Tailback Glen Coffee, who was hit on the knee by defensive back Ramzee Robinson, has a strained knee ligaments and a bone bruise. Freshman offensive guard David Ross has only a sprained knee after a MRI. Redshirt freshman Zach Schreiber is performing the best of the young linebackers. Defensive backs Simeon Castille and Javier Arenas are shaping up to the punt return team. Sophomore offensive guard Marlon Davis returned to the team, but offensive lineman Trent Davidson is off the roster. Justin Britt has adjusted well in his move from the defensive to offensive line. Both receiver Keith Brown and tailback Ali Sharrief have been out after blows to the head. The Tide is experimenting with different combinations at tackle (Andre Smith and Chris Capps) that do not include senior Kyle Tatum.

ARKANSAS: A crowd of around 6,500 fans showed up Saturday night for the team’s first scrimmage. Robert Johnson, who has been named the starting quarterback primarily due to Casey Dick’s sore back, was 7- of- 8 for 109 yards and a score. Dick is out receiving treatment. Freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain, who is now the No. 2 quarterback, was 5-of-8 with one touchdown and one interception. Johnson threw four times to receiver Marcus Monk for 81 yards. Freshman receiver Damian Williams ran 50 yards on a reverse that resulted in a touchdown. Junior safety Matt Hewitt led the team with six tackles and two picks. Offensive guard Chase Pressley is out with torn cartilage in his knee.

Razorback redshirt freshman tailback Michael Smith also returned to practice despite dealing with hamstring issues. Tailback Darren McFadden will have the pin taken out of his big toe on Monday. Senior cornerback Darius Vinnett will have surgery on his knee and miss the next five weeks. Coach Houston Nutt said this is the earliest his team has every started game planning for the opener. The Hogs started Monday.

AUBURN: Senior center Joe Cope is back in action after spraining his knee early in the week. Receiver Courtney Taylor left practice last Friday with no more than a strained knee. Freshman defensive back Zac Etheridge has made an impression along with receiver Tim Hawthorne and linebacker Craig Stevens. Quarterback Brandon Cox was given Sunday off to rest. He returned on Monday and looked sharp. Offensive coordinator Al Borges said Cox was given too much work before the season started last year. Yet, the backup quarterbacks were awful. Blake Field threw four picks against the No. 1 defense. More than a dozen Tigers, including six offensive linemen, were limited with injuries. Junior college defensive tackle Greg Smith has been accepted into school after completing his coursework at Northwest Mississippi Junior College.

LSU: Quarterback Ryan Perrilloux was more mature during media day on Sunday compared to the arrogant high school quarterback of just two years ago. He said he understands his role of being a reserve. Two freshman linebackers, Jacob Cutrera and Perry Riley are working with the more experienced players. There is still no word on the NCAA Clearinghouse future of freshman running backs Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy, and offensive lineman Steven Singleton. The NCAA Clearinghouse has certified defensive tackle Al Woods.

FLORIDA: Freshman receiver Jarred Fayon’s arm is in a sling after a collision on a kickoff drill. He should be back in action after a few days. Receiver Percy Harvin sat out with a hip-flexor problem. Freshman receiver Riley Cooper had played well in their absence. Freshman quarterback Tim Tebow had his stripe removed Saturday afternoon. Freshman linebacker A. J. Jones has played a little at safety, but co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said he will stay at linebacker. Brian Crum is the third linebacker currently alongside Earl Everett and Brandon Siler. Ronnie Wilson, the projected starter at guard, broke his leg and will miss the beginning of the season. Drew Miller could take his spot. Simon Codrington and freshman Maurice Hurt, who will return next week after having his knee scoped, are the top backups at guard.

Gator receiver Bubba Caldwell is wearing a precautionary cast due to a hand injury for the next few days. Defensive tackle Marcus Thomas has been showing off his 24-inch biceps. Tremaine McCollumn has been impressive at cornerback. He could give the coaches another option along with Reggie Lewis and Ryan Smith at the position. Tony Joiner and Kyle Jackson are ahead of Dorian Munroe at safety. Freshman Jamar Hornsby has made the move from receiver to safety. Linebacker Jon Demps hurt the same knee that he injured last year in Wednesday’s practice. He could play with the ACL tear or take a redshirt year. Former Gator Avery Atkins is transferring to Bethune-Cookman.

TENNESSEE: In Saturday’s scrimmage, centers Michael Frogg, Josh McNeil and Anthony Parker got snaps with the first team offense, but neither one took control. The offense as a whole made many mistakes including five fumbles on the center exchange. Quarterback Erik Ainge was 13- of- 26 for 120 yards and two picks. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jonathan Crompton was 7- of -13 for 97 yards and two scores. He also fumbled two center exchanges. Despite the Volunteer’s questionable quarterback play, coach Phil Fulmer said Ainge was still the starter. Tailbacks David Yancey, Arian Foster and Ja’Kouri Williams each had long runs in the scrimmage. Defensive back Jonathan Wade picked Ainge off twice and could have had a third. Sophomore Demetrice Morley started in front of senior Antwan Stewart at safety.

