Mississippi State has proven back in Ballard

"I was never highly recruited," Ballard said. "I've always used that as a chip on my shoulder and a reason to work that much harder. I didn't ask any questions. I just know that they didn't want me." The 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior rushed for 968 yards and a school-record 19 touchdowns last year for the Bulldogs, who erupted in Dan Mullen's second season to finish 9-4 and No. 15 nationally. Mississippi State defeated Georgia for the first time since 1974, beat Florida in Gainesville for the first time since 1965 and capped its banner year with a 52-14 throttling of Michigan in the Gator Bowl. If not for a leg injury during a 98-yard performance at Florida that forced him to sit out the following week against UAB, Ballard likely would have rambled past the 1,000-yard milestone as an SEC rookie.

"He wants to go out there and prove everybody wrong -- that he should have been recruited out of high school and that he should have been more heavily recruited out of junior college," Mullen said. "You could see on day one when he walked on our campus that he had that 'it' factor about him.

"He's not the fastest player out there. He doesn't have the most dynamic moves. He's not a monster big back. He's just a great football player."

Former 'Bama DB heading north to play

Former University of Alabama defensive back Robby Green will transfer to California University of Pennsylvania to play his final season of college football, but told tidesports.com he plans to return to the Capstone next spring to complete his degree. After missing all of the 2010 season on an NCAA suspension and 2011 spring drills on a team suspension, Green was dismissed from the UA program earlier this summer.
"I needed a fresh start in a new place. I needed to get out of one element and into another one," Green told tidesports.com. "I'll get to go up North, meet some new people and try to make my dream of playing at the next level happen."
Green has not played in a game since Alabama's BCS National Championship Game win over Texas more than 18 months ago. He made 33 tackles as a sophomore for the 2009 Crimson Tide, but lost a season of eligibility while on suspension last year. Green said among his criteria for choosing a school was finding one at which he could transfer credits back to Alabama.
"My plan the whole time has been to still graduate from Alabama," Green said. "I want to come back and finish at Alabama next spring and get my degree from there."

Green said the Vulcans will switch him from safety, his position at Alabama, to cornerback.

Kansas adds former Arkansas receiver

According to JayhawkSlant.com, wide receiverNeal Barlow has decided to both resume his football career and do the resumption with the Jayhawks.

Barlow had flipped his August 2008 KU verbal into a signed Letter of Intent with Arkansas in February of the following year. After suffering a foot injury during his freshman football season with the Razorbacks, the 6-7 Barlow not only opted to transfer from the school but to switch sports as well, moving on to Arkansas Little-Rock to play basketball during the 2010-2011 season.

After hoops season ended, Barlow told the website, “I missed football and I wanted to get back in it. I got that hunger back.” “I know KU is the place I want to be,” he said. “When I first committed to Kansas I knew there was a reason for it. I know I have something to prove.”

Defense is a concern for Tennessee

“Defense is a little bit like offense was a year ago,” Dooley said at Southeastern Conference media days last week. “In this league, as we all know, if you don’t have a good front seven, a productive front seven, you’re going to have a tough time week in and week out.”

Malik Jackson is the lone proven player back on the Vols defensive line, a group that’s depending on significant contributions from junior-college transfer Maurice Couch and converted offensive lineman Daniel Hood at tackle and a handful of unproven commodities at end. Hood needed barely half a spring practice to stake his spot in the rotation, and Couch comes in with plenty of hype. Ends Jacques Smith, Willie Bohannon and Marlon Walls have played before, but now their roles are expanded.

Regardless of the who, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound Jackson, the Southern Cal transfer who flourished after a midseason switch from end to tackle last year, knows the what: he and the Vols really need a player or two to step up and provide some help.

“I need that a lot,” Jackson said. “I’m trying to get these young guys to understand that I can’t be the only one out there making plays, and I won’t be. I’m trying to get these other guys to step up and be playmakers too so it makes it a little bit easier on me.

“If you don’t have a strong defensive line, you’re going to be back with the safeties on run plays, and that’s not good for anybody.”

Ex- Tide player Keiwone Malone reportedly moving to Memphis

According to a series of tweets from Geoff Calkins of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Malone has decided to leave Tuscaloosa and continue his collegiate football career at Memphis. Geographically the move makes sense for Malone as he attended high school in the city of Memphis.

TideSports.com subsequently confirmed the initial report through the receiver’s high school coach.

“I think it’s a good situation for him, getting back home,” Memphis Mitchell High School coach Nathan Cole told the News. “Back where his mom can stay in closer touch with him.”

UA has yet to confirm Malone has actually left the program.

Malone was a redshirt as a true freshman last year, but some thought, before his “issues” he could contribute to some degree in his second year at the school.

As a four-star member of the Tide’s 2010 recruiting class, Malone was rated as the No. 32 wide receiver in the country as well as the No. 3 player at any position in the state of Tennessee.

Gamecocks...Garcia, Mangus expected to be reinstated next week

Quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus remains on an indefinite suspension following his arrest Tuesday morning for urinating in public in Greenville. Spurrier said he does expect the 42-year-old, in his third year on staff, to return. He hinted it could even happen by the time camp opens Wednesday. "I think G.A. is very remorseful," Spurrier said. "He knows that if he has one more incident such as this, his coaching career could be over." Spurrier also said quarterback Stephen Garcia's full reinstatement could come Monday. The fifth-year senior was suspended in April for an alcohol-induced outburst at a life skills seminar. Since then, Garcia has complied with a list of requirements from Spurrier and the university. He was partially reinstated in June so that he could work out with his teammates. "Stephen Garcia has changed his lifestyle almost completely," Spurrier said. "He's been on time, no goofing around. He's being very serious. He's showing a commitment we've never seen before.

"Now, hopefully that will continue. I expect it to continue." Spurrier said the difference for Garcia in his final year will be whether he has a handle on the mental part of the game.

"He just needs to get his focus really, really sharp," Spurrier said. "If he does that, I really believe he can have an outstanding year -- and I mean outstanding."

by Travis Haney

Vandy's Franklin marches forward with message

In the past week, Franklin attended an alumni meeting in Birmingham followed by SEC Media Day. He went with his entire staff to a social event at Ruth's Chris. He made it a point to greet enthusiastic supporters before a special tour of the renovated locker room. Throw in a trip to ESPN's campus, a speech to the Columbia Kiwanis Club, and a guest appearance at 104.5's roast of Clay Travis, and Franklin has been promoting the Commodores around the clock.
The point is Franklin won't be satisfied until everyone hears his message. He'll keep pushing until there's nothing left to push.
On the trip to SEC Media Day, quarterback Larry Smith described his coach as "high-octane." Strike up a conversation with Franklin and his enthusiasm will be contagious. He's relentless in everything he does, whether it's on the recruiting trail or trying to convert people to wear black and gold. Even if it's one person at a time.


And he won't take 'no' for an answer.
One of Franklin's stops this morning was to thank Vanderbilt's fan forum, which formed last January shortly after he was hired. The group, consisting of 13 people, reviewed feedback from a fan survey and was then given the task of offering ways to enhance the gameday experience.
His message to them was simple: help spread the word to neighbors, to alumni and to the rest of the community. Be part of the solution.
It's also okay to sweat the small stuff, like the color of the cups provided for refreshments during the forum.

"Where did you guys get those cups?" Franklin joked to the group. "I don't know why they're purple. Everything around here is black and gold. We're going to have to spray paint them."
by Brandon Barca

LSU's Les Miles confident Russell Shepard will play in opening game against Oregon

According to the Shreveport Times, the NCAA is particularly interested in Shepard’s off-campus living arrangements. The interest caused Shepard to be absent during SEC Media Days last week. “I don’t really know exactly what’s going on there,” Miles said. “It’s really out of my hands.” Although, with preseason camp set to start next week, and a season-opening game against Oregon kicking off on Sept. 3, Miles expects Shepard to be present.

“There have been communications that would make it appear that it’s not very, very serious,” Miles said on Wednesday. “Oh, he’s fine. No, he won’t have to sit out. He’ll come to practice. We wouldn’t expect there to be any issues there.”

