UK's Randall Cobb picked in second round of NFL Draft by Green Bay

Former University of Kentucky football great Randall Cobb was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2011 National Football League Draft on Friday night in Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Cobb becomes Kentucky’s highest selection since 2003 when defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson was taken in the first round by the New York Jets. Cobb will join another former Wildcat, punter Tim Masthay, on the team that won the 2011 Super Bowl. Cobb, who gave up his senior season of eligibility to enter the draft, played wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner, kickoff returner and placekick holder during his three seasons with the Wildcats. He earned first-team All-America honors in 2010 from The Associated Press, ESPN.com and SportsIllustrated.com. As a junior, Cobb caught 84 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 424 yards and five touchdowns, throwing three touchdown passes and returning a punt for a TD. He broke the Southeastern Conference single-season record for all-purpose yardage by totaling 2,396 rushing, receiving and kick return yards. Despite playing only three seasons, Cobb set the UK career touchdown record with 37, including 22 rushing, 13 receiving and two on punt returns. Cobb also exits Kentucky ranked fourth all-time in all-purpose yardage with 4,674 yards, fourth in career scoring with 226 points, fifth in career pass receptions with 144 and sixth in receiving yardage with 1,661. During his time at Kentucky, Cobb was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference performer in 2009 and 2010, while also earning SEC All-Freshman team honors in 2008.

Former Bulldog...A.J. Green to Bengals

“A.J. Green is the best offensive player in the draft,” former NFL coach and ESPN analyst John Gruden said. “He has very good body control, outstanding hands and is an outstanding route runner. He has no areas of concern. He’s a great practice player; the guy has an unbelievable future. I think this guy is just what the Bengals need.”

Green joins former Bulldog teammate Geno Atkins on the Cincinnati squad, which also features former Georgia offensive lineman Dennis Roland.

“He took some vicious hits this year in traffic, yet held onto the football,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said during ESPN’s telecast. “With the poorly thrown ball he has no trouble going after it.”

Girlfriend of Tide football player reportedly killed in tornado

During an appearance on ESPN’s College Football Live show this afternoon, Nick Saban briefly relayed a portion of what long-snapper Carson Tinker was forced to endure during a tornado whose aftermath the Alabama head coach called “the most devastation I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

According to Saban, the junior was thrown 50 yards from his house during the massive storms. Saban added that Tinker was injured — the specific nature of the injury or injuries was not revealed — but the coach said the junior’s expected to be OK.

What Saban understandably didn’t mention was the heartbreaking, gut-wrenching aspect of Tinker’s amazing story of survival.

The FOX television affiliate in Birmingham is reporting this afternoon that 22-year-old Ashley Harrison was one of two UA students who were killed in the massive storm system that swept through Tuscaloosa yesterday. Harrison, the station reported, was the girlfriend of the Tide’s long-snapper.

Parts of Tuscaloosa ‘have been obliterated’ by massive storm

Tuscaloosa’s mayor, Walter Maddox, appeared on The Weather Channel shortly after the storm plowed through his city, and said that the “devastation is ‘catastrophic’ and parts of city ‘have been obliterated’.” Maddox added “please pray for us.”

On his Twitter feed, Aaron Suttles, Senior Recruiting Analyst for the Alabama Rivals site, TideSports.com, wrote that “I don’t mean to overstate, but it looks like bombs went off. Nothing left standing. Complete rubble. Cars upside down and caved in.”

Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News wrote on his Twitter feed simply: “Scale of destruction in Tuscaloosa is very bad.”

Based on the early reports, the loss of property will be massive. What’s uncertain at this point in time is what cost, if any, there will be in terms of lives lost, although initial reports indicate that there was one fatality caused by the storm. The photos and the video shot on the scene, though, paint a sobering picture of it taking a miracle for there not to be many, many more

Latest arrest leads to Janoris Jenkins’ dismissal from Gators

Muschamp announced Tuesday afternoon —via Twitter incidentally — that the All-SEC corner has been dismissed from the football program.

“After meeting with Janoris Jenkins today, we both felt it was in his best interest to move ahead to the next stage of his career,” Muschamp said in the first tweet, before adding in a second one that “[w]e appreciate Janoris’ contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck.”

Jenkins was arrested early in the morning this past Saturday and charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. He was cited for the same offense in late January. In May of 2009, Jenkins was charged with resisting arrest without violence — after being on the receiving end of a taser.

He was named first-team All-SEC this past season as a junior, but surprised many by eschewing a shot at the NFL draft and returning to Gainesville for another season. Based on what’s happened in the past three months, we’re guessing Jenkins might be ruing that decision right about now.

Gamecocks release post-spring depth chart

"South Carolina on Monday released its post-spring football depth chart.
Among the things worth noting:
- Stephen Garcia is listed as the starting quarterback, with an asterik noting that he's suspended.
- After Garcia, the QBs are listed as Connor Shaw, Andrew Clifford and Dylan Thompson. Seth Strickland is only listed as the team's holder.
- DeAngelo Smith is second at wide receiver behind Alshon Jeffery, passing Lamar Scruggs after a strong spring. Smith and Nick Jones are listed as co-backups to D.L. Moore.
- Jason Barnes remains a starter at wide receiver, with Ace Sanders listed as his backup.
- Kyle Nunn (LT), A.J. Cann (LG), T.J. Johnson (C), Terrence Campbell (RG) and Rokevious Watkins (RT) are listed as the team's starting offensive line.
- Shaq Wilson and Rodney Paulk are listed as the starting linebackers.
- Jimmy Legree is listed as the starting free safety ahead of Brison Williams.
- Jay Wooten is listed as the first-team field goal kicker."

Another day, another Gator weed drama

"Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post, two other current members of the Florida Gators football program have been cited for pot since Will Muschamp was officially hired as UF’s new head coach. Specifically, Lieser writes the following:
Red-shirt freshman Chris Martin and red-shirt sophomore Kedric Johnson were charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana under 20 grams in separate incidents earlier this year.
The Gainesville Police Department arrested Martin, who is expected to compete for a starting job at defensive end or linebacker this summer, on Jan. 29 after officers detected the scent of the drug coming from a vehicle. Martin was in the car and revealed approximately two grams of cannabis when the police confronted him, the report said.
Johnson, a back-up linebacker, was arrested on Jan. 9 after an officer pulled him over for speeding and smelled marijuana. He produced two grams of it from his glove compartment, the police report said."

