SEC SPRING FOOTBALL
By TONY BARNHART
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/06/07
It's been a wild and crazy offseason in the SEC, where optimism looms large despite 41 players being selected in last week's NFL draft. Here's a look at what we learned ? and didn't ? the past few months as teams wrapped up spring practice.
??????????
ALABAMA
? Fall forecast: Fourth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
John Parker Wilson looks sharp in the shotgun. Wilson quickly picked up new coordinator Major Applewhite's pass-happy scheme, throwing 36 times without an interception in the spring game. Applewhite's spread offense piled up a school-record 350 points last season at Rice. ... Even with Tyrone Prothro's future in doubt ? the star receiver had more leg surgery in March ? The Tide are in great shape with DJ Hall (five catches for 87 yards in the spring game) and Kevin Brown running routes. ... Andre Smith, who started 871 snaps as a true freshman, could be an All-America quality left tackle after dropping 30 pounds in the offseason.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Still no clear-cut No. 1 starter at tailback, where coaches hope Jimmy Johns will finally fulfill his enormous potential. ... With four of last year's front seven gone on defense, that remains priority No. 1 heading into the fall. "We've got a lot of hard work to do this summer," linebacker Bobby Greenwood said. ... Will Tide fans be as giddy about Nick Saban if Alabama struggles during a brutal early stretch (Arkansas, Georgia, Florida State in consecutive weeks to close out September)? "We know we have a long way to go to get to where we want to be," Saban said. "But we have to stop talking about it and start doing it."
??????????
ARKANSAS
? Fall forecast: Second in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Michael Smith will push 1,000-yard rushers Darren McFadden and Felix Jones for carries. While the latter two spent much of spring drills watching, Smith was center stage, surprising coaches with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. ... McFadden's name is already popping up atop Heisman watch lists. His early competition: West Virginia's Pat White and Steve Slaton, Hawaii's Colt Brennan and Michigan's Mike Hart. ... Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring has his work cut out. Only four starters return, and the one guy back on the line, tackle Marcus Harrison, may not practice until September because of a knee injury.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
With Mitch Mustain off to Southern Cal, will Casey Dick emerge as a passing threat who'll keep defenses from ganging up on the run? Still no answer to that one. ... How much will new coordinator David Lee help Dick progress? Lee has a proven track record in four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he groomed Tony Romo. ... Will the turmoil ever end? Houston Nutt has been catching flak from fans since Mustain announced he was leaving. "There are a lot of loyal Razorbacks out there, and I've heard from them," an unbeat Nutt said. "Tickets sales are up, and our Razorback Club meetings have been sold out. That is what you feel good about."
??????????
AUBURN
? Fall forecast: Third in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Brandon Cox could be in for a bounce-back year at quarterback. The lefty struggled last season while battling injuries, but he looked better in spring scrimmages, completing 52 of 89 passes for 836 yards and no interceptions. ... Kenny Irons is off to the Bengals, but the Tigers' depth chart is loaded at tailback. Keep an eye on Mario Fannin (ran for TDs of 11, 58 and 60 yards in the spring game). ... The defense is better than it showed in the spring game, when it surrendered 10 touchdowns and, Tommy Tuberville said, "got taken to the woodshed." Coaches hope moves like Sen'Derrick Marks going from tackle to end will pay off.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Is Rod Smith ready to be a go-to receiver? The Tigers need the former South Gwinnett star to deliver, with Courtney Taylor now in the NFL. ... There are still plenty of questions along the line, which lost four starters, including first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs. ... Placekicker will be a battle to watch come fall. Ross Gornall came out of spring drills as the starter, but the team has high hopes for incoming freshman Wes Byrum.
??????????
