Auburn OL coach decides against move to Texas

Grimes had interviewed for the OL coach vacancy on Mack Brown's UT staff this past week, but the lure to move back to his state wasn’t sufficient to pry him away from the Tigers."The University of Texas has a great football program and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mack Brown," Grimes said in a statement. "As a Texas native, the position was very enticing, however, I have decided to remain at Auburn. My family and I love being a part of the Auburn family, the Auburn community and this football program. It is a very special place to us, and I’m excited to help Coach Chizik continue to build upon the success that we’ve already achieved in our first two seasons." "Jeff is a tremendous coach and has played an important role in our record-setting offensive the last two seasons," head coach Gene Chizik said. "He is a very good teacher and role model for our young men, and Auburn is a very special place to Jeff and his family. We’re pleased to move forward with a coaching staff that will remain intact for a third straight year. Our staff retention was a huge factor in our National Championship run and will be important as we prepare for 2011 season."

Miles turned down more money to stay at LSU

LSU’s head coach and Michigan were serious enough that money was discussed. And that Miles turned down a significant raise to remain in Baton Rouge. "He was offered more than 4 million to become the Michigan coach," LSU Board of Supervisors member Stanley Jacobs told the Shreveport Times. "When he said no, they came back and offered him more. And he said no again.

"He never leveraged his offer from Michigan for more money from LSU. This guy is the real deal. He really is. He was offered more money. I was told in the $4.25 million range and turned it down. Then they came back and offered more, and he turned it down again."

Miles currently makes $3.75 million, and the two sides are currently working on a new contract that, unbelievably, will not include a bump in pay.

Georgia Bulldogs LB going pro

Justin Houston has decided at which level he will play in 2011. Unfortunately for the Georgia coaching staff and their fans, the expected happened. The All-SEC linebacker announced just a short while ago that he has decided to forego his remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the April draft.

"I want to thank the University of Georgia and the coaches for giving me the chance to come to UGA," said Houston in a statement. "Without Coach Mark Richt, I would not be where I am today. He has helped me grow from a boy to a grown man during my four years. It was a very hard decision to make but in the end, I had to do what’s best for my family and me. Thanks to all of the fans who were behind us the whole time I was in Athens."

"Justin is a great person and great player and we’ll miss him," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "He’s been an integral part of our team the past three years. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves into this next phase of his football career and I’m certain he’ll be successful."

Georgia junior LB Justin Houston enters NFL draft

Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston, who ranked second in the Southeastern Conference with 10 sacks this season, is skipping his senior year to enter the NFL draft. Houston, who announced his decision Saturday, joins receiver A.J. Green as Georgia juniors in the draft. Green is projected as the top receiver in the draft; Houston is projected as a possible first-round pick.

Houston was third on the team with 67 tackles. He had 20 sacks for his career, seventh-best in school history. Saturday was the deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft. Houston says his decision was "very hard" and he "had to do what’s best for me and my family."

DB Barron confirms he’s returning to the Tide

At a press conference attended by head coach Nick Saban, Barron announced that he will play his senior season with the Tide instead of jumping early to the NFL. Barron also confirmed that a torn labrum suffered in the Iron Bowl loss to Auburn played a fairly significant role in his decision to return for another season. "It played an important role in a big decision," said Barron. "That made it even more frustrating. It was frustrating but I feel I made the right decision in doing what I’m doing." Saban said that, with Barron’s announcement, all of his draft-eligible underclassmen have made their decisions on their football future. In the end, the Tide will lose three starters to the NFL, running back Mark Ingram, wide receiver Julio Jones and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus.

UK’s top two tacklers snub NFL, return to Wildcats

Kentucky’s offense took a hit yesterday when all-purpose maestro Randall Cobb announced he was leaving early for the NFL. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they avoided a very significant twin hit on the other side of the ball. All-American linebacker Danny Trevathan and All-SEC safety Winston Guy announced Friday afternoon that they weren’t taking the path plowed by their teammate and will instead return to Lexington for another season.

"My evaluation, from the NFL came back good but the easy way is not always the best way," Trevathan said in a statement. "I waited this long for the NFL, it can wait another year. I want to enhance my game. I’m 228 pounds, I want to work toward 235 or 240. I’m definitely going to finish school and that opens more windows in my life."

"I have unfinished business, said Guy, a native of Lexington. "This is my time to step up and be a leader for this team. I’m going to try to be more vocal and lead the team by how I work. I love that I’m going to get to play with Danny another year. I want to do everything I can to be the best player and student I can be. I talked to my parents, Winston Sr. and Renessa. My mom said the NFL will always be there. She wants me to graduate."

QB Brantley decides to remain a Gator

Speaking to Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post, Brantley’s father confirmed that his son will be a member of the Gators football program in 2011. The younger Brantley is currently enrolled in classes, and is apparently excited about the opportunity to play in new coordinator Charlie Weis’ pro-style offense.

"This is what we would have sought out if we had looked to move on, but it came to us," John Brantley III, a former UF player, told the paper. “Johnny’s looking forward to the challenge.

"Once they said there was going to be a pro-style, transferring wasn’t even a question."