Beano Cook: ‘Urban Meyer will be the coach at Ohio State in 2012′

Here’s a partial transcript of Beano’s mini-diatribe, courtesy of Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch:

“I think Ohio State has major problems and I think Jim Tressel has major problems. I’ve said on my Podcast. . . (that) Urban Meyer will be the coach at Ohio State in 2012. That was my prediction and I stick by that prediction. Urban Meyer will be ready to coach somewhere. He said when he was coaching Florida that there were only three schools he would ever coach at – Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame. I think Brian Kelly is going to do the job at Notre Dame and Michigan just hired a new coach, and I think this will be Jim Tressel’s last year. I’m not saying it should be. . . . This is a mess, it isn’t over yet and I think this is his last year coaching at Ohio State.”

“I just think that now that it’s come out that he talked about this problem with an alumnus from Jeannette, Pa., (Terrelle) Pryor’s hometown about selling these jerseys and other things and he did not tell the president or athletic director. I think Ohio State will get hit by the NCAA because they were misled. The worst thing you can do with the NCAA is not tell them the truth right away and that’s what happened. I think Ohio State is going to get hit.

“I just think it’s a mess. … I just think he will resign. That’s my opinion. That’s all. It’s just a prediction and that’s what we do in this business. Predict.”

Florida's Janoris Jenkins in trouble again for marijuna possession

Florida senior cornerback Janoris Jenkins has been cited for possession of marijuana for the second time in three months. Gainesville Police Department spokesman Cpl. Tscharna Senn said Jenkins was given a notice to appear in court on Saturday for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana after police allegedly found a cigar with cannabis in a vehicle Jenkins was riding in. According to a GPD release, officers observed Jenkins, 22, smoking a cigar in a vehicle in a parking lot in downtown Gainesville about 12:35 a.m. Saturday. When he saw the police officers, Jenkins allegedly exited the vehicle and began to walk away. An investigation revealed a burnt cannabis cigar in the center console, according to police. Jenkins was arrested in January on the same charge after police said he was caught with a small, clear bag of cannabis and trying to roll a cigarette at the Status Night Club in downtown Gainesville. At the time, Florida coach Will Muschamp said the matter would be handled internally. Jenkins did not participate in spring drills because he was recovering from surgery.

Declining the opportunity to leave early for the NFL draft this past January and instead returned to the Gators for another season. Whether or not he actually gets to see the field in a UF uniform for “another season” is certainly up for debate.

Les Miles' sister killed in car wreck

LSU Head Football Coach Les Miles' sister was killed in a car accident Friday afternoon. Ann Hope Browne, 54, turned into traffic and was hit. She was killed instantly. The crash happened on Hwy. 1 at Sugar Plantation Parkway. Four other people were hurt. "This intersection is incredibly dangerous and I refuse to leave the neighborhood after 5pm because," wrote a WBRZ viewer after news about the accident broke. In the email, she writes there have been discussions about a stop light at the intersection but it never materialized. "Something has to be done before there are more fatalities."

Coach Miles was out of town, but has been notified of the accident.

Browne has two children: an 18 year old and a 22 year old.

Ex-Gator Dunkley reportedly doing a lean toward USF

Speaking to Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times, Dunkley’s high school coach said that, while several schools are interested in the wide receiver’s talents, it appears that USF is the leader heading to the clubhouse. Blaze Thompson, Dunkley’s coach at Pahokee (Fla.) High School in 2009, told the Tampa Tribune that there are five schools in the mix, but the former report makes it appear that Dunkley is doing a heavy lean toward the Bulls.

“I think USF is the top one on his list,” Thompson told the Times. “A lot of schools have expressed interest in him, but USF is the only one he has actually visited. They’re interested in him, and he had asked me to look into them as well.”

Dunkley redshirted in 2010, and was suspended for portions of spring practice earlier this year due to academic issues. Thompson told the Times that Dunkley should finish the spring semester at UF strong academically and that will not be an issue in his transfer.

Gamecocks' Spurrier says Garcia’s future to be decided over the summer

Garcia was suspended earlier this month by head coach Steve Spurrier on an indefinte basis for what the university later referred to as “unacceptable behavior”. The latest boot, of course, came a mere few weeks after Garcia served an initial suspension for the opening of spring practice for a certain incident that occurred in Atlanta in the days leading up the Chic-Fil-A Bowl. The two suspensions within that short amount of time were Garcia’s fourth and fifth of his so-called “career” in Columbus. Yet, somehow, some way, Garcia might still have a chance to find his way back on the field this fall. According to an Associate Press article, Spurrier said he spoke with the troubled quarterback recently and mentioned he, along with athletic director Eric Hyman and university President Harris Pastides, will discuss Garcia’s future over the summer. Spurrier left open the notion that Garcia could return, but if he were to be permanently booted (Garcia does graduate this semester), freshman Conner Shaw would take over as the starting QB for the Gamecocks.