FLORIDA
? Fall forecast: First in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
With the emergence of Louis Murphy, who had eight catches for 129 yards in the spring game, the Gators are at least five deep at receiver. "Right now, Louis is the best fundamental receiver we have," coach Urban Meyer said. ... College Park's Cameron Newton had his spring moments, but Tim Tebow is ready to be an every-down quarterback, Meyer promises. Last year's sensational sub made all the throws in the spring game despite nursing a sore shoulder. ... There's no shortage of talent at cornerback. But no clear-cut second starter after Markihe Anderson, either. Wondy Pierre-Louis and Jacques Rickerson are both in the mix.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Will an SEC-caliber running back emerge during fall drills? One top candidate, Mon Williams, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will likely keep him sidelined this season. That could mean a starting job for Kesthan Moore. ... Losing Chris Leak is one thing. Losing nine starters on defense is another. "We can find playmakers [on offense]. If we can get a defensive line that competes, we'll be fine," Meyer said. ... How much will back-to-back No. 1 recruiting classes pay off for the reigning national champs? Your guess is as good as Meyer's. "It's a completely different deal when a guy has to play all the time and be responsible for the position," the coach said.
??????????
GEORGIA
? Fall forecast: Second in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The offense is officially in the capable hands of Matthew Stafford. The sophomore saw the playbook open up this spring and as a result matured in the passing game. Teammates and coaches said Stafford was much more accurate in the 14 other practices than he was in the spring game (6 of 12, 155 yards, two touchdowns). ... The return of Sean Bailey will give Georgia greater flexibility at receiver and open up more crossing routes for Mohamed Massaquoi. Mikey Henderson could also benefit with some more single coverage. ... Knowshon Moreno is the running back to beat for playing time.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
There's a leadership vacuum on defense. Senior Kelin Johnson has tried to fill that role but has gotten litttle help from those around him. ... UGA must replace defensive ends Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses, and there are still no clear-cut favorites to do that . ... Does Georgia have the maturity to withstand a rough early schedule? Both lines are littered with young players who haven't been in the spotlight. Three of the first four games are against Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Alabama.
? Carter Strickland
??????????
KENTUCKY
? Fall forecast: Fifth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The defense, which lost coordinator Mike Archer to N.C. State, ought to be better than it was a year ago. Coach Rich Brooks is especially high on Trevard Lindley, a freshman All-America cornerback in 2006. "Our corners are much better than they were at this point a year ago," Brooks said. "It's not even close." ... Injuries and academics left an already-depleted offensive line with even more holes in spring. The good news: Defensive end Eric Scott made a successful conversion to center. ... Star tailback Rafael Little is OK following minor knee surgery. He's a key to an offense that returns a lot of skill-position firepower. "And I think we got better in the spring, and that will help us this fall," Brooks said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
If Andre Woodson goes down, who steps in at quarterback? It won't be Curtis Pulley, last year's backup, who withdrew from school but may return and redshirt in 2007. That means either Will Fidler or Mike Hartline must emerge come fall. ... How will the Music City Bowl champs, fresh off an 8-5 season, handle success? This is unfamiliar territory for Kentucky, which has made back-to-back bowl trips just three times. ... If the 'Cats are going to win close games, they'll need a little more out of their kicking game. True freshman Wade Tydlacka will get a look at kicker in fall camp.
??????????
LSU
? Fall forecast: First in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Priority No. 1 for new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton: Find creative ways to get the ball in the hands of Trindon Holliday. The 5-foot-5 speedster ran a 10.35-second 100 meters in his first meet of the season for LSU's track team. "You just want to get the ball in his hands," Crowton told the Shreveport (La.) Times. ... The offensive line will be fine ? at the defensive line's expense. Coaches moved two players across the line ? Lyle Hitt and Carnell Stewart ? and both are expected to start. ... Defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Tremaine Johnson made big spring strides, bolstering a unit that welcomes back eight starters.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux? That's the question at quarterback. "Both have things to learn," coach Les Miles told reporters, "but both showed skill and ability running the offense." ... Coaches expect Early Doucet to improve on his 59-catch season. But who'll start at the other receiver spot? Brandon LaFell, an All-SEC freshman team pick, emerged as the early leader in spring drills. Both of last year's starting receivers were taken in the first round of last week's NFL draft. ... How will a team that returns 14 starters and plays most of its tough games at home handle great expectations? "I've told our guys not to worry about expectations or even winning a game right now," Miles said.