Actually, there was indeed a question even after Weis was hired. Brantley’s father told the Orlando Sentinel in early January, following Weis’ hire, that the family had not made a decision, and wouldn’t make one until after they’d spoken to the new coordinator.

Alabama assistant Sunseri in contention for Broncos position

On the heels of news that former Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt possibly moving on to the NFL, it appears Alabama outside linebackers coach Sal Sunseri is flirting with the idea as well. Yesterday, the Denver Broncos announced that former Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox would be taking over at Mile High in the same role. As Fox begins the process of building his staff, one name that has popped up on the hiring radar is Sunseri, who spent nearly a decade with Fox both in Carolina and the University of Pittsburgh. Today, the TideSports.com is reporting that Fox has, indeed, reached out to Sunseri. However, no response has been issued by the outside linebackers coach and it’s unclear as to what role Sunseri would be taking with the Broncos if he accepts. Sunseri was previously shunned by Pittsburgh for their head coaching vacancy. The job ultimately went to Todd Graham. If Sunseri does decide to leave, it will be the second coach to depart from Alabama. D-line coach Bo Davis left for Texas and a slew of other assistants have been in coaching mixes as well.
Posted by Ben Kercheval

Auburn’s Nick Fairley entering NFL draft

Nick Fairley, Auburn’s other big-name star, also is heading to the NFL after winning the Lombardi Award and helping Cam Newton lead the Tigers to a national title. The potential No. 1 overall pick announced his decision Friday at his old high school, saying he didn’t make up his mind until that morning after long talks with his coaches and his parents and a solitary drive around his hometown. The deciding factor? "I was thinking, What more could I accomplish my senior year?" Fairley said. His decision means Auburn’s two most dominant stars won’t be back next season. Newton, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, said Thursday night that he was entering the draft. The two junior college transfers led the Tigers to a 14-0 season and their first national title since 1957. Fairley was the defensive MVP in the BCS title game against Oregon when he had a sack, three tackles for losses and forced a fumble. The 6-foot-5, 298-pound All-American defensive tackle also led the Southeastern Conference with 24 tackles for a loss and had a school-record 11.5 sacks.

Fairley said he met with Auburn coach Gene Chizik and defensive line coach Tracy Rocker in Auburn, then came home Thursday and talked it over with his parents. After that, "I went on a long ride by myself. I think I came out with the best decision to benefit me, my family and all the folks around me."

Kentucky’s Cobb heading to the NFL

Kentucky's all-purpose star Randall Cobb is heading to the NFL. The junior first-team All-American announced Thursday he will bypass his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

The 5-foot-11, 186-pound Cobb led Kentucky with 955 yards receiving, 401 yards rushing and 12 total touchdowns. He also threw for three scores and returned a punt for a touchdown. "I felt that it was my time to go and pursue my dream to play in the NFL," Cobb said. "I’ve had this dream since I was a child. I can remember when I was four years old and I was laying in bed. That was the only thing I wanted, to play football in the NFL." He was selected an All-American as an all-purpose player by The Associated Press last month. Cobb said he considered the NFL’s ongoing labor dispute while making his decision. "It could hurt me," Cobb said. "That’s just me stepping out on my faith and hoping things go right." Cobb finished his career by accounting for 204 total yards in a 27-10 loss to Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl last Saturday as Kentucky finished 6-7. Cobb said he’s enjoyed "every last second" of his career at Kentucky but had to make the best decision for his future.

Gator's Justin Trattou to play in 86th East-West Shrine game

Florida defensive end Justin Trattou (Ramsey, N.J.) has accepted an invitation to play in the 86^th East-West Shrine Game. The Game will be held Jan. 22, 2011 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., kicking off at 4 p.m. EST. Trattou joins an elite list of football greats, such as John Elway, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and 62 NFL Hall of Famers, who have played in the East-West Shrine Game, America’s longest-running college all-star football game. “The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football’s best,” said East-West Shrine Game Executive Director Harold Richardson. “With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL … ‘Just Like on Sunday.’ Trattou had a stellar senior season for the Gators, being named team captain and recording 57 tackles, including 35 solo, and led the Gators in 2010 with 12 tackles for loss. He returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown against USF this fall. Overall, the Ramsey, N.J. native recorded 121 tackles for his career. Trattou becomes just the eighth Gator under Urban Meyer to accept an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

Auburn's Wes Byrum to play in 86th East-West Shrine game

Auburn senior kicker Wes Byrum has accepted an invitation to play in the 86th East-West Shrine Game, which will be held Jan. 22 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. CT and will be televised by the NFL Network. Byrum kicked the winning field goal from 19 yards as time expired Monday night in the BCS National Championship Game, giving Auburn a 22-19 victory. He finished his career with a school record 363 points, which ranks fifth in SEC history, and also has the top two individual scoring seasons by a kicker in Auburn history, including a record 123 points this season. Byrum is the first Auburn player to play in the East-West Shrine Game since Jonathan Wilhite in 2008. He joins an elite list of football greats, such as John Elway, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and 62 NFL Hall of Famers, who have played in the East-West Shrine Game, America's longest-running college all-star football game. "The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football's best," said East-West Shrine Game Executive Director Harold Richardson. "With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL ... "Just Like on Sunday."