Plea deal in Auburn tree case rejected

An attorney for an Alabama fan suspected of poisoning landmark trees at Auburn Toomer’s Corner said Wednesday that prosecutors had rejected a plea deal that would have spared the man jail time. Defense attorney Glennon Threatt Jr. didn’t detail what he called a “low-ball” offer to the district attorney’s office on behalf of Harvey Updyke Jr., who wore a crimson-colored tie to a preliminary hearing. Updyke, who spent a night in jail after his arrest, is free on bond. He is charged with first-degree criminal mischief in the poisoning of the trees, where Auburn fans celebrate victories by heaving toilet paper into the branches of the 130-year-old oaks. If convicted, he could face one to 10 years in prison. “Emotionally, he’s distraught a little bit,” Threatt said. “Nobody wants to be facing jail time. He wants this to be over and know that he’s safe and know that his freedom and liberty will be protected. That’s what I’m trying to do for him.” The tree poisoning has angered Auburn fans, prompting thousands of people to attend a “Toomer’s Tree Hug” just over a week after the football team won its first national championship in more than a half-century. Threatt said people have said things that have caused concern for the defendant’s safety, and Updyke’s tires were slashed at a Walmart parking lot. A move to Louisiana would relieve some worries, Threatt said. “He has a lot of family that loves him,” Threatt said. “They’re very concerned about him, and they want to have him in a loving and nurturing environment. We believe that it was easier to create that environment for him outside the state of Alabama.” The plight of the trees has shined a harsh light on a rivalry that engulfs a state with no major professional sports teams. Updyke admitted to poisoning the trees on the radio show, finishing his call with “Roll Damn Tide.” He has children named Crimson Tyde and Bear, after iconic coach Bear Bryant. Some Alabama fans have defended the oaks, with one group collecting $50,000 for a fund dedicated to the trees. One of the poisoned trees is not doing well. Many branches don’t have leaves or have much smaller ones. The other tree is not showing any signs of poisoning right now, said Auburn horticulture professor Gary Keever. The professor said there was no danger to people. Auburn fans have used Toomer’s Corner as a meeting place since the school was established in 1856. Former Auburn athletic director David Housel said it morphed into what it is today in 1972, when Tigers star Terry Henley said “we’re going to go beat the No. 2 out of Alabama.”

Auburn fans then started the toilet paper tradition after a 17-16 victory.

UK's Larry Warford could be one of nation's best linemen

Kentucky right guard Larry Warford has been a step ahead of the learning curve for offensive linemen since the day he arrived in Lexington. While most freshmen O-linemen need a redshirt year to get acclimated to big-time college football, the right guard was thrown into the fire as a rookie, earning Southeastern Conference-All Freshman honors while playing 10 games as a backup. Then, as a sophomore, when the average lineman is just beginning to get used to the job, Warford started all 13 games and was named second-team All-SEC. Now, in his third year on campus, Warford could be on the verge of becoming one of the country's best. "Larry doesn't have a bigger fan in the country than me," UK offensive line coach Mike Summers said. "I'm so impressed by what he does. I don't ever tell him that, but there's no doubt that he is one of the elite linemen in the country. But he still has a lot of things he has to do with that talent to perform at that level consistently."

Vandy's defense is ready for fall

Eight sacks and two interceptions highlighted a Black & Gold game primarily dictated by the defenses and sprinkled with trick plays Sunday night. About 3,000 fans watched the Vanderbilt intrasquad scrimmage that new Coach James Franklin reinstituted after a 14-year absence. No more than a few hundred came to watch the final spring practice in recent years. The Black squad, led by quarterback Larry Smith and much of the projected first-team offense, beat the Gold 19-7. The only points of the second half came on a 10-yard halfback pass from Zac Stacy to Smith on the game's final play. Stacy missed the chance to hit an open Smith on the same play in the first half.

"Actually, we don't call them trick plays. We call them money plays," said Smith, who completed 16 of 26 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and one interception. "They're part of our regular offense, so we don't look at them as being trick plays. Coach isn't afraid to take shots."

Auburn's Chizik doesn’t see No. 1 QB named until two-a-days

The Tigers had a wrap-up practice Monday, their 15th and final workout of the spring, where they corrected things after reviewing film of A-Day. “We’ve got a whole summer in front of us which our expectation is that our whole team is working extremely hard to build on what we’ve started to accomplish these 15 days,” Chizik said. “So a lot is going to depend on what they do voluntarily.” Chizik sees no decision forthcoming in the quarterback battle between Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley, expecting it to last into August. “Unless something drastic happens, I don’t anticipate us being able to make a decision before sometime in two-a-days,” he said. “You never say never, but again, I’d have to see a clear cut definitive change and that would be hard for us to do because we’re not going to be out there.” While most of the attention this spring has been on the quarterback battle, Chizik said the coaches will sit down with every player on the roster for “exit interviews,” just to give them a sense of where they are in the pecking order. “We’re very candid about where everybody stands in relationship to other players competing for jobs,” Chizik said. “Guys become good at football in parts. They don’t just become good at everything all at once. You’ve got to give them a good idea where they’re at.”

Top recruit one of three charged in UGA locker room theft

Three high school students, including a top in-state football prospect, have been arrested and charged as a result of the alleged April 7 locker room thefts with UGA's football team, according to the university's police department. Arrest warrants were issued Friday for Deion Bonner and Marquise Hawkins as well as a third suspect who is a juvenile. Names were released Monday morning. Carver Columbus coach Dell McGee told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that player Marquise Hawkins is the twin brother of Marqui Hawkins, a 2013 wide receiver prospect. Seven UGA football players reported merchandise totalling more than $1,300 was stolen out of lockers during an open house event at the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. UGA police chief Jimmy Williamson said Friday that a sweep of homes in Columbus, Ga., turned up the missing iPods though iPhones had not been recovered. Williamson also confirmed Friday that the suspects were on campus as part of a football recruiting visit. Bonner, 18, and Marquise Hawkins, 17, were booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Monday morning, according to the jail log. Bonner has one count of Theft by Taking, while Hawkins has two and the unnamed third person has three. Each charge carried a bond of $1,500. Bonner and Hawkins can be charged as adults since they are 17 years or older. A defensive back, Bonner had been one of the top targets on UGA's 2012 board. He is rated by 247Sports as the 10th-best prospect in the state of Georgia and No. 153 overall nationally. Bonner visited Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama's spring game, according to BamaOnline.com.

UGA coach Mark Richt has declined comment through a spokesman.

Favre’s nephew making his own name for himself

After a freshman season Favre described as “the most miserable year of my life”, the sophomore quarterback is beginning to carve out his own niche on the football field. In MSU’s spring game last weekend, Favre hit on 17-of-26 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also adding 41 yards on the ground. He also led his Maroon team on what turned out to be the game-winning drive with just over a minute left. “To have the ball and a chance to drive the team down and take the lead was awesome,” Favre said according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. “You could not ask for more. It was a great opportunity for me. It was live, and I had a maroon jersey on and we had 36,000 in the stands.