Whether the NCAA agrees with that assessment is still up in the air. Previous reports from Randy Rosetta of TigerSportsDigest.com indicate that Shepard may have been taking advantage of an off-campus housing situation for some time.

Bama's Darius Hanks to sit two games

Darius Hanks will sit the first two games of 2011 to regain a season of eligibility, an Alabama spokesman has confirmed.

Hanks will miss the home opener against Kent State on Sept. 3, and Alabama's visit to Penn State on Sept. 10.

Hanks (6-0, 185 pounds) is listed as a redshirt senior in the 2011 media guide. He played one game in 2007 when he caught one pass for 6 yards in a 52-6 win against Western Carolina.

NCAA bylaw 14.2.6, also known as a season-of-competition waiver. It states the following:

"A student-athlete may be granted an additional season of competition by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement in a case in which the student-athlete participated in a limited amount of competition while eligible due to a coach's documented misunderstanding of the legislation or other extenuating circumstances. In cases in which a student-athlete does not meet the criteria of this waiver, the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement shall have authority to review and grant a waiver based on additional documented extenuating circumstances."

In 36 games, Hanks has caught 58 passes for 822 yards and six touchdowns.

Injury rumors surface about Tide’s Eddie Lacy

This in, Eddie Lacy suffered some type of pectoral injury during a weightlifting session recently. The rumored range of severity is varied, going from Lacy being sidelined for 2-4 weeks to being evaluated after four weeks to missing the entire season.

IF Lacy is indeed injured and he misses significant playing time, it would leave the Tide with just Richardson and Jalston Fowler (14 carries for 11 yards as a true freshman last season) as the only players with any collegiate experience at the position. Brent Calloway, a four-star member of the Tide’s 2011 recruiting class, was the No. 5 outside linebacker in the country but also played running back in high school, so he could be an option at the position as well. Provided he qualifies academically, of course.

Georgia linebacker to undergo surgery

Georgia is hoping to submit their internal report on linebacker Jarvis Jones as early as tomorrow, and could know as soon as next week whether the transfer from USC will be available to play at all this season.

In the meantime, though, the Bulldogs’ linebacker unit has taken a more definitive hit to its depth chart.

Thanks to a press release from the university, reserve inside linebacker Brandon Burrows will undergo right shoulder surgery for chronic instability and is expected to miss the entire 2011 season.

Burrows was a three-star prospect out of out of Marietta, Georgia, who signed with the Bulldogs in 2010 and redshirted last season.

NCAA seeks to close loophole arising from Cam Newton's father shopping his quarterback son

The NCAA Division I Amateurism Cabinet recently proposed expanding the definition of third parties who market student-athletes’ abilities for personal financial gain to include family members.

The NCAA is seeking to close a loophole in its rules that allowed Cecil Newton to shop his son Cam to schools for what has been reported as anywhere from $180,000 to $200,000 with minimal penalty.

Past definitions of third-party agents generally referred to marketing an athlete’s skills to a professional sports team. The new proposal would expand the definition to include people seeking money or benefits from a college as well. That includes certified contract advisers, financial advisers, marketing representatives, brand managers and family members.

The proposal comes nine months after the highly publicized Newton saga, in which the NCAA determined Cam’s father, Cecil, shopped his son’s services to Mississippi State during recruiting out of junior college without the quarterback’s knowledge. No proof has emerged that any actual benefits were received. The NCAA, which still is investigating the matter, ruled in early December that mere solicitation did not make Cam ineligible for any games. The quarterback was ruled ineligible for a rules violation but had his eligibility restored less than 24 hours later after Auburn filed for his immediate reinstatement.

Update Vols Austin Johnson tried to start fight

Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson allegedly tried to engage in a fight and has been accused of hitting parked cars before his arrest early Sunday morning.

According to a police report obtained by the News Sentinel, the senior “shoved a white male and attempted to fight the male” in the back parking lot of Tin Roof at 1915 Cumberland Ave.

Johnson, 22, also matched the description of a “male who was hitting vehicles in the parking lot” and was identified as a “danger to himself and others” before being charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct by the Knoxville Police Department. According to the report, Johnson had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol and admitted to being drunk and also asked for a breath test.

Each charge carried a bond of $500, and Johnson was released Sunday afternoon and will face a court date on Aug. 4.

UT coach Derek Dooley has not publicly weighed in on the matter at this point. Dooley was in Bristol, Conn., on Monday for a series of interviews with ESPN, but he was not asked about Johnson and has not responded to requests for comment from the News Sentinel.

In a statement on Sunday, UT spokesman Jimmy Stanton confirmed the program was looking into the incident involving a player widely regarded as a leader by his teammates.

South Carolina Gamecocks' QB coach responds to arrest

South Carolina had the first opportunity to respond to the incident, now Mangus has his turn. Below is his statement on his drunk-in-public shortcoming:

“Last night I acted irresponsibly and I deeply regret my actions. I take full responsibility. I would like to publicly apologize to Coach Spurrier, (athletic director) Eric Hyman, the entire team and everyone associated with the University of South Carolina.”

Mangus is currently serving a suspension from South Carolina.

Vols HC Dooley...on SEC's most Hostile Environment

Obviously, I would start with Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee. But my experience in the SEC has been that nearly every stadium is the most hostile when that team is playing well and you're not. Generally it gets hostile when there's a great football game between two quality opponents in their league and the other team's playing real well. It kind of changes, it really does, whether it's Tiger Stadium, at LSU or Sanford Stadium, at Georgia or Auburn's, Jordan-Hare Stadium or The Swamp, at Florida. There's been times when I've been at all those stadiums when I said, "This is the most hostile." And then it gets trumped.

Top Auburn recruit may be healthy enough to play

The Birmingham News confirmed Wednesday that Kris Frost indeed underwent surgery; however, the News also writes that “word is Frost could bounce back and play this season.”

That is not official, and Auburn has yet to even confirm the injury let alone give an update on his status for the upcoming season.

It’s believed Frost suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a summer workout somewhere around July 20.

As a five-star member of the Tigers’ 2011 recruiting class, the Matthews, NC, product was the No. 2 outside LB in the country according to Rivals.com and was the top player overall in his home state according to the recruiting website.

Florida’s Demps decides to stick with football

UF's Jeff Demps, a potential track star, is sticking with football. Demps met with first-year head coach Will Muschamp on Tuesday, then released a statement saying he is looking forward to “having a great senior season.”

Demps, who has been part of six national titles in track, skipped spring practice to focus on his sprinting career. The Gators finished third at the NCAA outdoor championships in June. Last month, Demps ran the 100-meter dash at an international meet in Lignano, Italy, and finished fifth.

The 5-foot-8 speedster has started 22 games in three seasons on the football field. He has 1,901 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. He was slowed by a sprained left foot last season, but still led the team with 551 yards on the ground.

LSU signee side-lined for indefinite period of time

According to BayouBengalsInsider.com, incoming freshman Jarvis Landry has suffered a stress fracture in one of his feet and could miss an extended period of time. Specifically, the website sets the timetable for a return at four weeks, which would obviously mean he would miss most of his first summer camp at the collegiate but could return in time for the opener against Oregon.
Landry was a five-star member of LSU’s 2011 recruiting class and, according to Rivals.com, was the No. 4 receiver in the country as well as the No. 18 player at any position.

UGA's Bulldog's...'D'...will it get Better

When Georgia transitioned to the 3-4 defense last fall, head coach Mark Richt knew there would be some bumps in the road. As the Bulldogs prepare for year two in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s scheme, Richt said he expects last year’s issues to start to be a thing of the past.

“I’m excited about it,” Richt said. “I think we all know that when you learn something new, it takes a while to get good at it; it takes a while to understand it.”

Although Georgia ranked a respectable fourth in the SEC in total defense (328.5 yards per game) and fifth in scoring defense (22.1 points per game), the Bulldogs were inexplicably dead last in the conference in opponents third downs as foes converted 41.9 percent of their attempts.

