For four days last week, University of Tennessee fans were invited to visit Neyland Stadium and scope out more than 1,000 seats that are available for the upcoming football season.
It's official. Hell has frozen over.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. For years, decades, really , UT had an extensive waiting list for football season tickets. The Vols couldn't expand Neyland Stadium quickly enough to accommodate the backlog.
Those days are long gone. The primary suspects are a bad economy and mediocre football , not necessarily in that order.
That's the easy answer but it's not necessarily the only answer.
Certainly, the recession has taken a toll on discretionary spending. Likewise, it's hard to get hot and bothered about a program that is just 36-27 over the past five seasons and hasn't been to a BCS bowl since 1999.
UT is on its third head coach in the past three years. A program that used to contend for national championships now struggles to gain market share in the SEC East.
But I'm starting to wonder if there aren't mitigating circumstances to this ticket trauma. When the SEC signed its blockbuster deals with CBS and ESPN last summer, it guaranteed that every conference football game would be on some TV platform.
Could it be that high-def broadcasts equal a slow death to season-ticket sales?
I hope some SEC bean counter did the math on all this before the league signed off on the TV deal. It's hard to argue with the exposure and millions of up-front revenue from television, but this could take a big bite out of ticket sales and donor contributions.
Consider: At UT and most big-time football programs in the SEC and elsewhere, the opportunity to buy season tickets comes with a premium. A season ticket to seven home games this year runs you $360. But you've got to write a check before you even get in line to purchase the tickets.
For example, if you want to buy two season tickets in the prime midfield seating at Neyland Stadium, a $5,000 donation is required. For smaller donations, season tickets can be purchased in other sections of the stadium.
It adds up quickly. Donations accounted for more than $30 million of UT's 2009-10 athletics budget of $102.45 million. While a few high rollers forked over donations with no strings attached, much of the money was tied to season-ticket purchases.
What happens if more and more fair-weather fans decide they'll sit this one out and watch the games on TV, withholding their donations in the process? This hits UT and other schools right where it hurts — in the revenue stream.
Granted, it is too early to project a doomsday scenario on attendance at college football games. There is no substitute for being part of the color and pageantry of a Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium or any of the traditional sports shrines around the country.
But when a program such as UT starts coming up short on season-ticket sales, it's time to take a TV timeout and re-evaluate how you're doing business.
Monday, June 21, 2010
2010 Outland Trophy Watch List...SEC Dominates
The 2010 Outland Trophy Watch List was released Monday morning. There are a ton of SEC and ACC Players on the list.The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, is the third oldest award in major college football. The Outland Trophy is named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of the century. The 2010 winner will be announced on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 9.
The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be on Jan. 13 in Omaha, Neb.
Tackles, guards and centers are eligible for consideration. Candidates may be added or removed during the season.
2010 OUTLAND TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: Sam Acho, Texas, DT Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson, DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT Carl Johnson, Florida, G Tim Barnes, Missouri, C Barrett Jones, Alabama, G Colin Baxter, Arizona, C Ben Jones, Florida, C Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech, C Jake Kirkpatrick, TCU, C Chase Beeler, Stanford, C Karl Klug, Iowa, DT Clint Boling, Georgia, T Ben Lamaak, Iowa State, C Justin Boren, Ohio State, G DeMarcus Love, Arkansas, T Cory Brandon, Oklahoma, T Ryan McMahon, Florida State, C Mike Brewster, Ohio State, C Ryan Miller, Colorado, G Bryant Browning, Ohio State, G Drake Nevis, LSU, DT Marcus Cannon, TCU, T Kristofer O’Dowd, USC, C Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin, T Josh Oglesby, Wisconsin, T James Carpenter, Alabama, T Stephen Paea, Oregon State, DT Jurrell Casey, USC, DT Alan Pelc, North Carolina, G Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, T Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh, T Thomas Claiborne, Boston College, G Ken Plue, Purdue, G Jared Crick, Nebraska, DT Nate Potter, Boise State, G Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, T Mike Pouncey, Florida, C Art Forst, Rutgers, G Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss, DT Marcus Forston, Miami, DT Matt Reynolds, BYU, T Orlando Franklin, Miami, T Trevor Robinson, Notre Dame, T Anthony Gray, Southern Miss, DT Stephen Schilling, Michigan, G Lawrence Guy, Arizona State, DT Caleb Schlauderaff, Utah, G Ben Habern, Oklahoma, CNate Solder, Colorado, TKyle Hix, Texas, TAdrian Taylor, Oklahoma, DTRodney Hudson, Florida State, G Zane Taylor, Utah, C Omar Hunter, Florida, DT Bo Thran, Oregon, T Rod Huntley, UTEP, G Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple, DT Zach Hurd, Connecticut, G Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State, GB enjamin Ijalana, Villanova, T Lee Ziemba, Auburn, T Andrew Jackson, Fresno State, G
Nagurski Trophy releases 2010 Watch List
Given annually to the nation's best defensive player since 1993, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy has released its 2010 Watch List.