??????????
MISSISSIPPI STATE
? Fall forecast: Sixth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
The Bulldogs are counting on three junior college difference makers. Jesse Bowman will start at defensive tackle. Quarterback Josh Riddell and linebacker Dominic Douglas are second-teamers for now. ... For the first time in four seasons, coach Sylvester Croom left spring practice knowing he's two-deep on both sides of the ball. "It makes a tremendous difference when you know what you have going into the summer," Croom said. "We're certainly far ahead of where we were at this point last year." ... This will be the best offensive line Croom has had in Starkville.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Will switching Derek Pegues from cornerback to safety make the defense better? Coordinator Ellis Johnson wanted Pegues more involved in the defense. Some young corners will have to come through so Pegues can stay put. ... Can a beefed-up Michael Henig stay healthy? The quarterback broke his collarbone in last year's opener and wasn't the same afterward. ... Coaches are still searching for help for defensive end Titus Brown, the only starter back on the line. Remember the name Cortez McCraney.
??????????
OLE MISS
? Fall forecast: Fifth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
After finishing last in the SEC in scoring in 2006, the Rebels are looking for new ways to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers. That's why fans saw tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis and flanker Dexter McCluster returning kicks in practice. ... Coaches are convinced Green-Ellis will be better than ever this fall. The 1,000-yard rusher and Indiana transfer was named the the most improved offensive player of spring drills. ... Second-year head coach Ed Orgeron has learned how to delegate. He fired his defensive coordinator ? himself ? and added veteran John Thompson to his staff.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Brent Schaeffer's starting quarterback job may be in jeopardy. Junior Seth Adams was the star of spring drills, completing 16 of 20 passes in the final scrimmage and causing Orgeron to rethink his depth chart at quarterback. Cliff Davis is out of the mix after announcing last month he was leaving the team. ... The Rebels finished spring drills without filling any of their three linebacker vacancies. Jonathon Cornell looks like he could handle one. ... Seventeen returning starters and better depth could be the difference in pulling out a few more close calls. Ole Miss lost four SEC games by a combined 17 points last season (against Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, LSU).
??????????
SOUTH CAROLINA
? Fall forecast: Fourth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The Fun 'n Gun, the Gamecocks offense isn't. Blake Mitchell, operating behind a shaky line, completed just 13 of 39 passes in the spring game. "I need to throw a lot this summer," Mitchell said afterward. ... No one's mourning the departure of Sidney Rice. Steve Spurrier always finds guys who can catch the ball, and coaches are excited about Mableton's Kenny McKinley, who shared offensive player of the spring honors with Mitchell. ... The defense is for real. Ten starters are back, and plenty of talented newcomers are pushing for spots, including one-time Georgia recruit Clifton Geathers. "I think we have a chance to get even better over there," Spurrier said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Do the Gamecocks have enough to be beasts of the East? "We've scared few people in the SEC East, but now we've got to find a way to beat them," Spurrier said. "That's the goal." Four problems there: Fall trips to Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Arkansas. ... Injuries and off-the-field problems have plagued Cory Boyd. If he gets it together, he could be an All-SEC tailback. So will he? ... Missed kicks cost the Gamecocks mightily last season. Enter new assistant Shane Beamer. If he coaches special teams like his famous father, Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, the Gamecocks might pull out a few more of the close ones.
??????????