“We played pretty darn good. Where we didn’t play good last year was third-and-long,” Richt said. “I can’t tell you how many time we got people to that moment of truth where you want then, and teams were getting those third downs converted, then we ended up staying on the field another down or another series.”

Richt hopes a year’s experience will make a difference in that regard.

“Usually when it comes to football, the first thing you’ve got to understand is learn what to do. Our guys spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to do, what is my assignment and how do I perfect my technique,” Richt said. “This year we’re spending a lot more time perfecting technique than figuring out what to do, so that’s really healthy for us. We’ve also had a chance to take an entire recruiting cycle to recruit towards the type of guys we need.”

South Carolina QB’s coach arrested

Courtesy of arrestnation.com, South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus was arrested early this morning in Greenville, South Carolina on a charge of nuisance conduct. According to the report, Mangus was seen urinating on a street curb by two officers in an unmarked police car. Police said Magus was “unsteady on his feet, had a strong odor of alcohol and his speech was slurred.” South Carolina has since suspended Mangus, meaning he likely has four more chances to get his act together. From the university’s release:

University of South Carolina assistant football coach G.A. Mangus has been suspended indefinitely following an incident that occurred early this morning in Greenville, head coach Steve Spurrier announced today.

“G.A. has been suspended from all coaching activities until this matter is resolved,” said Coach Spurrier. “We are disappointed in his actions and will handle it accordingly.”

Well, Garcia, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, after all.

UF’s Matt Elam popped for alcohol possession

As the Gainesville Sun writes, safety Matt Elam “was given notice Sunday to appear in court by Gainesville police for allegedly possessing alcohol by a minor.” Here’s the paper’s account of what led to the legal issue:

Gainesville Police spokesperson Tscharna Senn said officers saw Elam at 100 NW First Avenue with a plastic cup that contained a dark liquid. When he saw the officers, they say, he threw the cup down. It was later found to contain Hennessy cognac and Coca-Cola, police said.

Elam was the No. 3 player in Florida coming out of high school in 2010 and was given a five-star rating by Rivals.com.

Vols linebacker Austin Johnson arrested

Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson, 22, was arrested and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct by the Knoxville Police Department on Sunday morning and was released on $1,000 bond. The senior is scheduled for a court appearance on August 4. In a statement, UT spokesman Jimmy Stanton confirmed the program was looking into the overnight incident involving a player widely regarded as a leader by his teammates.

“We’re aware of an incident involving Austin,” Stanton said. “We’re in the process of investigating it for additional information.”

According to a Knox County Sheriff’s representative, Johnson snapped that streak when he was stopped by police at 3:50 a.m. The charges of disorderly conduct/threatening behavior and public intoxication each carried a bond of $500, which was posted and he was released at 12:57 p.m.

On the field, the senior is expected to be a critical contributor to UT’s largely inexperienced defensive front this fall, particularly given the lack of depth at linebacker.

SEC Football Online...pre-season predictions

SEC Media Days predicted order of finish (first place votes in parenthesis): SEC champion: Alabama (98), LSU (29), Arkansas (18), USC (14), Georgia (4), Florida (2), Mississippi (2).

SEC East: 1. USC (114), 2. Georgia (38), 3. Florida (12), 4. Tennessee (2), 5. Kentucky (2), 6. Vanderbilt.

SEC West: 1. Alabama (111), 2. LSU (30), 3. Arkansas (23), 4. Mississippi State (1), 5. Auburn, 6. Mississippi (2).

USC Gamecocks Jeffery leads All-SEC voting

South Carolina junior wide receiver Alshon Jeffery led the way in SEC Media Days preseason voting for All-SEC teams. Jeffery received 152 of 167 votes.

Other first-team Gamecocks announced Friday are running back Marcus Lattimore and safety Stephon Gilmore.

Jeffery is the first wide receiver to lead All-SEC voting since Florida's Jabar Gaffney in 2001.

Second-team USC representatives are quarterback Stephen Garcia, defensive end Devin Taylor and defensive tackle Travian Robertson.

Tackle Rokevious Watkins, guard Kyle Nunn, defensive lineman Melvin Ingram and linebacker Shaq Wilson made the third team.

USC is picked to win SEC East

LSU's Shepard may miss season opener

LSU receiver Russell Shepard is dealing with an NCAA compliance concern related to rent payment arrangements with a woman who he has lived with and who is also a student worker in the LSU's football office, a source said Saturday. The school is hopeful Shepard will be available in the season opener against Oregon. Shepard was held out of SEC Media Days with coach Les Miles declining to answer if the issue was related to housing. Miles said Shepard had to handle a matter. Shepard had 33 catches for 254 yards last season but is explosive and versatile and is expected to be leaned on by quarterback Jordan Jefferson this season.

LSU’s Jefferson hoping to change minds

LSU's Jordan Jefferson doesn’t shy away from the criticism he received last season. In fact, he says, he deserved it. The senior said Friday he’s spent the offseason logging the hours needed to win people over, and win games. “I’m doing a lot to change a lot of people’s opinions this year,” Jefferson said at Southeastern Conference media days. “I’m buying more into the system and being more of a leader. I’m doing a lot of stuff that I wasn’t prepared to do last year.”

His coach Les Miles and teammate T-Bob Hebert agree that Jefferson has made big strides. The Tigers are regarded as contenders for the SEC and national titles, especially if the offseason work translates into a new, improved Jefferson on the field. He passed for 1,411 yards and only seven touchdowns last season while getting intercepted 10 times, and admitted his confidence ebbed at times. As for the criticism, Jefferson said, “I deserved it because I didn’t play the way I was expected to play.”“Jefferson is in his final campaign and really is at the best position that he has been in, in listening and taking coaching,” Miles said. He said there’s some competition with Mettenberger and Jarrett Lee, but he feels Jefferson still gives LSU the best chance to win.

Tide's Mark Barron ‘almost 100 percent’

Alabama safety Mark Barron continues to recover from a torn pectoral muscle.

The injury occurred in a 28-27 loss to Auburn in November. After surgery, Barron spent the spring in a black non-contact jersey and participated in drills to the point of contact.

Despite missing Alabama's 49-7 win against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl, Barron finished with a team-leading 75 tackles.

So what's his status entering fall camp?

"I'm fine," Barron said. "It's almost 100 percent. I'm not saying it's 100 percent, there's probably some scar tissue that needs to heal."

Asked if he believed he would be cleared for contact once hitting begins in August, Barron said, "If I had to guess I don't think I'd still be in a black jersey."

Trevathan wants to elevate UK defense

The Southeastern Conference's leading tackler opted to return for his senior season knowing he'd have to learn a new defensive scheme. The linebacker and first-team All-American didn't have a lot left to prove after getting 144 tackles last season, averaging 11.5 in SEC games. This season, Trevathan isn't worried about his numbers, which also included four forced fumbles and 16 tackles for a loss. He wants to help his teammates get big numbers, too.

"This year I just want to try to bring a lot of people with me," he said. "I want the whole defense to get 100 tackles if that's possible."

"I'm trying to be a complete leader and in order to take my game to the next level, I've got to learn to be a real leader, a true leader," Trevathan told a large cluster of media at Thursday's SEC Media Days.

Vols self-impose two years probation for recruiting violations

The University of Tennessee self-imposed two years of probation on its athletic department after it submitted its response to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations on May 20, according to documents obtained Friday by the News Sentinel through a public records request.

Outside of a handful of recruiting restrictions placed on the current football staff and a minor restriction placed on the new men’s basketball staff in 2011, the university believed that "the penalties imposed during the course of its investigation, coupled with its corrective measures, adequately address the violations that occurred."

"The University has taken what it believes are meaningful and appropriate steps to address the problems identified in this case," the response reads, "including declaring student-athletes ineligible, implementing enhancements to the compliance program, and self-imposing penalties upon the particular coaching staff members and sports programs that were designed to punish the head coach, deter similar conduct in the future, and offset any advantages that the programs may have gained."

Georgia's 'Dawgs preparing with sense of urgency

Mark Richt heard the questions and second-guesses when Georgia agreed to play Boise State in the Georgia Dome to open the 2011 season.