It is an extensive watch list, comprised of 74 players from ten conferences and two divisions of football.
The ACC leads the charge with 13 players named to the preseason list, followed by the SEC (12), Big 12 (10), Pac-10 (9) and Big Ten (8). The Big East has five players on the list, just one more than the Mountain West's and Conference USA's four.
It is an extensive watch list, comprised of 74 players from ten conferences and two divisions of football.
The ACC leads the charge with 13 players named to the preseason list, followed by the SEC (12), Big 12 (10), Pac-10 (9) and Big Ten (8). The Big East has five players on the list, just one more than the Mountain West's and Conference USA's four.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Coach Phillips, Kentucky Football Announce GAM3DAY READY Tour
University of Kentucky football head coach Joker Phillips is taking the GAM3DAY READY message across the Commonwealth later this month as part of the inaugural GAM3DAY READY Tour.The events are open to youth entering their eighth-grade year or below. Youth will get to participate in various football skills and related drills (punt, pass, kick, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, etc.).
The four cities included on the tour are Hyden (Old City Park) on June 24, Central City (Broad Street Downtown Lot) on June 27, Danville (Millennium Park) on June 28 and Louisville (Shawnee Park Great Lawn near Broadway) on June 29. Admission to all four tour stops is free.
Registration opens at each tour stop at 4:30 p.m. with the football activities starting at 5:30 p.m. and running for about 90 minutes to two hours. All times are local.
Each youth that participates in the event will receive a free GAM3DAY READY gear pack that includes a shirt, water bottle and other UK items (while supplies last). There will also be a post-event snack for the youth and coach Phillips will address the crowd.
The football activities are intended for children seven years of age or above. However the event will have a family friendly atmosphere with music, giant inflatable games and other activities for children age six and under.
Did Texas A n M have an invite to join the SEC... or a conditional invite?
We are not saying that they, Texas A&M aren't worthy of being in the SEC or anything like that. Although, what has become apparent is that TV wanted to keep the status quo. If Texas A&M left, or Texas, there would be chaos in the college football landscape. Texas leaves to the PAC ; sheer chaos. Texas A&M leaves to the SEC; the Big 12 implodes and you have it chaos. The 'man' of TV didn't want that, so they upped the ante. Ironically, Texas A&M's flirtation with the SEC created the mess we are in now, a watered down Big 12-2. Not that we blame them, but we think the SEC offer was conditional on the other teams bolting for the PAC 10, for certain money coffers. If this is not the reasoning behind the alignment, your administration's personnel are cowards, and we can not come to believe that!
So...What just Happened to College Football?
It all comes down to this, people have spent the last few weeks making some big moves to try to make some big money on College Football. Texas was annoyed that it wasn’t earning as much as Big 10 or SEC schools from TV contracts, as were Texas A&M and Oklahoma, while Nebraska felt it didn’t have enough power in the Big 12.
All of this left Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe staring unemployment in the face as the Pac 10, Big Ten, and SEC moved in to carve up his conference. First Colorado bolted west, then Nebraska moved to the Big Ten on Friday.