“Overall, I think spring went well. I definitely improved from the first practice to the final practice. I would say I have to learn how to manage the game better and become more of a quarterback. I don’t have to score a touchdown every time I touch the ball.”

While incumbent Chris Relf is back as a fifth-year senior, head coach Dan Mullen said the competition between Relf, Favre and Tyler Russell is “wide open” and too close to call right now, and may not be decided until the days leading up to the opener.

Vols White team wins out, 24-7

In a split-squad exhibition, one side — the Orange team — trotted out the starting quarterback and running back, the top returning receiver and three first-team linemen, and got pushed around in a 24-7 loss in the Orange and White Game on Saturday, strengthening Dooley’s case about the importance of physical football.

“It was a great example that it doesn’t matter what kind of game it is, spring game, SEC game, you name it — the team that can win at the line of scrimmage and run the football has the best chance of winning,” Dooley said. “Today was evidence of that. It doesn’t matter how many fancy guys you’ve got at the skill positions, you better be a physical football team.

“The White came in a heavy underdog, Orange was confident and talking smack, had all the skill — and the White went blue-collar on them and punched them right in the mouth. It was fun to watch.”

On the flip side, the Orange team often made it look painful to move the ball as quarterback Tyler Bray struggled from start to finish during a dreadful 5-for-30 outing through the air.

The sophomore didn’t throw an interception, led all passers with 122 yards and added a 54-yard touchdown to wide-open tight end Mychal Rivera to make the game competitive in the third quarter. But with Bray’s accuracy consistently lacking, his decision-making questionable as he forced at least one pass into quadruple-coverage and his frustration evident as the game wore on, the Orange offense struggled to find a way downfield.

And with the White pounding away with 22 carries for 113 yards between Rajion Neal and Toney Williams, the contrast in styles was clear.

“You know what I said Thursday — if Tyler would have gone 27-of-30 for 300 (yards) I would have said, ‘Yeah, we’re doing good,’ ” Dooley said. “If he would have gone 5-for-30, which is what he did, ‘It’s just the spring game, it doesn’t matter.’

Inconsistency at QB a constant in Auburn’s spring

Both Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley, the two main combatants for the starting job, sprinkled in a handful of big plays amidst what was mostly uneven play during a spring game dominated by the defense and new faces. And, suffice to say, neither player grabbed the job by the throat as Chizik intimated it will be August before a starter is named. “Until we know who gives us the best chance to win and it’s 110 percent, we won’t make the call,” Chizik said. “The first year we were here we didn’t make the call. Last year, we did it a week after. It’s just like any other position, when we’re 110 percent certain sure we’ll do that.” While Chizik said he’s fine with the fact that a starter hasn’t emerged, he lamented the inconsistency that’s plagued both players this spring. “Very similar in nature,” head coach Gene Chizik said when asked about the two players currently vying to become the starter. “The thing that stands out the most after 14 practices is the inconsistency of both of them. We’re trying to find somebody who can manage the game and manage the team. Frazier, the No. 5 dual-threat QB in the country this year, will join the competition this summer and, according to some who would know, appears poised to make a serious run at the job.

“There were some open balls we had today that we missed.”

Spurrier gets a raise… but not any extension

South Carolina announced Friday that the school’s executive committee has approved an amended contract for the Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier. Spurrier’s new deal calls for increases in compensation to $2.8 million in 2011, and then $2,875,000 in 2012 and $2,950,000 in 2013. Spurrier earned $2 million during a 2010 season that saw the Gamecocks claim the SEC East title for the first time in the school’s history. The Ol’ Ball Coach did not receive an extension in the amended contract. As a result, he’s currently still signed through the 2013 season.

Hyman warned people that they “shouldn’t read too much into” the lack of a desire for an extension, but Spurrier’s words from a year and a half ago resonate even louder with the lack of years added to this deal.

Gators lose two receivers to transfer

Head coach Will Muschamp confirmed that Chris Dunkley and Javares McRoy have asked for and been granted their release from scholarships and will transfer to other schools. Dunkley was entering his redshirt freshman season after not seeing the field in 2010, that due in large part to a lingering hamstring issue. He had been suspended for portions of spring practice this year due to academic issues. There’s no word on what schools may be looking at. “It’s been a great learning experience being here at the University of Florida, but I feel like it’s in my best interest to get a fresh start somewhere else,” Dunkley said in a statement. McRoy enrolled early at UF and was a participant in spring practice this year. Unlike Dunkley, McRoy’s destination is already known as the receiver plans on enrolling at Texas Tech. His older brother is a member of the Red Raiders football team, and Javares had previously been a Tech verbal commitment until flipping to the Gators. “I enjoyed my time at Florida, but I really want the chance to play with my brother Ben, who is at Texas Tech,” McRoy said in his statement. “Florida has been very understanding and is giving me that opportunity.”

Chris Relf, Mississippi State’s unlikely knight in maroon armor

Relf accounted for almost 2,500 total yards and 17 touchdowns as the trigger man for the Bulldogs' best offensive season in well over a decade, even while splitting time for most of the first half of the season. With his raw ability and Tim Tebow-esque size (both are 6-3, 240 pounds), Relf always looked like a natural fit for the "option" portions of coach Dan Mullen's spread option scheme, the same scheme that propelled Tebow to a Heisman Trophy in 2007 and Florida to a BCS championship in 2008 with Mullen as offensive coordinator. It was only with his vast improvement last year as a passer, though, that Relf suddenly looked like a legitimate, every-down SEC starter.
The Bulldogs are probably bound for a rare top 25 nod in the preseason polls, and the AP headline that went out all over America after last weekend's spring game was about Relf's "jump from good to great." That's ambitious in a division that features at least three and possibly four other teams bound for the top 25 themselves, but not so farfetched when you consider that Relf — along with Georgia's Aaron Murray — is arguably the best returning starter in the SEC.