Richt is quite impressed.

“The winningest college football team in America over the last 10 seasons, a team that as you watch their film, you realize that they are a special football team in the way they approach it,” he said. “I’ve probably never seen anybody play any harder than they play as a team down after down, film after film.”

Richt expects the Bulldogs to strap it up and match that trait in perhaps the biggest season-opener of his Georgia career. The Broncos were ranked 19th in that 2005 meeting. Richt hopes the first game in the Georgia Dome can propel the Bulldogs to a second one, in December.

“The excitement that has been created by playing in the Dome, by playing on national TV, playing against probably a top 5 football team preseason, that gets guys excited,” Richt said. “So now to play Boise State, as I mentioned earlier, opening game, in the Georgia Dome, with hopefully a bunch of wild and crazy rabid Georgia Bulldog fans giving us energy, it’s going to be great for us.”

Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/07/22/1666410/georgia-football-dogs-preparing.html#ixzz1SrDDbstf

Heisman Trophy winner involved in crash with 18-wheeler

Heisman trophy winner and former Alabama star running back Mark Ingram was uninjured in an early morning wreck involving an 18-wheeler in Huntsville, police said this morning.

Police said Ingram's 2008 Infiniti was traveling southbound on Leeman Ferry Road when it collided with an 18-wheeler driven by Paul Clewis. Ingram's girlfriend was also in the car.

Police said both airbags deployed in Ingram's car, but neither Ingram nor his girlfriend were hurt, and neither was the truck driver.

Ingram and former Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones were in Huntsville Thursday night for a meet and greet at Sports Vision Restaurant on Meridian Street. The players posed for photos and signed autographs for a $15 charge. Ingram also appeared Thursday on Redstone Arsenal for a Youth Services Camp where he gave a motivational speech to kids and signed autographs.

LSU's Russell Shepard out of SEC media days

According to SportsNOLA.com, and citing multiple unnamed sources, Shepard may be suspended for undisclosed reasons in the near future. The website goes on to add that Shepard could miss the opener against Oregon, which would apparently be a result of whatever it was that would trigger the suspension.

The school has refused comment on the speculation surrounding Shepard.

Should these rumors come to fruition and Shepard is held out against the Ducks, he would become the second high-profile player to miss the highly-anticipated contest; earlier this year, Oregon All-American corner Cliff Harris was suspended for at least the opener due to various off-field transgressions.

Auburn's Chizik... talk with NCAA rep “not confrontational”

Chizik was confident, if not entirely accurate, in his portrayal of the situation.

“The NCAA on more than one occasion said that Auburn has done nothing wrong in the recruitment of Cam Newton,” he said. “Nothing’s changed. I can’t control everybody’s microphone, can’t control every opinion. I don’t try to. But I feel very good when my head hits the pillow at night.”

The NCAA reinstated Newton after Auburn briefly suspended him before the SEC championship game, saying that there wasn’t sufficient evidence that either he or the school knew of father Cecil Newton’s efforts to sell his son’s services to Mississippi State.

NCAA President Mark Emmert has since explained it as a judgment call by the reinstatement—not the enforcement—staff while acknowledging that some found the decision “morally objectionable.”

“There was no evidence that money had changed hands and there was no evidence that Auburn University had anything to do with it,” Emmert said in February.

The NCAA has said those comments only dealt with the reinstatement decision and that a school is notified when an investigation is closed.

Steve Spurrier back in his old SEC media days form

He said “in all likelihood”, quarterback Stephen Garcia will be back in the fold for preseason camp. After all, Spurrier cracked, “I guess we don’t want to kick him out for stupidity.” “Most coaches if they win a lot, win a lot of championships, they do talk a little bit more,” Spurrier said.

The Gamecocks have plenty to talk about these days after making the SEC championship game for the first time and knocking off both Clemson and then-No. 1 Alabama. Garcia was suspended for the fifth time in April, this one for his behavior in a life skills seminar. Spurrier said the senior quarterback has done everything required of him so far to rejoin the team and has made some “lifestyle changes.”

Spurrier said the SEC’s most experienced quarterback will still have to beat out sophomore Connor Shaw, who was solid in nine relief appearances last season.

“We’re going to have competition,” Spurrier said. “I guess everyone assumes Stephen is going to be the quarterback if he’s there. But we’ll see.”

Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen: ‘It’s really hard to regulate 7-on-7′s

“As coaches, we’re held accountable for everything that we do,” Mullen said during the conference. “The recruiting world is not… and it’s a big, big business.

“Those recruiting events and websites, they don’t answer to anybody. When you have third party with no accountability, it’s hard to regulate it.”

Mullen’s not the only coach who has voiced his concern over seven-on-seven events and other recruiting services. Last month, Penn State coach Joe Paterno equated seven-on-seven games as “auctioning blocks” for middle men who, as he put it, don’t belong in the game of college football.

LSU to wear Nike Pro combat uniform vs. Auburn

LSU's uniform design will be unveiled in September 2011.

"Nike takes pride in giving athletes an advantage by providing them with cutting edge innovation. The Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniform delivers unparalleled on-field performance benefits while inspiring the team through each uniform's unique design," said Todd Van Horne, Nike's Creative Director for Football. "It is a privilege to collaborate with the coaches and student-athletes to develop a look that's truly distinctive to each university and their teams."

LSU is one of a handful of schools from across the country selected to sport the 2011 Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniforms for a game this season. Other schools include the United States Military Academy (Army), Boise State, Georgia, Michigan State, United States Naval Academy, Ohio State, Oregon, and Stanford.

While each school's uniform delivers the same superior lightweight performance and protection, each will tell a different story through its design. Nike worked closely with each university to bring relevant elements of the school's rich heritage into a distinguished, modern uniform design. The uniforms capture each team's unique character.

"We're excited to be one of a few schools selected by Nike to wear the Pro Combat uniform for a game in 2011," said head coach Les Miles of the LSU Tigers. "While we love the tradition and the historical significance behind the uniform we wear each week, our players also enjoy the opportunity to wear something different. We think the Nike Pro Combat uniform gives LSU a unique look while also outfitting our team in the latest innovation."

Georgia-Coastal Carolina set for PPV

Kickoff for the Georgia Bulldogs’ football game against Coastal Carolina on Sept. 17 has been set for 1 p.m. ET and the contest will be televised regionally on a pay-per-view basis.

The game will be offered to all cable and satellite companies in Georgia and South Carolina at an individual subscription price of $34.95. Commercial establishments may purchase the telecast for $400.

The Coastal Carolina contest is the fourth game time to be confirmed for the upcoming season. Georgia’s first two matchups versus Boise State at the Georgia Dome on Sept. 3 and against South Carolina on Sept. 10 in Athens will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively. The Bulldogs’ Oct.
29 game with Florida in Jacksonville is slated for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast by CBS.

Bobby Petrino feels the pieces are in place for BCS title run

Bobby Petrino, with 13 returning starters, feels year four of his time at Arkansas may be his best chance yet to get to both. Given Petrino’s reputation as a quarterback and offensive guru, it was a little uncanny, but not unwarranted, for him to associate that goal with strong defensive line play.

“I feel like our defense is where they need to be at physically… both on the line and at the ends,” Petrino said, adding that the defensive line play in the SEC is likely the best he’s seen as a coach.

“I like our experience and depth, we had to play a lot of guys who were true freshman three years ago,” Petrino said. “But that group of young men stuck together… and now they’re all matured and grown up… So I’m excited for our senior class.”

LSU receives one-year probation

The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions released its report into the LSU football program and found the school and/or a former assistant coach and/or non-coaching staff members had committed five major violations, all related to Hicks’ recruitment in 2008 and 2009. The COI accepted LSU's self-imposed sanctions, while also adding three additional penalties: a one-year period of probation, from July 19, 2011, through July 18, 2012; A 10 percent reduction in official visits for football during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years; and a public reprimand and censure. From the NCAA’s release on the COI’s decision:

The investigation began after the university self-reported the violations to the enforcement staff. The committee lauded the university’s compliance staff for its efforts to investigate and uncover the violations.