That should have been the end of the Big 12 and Beebe’s job, but he lucked out. The Pac 10 and Texas couldn’t come to an agreement on letting the Longhorns create their own cable TV network. That gave Beebe a chance to offer a new deal to Texas where the whole of the conference would make big increases in TV money with Texas getting the lion’s share, as well as letting Texas set up its own network.
With Texas getting what it wanted the other members of a potentially super-sized Pac-16 conference all had to bow to its wishes and return to the fold, for now at least. Of course this has some people wondering why he didn’t deliver such a deal before losing Colorado and Nebraska.
This is far from over. The Pac 10 won’t be happy with an odd number of teams, they will want a 12th team. They could raid the Mountain West and nab Utah, meaning that conference could come out the loser from all of this despite adding Boise State. Alternatively the Pac 10 might decide that patience is a virtue and wait to plan another raid on the Big 12 in a year or two.
One thing this whole mess has taught us, there really is no off-season in College Football
All of this left Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe staring unemployment in the face as the Pac 10, Big Ten, and SEC moved in to carve up his conference. First Colorado bolted west, then Nebraska moved to the Big Ten on Friday.
That should have been the end of the Big 12 and Beebe’s job, but he lucked out. The Pac 10 and Texas couldn’t come to an agreement on letting the Longhorns create their own cable TV network. That gave Beebe a chance to offer a new deal to Texas where the whole of the conference would make big increases in TV money with Texas getting the lion’s share, as well as letting Texas set up its own network.
With Texas getting what it wanted the other members of a potentially super-sized Pac-16 conference all had to bow to its wishes and return to the fold, for now at least. Of course this has some people wondering why he didn’t deliver such a deal before losing Colorado and Nebraska.
This is far from over. The Pac 10 won’t be happy with an odd number of teams, they will want a 12th team. They could raid the Mountain West and nab Utah, meaning that conference could come out the loser from all of this despite adding Boise State. Alternatively the Pac 10 might decide that patience is a virtue and wait to plan another raid on the Big 12 in a year or two.
One thing this whole mess has taught us, there really is no off-season in College Football
Saturday, June 19, 2010
UGA says...Who's the next A.J. Green?
There has been no shortage of buzz about whether another Georgia freshman receiver could have the type of impact this season that A.J. Green had last season.
Whoa, advises senior receiver Michael Moore.
“It’s really not fair to compare anybody to A.J. Green right now,” Moore said. “That’d be putting too much pressure on somebody.”
Even so, Moore has been impressed by highly touted incoming freshmen receivers Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten and Orson Charles in workouts this summer.
“I really feel all three of them can make plays,” Moore said. “Marlon , you throw it up, and he’s going to get it. Wooten, he’s a fast, quick guy; put the ball in space and he can make something happen. And Orson , he’s a hard-worker, a nitty-gritty guy ... a big body who can also run.”
But as for a Green-like impact? “Just come in and work hard and prove it during the season,” Moore said.
Charles also has caught the attention of sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin.
“He is probably going to make a big impact,” Boykin said. “I feel he’s a man-child. I don’t know where coaches will put him, he can play both tight end and receiver, but I feel like he came in off the bat doing really good. I look for him to be making plays.”
Receiver will be a closely watched position in the Bulldogs’ preseason practices because only Green and Moore are proven producers at the position.
Whoa, advises senior receiver Michael Moore.
“It’s really not fair to compare anybody to A.J. Green right now,” Moore said. “That’d be putting too much pressure on somebody.”
Even so, Moore has been impressed by highly touted incoming freshmen receivers Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten and Orson Charles in workouts this summer.
“I really feel all three of them can make plays,” Moore said. “Marlon , you throw it up, and he’s going to get it. Wooten, he’s a fast, quick guy; put the ball in space and he can make something happen. And Orson , he’s a hard-worker, a nitty-gritty guy ... a big body who can also run.”
But as for a Green-like impact? “Just come in and work hard and prove it during the season,” Moore said.
Charles also has caught the attention of sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin.
“He is probably going to make a big impact,” Boykin said. “I feel he’s a man-child. I don’t know where coaches will put him, he can play both tight end and receiver, but I feel like he came in off the bat doing really good. I look for him to be making plays.”