Auburn’s Heisman winners to be immortalized, also

During Florida’s spring game this past weekend, statues honoring the Gators’ three Heisman Trophy winners were unveiled at halftime. In the not-too-distant future, Auburn’s own Heisman trio will receive similar treatment. In a letter to supporters Wednesday night, athletic director Jay Jacobs revealed the school’s plans to erect statues to honor the three Tigers football players who have won the Heisman — Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985) and, of course, the reigning Heisman winner Cam Newton. Plans had already been in the works for statues commemorating Dye and Jackson before Newton went on his Heisman run. Newton’s statue is now in the production stage as well. In the letter, Dye said the statues will be 1½ the size of the player and weight 1,900 pounds apiece.

The school has also commissioned a bust of John Heisman, the man for him the trophy is named. Heisman was a coach at Auburn from 1895-1899.

Darren Woodruff calls out Jeffrey Lee on Brent Calloway allegations

Last Thursday, in a radio interview with WNSP in Mobile, AuburnSports.com writer Jeffrey Lee accused an unnamed "supporter of Alabama, not an alumni or booster," of a number of improprieties and potential NCAA violations in the recruitment of Russellville High School running back Brent Calloway. That Alabama supporter has been identified by al.com and TideSports.com as Muscle Shoals businessman Darren Woodruff. Woodruff, a friend of Calloway, the running back that committed to Alabama, changed his commitment to Auburn and then signed with Alabama, fired back at Lee in an interview with The Birmingham News today. "I adamantly deny all of those wrongdoings," Woodruff said. "Every one of them. Every one of them is a lie." Woodruff outlined Lee's allegations and challenged him to back them up with evidence. "He alleges that I took Brent Calloway to Alabama the last visiting weekend before signing day. He alleges that I made cash payments to "Peaches" Winston. He alleges that I paid Winston at least $2,500 on at least one occasion. He alleges that I paid his mortgage off and/or helped catch his mortgage up. He alleges that I provided Brent Calloway with a new car, which Calloway drove to school. He alleges that I promised Brent Calloway $1,200 a month. "He also said he would be back with the information and the proof and the evidence. My question is, 'Where is the evidence, Jeffrey Lee?' I'm calling him out. "I've had eggs thrown at my car. I've had my mailbox knocked down. I've been called a child molester, a sexual offender. I've been slandered nationwide. I want to know where this evidence is." Lee's response this afternoon?"I don't have any comment at this time. No comment."

Vols' Prentiss Waggner on preseason Lott Trophy watch list

Prentiss Waggner's breakout season caught many by surprise a year ago. Count the Lott IMPACT Trophy Award committee among the people that won't be shocked if it happens again. The Tennessee junior is one of 42 preseason candidates for the honor for the top collegiate defensive player in the nation, a product of his five interceptions, three fumble recoveries and three touchdowns Waggner produced a year ago.

Waggner also tallied 57 tackles while splitting time between safety and cornerback, which he has continued to do this spring despite recently picking up a hand injury that has forced him to wear a huge cast on his left hand.

Ole Miss loses Shackelford to ACL injury

By way of KYLE VEAZEY of the JACKSON CLARION-LEDGER , the Rebels have confirmed early this afternoon that the junior linebacker has been diagnosed with a torn ACL. As a result of the injury, Shackelford will be sidelined for 6-8 months. The optimistic end of that prognosis would have him back in October, while the less optimistic timeline would, in essence, end his 2011 season before it even started. The injury occurred during positional drills at Monday’s practice, and an MRI performed Tuesday has confirmed the team’s worst fears. Head coach Houston Nutt and others are expected to address the devastating news later Tuesday.

As a sophomore in 2010, Shackelford played in 12 games, starting six of them. He led the team in sacks with five, and finished second with nine tackles for loss.

Ex-UGA WR Logan Gray confirms transfer to Buffs

Gray confirmed to the Boulder Daily Camera earlier Monday that he has decided to transfer to the Buffaloes for his final season of collegiate eligibility. As the wide receiver will pursue a postgraduate degree in a program not offered at his former school, Gray will be eligible to play immediately instead of sitting out the one season normally required to satisfy NCAA transfer rules. Gray’s younger brother currently attends CU, and he said that played a big role in his decision. Well, that and the opportunity to come in and contribute immediately. For a team with very little experienced depth at the position, Gray’s talents will be a welcome addition. “They told me that they have a couple pretty strong wide receivers like Paul Richardson and a couple other guys, but they could definitely use some help,” Gray said. “And then obviously returning punts. They’re looking for another guy to help make an impact on offense and special teams.” The paper notes that CU won’t be able to officially announce the addition until later this summer when the paperwork and transfer waiver is completed with the NCAA. Gray, a four-start recruit coming out of high school, was in a three-way battle for UGA’s starting quarterback job last spring that ultimately was won by Aaron Murray, and Gray was subsequently moved to receiver. He played in all 13 games in 2010, and finished with nine receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

UGA lineman suffers another ACL tear

Sturdivant has once again injured the exact same ACL. UGA announced Sunday evening that the senior has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during the Bulldogs’ Saturday scrimmage. Head athletic trainer Ron Courson told the Macon Telegraph through a team spokesperson that Sturdivant will “undergo surgery some time this week to repair the knee ligament and is expected to conduct his rehab at UGA.” Sturdivant started every game as a freshman in 2007 and, after returning from back-to-back ACL tears, started seven games at left tackle in 2010. Based on Sturdivant’s injury history, he would appear to be a lock for a sixth season of eligibility if he decides that’s the path he wants to take and has the desire to apply for the waiver.

Jefferson cements place as LSU starter at QB

LSU coach Les Miles and new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe said Jefferson is unquestionably the starter after he claimed the Jimmy Taylor Award, which is identified as the comprehensive award for leadership, effort and performance. “His spring, the body of work, is what has put him in the position he’s in,” Miles said after affirming that Jefferson sits on top of the QB depth chart. “I think he wants to lead this team. I think he wants to have a great final campaign. I think he realizes he’s more capable than he has played. He wants to take the team at a time when he can provide leadership and make them better. He’s more knowledgeable, certainly more capable.” “I think winning is the key piece and I think that’s what Jordan Jefferson is, a winner.” The often criticized senior has notched 20 wins as LSU’s starter and last year guided LSU to an 11-2 finish — the best since he arrived on campus in 2008.

