Brandon Gibson (6-2, 190), a receiver from USM (Ala.) Wright still has not committed. He is considered an Alabama lean, but Auburn is recruiting him heavily. Sidell Corley (6-4, 260), the defensive end from McGill-Toolen in Mobile, Ala., is visiting LSU this weekend. Alabama gained ground after Florida was eliminated. LSU, Alabama, Tennessee and Oklahoma are his schools of choice. Auburn is pressuring him hard, but he is considered an Alabama lean. Sidell Corley (6-4, 260), a four-star defensive end from McGill-Toolen in Mobile, Ala., is down to Alabama, Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma. He eliminated Florida earlier in the week. He announces on Monday.

The Tide’s annual A-Day game has been set for April 21. After only two weeks, offensive line coach Steve Marshall left for a job with the Cleveland Browns. Clemson assistant coach Dabo Swinney was offered a job on Nick Saban’s staff, but he chose to remain at Clemson

Arkansas received a verbal commitment from Rhett Richardson (6-2, 215), a long-snapper from Rockwell, Texas. He is commitment No. 24 for the Hogs. Despite fan criticism, athletic director Frank Broyles said coach Houston Nutt, whose salary ranks among the bottom of SEC coaches, will receive a pay raise soon. Nutt’s contract was extended for one year through 2012 back in December. Damario Ambrose (6-4, 240), a strongside defensive end from Mobile (Ala.) Davidson, chose Arkansas over Purdue.

LSU coach Les Miles said last Friday that Matt Flynn would be the starting quarterback next season. He said Flynn just missed being the starter the past two seasons. Miles made no mention of sophomore quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who has been linked in a federal criminal investigation. Tiger spring practice begins Feb. 23 and the spring game is March 24. Terrance Toliver (6-4, 185), a receiver from Hempstead, Texas, is still deciding between LSU and Florida. Both staffs are visiting with him. Stefoin Francois (6-0, 195), a defensive back from East St. (La.) John High, is down to LSU, FSU and Arkansas. He eliminated Alabama earlier in the week.

Ole Miss officials announced a two-year extension for Coach Ed Orgeron this week. The Rebels picked up a verbal commitment from Colby Arceneaux (5-9, 185), a cornerback from River Ridge (La.) John Curtis. Anthony Fein (6-3, 245), an inside linebacker from Scottsdale Community College, committed to the Rebels on Thursday. Robert Elliott (6-1, 187), a four-star running back from Okolona, Ms., visited Mississippi State last weekend. Elliott, an Ole Miss verbal, is also involved with FSU, Mississippi State and Memphis.

Auburn is waiting on a decision from Josh Bynes (6-2, 212), a four-star linebacker from Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.) Boyd Anderson. He is deciding among South Carolina, Louisville, Auburn and Iowa. The Tigers are also waiting on Frank Alexander (6-5, 230), a four-star defensive end from Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab. Auburn, Oklahoma, Miami and Tulane are his four finalists. He visits Miami this weekend. Ryan Williams (5-11, 182), a three-star cornerback from Mobile (Ala.) B. C. Rain, visited Clemson over the weekend. He enjoyed the visit, but said he is still committed to Auburn. Adam Herring (6-3, 215), a three-star linebacker from Springdale, Ark., committed to the Tigers. He is the son of Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring.

Michael McNeil (6-2, 200), a four-star defensive back from Mobile (Ala.) Davidson, has verbally committed to Auburn. Tiger officials have worked out a deal to open the 2007 season hosting Kansas State. They also play South Florida and New Mexico State. The Tigers open spring practice on Feb. 27 with the annual spring game coming March 17. Jermaine Johnson (6-6, 290), a three-star offensive lineman from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, is verbal commitment No. 24 for the Tigers. Mississippi State and UCF have offered him.

Mississippi State verbal commitment Jasper O’Quinn (5-10, 185), a two-star cornerback from Copiah-Lincoln (Ms.) C.C., reconfirmed his pledge to the Bulldogs after his weekend visit. He also was interested in West Virginia.

Florida, Tennessee and Southern Cal are recruiting Ahmad Paige (6-3, 175), a receiver from Sterlington, La. Paige, a former Florida State verbal, said he will announce his decision next Monday after he visits USC. Jerry Howard (6-4, 240), a weakside defensive end from Orlando (Fla.) Jones, will decide next week among Auburn, FSU, and Florida. Howard, who visited Florida over the weekend, said he is 95% committed to the Gators. Major Wright (6-1, 200), a safety from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas (Fla.) Aquinas , picked Florida over Ohio State, Miami, and Notre Dame. In the end, he said his decision came down to Ohio State and Florida. Wright was recruited by Doc Holliday. He said he will probably wear Reggie Nelson’s “1” jersey. Jerimy Finch (6-1, 203), the No. 1 rated safety from Indianapolis, Ind., visited Florida last weekend. He is going to decide between Florida and Indiana, his verbal commitment.