Receiver will be a closely watched position in the Bulldogs’ preseason practices because only Green and Moore are proven producers at the position.
Auburn approves construction of $16.5 million indoor football practice facility
The Auburn Board of Trustees approved a $16.5 million indoor football practice facility Friday that will feature a much-needed 120-yard field.
Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs
The new facility will trump the current indoor facility that features a 40-yard field that often forces the offense and defense to take turns practicing in bad weather.
The 92,000 square-foot facility will also be available for soccer, baseball, softball and track to practice in bad weather. The proposal approved called the indoor facility to "designate as an expedited project." Construction will begin after the 2010 season. Auburn wants to open the facility before the 2011 season."It's just another step in our master plan that we put together five years ago to compete at the highest level in all our sports," said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs.The new facility will replace the John H. Watson Fieldhouse, which was dedicated in 1999.The new indoor facility will run the length of the main outdoor practice field. Both fields will run east-west, rather than the layout of the existing fields, which run north-south. The new practice layout will reduce the number of outdoor practice fields from three to two. The $16.5 million indoor facility is the biggest athletic expansion since the school built the $90 million Auburn Arena, which will open this basketball season; and follows the expansion of the track and soccer facilities.Part of the facility will be initially funded by a bond issue. The project will be entirely funded by the athletic department.With the opening of the Auburn Arena, the trustees were also told of a preliminary plan to demolish Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum and build a parking garage its place. Auburn approved Inifinity Architecture of Montgomery as the design consultants and Robins and Morton Construction of Birmingham as the construction manager.A $72 million student wellness center was also approved. It will be located near Beard-Eaves and the Auburn Arena. Construction will likely begin in a year with an opening two years later. SEC indoor facilities: Alabama: 110-yard facility Arkansas: 100-yard facility. Auburn: New $16.5 million 120-yard facility approved. Currently 40-yard practice facility. Florida: None Georgia: Under construction Kentucky: 100-yard facility LSU: 100-yard facility Mississippi: 100-yard facility Mississippi State: 100-yard facility South Carolina: 60-yard facility. Tennessee: 70-yard facility; two full end zones; expansion approved Vanderbilt: None
Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs
The new facility will trump the current indoor facility that features a 40-yard field that often forces the offense and defense to take turns practicing in bad weather.
The 92,000 square-foot facility will also be available for soccer, baseball, softball and track to practice in bad weather. The proposal approved called the indoor facility to "designate as an expedited project." Construction will begin after the 2010 season. Auburn wants to open the facility before the 2011 season."It's just another step in our master plan that we put together five years ago to compete at the highest level in all our sports," said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs.The new facility will replace the John H. Watson Fieldhouse, which was dedicated in 1999.The new indoor facility will run the length of the main outdoor practice field. Both fields will run east-west, rather than the layout of the existing fields, which run north-south. The new practice layout will reduce the number of outdoor practice fields from three to two. The $16.5 million indoor facility is the biggest athletic expansion since the school built the $90 million Auburn Arena, which will open this basketball season; and follows the expansion of the track and soccer facilities.Part of the facility will be initially funded by a bond issue. The project will be entirely funded by the athletic department.With the opening of the Auburn Arena, the trustees were also told of a preliminary plan to demolish Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum and build a parking garage its place. Auburn approved Inifinity Architecture of Montgomery as the design consultants and Robins and Morton Construction of Birmingham as the construction manager.A $72 million student wellness center was also approved. It will be located near Beard-Eaves and the Auburn Arena. Construction will likely begin in a year with an opening two years later. SEC indoor facilities: Alabama: 110-yard facility Arkansas: 100-yard facility. Auburn: New $16.5 million 120-yard facility approved. Currently 40-yard practice facility. Florida: None Georgia: Under construction Kentucky: 100-yard facility LSU: 100-yard facility Mississippi: 100-yard facility Mississippi State: 100-yard facility South Carolina: 60-yard facility. Tennessee: 70-yard facility; two full end zones; expansion approved Vanderbilt: None