The committee noted in its report, “The compliance office was proactive, fully investigated and cooperated with the enforcement staff to uncover the full range of the violations.”

Vanderbilt becomes the only SEC school since 1987 to have not committed a major NCAA violation.

LSU latest to hear from the NCAA

The NCAA has scheduled a 3 p.m. ET teleconference to discuss the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions on LSU . The issue currently in front of the NCAA relates to recruiting violations committed in 2009 and is not connected to the Willie Lyles “situation“, for those who are curious. In March of 2010, LSU self-reported violations to both the NCAA and SEC relating to the recruitment of former LSU defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. The school found during the course of its investigation that Hicks received impermissible transportation during an official visit in 2009 and a reduced-rent apartment in Baton Rouge three months before actually enrolling at LSU. The benefits were tied to former WR coach D.J. McCarthy, who has since resigned his LSU post.
The COI, which heard LSU’s case in April of this year, will either deem the self-imposed sanctions sufficient and end the case, or impose further sanctions

Arkansas loses two more Hogs...What' sup

Defensive lineman Jatashun “Big Tex” Beachum and tight end Denton Simek are no longer with Arkansas’ football team, Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino said through a team spokesperson Monday. Both players had made position moves after redshirting as freshmen at Arkansas in 2010. Beachum had worked with the running backs last fall before moving to defensive tackle during the Razorbacks’ bowl preparations, while Simek moved from a reserve center to tight end during the spring. Petrino said earlier Monday Colton Miles-Nash had moved from defensive end to tight end. The number of players at the position is believed to be a reason for Simek’s departure. The two players are the latest in a series of departures from Arkansas’ football team for a number of reasons in the off-season. At least 10 players from the Razorbacks’ spring roster are no longer with the program.

Vanderbilt's James Kittredge transferring to Michigan State

Vanderbilt lineman James Kittredge will transfer to Michigan State, according to scout.com. As per NCAA transfer rules, he will have to sit out the upcoming season.

Kittredge, 6-feet-4 and 270 pounds, was a three-star recruit out of New Jersey when he signed with the Commodores in February 2010. He was listed by rivals.com as a defensive end in high school. It is not known which position he would play at MSU.

Kittredge reported scholarship offers from MSU, Notre Dame, South Carolina, West Virginia and others as a high school senior.

Razorback DE flips back to TE

Colton Miles-Nash will make a position move from defensive end back to tight end this season, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said Monday prior to a golf event at Chenal Country Club. Miles-Nash, a junior, switched to defensive end prior to his sophomore season. He played in all 13 games at the position a year ago, recording 14 tackles. Miles-Nash didn’t record any stats at tight end as a freshman. Miles-Nash’s most memorable play came last season in the Sugar Bowl when he blocked a punt late in the fourth quarter against Ohio State. “We made that move when he came back from a short summer break,” Petrino said. “After spring ball I felt we needed more punch in the running game from our tight end position. I think it will be a good combination between him and Chris Gragg, and some of the other guys who did a good job in the spring. “There’s no question when you look at the runs Knile Davis is good at and where he performed well last year, we need to be able to set the edge and get him on the perimenter, and stretch the field where he can cut back, and we really feel like Colton can do that.”

Vandy DB reportedly headed to UCLA

According to the Twitter account of The Tennessean‘s Jeff Lockridge, it’s been confirmed that Jamie Graham will be transferring from Vanderbilt to the Bruins. As the defensive back has already received his degree, he will enroll in a post-graduate program at UCLA not offered at Vandy and be eligible to play immediately instead of sitting out the usual transfer year.

Graham announced in late March that he had decided to finish his collegiate career elsewhere, although at the time he stated he was looking at the Sun Belt Conference’s UAB as well as Div. 1-AA Southern.

Graham started 15 games during his time with the Commodores, with two of those coming last year before a season-ending knee injury sidelined him in late October.

UGA tailback out... suspended at least one game

Georgia felt the need to move Richard Samuel to tailback, due to the fact, that Carlton Thomas is suspended for at least the first game of the season. The rising junior from Frostproof, Fla., violated team rules back in the spring, three persons familiar with the situation confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As per Georgia Athletic Association student-athlete policy, Thomas has to sit out 10 percent of scheduled games this season. The Bulldogs play 12 games this season, including the season opener against Top-10-ranked Boise State in the Georgia Dome. Most recently that has resulted in one-game suspensions, though Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity declined to specify.

“If we have any announcements regarding suspensions, they’ll be made at the appropriate time,” said McGarity, declining further comment.

If Georgia had not moved Samuel from linebacker to running back, it would have had only redshirt freshman Ken Malcome and true freshman Isaiah Crowell on scholarship at tailback. Neither, has played in a college game.

Miss. St. backups uncertain

According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, the Bulldogs released their football roster for the upcoming season recently and, somewhat surprisingly, defensive tackle Jeffrey Howie and wide receiver Charles Bailey were not listed. The paper reports that head coach Dan Mullen refused to comment on the situation, and a school spokesperson would not confirm the players’ status with the program.

MSU is scheduled to begin summer camp Aug. 4.

Vols Dooley is satisfied with recruit limit

The league's presidents and chancellors voted at the SEC spring meetings a little more than six weeks ago to reduce the size of football signing classes to 25 players even though coaches unanimously wanted to keep it at 28.

The change will force the league's coaches to adjust, although for University of Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, it won't be much different from the norm.

“I don't think this is going to change much how we do stuff,” the Volunteers' second-year coach said earlier this week, “because y'all know I've been about minimizing risk from the beginning and I'm not trying to have a lot of attrition, although you need to have some attrition.

“But I don't think it's going to change much. I think the good news is when we needed to sign a lot of guys, the rule wasn't in place, that's the last two years. So hopefully we'll kind of steady the ship, and if we can have a good, deep roster that doesn't have a lot of attrition, then the rule shouldn't affect you.”

SEC West has best bet for BCS Champ

All due respect to teams in the East, but the conference’s best bets to run its Bowl Championship Series title streak to six years are in the West. Alabama and LSU, national champions in 2007 and ’09 respectively, are consensus top-10 teams. The Crimson Tide returns seven starters on a defense that should rank among the best in the country. LSU, with a good mix of players back on both sides of the ball and one last chance for quarterback Jordan Jefferson, are right there too. Both teams have question marks (quarterback for Alabama and, well, quarterback for LSU), but their strengths more than make up for them. The West had the four best teams in the league last year and is home to the last two national champions (Alabama and Auburn). If a team can navigate that minefield again, it will be in the mix for the BCS title.

Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com

Former Georgia coach Jim Donnan in legal hot water

Former Georgia coach Jim Donnan has been accused of making millions of dollars off a Ponzi scheme stemming from a company by the name of GLC Ltd.

Court documents obtained by ESPN state that Donnan and his wife “solicited investments from more than 50 individuals and entities to GLC”, which Donnan reportedly “pitched” as a retail liquidation company and a re-seller of consumer products. In all, Donnan and his family, including Donnan’s children and their spouses, reportedly made roughly $14.5 million from GLC in the form of several “fraudulent transfers” to “James and Mary Donnan or their immediate family members.”

The company, however, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an Ohio federal court in February. Donnan and his wife then filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. The current operators of GLC filed a lawsuit against Donnan’s children and their spouses Thursday.

According to the ESPN report, “investors sank nearly $82 million dollars into GLC Enterprises but less than $12 million was spent on inventory and at least $13 million in investor money remains unaccounted for. With dwindling revenues, GLC eventually used money from new investors to pay old investors, which, according to the court documents, constituted a Ponzi scheme.”