TENNESSEE
? Fall forecast: Third in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
Phil Fulmer put his team through one of its most physical springs ever in an effort to improve line play. The result? A tougher team, the coach says: "We have more guys who are learning what it takes to play at this level." ... That goes double for tailback Arian Foster, who Fulmer said has taken his work ethic to new heights. He'd better, with LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty waiting behind him for handoffs. ... Despite sitting out the final two weeks of spring practice following minor knee surgery, quarterback Erik Ainge made more strides, coaches say. "He's learning every day and getting more comfortable with our offense," coordinator David Cutcliffe said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Ainge could be Peyton Manning-good and still not put up shiny statistics, with the departures of sure-handed receivers Robert Meachem (71 catches), Jayson Swain (49) and Bret Smith (39). Some newcomers, including junior college transfer Kenny O'Neal, will have to learn quickly. ... Is this team tough enough to bounce back from an early setback? One could come in the first three weeks, with trips to Cal and Florida on the early schedule. ... After getting run over by Penn State in the Outback Bowl, the Vols spent the spring looking for defensive tackles who could take a pounding. And they're still looking.
??????????
VANDERBILT
? Fall forecast: Sixth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
Coaches rave about the progress Chris Nickson has made since throwing for 2,085 yards and running for 694 more last season. Look for Jay Cutler-sized production out of the quarterback who took every spring snap. "He has come so far it's amazing," coach Bobby Johnson said. "He has become a great leader." ... Wide receiver Earl Bennett had another standout spring and is poised to become the SEC's all-time leader in catches (he needs 48) and yards (1,074). ... Attention, Butkus Award voters: New team tri-captain Jonathon Goff, who has started 27 straight games at linebacker, is poised to become a household college football name.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Back surgery shelved Brian Stamper, a one-time All-SEC offensive tackle, for much of last season. A bad hamstring kept him out of spring drills. If Stamper makes it back, the Commodores will have their entire starting line intact, which would be good news for Nickson. Johnson expects to know whether Stamper will be able to make it all the way back by the start of fall camp in August. ... If SEC defenses double-team Bennett, who'll make them regret it? George Smith appears to be the next-best big play threat at receiver. ... Another 9-for-18 effort on field goals won't cut it. Special teams will be a heavy offseason emphasis.
................................................................
By TONY BARNHART
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/06/07
It's been a wild and crazy offseason in the SEC, where optimism looms large despite 41 players being selected in last week's NFL draft. Here's a look at what we learned ? and didn't ? the past few months as teams wrapped up spring practice.
??????????
ALABAMA
? Fall forecast: Fourth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
John Parker Wilson looks sharp in the shotgun. Wilson quickly picked up new coordinator Major Applewhite's pass-happy scheme, throwing 36 times without an interception in the spring game. Applewhite's spread offense piled up a school-record 350 points last season at Rice. ... Even with Tyrone Prothro's future in doubt ? the star receiver had more leg surgery in March ? The Tide are in great shape with DJ Hall (five catches for 87 yards in the spring game) and Kevin Brown running routes. ... Andre Smith, who started 871 snaps as a true freshman, could be an All-America quality left tackle after dropping 30 pounds in the offseason.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Still no clear-cut No. 1 starter at tailback, where coaches hope Jimmy Johns will finally fulfill his enormous potential. ... With four of last year's front seven gone on defense, that remains priority No. 1 heading into the fall. "We've got a lot of hard work to do this summer," linebacker Bobby Greenwood said. ... Will Tide fans be as giddy about Nick Saban if Alabama struggles during a brutal early stretch (Arkansas, Georgia, Florida State in consecutive weeks to close out September)? "We know we have a long way to go to get to where we want to be," Saban said. "But we have to stop talking about it and start doing it."
??????????