Uneven Gator offense limps out of spring finale

John Brantley, the incumbent at the position who drew the ire of fans for his uneven — to be kind — play in 2010 and had strongly considered a transfer after Urban Meyer retired, struggled in the only half he played this afternoon, completing just four of his 14 attempts for a meager 45 yards. In fairness, the other quarterbacks didn’t fare a whole heckuva lot better during the 10-6 Blue squad win, with Tyler Murphy going 7-for-11 for 68 yards and a touchdown and touted early enrollee Jeff Driskel just 2-of-6 for 13 yards in what was admittedly a very vanilla version of Weis’ offense. For those toking and hoping for a change in the QB pecking order based on what transpired today, though, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

“If started the season today, John Brantley would be our starter,” Muschamp said, adding that today wasn’t indicative of a spring that saw Brantley complete 70 percent of his passes. And adding that the competition is far from over as it will resume once summer camp commences.

Even as that performance in the spring finale likely won’t do much to bolster the confidence of Gator Nation in the presumptive starter, Muschamp seemed relatively pleased with the totality of the spring sessions. Given the injuries his squad’s dealt with — 20-some Gators did not participate in the game due to dings of varying degrees — and the implementation of new schemes on both sides of the ball, he may very well have a point.

“I think the first thing you look at is the installation of schemes and identify playmakers, which that is what coaches do,” Muschamp said. “That’s our philosophy of the coaching staff – let’s evaluate our players and see what they can do, put them in situations where they can be most successful. I think we’ve done that.

Statues in The Swamp for Spurrier, Wuerffel, Tebow

Florida honored its three Heisman Trophy winners with life-sized statues outside the stadium. The Gators unveiled bronze statues of Spurrier (1966), Wuerffel (1996) and Tebow (2007) during halftime of Saturday’s spring game. The thing that stood out was Tebow’s depiction. “That’s fine,” Tebow said. “You have to change it up. We can’t all be throwing.” Tebow and Wuerffel were on hand for the unveiling. Spurrier thanked his alma mater in a videotaped message. He was in Columbia, S.C., for South Carolina’s spring game. One of his daughters, Amy Moody, attended the ceremony in his place. “It’s kind of hard to put in words,” Moody said. “It’s not often in life people dedicate a statue to you. It means a great deal.” The statues, which weigh between 1,700 and 2,000 pounds, were placed on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium near the skybox entrance. They were paid for by private donations. “When do you ever think growing up that you’ll have a statue somewhere where people will look at it and have great memories?” Wuerffel said. “It’s even more special being next to two guys that I love and admire in my coach, Steve Spurrier, and my friend, Tim Tebow. That even makes it more special for me.”

Tide probing allegations of ‘bought’ five-star signee

According to, oddly enough, an Alabama-centric Rivals.com website, UA athletic department officials spent the day in Franklin County (Al.) investigating the “report” that impermissible benefits may have been involved in the recruitment of five-star linebacker Brent Calloway. Calloway’s recruitment was, to say the least, an odyssey wrought with an embarrassing amount of intrigue when you consider the fact that it involved where a teenager was going to attend college. Originally a verbal commitment to the Tide, Calloway flipped to Auburn in early January before flipping back to Alabama on signing day a month later. In his claims made during an interview on an Alabama radio station yesterday, Jeffrey Lee, the editor of Rivals’ Auburn site, intimated that Calloway’s final flip came as a result of the financial inducements given by the Tide supporter. Tide officials were forced into action because of the allegations.

UA compliance department officials interviewed Calloway, Russellville resident Darren Woodruff, bank officials at First Metro Bank and Calloway’s adopted father, Harland Lindsey Winston, known as “Peaches.”

At issue are allegations made Thursday morning by Auburn Rivals reporter Jeffrey Lee on Mobile radio station WSNP. Among Lee’s allegations were that an Alabama supporter – subsequently identified as Woodruff — paid Winston $2,500 for Calloway to commit to Alabama, as well as supplying Calloway a new car. Lee also alleged Woodruff pulled Calloway out of school in the days leading up to signing day, taking him on a trip to Florida.

Woodruff told TideSports.com that he’s “confident the truth will come out.” Ricky Danley, the new cars sales manager at the dealership where Woodruff allegedly acquired the vehicle given to Calloway, told the website that Woodruff had merely taken the car in question — a Camaro — out on an extended test drive before returning it due to handling issues at high speeds.

Calloway’s high school principal, Tim Guinn, told the site that he has never seen or heard of Calloway drive any car, let alone a brand-new Camaro. If true, that would debunk the claim made by Lee that Calloway drove a new car to school one day and, because of the attention it garnered and the questions being asked, was forced to return it the same day.

“I don’t believe any of these allegations are true. No, not one of them,” Guinn said.

Saban happy with attitude of Trent Richardson

Alabama running back Trent Richardson’s attitude that he wants to be a starter, but still has to win the job, has endeared himself to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. “We want all of our players to feel that way,” Saban said after Wednesday’s practice. After evaluating film from Saturday’s first scrimmage, the coach noted, without being specific, some changes to the first and second teams. “There’s some guys that got demoted for the way they played … because they didn’t seem to have that attitude,” Saban said after the Tide closed out its 10th of 15 spring practices. “Anybody around here that has a feeling of entitlement that just because they played last year, they don’t have to do things to a standard that we’ve set for what we want. “I don’t care if it’s effort that they give, toughness that they give, ability to focus and execute, however you want to break it down. If we have somebody else, we’ll replace him. We had a few players that I didn’t feel like really responded that way.” Again, he didn’t mention names. But he went over a couple areas from Saturday’s first scrimmage. Saban didn’t like how his defensive front played. “We didn’t tackle very well on defense,” he said. “I don’t think we played up front, shedding blockers and holding point like we need to, so that’s been a big emphasis for us.”