2011 DAVEY O’BRIEN quarterback award watch list

This year’s list, which was compiled by a subset of The O’Brien National Selection Committee, features 38 of the nation’s top collegiate quarterbacks who were selected based on player performance during the previous year and expectations heading into the 2011 college football season. Appearing on the Watch List is not a requirement for a player to be awarded The O’Brien. Quarterbacks from all 120 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools are eligible for the award until the field is narrowed to 16 semifinalists on Monday, Oct. 24. The Foundation and the Selection Committee will announce three finalists on Monday, Nov. 21. The 2011 Davey O’Brien winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Matt Barkley, USC, Pac-12
Tyler Bray, Tennessee, SEC
Alex Carder, Western Michigan, MAC
Zach Collaros, Cincinnati, Big East
Kirk Cousins, Michigan State, Big Ten
Dayne Crist, Notre Dame, Independent
Austin Davis, Southern Miss, C-USA
Dominique Davis, East Carolina, C-USA
Nick Foles, Arizona, Pac-12
Jeff Godfrey, UCF, C-USA
Robert Griffin III, Baylor, Big 12
Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois, MAC
Jake Heaps, BYU, Independent
Landry Jones, Oklahoma, Big 12
Case Keenum, Houston, C-USA
G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, C-USA
Ryan Lindley, San Diego State, MWC
Andrew Luck, Stanford, Pac-12
EJ Manuel, Florida State, ACC
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska, Big Ten
Bryant Moniz, Hawaii, WAC
Kellen Moore, Boise State, MWC
Aaron Murray, Georgia, SEC
Danny O’Brien, Maryland, ACC
Kyle Padron, SMU, C-USA
Dan Persa, Northwestern, Big Ten
Chris Relf, Mississippi State, SEC
Sean Renfree, Duke, ACC
Corey Robinson, Troy, Sun Belt
Denard Robinson, Michigan, Big Ten
Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois, Big Ten
Geno Smith, West Virginia, Big East
Tino Sunseri, Pittsburgh, Big East
Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, Big 12
Darron Thomas, Oregon, Pac-12
Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State, Big 12
Russell Wilson, Wisconsin, Big Ten
Jordan Wynn, Utah, Pac-12

Arkansas’ Oden gets walking papers

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, head coach Bobby Petrino announced in a press release that the mammoth offensive tackle has been dismissed from the football program. The release stated that Oden will still be receiving support from the athletic department, although what exactly that support entails was not specified.

Oden was booked into jail at 8:52 a.m. local time on the morning of July 9 and charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, driving left of the center line, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, no proof of ownership, driving on a suspended/revoked driver’s license and no driver’s license.

UGA to move LB back to RB

In a release, UGA announced that linebacker Richard Samuel has been moved from the defensive side back to the offensive backfield. Samuel was a tailback as a freshman (2008) and sophomore (2009), but moved to linebacker last year due in part to the switch to a 3-4 defense. He did not play in 2010 because of an injury and took a redshirt.

“After discussions with Richard, his family, and our coaches I’m excited that Richard wants to make the move,” said head coach Mark Richt in a statement. “He’s one of our fastest and most powerful players, is very mature, has a strong character and is a man we can count on. I¹m proud of him for always putting the team first and I look forward to seeing what he can do.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity at tailback,” said Samuel. “I’m ready to do anything that will help the team win.”

LSU hands over Lyles scouting report to NCAA

According to a university press release, LSU has handed over that information to the NCAA while they were on campus to interview LSU football coaches concerning their relationship with Lyles.

The release states LSU’s recruiting package contained DVDs of game footage or highlights on prospects, as well as written information on recruits

But a statement from LSU associate athletic director Herb Vincent claims “The DVDs also contain footage of one 2010-11 Texas high school prospect and one 2007-08 Kansas junior college prospect, material which LSU had not requested.”

When asked by the Shreveport Times as to why LSU received unrequested information, Vincent said he didn’t know.

LSU also received some semi-unusable information from Lyles.

“The material consists almost entirely of information pertaining to prospects that had finished junior college in 2009-10 and had already enrolled in a four-year college by the time LSU received the materials,” Vincent said. “The LSU coaching staff did not attempt to collect the correct 2010-11 typewritten data from the service because it determined the video footage was sufficient for its evaluation purposes.”

LSU’s connection with Lyles has previously been questioned when a former Texas A&M assistant said Lyles contacted him in 2007 demanding $80,000 for the talents of future LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Tide, UGA pace coaches’ first-team All-SEC squad

The SEC has released its 2011 coaches’ preseason All-SEC teams.

Alabama led all schools with seven first-team selections, followed by Georgia’s six and South Carolina’s four. Those three schools account for well over half of the 26 players who made the coaches’ first-team cut.

Interestingly, defending BCS champion Auburn, as well as, Florida, and Mississippi State did not have a single player on the first team, while Vanderbilt has one, linebacker Chris Marve.

UGA’s Aaron Murray was named as the first-team quarterback, but surprisingly, South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia was named to the second team, are we ready to get past the troubles, Spurrier?

Ex-Tide and Auburn Tigers will play football again for tornado relief

Former Auburn and Alabama football players will play each other in a flag football game next month in Hoover to raise money for tornado relief. The HeartinDixie Alumni Day Flag Football Game will be Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at Spain Park High School.

About 40 former players will play and sign autographs. Tickets cost $20 plus $5 for parking, said James Sanderson, a former Alabama student trainer who helped organize the event.

The game is part of three days of activities to raise money. There is also a benefit and golf pairings party Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Marriott, followed by a charity golf pro-am Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at Greystone Golf and Country Club.

Among the past athletes and coaches attending the weekend's events will be Bo Jackson, Cornelius Bennett, Pat Dye, Ray Perkins, Al Del Greco, Bobby Humphrey, Stan White, Gene Stallings, Joe Cribbs and Lee Roy Jordan.

Names of participating players in the flag football game have not been announced. Players must be out of college or the NFL for at least two years. Sanderson said the idea came from "A" Club members as they helped clean up tornado damage in Holt.

Four more Gamecocks named to preseason watch lists

Stephon Gilmore and Devin Taylor have been named to the 2011 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, while T.J. Johnson and Rokevious Watkins have been named to the 2011 Outland Trophy Watch List, it was announced today.

Gilmore is a 6-1, 194-pound junior cornerback from Rock Hill, S.C., who has started all 27 games for the Gamecocks over the past two seasons. He led the squad with 79 tackles a year ago while earning first-team All-SEC and third-team All-America honors.

Taylor is a 6-7, 248-pound junior defensive end from Beaufort, S.C., who earned All-SEC honors in 2010 after logging 13.0 tackles for loss including 7.5 sacks, ranking among the SEC leaders in both categories. His 46 tackles led the Gamecocks' defensive linemen.

Johnson is a 6-4, 314-pound junior center from Aynor, S.C., who has started all 27 games for the Gamecocks over the past two seasons, including all 14 at center a year ago when he earned postseason All-SEC recognition by Rivals.com and Phil Steele.

Watkins is a 6-4, 319-pound senior offensive lineman from Fairburn, Ga., who is in his third season in the Garnet & Black after beginning his collegiate career at Georgia Military College. He started all 14 games at guard last season, but enters the 2011 campaign penciled in as the probable starter at right tackle.

Eighty-seven players made the preseason list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded annually to the nation's best defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. Every NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision conference and Notre Dame are represented on the list that is pretty evenly divided among linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.

Vol's Dooley ‘cautiously optimistic’about Janzen Jackson

The progress the Vols safety has made in trying to get back with the program was clear when he was confirmed last week as a student at the university once again. But despite admitting some cautious optimism during an appearance Wednesday morning, UT coach Derek Dooley stressed that there's still plenty to do both on and off the field for the junior before he's officially in the lineup again.

"He's only been here, how long, three days now," Dooley said after a dedication at the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety. "So it's a little premature to say he's back. He's got a long way to go physically, he's still got a lot of things to do to stay a part of the team. Only time will tell if he's going to be our safety this year. I think it's a good positive step forward, but we're certainly not done.

"We're certainly better off today than a week ago, because he's in school and he's working out with the team. He hadn't worked out with our football team literally since the Music City Bowl. It's been a long time away from the football team, and it's a good step to get him back - but we also can't forget he has been gone that long and it's going to be a long road back."

Scooter accident lands UGA’s Derrick Lott in hospital

According to Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph, defensive end Derrick Lott was involved in an incident yesterday involving his scooter and the side of a building. Fortunately for Lott, it appears he escaped without suffering any type of serious injury — i.e. one that would cause him to miss games — as Emerson reports that the lineman suffered a laceration to his lower right leg.