It's hard to get to No. 1, but it's harder to stay there...Talkin' 'bout 'Bama
The Press-Register and al.com are counting down the final days (77) until the first Saturday of the college football season on Sept. 4.Alabama is expected to hold the top spot in The Associated Press preseason college football poll. But is that an honor or an omen?Of the previous 60 preseason polls, just 10 of the top-ranked teams held the No. 1 spot in the final poll, too -- a success rate of about 17 percent.The Crimson Tide is expected to become the 11th SEC team to open at No. 1 in the AP rankings. Two of the previous 10 teams also finished at No. 1, while five failed to stay No. 1 even in the first regular-season poll.Tennessee in 1951 and Alabama in 1978 are the SEC teams that lived up to their preseason ranking by topping the final AP poll as well, but neither of those teams held the top spot for the entire season.Fourteen other SEC teams have won the AP's national championship by ranking No. 1 in the final poll, including Alabama last season.The other SEC teams that topped the AP preseason poll are 1959 LSU (final poll position: third), 1964 Ole Miss (unranked), 1966 Alabama (third), 1984 Auburn (14th), 1994 Florida (seventh), 2001 Florida (third), 2008 Georgia (13th) and 2009 Florida (third).
Friday, June 18, 2010
Vols Nick Reveiz on Bryce Brown: if he wanted to come back, we would have open arms
If running back Bryce Brown chose to return to Tennessee, senior linebacker Nick Reveiz said he thought the team would welcome him back with open arms.
Brown, who backed up Montario Hardesty last season as a freshman, didn't take part in spring practice under new UT coach Derek Dooley and is expected to transfer. But there has been no closure.
Dooley has never said Brown couldn't return to the team. And there has been no announcement of a transfer.
Reveiz, one of UT's most prominent team leaders, is as uncertain as everyone else about Brown's status.
"I was wondering about that yesterday," Reveiz said Friday. "I tried to call him when I found out he was leaving, but I couldn't get in contact with him.
"I've heard whispers that maybe he would come back. I don't know where his mind is at. But if he wanted to come back, we would have open arms."
Doley said earlier that Brown's return would be contingent on his teammates accepting him.
Brown would have to give his teammates something in return, according to Reveiz.
"He has missed a lot of practices, a lot of workouts," Reveiz said. "He obviously would have to make that up.
"He would have to work hard. Nothing would be given to him."
Brown, who backed up Montario Hardesty last season as a freshman, didn't take part in spring practice under new UT coach Derek Dooley and is expected to transfer. But there has been no closure.
Dooley has never said Brown couldn't return to the team. And there has been no announcement of a transfer.
Reveiz, one of UT's most prominent team leaders, is as uncertain as everyone else about Brown's status.
"I was wondering about that yesterday," Reveiz said Friday. "I tried to call him when I found out he was leaving, but I couldn't get in contact with him.
"I've heard whispers that maybe he would come back. I don't know where his mind is at. But if he wanted to come back, we would have open arms."
Doley said earlier that Brown's return would be contingent on his teammates accepting him.
Brown would have to give his teammates something in return, according to Reveiz.
"He has missed a lot of practices, a lot of workouts," Reveiz said. "He obviously would have to make that up.
"He would have to work hard. Nothing would be given to him."
Jerry Jones denies talking Big 12 with Arkansas
A report, stemming from Wednesday, which stated that Jerry Jones was stumping for both Arkansas and Notre Dame to become teams 11 and 12 in the Big 12 conference.
Cowboys vice president of public relations Rich Dalrymple told ESPNDallas.com that Jones had denied not only talking to Arkansas about a move to the Big 12, but also that he wanted the Irish to join as well.
However, the website reports that a source confirmed Wednesday night Jones' interest in swiping the Razorbacks, his alma mater from the SEC and pushing them into the Big 12.
At least publicly, the school itself is stating that they have no desire to leave the SEC.
Cowboys vice president of public relations Rich Dalrymple told ESPNDallas.com that Jones had denied not only talking to Arkansas about a move to the Big 12, but also that he wanted the Irish to join as well.