Several players have said the progress of ends Darrington Sentimore and Ed Stinson, who weren’t expected to compete for a starting job this season, is noticeable.

Ole Miss DE has bone bruise, will miss up to two weeks

Ole Miss defensive end Gerald Rivers suffered a knee injury during the Rebels’ Monday practice, but according to Rebels coach Houston Nutt, the injury was downgraded to a knee bruise and not a ligament tear — as was previously thought — after an MRI came back negative on ligament damage. “He'll Probably miss the next week or two,” Nutt said. “But we’ll hopefully get him back that last week just for some fundamentals, but we won’t scrimmage him.”

Rivers suffered the injury during the middle of Monday’s practice, but returned to practice Tuesday on crutches.

LSU's national L Club spring game Saturday

Fans will have opportunities to win prizes, get autographs from over 25 former LSU football All-Americans and get a sneak preview of the 2011 Tigers on Saturday, April 9 as LSU hosts its annual National L Club Spring Game in Tiger Stadium. Kickoff for the National L Club Spring Game is set for 3 p.m. CT. Rosters for the white and purple teams (.pdf) are now available. Admission to the game is free and fans can enter Tiger Stadium through Portal A on the west side of the stadium or through gates 10 and 11 on the east side. Gates open at 1 p.m. Pre-game activities on campus get underway at 12:30 p.m. as Louisiana native Amanda Shaw will hold a free concert in Lot A at Tiger Stadium. Shaw, who will be one of the performers at the Bayou Country Superfest in May, will be on stage until 2:30.

TE Alex Smith dismissed from UK

Redshirt freshman tight end Alex Smith has been dismissed from the Kentucky football team for a violation of team rules, UK spokesman Tony Neely confirmed on Tuesday. Smith was the highest-ranked member of UK’s 2010 recruiting class. Rivals.com listed him as a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 11 tight end coming out of Cincinnati’s Lakota West High School.

Smith was expected to challenge for playing time as a true freshman last fall but struggled to make an impact and was redshirted. He entered spring practice listed at No. 7 on a crowded depth chart.

Judge finds probable cause for ex-Auburn players

A judge said Wednesday there’s probable cause for a grand jury to consider charges against four former Auburn University football players accused in a robbery. Lee County District Judge Steven Speakman issued the ruling after granting a defense request to bar the public and media from attending the preliminary hearing because three of the players are under 21.

Antonio Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens, Mike McNeil and Dakota Mosley are free on bond following their arrests last month in an alleged holdup at the home of other college students. The grand jury meets the first week of May. District Attorney Robbie Treese and attorneys for both Mosley and Kitchens declined comment. Attorneys for McNeil and Goodwin did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Goodwin did not attend the hearing, and the others slipped out a side door afterward.

Coach Gene Chizik kicked all four off the national championship team after their arrests on charges of robbery, theft and burglary.

Sporting News ranks LSU No. 1

Sporting News’ Matt Hayes ranks 2011’s Top 10 with spring games underway:

1. LSU. Until someone beats the SEC in the biggest game of the season, we’ll go with the best team in the best conference.

2. Oklahoma. The big question: will the loss of the Big 12 Championship game hurt or help the Sooners?

3. Oregon. Ducks have to rebuild on defense, but the foundation is there and the Pac-12 (outside Stanford) is woefully weak.

4. Stanford. Don’t be shocked if Stanford repeats 2010, loses only to Oregon and earns a BCS bid.

5. Alabama. You say Mark Ingram, I say Trent Richardson. And the Tide defense will be better than 2010.

6. Oklahoma State. Without Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon returning, ‘Pokes are a 7- or 8-win team.

7. Nebraska. The transition to the Big Ten will tougher than most expect, but Huskers are too balanced to not win the Legends Division and get two games against Ohio State.

8. Texas A&M. Don’t be fooled by the Cotton Bowl loss to LSU; the best offense in 2011 will be more prepared next season in top-heavy Big 12.

9. Boise State. A win vs. Georgia (in Georgia Dome) in the season, and 2011 looks like 2010: don’t slip up the remaining three months.

10. Florida State. Noles have the talent — and no longer lack confidence — to not only win the ACC, but possibly much more.

Nutt says ‘biggest single most awesome thing’ has been QB Mackey’s huddle growth

Randall Mackey has been the talk of Ole Miss’ spring thus far as he’s more than held his own in a four-way QB battle that also includes transfer Barry Brunetti, who may or may not play in 2011 pending a decision from the NCAA, Zack Stoudt and Nathan Stanley, who came out of spring last year as the starter before losing the job to transfer Jeremiah Masoli. And, in his own “unique” way, Nutt says that the abrupt improvement the senior’s made in the huddle has been the story of the spring sessions. “To me, that’s the thing of the spring,” Nutt said. “The biggest single most awesome thing is him in that huddle, saying very clearly the play and then barking out the snap count. Been very, very proud. I never would have dreamed that this time last year.” Nutt’s referring to, of course, Mackey appearing to overcome speech issues he’s dealt with since middle school. Mackey transferred from the JUCO ranks to Ole Miss in 2010, but did not attempt a pass last season. In early February, Mackey underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, although the early returns make it clear that the joint is no longer an issue.

UGA’s King making move to ‘replace’ A.J. Green

Still in the process of replacing A.J. Green, Georgia’s scrimmage Saturday left coach Mark Richt feeling confident about the receiver position. “I’ve got faith in those guys,” Richt said of his receiving corps, now without Green, who left early for the NFL draft, and Kris Durham, who exhausted eligibility. Junior Tavarres King appears to be the leading candidate to assume the No. 1 role; a position King says suits him fine.

“I look at myself as a leader now,” he said. “Leading isn’t an easy task. That’s what I’ve been trying to do; letting guys know I’m there for them, and I’m going to be there day in and day out.”