Ex-WVU QB Brunetti moving on to Ole Miss

The ex-Mountaineers backup quarterback revealed on the social media site Tuesday that he will be taking his dual-threat talents to Ole Miss. Brunetti said he will enroll at the school for the spring semester, which begins Jan. 23.

Brunetti told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he informed head coach Houston Nutt of his decision Monday night. Due to his mother’s poor health — she was injured in a car accident several years ago and Brunetti said her condition has worsened — Brunetti, a Memphis native, will seek a waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play immediately instead of sitting out the requisite transfer year. If Brunetti is granted the waiver, the soon-to-be sophomore would begin competing with presumptive starter Nathan Stanley and Randall Mackey for the starting job beginning in spring practice.

Miles gets a contract extension, but no bump in salary

Following conversations with Michigan regarding their vacancy, Miles opted to remain at LSU. For that, Miles and the school have reached agreement on a new contract that will run through the 2017 season. His old deal was set to run through 2014. The kicker, though, is that Miles did not receive a pay raise as part of the new/extended deal. It’s not like Miles will be applying for food stamps at any point in the near future, however, as he’s still scheduled to make $3.751 million. That number made him the sixth-highest paid head coach in college football in 2010. Although it doesn’t include a pay raise, the new deal will include, the Baton Rouge Advocate writes, ”enhanced opportunities” for additional compensation based on championships and postseason accomplishments. Posted by John Taylor

Three LSU Tigers invited to Senior Bowl

Three members off of LSU's Cotton Bowl champion team will suit up for the South squad later this month in the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl as linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and kicker Josh Jasper have all be invited to take part in the all-star game in Mobile. Kickoff for the 62nd Senior Bowl is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT on Jan. 29 from Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised by NFL Network. "LSU is known for always being strong defensively and Drake and Kelvin certainly were two big factors for that this season," Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. "They've both had outstanding careers and are two of the best players at their respective positions in this year's senior class." Sheppard was a first team All-SEC selection by both the Associated Press and league coaches this season. The three-year starter at middle linebacker led the Tigers with 116 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2010. He posted double-digit tackles in six of the Tigers' 13 games this year and was the unquestioned leader of the SEC's second ranked total defense.

Auburn National Championship Celebration Set for Jan. 22

Auburn University will celebrate the Tigers' 2010 National Football Championship Saturday, January 22 at 1 p.m. in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The celebration will last approximately one hour and admission is free. Tickets are not required to enter the stadium, and all seating is general admission and will be first-come, first-served.

Fans can access the stadium via gates 2, 4, 5 and 7 on the east side of the stadium and gates 12, 14, 15, and 17 on the west side. All gates will open at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the event.

Auburn, TCU finish 1-2 in final AP poll

The Tigers finished No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 following a 22-19 victory against Oregon in the BCS championship Monday night. Auburn won its only other AP title in 1957, and the Tigers started 2010 further back than any champion since the poll expanded to 25 teams in 1989.

"We’re the best football team in the United State of America," Auburn coach Gene Chizik proclaimed after Wes Byrum’s 19-yard field goal as time expired gave the Tigers a thrilling win.

Auburn (14-0) began the season at No. 22. The previous lowest preseason ranking for a national champion in the Top 25 era was Oklahoma, which went from No. 19 to No. 1 in 2000. The Tigers received 56 of 59 first-place votes Monday night. One voter did not submit a ballot.

TCU (13-0) had to settle for No. 2 after beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The Horned Frogs received the other three first-place votes and had their best finish in the AP poll since winning the 1938 national title.

Oregon finished third, a spot ahead of Pac-10 rival Stanford. Ohio State was fifth.

Auburn’s title makes it five straight for the Southeastern Conference, joining Florida (with two), LSU and Alabama. The Tigers had three other SEC West rivals ranked ahead of them at the start of the season—preseason No. 1 Alabama, Arkansas and LSU, but nobody realized what a difference their new quarterback would make.

Miles decides to remain with LSU

Les Miles has decided to try to build on the success he’s having at LSU rather than rebuild Michigan, the team for which he once played. "The want and need to stand by my commitment to the team that I coach and the school that I represent really overshadowed any other consideration," Miles said Tuesday. "The business that we’re doing is affecting people’s lives, playing for championships, encouraging a degree, setting people on a path that will benefit them. I think that happened for me at Michigan and hopefully it’s happening for others at LSU."

Miles told LSU athletic director Joe Alleva of his decision on Tuesday morning before he traveled to Dallas for a previously scheduled speaking engagement at an American Football Coaches Association gathering. During his opening remarks, Miles lightheartedly told his audience, "The reports of my departure are greatly exaggerated."

A day earlier, Miles had spent several hours meeting with Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon, who flew to Baton Rouge on Monday to talk to discuss the Wolverines’ open head coaching job. Although Alleva did not object to Miles meeting with his alma mater, he said LSU also had been working to persuade Miles to stay put. "Les has led this program to many great successes on the field and his players represent LSU well off the field,” Alleva said after announcing Miles’ plans to remain. “We look forward to many great years of LSU football under his leadership."