ARKANSAS
? Fall forecast: Second in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Michael Smith will push 1,000-yard rushers Darren McFadden and Felix Jones for carries. While the latter two spent much of spring drills watching, Smith was center stage, surprising coaches with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. ... McFadden's name is already popping up atop Heisman watch lists. His early competition: West Virginia's Pat White and Steve Slaton, Hawaii's Colt Brennan and Michigan's Mike Hart. ... Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring has his work cut out. Only four starters return, and the one guy back on the line, tackle Marcus Harrison, may not practice until September because of a knee injury.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
With Mitch Mustain off to Southern Cal, will Casey Dick emerge as a passing threat who'll keep defenses from ganging up on the run? Still no answer to that one. ... How much will new coordinator David Lee help Dick progress? Lee has a proven track record in four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he groomed Tony Romo. ... Will the turmoil ever end? Houston Nutt has been catching flak from fans since Mustain announced he was leaving. "There are a lot of loyal Razorbacks out there, and I've heard from them," an unbeat Nutt said. "Tickets sales are up, and our Razorback Club meetings have been sold out. That is what you feel good about."
??????????
AUBURN
? Fall forecast: Third in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Brandon Cox could be in for a bounce-back year at quarterback. The lefty struggled last season while battling injuries, but he looked better in spring scrimmages, completing 52 of 89 passes for 836 yards and no interceptions. ... Kenny Irons is off to the Bengals, but the Tigers' depth chart is loaded at tailback. Keep an eye on Mario Fannin (ran for TDs of 11, 58 and 60 yards in the spring game). ... The defense is better than it showed in the spring game, when it surrendered 10 touchdowns and, Tommy Tuberville said, "got taken to the woodshed." Coaches hope moves like Sen'Derrick Marks going from tackle to end will pay off.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Is Rod Smith ready to be a go-to receiver? The Tigers need the former South Gwinnett star to deliver, with Courtney Taylor now in the NFL. ... There are still plenty of questions along the line, which lost four starters, including first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs. ... Placekicker will be a battle to watch come fall. Ross Gornall came out of spring drills as the starter, but the team has high hopes for incoming freshman Wes Byrum.
??????????
FLORIDA
? Fall forecast: First in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
With the emergence of Louis Murphy, who had eight catches for 129 yards in the spring game, the Gators are at least five deep at receiver. "Right now, Louis is the best fundamental receiver we have," coach Urban Meyer said. ... College Park's Cameron Newton had his spring moments, but Tim Tebow is ready to be an every-down quarterback, Meyer promises. Last year's sensational sub made all the throws in the spring game despite nursing a sore shoulder. ... There's no shortage of talent at cornerback. But no clear-cut second starter after Markihe Anderson, either. Wondy Pierre-Louis and Jacques Rickerson are both in the mix.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Will an SEC-caliber running back emerge during fall drills? One top candidate, Mon Williams, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will likely keep him sidelined this season. That could mean a starting job for Kesthan Moore. ... Losing Chris Leak is one thing. Losing nine starters on defense is another. "We can find playmakers [on offense]. If we can get a defensive line that competes, we'll be fine," Meyer said. ... How much will back-to-back No. 1 recruiting classes pay off for the reigning national champs? Your guess is as good as Meyer's. "It's a completely different deal when a guy has to play all the time and be responsible for the position," the coach said.
??????????
GEORGIA
? Fall forecast: Second in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The offense is officially in the capable hands of Matthew Stafford. The sophomore saw the playbook open up this spring and as a result matured in the passing game. Teammates and coaches said Stafford was much more accurate in the 14 other practices than he was in the spring game (6 of 12, 155 yards, two touchdowns). ... The return of Sean Bailey will give Georgia greater flexibility at receiver and open up more crossing routes for Mohamed Massaquoi. Mikey Henderson could also benefit with some more single coverage. ... Knowshon Moreno is the running back to beat for playing time.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
There's a leadership vacuum on defense. Senior Kelin Johnson has tried to fill that role but has gotten litttle help from those around him. ... UGA must replace defensive ends Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses, and there are still no clear-cut favorites to do that . ... Does Georgia have the maturity to withstand a rough early schedule? Both lines are littered with young players who haven't been in the spotlight. Three of the first four games are against Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Alabama.
? Carter Strickland
??????????