Georgia's QB Murray will step up and change the Bulldogs standings this season

If the Georgia Bulldogs are going to rebound from their disappointing 6-7 campaign during the 2010 season, then Aaron Murray is going to have to take yet another step forward in his promising, albeit short career. Murray, the sophomore quarterback for the Bulldogs, is the unquestioned leader on offense and the hopes of those wearing red and black rest firmly upon his right arm.

After a sensational freshman season, at least statistically, it's time to see what he can do in his second year as the starting signal caller.

Jefferson still atop LSU’s QB starting order

The New Orleans Times-Picayune writes that last year’s starter, Jordan Jefferson, is still No. 1 in the pecking order after tossing four touchdowns in the scrimmage. While Les Miles patted both Mettenberger and Jarrett Lee on the backside for their play, the head coach saved

“Mettenberger has a very strong arm, makes a lot of nice throws and is improving,” Miles said. “Jarrett Lee has a very distinct advantage over the time he’s been in the system, and he throws the ball very well. Mettenberger has some time. He’s taking advantage of his coaching. Currently, it will be Jefferson and Lee, then Mettenberger.

“What continues to be a routine occurrence is Jordan Jefferson is having better practices and throwing the ball better. He’s making much better decisions. He’s clearly improved. He can describe what he’s seeing, how he sees the play. He understands exactly what’s going on and much more so.”

After a 2010 season that saw Jefferson throw just seven touchdowns in 209 attempts — along with completing just over 56 percent of his passes and throwing 10 interceptions — the Tigers will need Jefferson to take whatever improvements he’s made during the offseason onto the playing field once the ’11 season kicks off.

LSU's Patrick Peterson vehemently denies connection to Willie Lyles

Former Texas A&M assistant Van Malone accused Will Lyles, owner of the Houston-based scouting company Complete Scouting Services, of requesting $80,000 in exchange for Patrick Peterson signing with the Aggies in 2007. Given the issues surrounding his “scouting service”, being connected to Lyles these days is not exactly optimal for one’s reputation as schools such as Oregon and LSU have learned. Peterson’s father Patrick Sr. claimed to know nothing of the request Lyles made of Malone, calling the revelation “shocking” while comparing Lyles and his recruiting ilk to escort services. This afternoon, Junior issued his own denial. Peterson, a Florida native who was originally a Miami Hurricanes commitment before signing with LSU, fired off a statement through his former school vehemently denying any involvement on the part of Lyles in his recruitment. “I have never had any type of relationship with Willie Lyles and he had no influence on my decision to attend LSU, or any other school for that matter,” Peterson said on the statement. “He had no involvement with my recruiting process and I resent the fact that my name has come up in these allegations. I chose LSU because it’s a great school with a great football program. I never received nor was I offered anything to go to LSU and anyone saying otherwise is being dishonest.”

Knee surgery shelves ‘Bama ‘backer

Alabama will be without linebacker Alex Watkins for the remainder of spring practice, head coach Nick Saban announced Friday afternoon but we’re just getting to right now because, frankly, we had completely forgotten about it. The senior suffered a knee injury during practice on Wednesday and underwent surgery to repair the damage the next day. Saban said in a statement that the surgery was a success and Watkins is expected to fully recover in time for the start of summer camp. The specific nature of the injury was not revealed. While Watkins is listed as a backup, the injury and subsequent surgery is noteworthy because, as Chris Low of ESPN.com‘s SEC blog writes, he’s one of those guys Saban is counting on to upgrade the Crimson Tide’s pass rush next season.

In 12 games last season, the former four-star recruit totaled 2.5 sacks in a backup role.

Tide lands ex-Buckeye Duron Carter

Duron Carter, the former Ohio State wide receiver has indeed landed in Tuscaloosa. Carter’s father, ex-Buckeye great Cris Cartwr, confirmed to ESPN.com that his son will be playing for the Tide in 2011. And, as the elder Carter had stated in the past, the Tide’s head coach played a significant role in the decision. “We just met with Coach [Nick] Saban and he’s committed,” Cris Carter said. “It’s a combination of the coaching and the structure and for Duron’s maturity. All of those things make it a good match.” Carter played for the Buckeyes in 2009, but spent 2010 at a community college after becoming an academic casualty at OSU. He will be eligible to play immediately in 2011.

No Rambo for UGA for rest of spring — probably

Starting safety Bacarri Rambo suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee during practice this week and is expected to miss the final seven sessions as well as the spring game April 16. There was no indication from the school as to how the injury occurred.

An initial prognosis has Rambo being sidelined for around three weeks, although further testing could change that timeline one way or the other.

Last season as a redshirt sophomore, Rambo started 13 games and finished second on the team in tackles with 82.

'Bama's Saban's statue to be unveiled

The statue of Nick Saban, commemorating the Crimson Tide's 2009 national championship, will be unveiled on A-Day, April 16, prior to kickoff.

Saban is Alabama's fifth national championship coach, and a statue of each of the previous four already stands along the Walk of Champions plaza along the stadium's University Boulevard entrance. Alabama's 1992 national championship coach, Gene Stallings, will attend the unveiling along with representatives of the families of the other three coaches whose likenesses already stand: Frank Thomas, Wallace Wade and Paul W. "Bear" Bryant.

"In keeping with our custom of honoring our national championship head football coaches, we are pleased and proud to unveil the statue of Coach Saban to add to our Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium," said UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore. "By leading our team to Alabama's 13th football championship in 2009, Coach Saban earned his place among the legends we recognize. This is an outstanding testament to his work at Alabama, and a fitting tribute to the accomplishments of our entire football program under his leadership."

The unveiling will take place at approximately 12:40 p.m.

Bump in pay for Tide’s McElwain approved

The Compensation Committee of the UA Board of Trustees approved a new contract for the Tide offensive coordinator that will include a sizable raise. After making $415,000 in 2010, McElwain will earn $510,000 in 2011. That increase is by far the largest of any of Nick Saban‘s returning assistants, with the exception of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. After receiving serious overtures from new Florida head coach Will Muschamp to become his coordinator, Smart also received a $100,000 increase to $850,000 for the upcoming season.