitude to the Game

While 2009 didn’t go exactly as Freeman planned, but he wouldn’t change it one bit. “I don’t think it was a lost year,” he said. “I learned a lot from the ’09 year, mentally, how to handle things. If I could change ’09, I wouldn’t. I would want it to be the way that it happened. I think that made me the person and the player that I am today.” A new attitude and more realistic expectations as a backup to senior Craig Stevens, Freeman is ready for a fresh start. “I realized it’s not about me, it’s about the team,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if I get 10 tackles or no tackles, as long as we’re winning and I’m doing my assignments right.” Freeman, who in the spring of 2009, stood out in a shallow linebacker pool and was quickly penciled in as a starter on the strong side. Although playing in the SEC required more than just physical gifts. Freeman was lost at times, confused by his assignments and consumed by trying to do too much. He started at Tennessee but missed a tackle on wildcat quarterback Nu’Keese Richardson, who broke off a 41-yard run on the game’s first play. Freeman sat out the rest of the game. “They could see the frustration,” Freeman said. “Coaches were always just talking about, ’Toro, it’s OK, just calm down. You can live to play another day.’ If I’d mess up on one assignment in a game or whatever, I’m like, ‘Aw, man, I blew it.’”

Glen Coffee on leaving the NFL

Former Alabama running back Glen Coffee explained his sudden decision to leave pro football and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers today, telling the Press-Register that it was God's will taking him in another direction.

"Honestly, it was something I wrestled with for a long time," Coffee said. "I just feel like it's giving in to His will, man. I feel like I was wasting the organization's time, as far as the Niners. I was wasting my time. I should have never entered the league, and I'm sorry I had to do it in the middle of camp and leave my teammates like that. But it was something that I felt like I needed to do."

Coffee, at age 23, is retiring after only one season with the 49ers.

UGA's Richt's glad he's got time to iron out mis-cues of offense

Richt's quarterbacks struggled against a defense still trying to find its 3-4 legs to stand on. Starter Aaron Murray and backup Hutson Mason combined to complete 16-of-38 passes for 181 yards and zero touchdowns. The offense also lost at least two fumbles, one of which was returned for a score.

A disappointed Richt had the defense graded much higher than the offense.

"My impression of the day was the defense dominated the scrimmage," Richt said. "We had very inconsistent play offensively overall. We really couldn't get much going. When a scrimmage starts that way, it's compounded. It was sloppy at times. I'm glad we've got three more weeks to iron some of this stuff out.

"We had more energy today definitely. By far, it was the coolest day we've dealt with. The offense started off with not much going right and just couldn't shake it off. I would put the defense in a 7 out of 10 range and the offense, more like a 4."

There was one bright spot offensively, RB Washaun Ealey rushed for 78 yards on just seven carries.

Ole Miss Masoli continues to draw praise from Nutt

"We've got to be consistent. I thought our defense had much better pad level today. Coach Nix straightened a couple things out and they got to the ball a little better with better angles, better pad level. We've got to be more consistent on offense. We've got to know who to block and take care of the ball." While Masoli has yet to stake claim to the starting job, he has impressed his head coach throughout the past week of practices
"Jeremiah Masoli sure made some plays today, when we had to have it. That's encouraging," Nutt said. "Markeith Summers made a big play, then Lionel Breaux, Melvin Harris, (Jesse) Grandy. We've just got to keep going. Ferbia Allen really stepped up for us. We've just got to keep his weight on."
Ole Miss learned earlier in the day that one of its freshman defensive linemen was officially admitted to the University and cleared to practice immediately.
"It was good to see Bryon Bennett out here today," Nutt said of the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder. "We're excited about him."

Former 'Bama RB Glen Coffee retiring after one season in NFL

Multiple reports today from the San Francisco 49ers camp, say that former Alabama running back Glen Coffee has announced his retirement from pro football after only one season. Coffee was absent from practice Thursday and today, prompting speculation that resulted in word today that he's "moving on" from the sport. After rushing for 2,107 yards at Alabama, Coffee passed up his final year of eligibility to enter the 2009 NFL draft. The 49ers selected him in the third round, and Coffee rushed for 226 yards in 14 games last season. The 49ers are not coming foward with an explanation behind the sudden decision.

NCAA widens scope of probe into Gamecocks

According to The State, the NCAA has expanded their investigation to include the living arrangements of some of their football players. Sources told investigators that not only did the NCAA interview Saunders this week regarding his staying at a local hotel, but they also questioned offensive tackle Jarriel King and defensive tackle Travian Robertson.

The players have allegedly been living in the hotel for months, and all three have rooms in their names.

Staying in the hotel would not constitute a violation. However, if they received a rate not offered to the public, that would be considered an illegal benefit by the NCAA.

According to the hotel website, nightly rates range from $93 to $154 for a two-bedroom suite. A hotel employee said extended-stay rates are available, including a $57-a-night rate for one- or two-bedroom reservations of three months or longer.

The $57 rate would equate to a monthly bill of about $1,710, or $855 if split between two people.

Division I-A scholarship athletes who live off campus receive a housing allowance at a rate determined by their school. USC's off-campus stipend is approximately $500 a month, media relations director Steve Fink said.

How are the players making up the difference between their monthly stipend and the cut-rate monthly cost of the room.

Where's the extra money coming from?

The NCAA is attempting to find the answer to that very question.

Vandy loses starting TE Monahan to ACL tear

Running back Zac Stacy and tight end Austin Monahan went down with knee injuries on back-to-back plays during Vanderbilt's practice Thursday. Before the MRI's were performed this morning, it was thought that Monahan's injury was the more severe of the two.

According to The Tennessean, an MRI revealed a torn ACL for the redshirt junior, prematurely ending his season the same way for the second season in a row. It's actually the third time in three years an injury has ended a season prematurely for Monahan; in 2008, a shoulder injury forced him out of the final eight games.

Stacy's was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and will miss 2-4 weeks. Last season, the sophomore led the Commodores in rushing with 802 yards.

UF's McGarity to replace Evans as UGA athletic director

According to sports director Zach Klein of WSB-TV in Atlanta, Florida associate athletic director Greg McGarity has been tabbed as the new UGA AD. Klein reports that McGarity is on his way to Athens, and his hiring could be announced as early as Friday.

Businessman Mark Lewis, a former Georgia football player and candidate for the position, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he'd heard the school had made a decision but does not know who the person is. Lewis added that he'd also heard an announcement would be made tomorrow.

McGarity is well known to the Bulldogs community, having grown up in Athens and graduating from the university, as well as working in the UGA athletic department until leaving for Florida in 1992.