KENTUCKY
? Fall forecast: Fifth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The defense, which lost coordinator Mike Archer to N.C. State, ought to be better than it was a year ago. Coach Rich Brooks is especially high on Trevard Lindley, a freshman All-America cornerback in 2006. "Our corners are much better than they were at this point a year ago," Brooks said. "It's not even close." ... Injuries and academics left an already-depleted offensive line with even more holes in spring. The good news: Defensive end Eric Scott made a successful conversion to center. ... Star tailback Rafael Little is OK following minor knee surgery. He's a key to an offense that returns a lot of skill-position firepower. "And I think we got better in the spring, and that will help us this fall," Brooks said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
If Andre Woodson goes down, who steps in at quarterback? It won't be Curtis Pulley, last year's backup, who withdrew from school but may return and redshirt in 2007. That means either Will Fidler or Mike Hartline must emerge come fall. ... How will the Music City Bowl champs, fresh off an 8-5 season, handle success? This is unfamiliar territory for Kentucky, which has made back-to-back bowl trips just three times. ... If the 'Cats are going to win close games, they'll need a little more out of their kicking game. True freshman Wade Tydlacka will get a look at kicker in fall camp.
??????????
LSU
? Fall forecast: First in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
Priority No. 1 for new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton: Find creative ways to get the ball in the hands of Trindon Holliday. The 5-foot-5 speedster ran a 10.35-second 100 meters in his first meet of the season for LSU's track team. "You just want to get the ball in his hands," Crowton told the Shreveport (La.) Times. ... The offensive line will be fine ? at the defensive line's expense. Coaches moved two players across the line ? Lyle Hitt and Carnell Stewart ? and both are expected to start. ... Defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Tremaine Johnson made big spring strides, bolstering a unit that welcomes back eight starters.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux? That's the question at quarterback. "Both have things to learn," coach Les Miles told reporters, "but both showed skill and ability running the offense." ... Coaches expect Early Doucet to improve on his 59-catch season. But who'll start at the other receiver spot? Brandon LaFell, an All-SEC freshman team pick, emerged as the early leader in spring drills. Both of last year's starting receivers were taken in the first round of last week's NFL draft. ... How will a team that returns 14 starters and plays most of its tough games at home handle great expectations? "I've told our guys not to worry about expectations or even winning a game right now," Miles said.
??????????
MISSISSIPPI STATE
? Fall forecast: Sixth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
The Bulldogs are counting on three junior college difference makers. Jesse Bowman will start at defensive tackle. Quarterback Josh Riddell and linebacker Dominic Douglas are second-teamers for now. ... For the first time in four seasons, coach Sylvester Croom left spring practice knowing he's two-deep on both sides of the ball. "It makes a tremendous difference when you know what you have going into the summer," Croom said. "We're certainly far ahead of where we were at this point last year." ... This will be the best offensive line Croom has had in Starkville.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Will switching Derek Pegues from cornerback to safety make the defense better? Coordinator Ellis Johnson wanted Pegues more involved in the defense. Some young corners will have to come through so Pegues can stay put. ... Can a beefed-up Michael Henig stay healthy? The quarterback broke his collarbone in last year's opener and wasn't the same afterward. ... Coaches are still searching for help for defensive end Titus Brown, the only starter back on the line. Remember the name Cortez McCraney.
??????????
OLE MISS
? Fall forecast: Fifth in West
WHAT WE LEARNED
After finishing last in the SEC in scoring in 2006, the Rebels are looking for new ways to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers. That's why fans saw tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis and flanker Dexter McCluster returning kicks in practice. ... Coaches are convinced Green-Ellis will be better than ever this fall. The 1,000-yard rusher and Indiana transfer was named the the most improved offensive player of spring drills. ... Second-year head coach Ed Orgeron has learned how to delegate. He fired his defensive coordinator ? himself ? and added veteran John Thompson to his staff.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Brent Schaeffer's starting quarterback job may be in jeopardy. Junior Seth Adams was the star of spring drills, completing 16 of 20 passes in the final scrimmage and causing Orgeron to rethink his depth chart at quarterback. Cliff Davis is out of the mix after announcing last month he was leaving the team. ... The Rebels finished spring drills without filling any of their three linebacker vacancies. Jonathon Cornell looks like he could handle one. ... Seventeen returning starters and better depth could be the difference in pulling out a few more close calls. Ole Miss lost four SEC games by a combined 17 points last season (against Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, LSU).