“The driver was parking his scooter and he scrapped the side of the building and his leg. Not a real dramatic incident,” said Lt. Eric Dellinger of the UGA police department.

Dellinger added that “there was no indication that there was any impairment or anything of that matter.” There were no charges filed.

That said, Lott remained hospitalized this morning in fair condition. Additionally, Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald reports that, per UGA officials, Lott will be sidelined for a period of four to six weeks, meaning he will likely miss the start of summer camp.

Ole Miss Sowell named to Lombardi watch list

Ole Miss left tackle Bradley Sowell picked up his second preseason watch list Tuesday with his inclusion to the preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award.

The trophy is presented by the Rotary Club of Houston, and is awarded to the nation’s top lineman.

Sowell has started 24 of 25 games at left tackle and helped Ole Miss rank top-two in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed each of the last two seasons. Sowell was named to the Outland Trophy’s watch list last week.

Vols Malik Jackson on Lombardi Award watch list

Tennessee defensive tackle Malik Jackson was named to his third preseason watch list Tuesday, garnering recognition from the people behind the Lombardi Award. The Lombardi Award is given annually to the nation's top lineman from either side of the ball. Auburn's Nick Fairley won the award last year. Last week, Jackson was named to the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski and Outland trophies, which are given annually to the nation's top defensive player and top interior lineman, respectively. Jackson, a senior who will be one of three Vols at SEC Media Days next week, led UT with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2010. His 48 tackles were good for sixth-best on the team. Most of Jackson's production came during the second half of the season, when he, despite being undersized, transitioned from defensive end to tackle.

The only Vol to receive more preseason recognition than Jackson is defensive back Prentiss Waggner, who has been named to four watch lists.

Georgia's Drew Butler on Ray Guy award watch list

The Watch List for the 2011 Ray Guy Award has been released.

The trophy will be presented to the nation's most outstanding punter by the Augusta, Ga. Sports Council.

The following five players made the preseason watch list:

Bryan Anger, Sr., California
Drew Butler, Sr., Georgia
Kyle Martens, Sr., Rice
Quinn Sharp, Jr., Oklahoma State
Dawson Zimmerman, Sr., Clemson

Butler is the son of former Bulldogs kicker Kevin Butler, and he won the award as a sophomore in 2009.

Three Tide DBs pace Thorpe Award watch list

This year’s group for the Thorpe consists of 37 players, including a conference-leading 10 players from the SEC. The ACC is next with seven, followed by the Big 12′s six and four apiece for the Big Ten and Pac-12.

Alabama led all individual schools with three players on the list, strong safety Mark Barron, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and free safety Robert Lester. Oklahoma and Florida State with two apiece were the only other schools with more than one player to make the list.

Position-wise, there were 18 cornerbacks, 12 free safeties and seven strong safeties.

Last year’s winner was LSU’s Patrick Peterson, who left school a year early for the NFL draft.

Former UGA lineman goes to Va Tech

In an interview with the Florida Times-Union, the offensive lineman confirmed that he has decided to transfer to the Hokies. Benedict, who will have to sit out the 2011 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules, told the paper that a big part of his decision is due to the fact that Tech will be losing four lineman to expired eligibility at the end of this year, as was his familiarity with the school coming out of high school.

“I liked Virginia Tech the first time around [in the recruiting process],” Benedict told the paper. “It’s a great program with a coaching staff that’s been there awhile. They win games and do well in the ACC. I’m really excited to get up there.”

Benedict had also drawn interest from Florida, Clemson and Marshall before deciding on Tech. UGA gave Benedict an unconditional release from his scholarship, meaning a move to the rival Gators would’ve been allowed.

Gator's Matt Elam named to Jim Thorpe award watch list

University of Florida safety Matt Elam has been named to the 2011 Jim Thorpe Award watch list, announced today by the National College Football Awards Association.

Elam, a 5-10, 205-pound sophomore, was one of six true freshmen to play in all 13 games in 2010. He totaled 22 tackles (16 solo) as the top backup in the secondary and on special teams’ duty. He recorded a career-high five tackles and one quarterback sack on the road at Alabama last season. Elam enrolled at UF in January of 2010.

LSU football media guides available now

LSU fans can pre-order their copy of the 2011 LSU Football Media Guide online at www.LSUsports.net/mediaguides now. Cost of the media guide is $25, which includes shipping and handling. The 2011 LSU Football Media Guide is currently in production and pre-orders will be shipped starting in early August. Members of the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net may purchase the 2011 LSU Football Media Guide for only $15, a 40% discount off the retail price.
The 2011 LSU Football Media Guide is 208 pages and features an in-depth look at the Tigers offense, defense and special teams as well as updated bios for the squad and the coaching staff.

This year's LSU media guide front cover features the words from a poem about Tiger Stadium written by long-time public address announcer Dan Borne. The back cover features action shots of quarterback Jordan Jefferson, safety Brandon Taylor, linebacker Ryan Baker, receiver Rueben Randle, offensive guard Will Blackwell, receiver Russell Shepard, cornerback Morris Claiborne and offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk.

Gators Howard and Nixon named to preseason watch lists

Redshirt senior defensive tackle Jaye Howard (Apopka, Fla.) and junior offensive tackle Xavier Nixon (Fayetteville, N.C.) were named to the 2011 Outland Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced today. Howard was also named to the 2011 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, announced today by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Howard enters his senior season having played in 31 games, with 12 starts. During his Gator career, Howard has recorded 66 tackles (43 solo, 23 assisted), 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Nixon has seen action in 22 games at UF, making 13 career starts. The two-year letter winner was named to the 2009 SEC All-Freshman Team by the leagues’ coaches and The Sporting News.

Vanderbilt is scheduled to take part in media days

SEC Football Media Days will be held July 20-22 in Hoover, Ala., and on Monday the Southeastern Conference revealed the list of representatives attending from all 12 SEC schools.
Joining Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin at media day will be seniors Casey Hayward (DB), Chris Marve (LB) and Larry Smith (QB). The appearance at media day will be the second in a row for Marve and first for Hayward and Smith. Marve is just the fourth Commodore to attend media day multiple times and first since former linebacker Jonathan Goff in 2006 and 2007.

Vanderbilt is scheduled to take part in media day from 8:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. on Friday, July 22. The Commodores are in the morning rotation with Alabama. LSU and Ole Miss will take part in the second session on Friday from 10:50 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Vols Malik Jackson, Prentiss Waggner named to Bronko Nagurski watch list

Tennessee senior defensive lineman Malik Jackson and junior defensive back Prentiss Waggner were both named to national watch lists Friday. Jackson was selected to both the Bronko Nagurski and Outland Trophy Watch Lists, while Waggner earned a spot on the Nagurski list.

The Nagurski Trophy, presented by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club, honors the defensive player of the year. The Outland Trophy, selected by the FWAA, acknowledges the best interior lineman in college football.

With Jackson and Waggner on the Nagurski watch list, UT is one of just six programs in the country with a member of both the defensive line and secondary recognized. Both players, who earned Associated Press All-SEC Second Team honors in 2010, were among 19 SEC players and 87 overall student-athletes selected.

Razorbacks lineman hit with multiple charges

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Oden was charged with driving while intoxicated, he was booked into jail at 8:52 a.m. local time, incidentally, possession of a controlled substance, driving left of the center line, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, no proof of ownership, driving on a suspended/revoked driver’s license and no driver’s license.

Last July, Oden was charged with DWI, careless driving and driving without a license, so his future with the Razorbacks, a future that was thought to include competing for a starting tackle job in summer camp, is very much up in the air.

Oden, a junior, was listed as the co-starter heading into spring practice.

South Carolina reportedly loses backup receiver...maybe

According to an initial report from GamecockCentral.com, an affiliate of Rivals, and citing sources close to the situation, redshirt junior receiver Bryce Sherman has abruptly “left” the team for yet-to-be-specified reasons.