Defensive end Xavier Mitchell has been cleared to play after recovering from shoulder surgery this past spring. His presence is a key to the pass rush. Junior cornerback Roshaun Fellows has elected to have surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle meaning he will not play this season.

SOUTH CAROLINA: In Saturday’s scrimmage, quarterback Blake Mitchell was 9- of- 12 for 147 yards and two scores. Chris Smelley, a freshman quarterback, had a very good scrimmage (10- of- 17 for 173 and three touchdowns). Tailbacks Cory Boyd, Taylor Rank and Bobby Wallace all performed well in the scrimmage. Receiver O. J. Murdock is developing a nice chemistry with Smelly. The pair connected on two touchdowns in the scrimmage. USC’s offensive line is a work in progress. Senior receiver Noah Whiteside is academically eligible but he has been suspended for the first three games.

Gamecock Syvelle Newton, who weighs 215 after losing 15 pounds, has lined up at tailback, receiver and quarterback in the shotgun. In Wednesday’s scrimmage, Smelley was 10- of- 16 for 181 yards with one score, a 45-yard touchdown to freshman receiver Moe Brown. Mitchell was 9- of -15 for 126 yards with two scores and two picks. Newton led the receivers with four catches for 63 yards. The running backs gained 65 yards on 38 attempts.

OLE MISS: In Saturday’s scrimmage, quarterback Brent Schaeffer was 11- of- 20 for 145 yards and three scores. Backup quarterback Seth Adams was impressive in the scrimmage. Receiver Mike Hicks made a spectacular catch for a score, but overall coach Ed Orgeron was not pleased with the receivers. Freshmen tailbacks Cordera Eason (68 yards on 14 carries) and Bruce Hall (16 carries for 102 yards) had a productive scrimmage. Starting tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis has shown great vision. Receiver Marshay Green and freshman running back Dexter McCluster both had kick returns for scores. Orgeron consistently praises the pair. In Wednesday afternoon’s scrimmage, Orgeron said linebacker Patrick Willis made several big plays and the defensive line showed some improvement.

GEORGIA: None of the four quarterbacks—Joe Tereshinski, Blake Barnes, Joe Cox and Matthew Stafford-- pulled away in Saturday’s scrimmage. The only touchdown of the scrimmage was a short pass from Barnes to receiver Mario Raley. Barnes, who has received ample praise from coach Mark Richt, is playing much better minus the knee problems he had in the spring. Receiver T J Gartrell is out for the season after rupturing his patella tendon Friday. His injury could help freshman Kris Durham move up the depth chart. Thomas Brown is the No. 1 tailback, Kregg Lumpin has firmed his grip on No. 2 and Danny Ware is third. Freshman Knowshon Moreno might get his playing time on special teams or at fullback. The coaches are finding it hard to redshirt Moreno. Starting guard Chester Adams has been slowed by a hip pointer. Michael Turner and Ken Shackleford are the only two experienced tackles available for the first two games because of suspensions to starter Daniel Inman.

Bulldog defensive tackle Dale Dixon has moved ahead of starter Ray Gant, who is struggling with a shoulder injury. Gant is expected to be out for another week. The suspension of Thomas Flowers at cornerback has opened up the door for Ramarcus Brown, Asher Allen and Prince Miller. Brown has the starting spot now with Allen and Miller pushing him. Backup fullback Des Williams, the backup to starter Brannan Southerland, is out for two weeks with a tear in his knee. Freshmen fullbacks Shaun Chapas and Fred Muzenmaier are vying for playing time. Camp is over for the Bulldogs with the start of school on Wednesday.

KENTUCKY: In Saturday’s scrimmage, both quarterbacks Andre’ Woodson and Curtis Pulley had their moments, but they didn’t separate from the other. Freshman safety Ashton Cobb had two picks and a big hit in the scrimmage.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: Bulldog officials have made a deal with Georgia Tech to play in 2008 and 2009.

SOUTHERN MISS: In the Golden Eagles first scrimmage, redshirt junior Steven Reaves, a Michigan State transfer, led all the quarterbacks. Reaves, the son of former Gator great quarterback John Reaves, is recovering from an ACL tear. Yet, Jeremy Young is the starter going into fall drills. Senior cornerback Jasper Faulk is the cousin to NFL’s Marshall Faulk.