??????????
SOUTH CAROLINA
? Fall forecast: Fourth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
The Fun 'n Gun, the Gamecocks offense isn't. Blake Mitchell, operating behind a shaky line, completed just 13 of 39 passes in the spring game. "I need to throw a lot this summer," Mitchell said afterward. ... No one's mourning the departure of Sidney Rice. Steve Spurrier always finds guys who can catch the ball, and coaches are excited about Mableton's Kenny McKinley, who shared offensive player of the spring honors with Mitchell. ... The defense is for real. Ten starters are back, and plenty of talented newcomers are pushing for spots, including one-time Georgia recruit Clifton Geathers. "I think we have a chance to get even better over there," Spurrier said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Do the Gamecocks have enough to be beasts of the East? "We've scared few people in the SEC East, but now we've got to find a way to beat them," Spurrier said. "That's the goal." Four problems there: Fall trips to Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Arkansas. ... Injuries and off-the-field problems have plagued Cory Boyd. If he gets it together, he could be an All-SEC tailback. So will he? ... Missed kicks cost the Gamecocks mightily last season. Enter new assistant Shane Beamer. If he coaches special teams like his famous father, Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, the Gamecocks might pull out a few more of the close ones.
??????????
TENNESSEE
? Fall forecast: Third in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
Phil Fulmer put his team through one of its most physical springs ever in an effort to improve line play. The result? A tougher team, the coach says: "We have more guys who are learning what it takes to play at this level." ... That goes double for tailback Arian Foster, who Fulmer said has taken his work ethic to new heights. He'd better, with LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty waiting behind him for handoffs. ... Despite sitting out the final two weeks of spring practice following minor knee surgery, quarterback Erik Ainge made more strides, coaches say. "He's learning every day and getting more comfortable with our offense," coordinator David Cutcliffe said.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Ainge could be Peyton Manning-good and still not put up shiny statistics, with the departures of sure-handed receivers Robert Meachem (71 catches), Jayson Swain (49) and Bret Smith (39). Some newcomers, including junior college transfer Kenny O'Neal, will have to learn quickly. ... Is this team tough enough to bounce back from an early setback? One could come in the first three weeks, with trips to Cal and Florida on the early schedule. ... After getting run over by Penn State in the Outback Bowl, the Vols spent the spring looking for defensive tackles who could take a pounding. And they're still looking.
??????????
VANDERBILT
? Fall forecast: Sixth in East
WHAT WE LEARNED
Coaches rave about the progress Chris Nickson has made since throwing for 2,085 yards and running for 694 more last season. Look for Jay Cutler-sized production out of the quarterback who took every spring snap. "He has come so far it's amazing," coach Bobby Johnson said. "He has become a great leader." ... Wide receiver Earl Bennett had another standout spring and is poised to become the SEC's all-time leader in catches (he needs 48) and yards (1,074). ... Attention, Butkus Award voters: New team tri-captain Jonathon Goff, who has started 27 straight games at linebacker, is poised to become a household college football name.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Back surgery shelved Brian Stamper, a one-time All-SEC offensive tackle, for much of last season. A bad hamstring kept him out of spring drills. If Stamper makes it back, the Commodores will have their entire starting line intact, which would be good news for Nickson. Johnson expects to know whether Stamper will be able to make it all the way back by the start of fall camp in August. ... If SEC defenses double-team Bennett, who'll make them regret it? George Smith appears to be the next-best big play threat at receiver. ... Another 9-for-18 effort on field goals won't cut it. Special teams will be a heavy offseason emphasis.
................................................................