However, the website reports that a source confirmed Wednesday night Jones' interest in swiping the Razorbacks, his alma mater from the SEC and pushing them into the Big 12.
At least publicly, the school itself is stating that they have no desire to leave the SEC.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Alabama does not yield 100 yards rushing
The Press-Register and al.com are counting down the final days (80) until the first Saturday of the college football season on Sept. 4.Entering this season, Alabama's defense carries a 34-game streak of not allowing an opposing player to rush for 100 yards.The last player to accomplish the feat against the Crimson Tide was former Ole Miss running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who totaled 131 rushing yards in an Oct. 13, 2007 game in Oxford.Alabama ranked second nationally in run defense last season at 78.14 yards allowed per game. Only Auburn (151), Kentucky (133) and Mississippi (114) topped the 100-yard mark as a team against the Crimson Tide in 2009.Meanwhile, Alabama's offense topped 200 yards in nine of 13 games and reached the 100-yard mark as a team against every foe except Auburn (73 yards).
Gamecocks Add Navy to 2011 Schedule
Navy has been added to the non-conference football schedule for the 2011 season. The Midshipmen will make their way to Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2011. It will be the first meeting on the gridiron between the Gamecocks and the Naval Academy since 1988. The Gamecocks have won four of the previous seven meetings, including the last two, avenging that fateful 38-21 loss in 1984. Navy finished the 2009 season with a 10-4 record. They captured the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and defeated Missouri in the Texas Bowl.
Tebow to be immortalized
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida's University Athletic Association board members have approved construction of bronze statues that will honor Tebow, Danny Wuerffel and Steve Spurrier and will be placed outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The three former Gators represent the school's three Heisman Trophy winners.
Construction will begin "some time after the new year", and Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports that "the statues will be installed early in 2011 outside of the stadium."
Here is an exclusive statement from the current Denver Broncos quarterback.
"I promise you one thing: A lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country pose as hard as I will pose. You will never see someone bronze the rest of the team as hard as I will bronze everybody. You will never see a team pose and bronze harder than we will. God bless."
Construction will begin "some time after the new year", and Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports that "the statues will be installed early in 2011 outside of the stadium."
Here is an exclusive statement from the current Denver Broncos quarterback.
"I promise you one thing: A lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country pose as hard as I will pose. You will never see someone bronze the rest of the team as hard as I will bronze everybody. You will never see a team pose and bronze harder than we will. God bless."
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Arkansas 'hearts' are with the SEC
The Razorbacks felt strongly enough to release a statement, here's the statement from the school:
"In recent weeks and months there has been much national dialogue regarding conference affiliation in intercollegiate athletics. In the course of that dialogue some have suggested that the University of Arkansas was an institution that may be pursued by other conferences. From the beginning, we have been very clear that the University of Arkansas is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference and has no interest in joining another conference. Chancellor Gearhart has been unwavering in his support of our institution's continued membership in the SEC. Recent events have not in any way altered our commitment or desire to remain a member of what we believe is the strongest conference in the nation."
"In recent weeks and months there has been much national dialogue regarding conference affiliation in intercollegiate athletics. In the course of that dialogue some have suggested that the University of Arkansas was an institution that may be pursued by other conferences. From the beginning, we have been very clear that the University of Arkansas is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference and has no interest in joining another conference. Chancellor Gearhart has been unwavering in his support of our institution's continued membership in the SEC. Recent events have not in any way altered our commitment or desire to remain a member of what we believe is the strongest conference in the nation."
Ex-USC LB Jones to go home to UGA
The Athens Banner-Herald is reporting, that the Columbus, Ga., native was cleared by Georgia's medical staff during a visit Tuesday and will transfer to the school.
USC's medical staff had not cleared the linebacker following a neck injury suffered during the 2009 season, one that new head coach Lane Kiffin termed as potentially career-threatening earlier this offseason. UGA's doctors apparently disagreed with USC's prognosis, and Jones will seek a waiver that would allow him to play in 2010 instead of being forced to sit out the season in order to satisfy the NCAA's transfer rule.