Apparently, Sherman’s departure is news to his position coach, Steve Spurrier Jr. Spurrier Jr. told GamecockCentral that if Sherman has left the team, the receiver hasn’t informed him.

Sherman himself provided no additional help, telling the site “I don’t want to say nothing right now.”

Big Ten paces Outland Trophy watch list

This year’s initial list features 65 players, with the Big Ten leading the way with 13 lineman. The SEC is next with 11, followed by the Pac-12 with nine, the ACC and Big 12 with seven and the Big East with six. All 11 Div. 1-A conferences are represented, as are independents BYU and Notre Dame.

More than a third of the players on the list (24) play offensive tackle, while 16 are listed as defensive tackles, 14 are guards and 11 are centers.

Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi was the winner of the 2010 Outland. The winner of the 66th edition of the trophy, named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of 20th century, will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8 on ESPN.

Former Georgia AD Evans hired by Savannah State

(AP)—Former Georgia Athletic Director Damon Evans has been hired as a consultant for Savannah State. The move was announced Friday by Charles Elmore, a consultant for advancement and communications for Savannah State president Cheryl Dozier.

Elmore told The Associated Press that Evans has no interest in replacing Marilynn Suggs, who was fired this week as Savannah State’s athletic director. Evans “will take no part in personnel matters” but was hired to look at the athletic department, including its administration and fund-raising. Evans’ new role was first reported by the Savannah Morning News.

He resigned as Georgia’s AD in July 2010 following his DUI arrest in Atlanta. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year of probation, a $750 fine and community service.

Dawg gone...Caleb King leaves Bulldogs

Friday’s announcement by coach Mark Richt opens the way for incoming freshman Isaiah Crowell to begin his career as the starting tailback. Even with King on the depth chart, many observers already expected Crowell to win the job. Richt talked about his high expectations for Crowell, from Carver High in Columbus, when the highly recruited back signed with Georgia in February. Richt hinted that Crowell could be the starter when the Bulldogs open their season against Boise State in the Georgia Dome on Sept. 3. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see him run that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he’s supposed to do,” Richt said. With the departures of King and Ealey, junior Carlton Thomas (5-foot-7, 170 pounds) is the leading returning rusher, logging 272 yards and two touchdowns last year. Redshirt freshman Ken Malcome also will have a chance to earn significant playing time. Junior linebacker Richard Samuel is a former tailback. Walk-on Brandon Harton was third on the depth chart, behind King and Thomas, at the end of spring.

“It s unfortunate Caleb will not be with us this season,” Richt said. “We wish him the best in whatever he decides to do; however, we have to move forward and this will provide more opportunities for others to step up.”

Gator’s Neiron Ball expected to miss season

A vascular condition that kept Florida’s Neiron Ball from participating in spring practice will probably make him unavailable for the entire 2011 season as well, the player’s brother-in-law told the Orlando Sentinel.

Dary Myricks told the paper that the condition – arteriovenous malformation — and subsequent surgery will most likely prevent the linebacker from playing in 2011. When the congenital condition was first discovered back in February, it was feared his football career may have come to a premature end as a result; that still remains to be seen, although there appears to be more optimism today than there was five months ago.

“He’s healthy. He’s fine,” Myricks said. “He’s probably going to miss next season. …

Ohio State vacates 2010 football wins and Sugar Bowl victory

Ohio State is vacating its wins from the 2010 football season, including its share of the Big Ten championship and the Buckeyes’ victory over Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl.

Responding to the NCAA’s investigation of a memorabilia-for-cash scandal that cost former coach Jim Tressel his job and led to star quarterback Terrelle Pryor leaving school, the university also said Friday it is waiving a $250,000 fine imposed on Tressel and changing his resignation to a retirement. The move contradicts a comment university President Gordon Gee made last month when he said Tressel “will pay the fine.” Through the school, the ex-Buckeyes coach said that he is taking responsibility for the NCAA inquiry, which developed after it was learned Tressel failed to report players receiving improper benefits. Tressel will attend Ohio State’s Aug. 12 hearing before the NCAA infractions committee, the former coach’s attorney said Friday. The university also is putting the football program on probation for two years, which means there would be harsher penalties if any further wrongdoing is discovered. The response to the NCAA doesn’t mean Ohio State’s woes are over. The governing body for college sports could still impose tougher sanctions, such as a ban on post-season play and a reduction in scholarships in the wake of the August hearing.

Georgia back Caleb King reportedly ineligible

According to a tweet from Bryan Fischer of CBS Sports citing university sources, King has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2011 season.

The University of Georgia has sent out a release confirming the departure and Seth Emerson of dawgextra tweets “UGA release: Caleb King is academically ineligible and will not be with the team this fall. King , a senior, will ‘consider options.’”

King also took to his own Twitter account to offer this cryptic message:

“Somethings u cant control, and what seems bad right now might turn out good. Too all of my homeboyz … “

LSU's Peterson, Duncan sweep Corbett awards

LSU football All-American Patrick Peterson and track and field national champion Kimberlyn Duncan were honored Thursday by both the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame as this year's recipients of the Corbett Award presented annually to the top male and female amateur athletes in the state of Louisiana. Both Peterson and Duncan will be formally recognized in the annual banquet to be held Saturday, July 23, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. This marks the second year in a row and the seventh time since the 1999-2000 athletic campaign that LSU athletes have swept both the men's and women's Corbett Awards.

Recognized as one of the best college football players nationwide in 2010, Peterson was a consensus first-team All-American. He was also the winner of the Bednarik Trophy as the top defensive player in college football and the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. Peterson was also named both the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Players of the Year.

UK Wildcat's Newton showing team he's ready to lead

A relaxed Newton seems comfortable in this new role as leader. His fellow upperclassmen have noticed the changes. Newton doesn't just try to lead via tweet, but by example, they said. "He's a workaholic," senior cornerback Randall Burden said of Newton. "He's working harder and more than he has in past years. He's getting ready to take this team on and lead it." Fellow defender Ronnie Sneed has seen it, too. "Morgan's a different guy than before," the senior linebacker said. "I could tell last year Morgan started to change. You could tell he was upset he didn't win that starting position, and I believe that pushed him to prove a point." Sneed pointed to tangible evidence of leadership such as Newton's coordinating seven-on-seven drills and setting up competitions with players from other schools. Last week, they worked with players from Georgetown. On Wednesday, it was guys from Eastern Kentucky. That led one reporter to ask the quarterback whether he planned on calling any players from Louisville. "We're not scared," Newton said laughing. "But probably not, since we'll see them this year." It's not just becoming a coordinator that has made Newton a leader, Sneed said. "He's working really hard," Sneed said. "I know he's in the film room, and I know he's in the weight room pushing it hard. He's excited about this season."

Vols Prentiss Waggner named to Bednarik Award watch list

Waggner started the 2010 season at safety, but thrived when he was moved back to cornerback, the position he played in high school. He finished the season tied for third in the SEC and 15th in the nation with five interceptions. His three interception returns for a touchdown set a UT record.

Waggner, who is one of 18 SEC players on the watch list, also recovered two fumbles and was fifth on the team with 57 tackles. His late-season accolades garnered some national recognition, which also included All-SEC second team honors.

SEC players make watch list for the Biletnikoff Award

The watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top wide receiver, also came out Wednesday. Georgia’s Tavarres King, Auburn’s Emory Blake and Alabama’s Darius Hanks, Marquis Maze and Duron Carter made the list. King, a sophomore, had 27 catches for 504 yards and three touchdowns last season for the Bulldogs, taking third billing behind A.J. Green and Kris Durham. Blake, a junior, emerged as a third receiving option for the Tigers last season, finishing with 33 catches for 554 yards and a team-leading eight receiving touchdowns. Maze, a senior, is the Crimson Tide’s leading returning receiver, catching 38 passes for 557 yards and three touchdowns last year. Hanks, a senior, had 32 catches for 456 yards and three touchdowns. Carter, the son of former NFL star Cris Carter, is a former Ohio State receiver who transferred to the Crimson Tide from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College this spring. He had 44 catches for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns at Coffeyville.