Ronald Johnson (6-0, 177), a five-star receiver from Muskegon, Michigan chooses from Southern Cal, Ohio State, Michigan State and Florida this week. Johnson will not be visited by Michigan at home or at school, which might eliminate the Wolverines. He will announce his decision this Sunday at his church. Allen Bailey (6-4, 270), the lineman/linebacker from McIntosh County Academy, could announce his decision this week. Bailey’s family lives on an island, so he lives with friends during the week. Miami and Florida are his three schools. He eliminated Georgia and Alabama in the past few days. Bert Reed (5-11, 170), an athlete from Bay High and a Gator commitment, is visiting FSU this weekend. John Brown (6-1, 285), a defensive tackle from Lakeland, Fla., verbally committed to Florida over Alabama.

Tennessee assistant Trooper Taylor said he has taken his name out of the head coaching position at Howard University. Taylor, the receivers coach, turned down an offer from Texas two seasons ago. Nevin McKenzie (6-2, 210), a three-star safety from Trinity (Texas) Junior College, has committed to the Vols. He was also looking at Florida and Arkansas.

Dwight Jones (6-4, 210), a five-star receiver from Burlington, North Carolina, has recently visited Clemson and Tennessee. Vol coach Phil Fulmer visits him Thursday. Jones, a soft verbal to North Carolina, hosts Tar Heel coach Butch Davis Friday. Lennon Creer (6-1, 202), a running back from Tatum, Texas, chose Tennessee over Florida and Oklahoma. His teammate Darnius Moore (6-0, 175), a three-star athlete from Tatum, Texas, also committed to Tennessee Thursday.

Vanderbilt offensive lineman Bryan Stamper has been granted a fifth year of eligibility. He missed the final seven games of 2006 season with lower back problems. With his return, the entire offensive line for the Commodores returns next season. Michigan is trying to get Vanderbilt to return Ann Arbor for the 2007 opener. Vandy opened the 2006 season at Michigan. Vanderbilt officials said the move was unlikely, but they would listen to possibilities. Currently, the Commodores are set to open the season against Richmond at home. The spring game is set for March 31. They have four home games in Sept.

South Carolina has had 10 players from the 2005 recruiting class leave the team. Players such as kicker Ryan Succop, cornerback Carlos Thomas, linebacker Marvin Sapp, defensive lineman Nathan Pepper and running back Mike Davis came from that recruiting class. Weslye Saunders (6-5, 270), a four-star tight end from Durham, N. C. Riverside, received coaches from North Carolina and South Carolina next Monday night at his school banquet. Spring practice begins March 20 and the spring game is April 14.

South Carolina recruiting coordinator David Reaves has been approached for a job on the Oakland Raider staff.

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks will soon have a new contract worth $1 million per year for the next four years. His staff has also been given raises. Kentucky has a commitment from Jacob Dufrene (6-0, 210), a linebacker from Cut Off, La. Dufrene attracted interest from Alabama, Tulane, Memphis and Louisiana Tech before his pledged to the Wildcats.

Georgia commitment Antwanee Greenlee (6-5, 300), an offensive lineman from Columbus (Ga.) Hardaway, will receive visits from Bulldog and FSU coaches either before or on Feb. 1. Then his mother is going to cut off communication and allow her son some time to make his decision. Jeremy Elder (6-3, 270), a two-star defensive end from College Park, Ga., visited Athens this past weekend. He is deciding between Georgia and Arkansas. He visits Arkansas next weekend. Cameron Heyward (6-5, 264), a lineman from Suwannee Peachtree Ridge, committed to Ohio State over Florida, Georgia and LSU. D J Stafford (6-3, 250), an offensive lineman from LaGrange and a Kentucky verbal, is being recruited by Georgia.