"He didn't willingly leave Southern Cal," Jones' high school coach Dell McGee told the paper. "It was considered medical in nature. They didn't clear him to play. I'm under the assumption that he's going to be able to play. Georgia is probably going to ask for an appeal to play."
Jones was heavily recruited by Georgia before he ultimately became a part of the Trojans' 2009 recruiting class.
USC's medical staff had not cleared the linebacker following a neck injury suffered during the 2009 season, one that new head coach Lane Kiffin termed as potentially career-threatening earlier this offseason. UGA's doctors apparently disagreed with USC's prognosis, and Jones will seek a waiver that would allow him to play in 2010 instead of being forced to sit out the season in order to satisfy the NCAA's transfer rule.
"He didn't willingly leave Southern Cal," Jones' high school coach Dell McGee told the paper. "It was considered medical in nature. They didn't clear him to play. I'm under the assumption that he's going to be able to play. Georgia is probably going to ask for an appeal to play."
Jones was heavily recruited by Georgia before he ultimately became a part of the Trojans' 2009 recruiting class.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Four UGA Bulldogs Named To Blue Ribbon Preseason All-SEC Team
Four members of the University of Georgia football team have been named to the 2010 Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason All-SEC Team. Junior receiver A.J. Green and senior tackle Clint Boling were among the offensive selections while junior kicker Blair Walsh and junior punter Drew Butler were named All-SEC specialists.Georgia is one of two teams with at least four players honored by the preseason publication; Alabama has six players represented on the all-conference team.Green was a semifinalist for last year’s Biletnikoff Award after earning All-SEC First Team honors. In just 10 games in 2009, Green hauled in a team-leading 53 catches for 808 yards and six touchdowns. He ranked second in the league in both receptions per game (5.3) and receiving yards per game (80.8). Boling started all 13 games for the Bulldogs in 2009 and was named All-SEC by the Associated Press, Sporting News and Phil Steele. He earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after helping the Bulldogs tally 41 points in the win against South Carolina.Walsh was one of three finalists for the 2009 Lou Groza Award given to the nation’s top placekicker. Highlighted by a 37-yard game winner against Arizona State, Walsh drilled 20 of 22 field goal attempts (90.9 percent, No. 2 in school history for field goal accuracy in a single season) in 2009. He connected on 11 of 12 kicks from 40 yards or longer and had a career-long field goal of 53 yards against Oklahoma State. Walsh is also 92-for-92 in PATs for his career.Butler was awarded the 2009 Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter. The consensus First Team All-American posted a national-best 48.1 yards per punt average, becoming only the third Bulldog in school history to lead the NCAA in punting. In just his first season as a starter, Butler had 24 punts of 50 yards or more.
Ole Miss Rebel Trio Distinguished All-SEC By Lindy's
Ole Miss' Kentrell Lockett, Bobby Massie and Jerrell Powe received preseason All-SEC honors in Lindy's college football preview, which also praised the Rebels' recruiting efforts.Lockett, a senior defensive end from Hahnville, La., was named first team all-conference, while Massie, a sophomore offensive tackle, and Powe, a senior defensive tackle, made the second team.
Powe, who has earned All-America accolades from multiple media outlets this summer, was chosen by Lindy's as the nation's No. 5 DT and the No. 8 NFL talent in the SEC. A ranking by NFLDraftScout.com in the publication also tabbed him as the 15th-best senior pro prospect.
While Lindy's listed Powe as the Rebels' MVP, it labeled senior receiver Markeith Summers as the team's "Rising Star," and junior college transfer DE Wayne Dorsey as Ole Miss' "Top Newcomer." Lockett, Powe and Dorsey help form the SEC's No. 3 defensive line, according to Lindy's.
Using the expertise of Rivals.com, the publication named Ole Miss college football's No. 19 recruiting school over the past three years and rated the signing class of 2010 No. 18. Highlighted by Randall Mackey, the Rebels' 2010 class boasts a group of athletes tied for fifth in the nation, while Dorsey keys a corps of incoming defensive linemen that ranks sixth.
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