FLORIDA STATE: Linebacker Lawrence Timmons was outstanding Saturday in practice as he blocked a punt and a field goal, slammed tight end Brandon Warren to the ground and sacked the quarterback. Timmons, who has yet to start a game, has spent the past two seasons backing up Ernie Sims. Linebackers Derek Nicholson and freshman Marcus Ball also made picks. The fullbacks—Joe Surratt and freshmen Matt Dunham and Seddrick Hollaway—have impressed the coaches. Tight end Charlie Graham is wearing a protective boot for an ankle sprain. Defensive tackle Aaron Jones also sustained an ankle injury. Neither injury is believed to keep the players out for very long. In Sunday’s media day, much was made of the improvement in receiver Greg Carr’s route running, work ethic and overall play. Offensive lineman Mario Henderson said he and the offensive line are tired of the negative publicity. Defensive lineman Emmanuel Dunbar is recovering from two herniated discs.

In FSU’s Wednesday scrimmage, quarterback Drew Weatherford was 11- of- 13 for 127 yards with two scores. Receivers Chris Davis and Carr combined to catch seven passes for 89 yards. Quarterback Xavier Lee was 7- of -16 for 57 yards. Tailback Lorenzo Booker and Antone Smith rushed 10 times for 74 yards. Defensive lineman Everette Brown had five sacks and Timmons had 4 tackles and a sack. Ball, who played on the first team, had five tackles, 2 tackles- for- loss and a sack and forced a fumble.

MIAMI: Offensive lineman Tyrone Byrd is wearing a protective brace after his knee was rolled up on Thursday. After having a MRI, it was determined that his injury is just a bruise. Larry Coker said he hopes Byrd will be back this weekend. Tailback Tyrone Moss is back in full-contact drills. Running back Charlie Jones is coming off a hamstring injury. First team H-back Chris Zellner is wearing a cast around his badly sprained wrist. He expects to be ready for the FSU game. Freshman receiver Sam Shields is now on the first team. Freshman offensive lineman Jason Fox has caught the eye of coach Larry Coker. In Sunday’s practice, receiver Darnell Jenkins caught three touchdowns; the longest was 80-yards from Kirby Freeman.

Former Cane linebacker Willie Williams has been rejected again after officials at Pearl River Community College, the defending national junior college champion, turned him down. Receiver Ryan Moore has a sore shoulder, cornerback Glenn Sharpe has a swollen knee and defensive tackle Kareem Brown has an elbow injury. He has a protective sleeve but is able to practice. Coker said offensive guard Derrick Morse has had a great camp.

MARYLAND: After Saturday’s scrimmage, coach Ralph Friedgen said he hopes to have offensive linemen Donnie Woods, Andrew Crummey and Stephon Heyer early in the week. Friedgen said he is pleased with the work of tailbacks J. P. Humber, Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball. Freshman receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Isaiah Williams also caught Friedgen’s eye.

BOSTON COLLEGE: In Saturday’s scrimmage, quarterback Matt Ryan was 10- of- 19. He was 17- of- 36 in two scrimmages. Freshman receivers Warren Wilson and Justin Jarvis caught long passes. Bill Flutie, a relative of Doug, was 4 –of- 6 for 73 yards. Freshman tailback Jeff Smith gained 67 yards on 16 carries. Kicker Ryan Ohliger made three field goals from more than 45 yards.

CLEMSON: Defensive end Gaines Adams had two sacks and linebacker Antonio Clay had 10 tackles in Saturday’s scrimmage. Quarterbacks Will Proctor and Cullen Harper completed 28- of- 43 for 301 yards, but the first team defense allowed no scores. Proctor was 9- of -15 for 75 yards and Harper was 13- of- 21 for 168 yards. Freshman tailback C. J. Spiller had nine runs for 26 yards. Redshirt freshman tight end Paul Muse, who is from First Coast (Fla.) High in Jacksonville, has been dismissed from the team for good after a violation of team rules.

UCF: Sophomore Cory Hogue, who was a freshman standout last year with 34 tackles and an interception, had made the move from weakside linebacker to middle linebacker. Jordan Richards is the weakside linebacker and Ronnell Sandy is the strongside linebacker. Coach George O’Leary is 60- years- old this Thursday.

SOUTH FLORIDA: After the first week of practice, senior Pat Julmiste continues to hang on to the quarterback job. Matt Grothe is battling him for playing time. Freshman Nate Allen has switched from quarterback to safety. Allen has already made an impression at safety. Coach Jim Leavitt said if Allen has remained at quarterback, he would have redshirted.

BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR THE CLAY COUNTY LINE IN ORANGE PARK, FLA., HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON ESPN 1460 ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY AFTERNOONS ON THE RUMBLE WITH MIKE DEMPSEY AND TOM MCMANUS.