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

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

Vandy's defense is ready for fall

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

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

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

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

Top recruit one of three charged in UGA locker room theft

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

UGA coach Mark Richt has declined comment through a spokesman.

Favre’s nephew making his own name for himself

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

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

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

Vols White team wins out, 24-7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inconsistency at QB a constant in Auburn’s spring

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

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

Spurrier gets a raise… but not any extension

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

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

Gators lose two receivers to transfer

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

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

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

Auburn’s Heisman winners to be immortalized, also

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

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

Darren Woodruff calls out Jeffrey Lee on Brent Calloway allegations

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

Vols' Prentiss Waggner on preseason Lott Trophy watch list

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

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

Ole Miss loses Shackelford to ACL injury

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

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

Ex-UGA WR Logan Gray confirms transfer to Buffs

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

UGA lineman suffers another ACL tear

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

Jefferson cements place as LSU starter at QB

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

Uneven Gator offense limps out of spring finale

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

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

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

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