Miami received a visit from Deonte Thompson (5-11, 186), a four-star receiver from Belle Glades (Fla.) Glade over the weekend. Thompson will announce his decision on signing day from a list of Miami, USC, Ohio State and Florida. Leonard Hankerson (6-2, 185), a receiver from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, also visited. He still needs qualifying test scores. Florida and Ohio State have offered him. Lee Chambers (6-0, 193), a running back from Coffeville (Ms.) High School, also visited. Chambers, a Mississippi State verbal, is also looking at Alabama. The trip was his first time in a plane and his initial time to see the ocean. Chris Summers (6-5, 186), a two-star receiver from Ribault High, said Miami is his new leader after visiting. Summers was a Louisville verbal. DeMarcus VanDyke (6-1, 170), a defensive back from Pace (Fla.) High, said he will not give any more interviews until signing day. He is believed to be deciding between Florida and Miami. Robert Marve (6-1, 189), a four-star quarterback from Tampa Plant, committed to Miami over Alabama Wednesday afternoon.

Florida State’s No. 1 recruiting priority is still Marvin Austin, the No. 1 tackle nationally from Washington (D.C.) Ballou. They had three commitments for the offensive line. Rodney Hudson (6-2, 276), the West Virginia commitment and offensive lineman from Mobile B C (Ala.) Rain has committed to FSU. Jatavious Jackson, who is from Belle Glade Central, is another line target for the Noles. Deonte Thompson or Markish Jones, who is from Spartanburg, S.C. and a Clemson verbal. He visited Tennessee last weekend. FSU would also like to get a big time defensive back such as Stefan Francois who is from Reserve, La. Running back is a key recruiting area with possibilities such as Joe McKnight, Noel Devine or Robert Elliott. McKnight (6-1, 193), a five-star running back from John Curtis River Ridge, La., visited Southern Cal last weekend. He has also visited Ole Miss and LSU. He might visit either Alabama or FSU this weekend. A J Ganzugga (6-2, 260), a two-star defensive tackle from Boca Raton, Fl., committed to the Noles after being offered this week. Florida Atlantic and Florida International had offered him. Rae Sykes (6-4, 240), a four-star defensive end from Alcoa, Tenn., has narrowed his choices down to FSU and Tennessee. Freshman tight end Caz Piurowski said he is willing to move from tight end to the offensive line. The Noles begin spring practice March 16 and the spring game is April 14.

Georgia Tech received a verbal commitment from Jason Peters (6-4, 262), a four-star defensive end from Baton Rogue (La.) Catholic. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida and Alabama are recruiting him.

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden has hired former North Carolina running backs coach Andre Powell to replace Burton Burns, who went to Alabama. Offensive coordinator Rob Spence interviewed for a position on the Oakland Raider staff, but he is going to stay at Clemson. The Tiger spring game is April 14 and spring practice begins March 10.

SEC HOOPS

Who can stop the Florida Gators? So far, no team in the SEC had done it. After winning at Auburn last Saturday, the Gators have reeled off 12 straight wins. The Auburn game was typical of the Gator’s season. They hit eight of their first 12 shots by either hitting open three-pointers or lay-ups. Amazingly, the Gators shot 35 free throws compared to Auburn’s 20 in a ROAD game. Florida’s defense is stifling. Auburn was averaging eight three-pointers per game. The Gators held them to 1- of- 13 shooting. Florida is looking for its 20th win against Vanderbilt. If successful, the Gators will have achieved the 20 win mark for the first time in school history before the end of January. The Auburn win was Coach Billy Donovan’s 400th game, 345 as the Florida coach.

Walter Hodge was instrumental in the Auburn win scoring eight points and making two assists while spelling Taurean Green at point guard. Hodge is also happy because his wife Kayla and daughter Kelenay arrived recently to live with him in Gainesville.

First place in the Eastern division is a no-brainer. However, second place is up for grabs with Vanderbilt, Georgia and Kentucky all tied.

Vanderbilt beat Ole Miss for its fourth straight SEC win last Saturday, the first such streak since the 1996-97 team won in a row. Senior wing player Derrick Byars has been instrumental in the Commodores resurgence. In wins over Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, Byars has averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game. He is also shooting 34% from the three-point line. The Commodores have won games primarily on their three-point shooting, but in the victory over Ole Miss free throws were the difference. Vandy made seven- of- eight free throws in the final two minutes. The Commodores, who hit seven three-pointers, failed to make at least 10 three pointers for the first time in five games. Vandy could be ranked for the first time since the 2003-04 seasons.

Tennessee has won at Rupp Arena only four times since 1976. They did it again Sunday. The Vols have lost five of their last six games. Tennessee has had a disturbing trend of allowing leads to slip away in the second half. In the last three losses, Auburn had a 19-0 run, Ole Miss had a 20-2 run and Kentucky also had a 20-2 run, all in the second half.

Vol guard Chris Lofton’s ankle injury has been the talk of the state. Vol fans are concerned about his return. He was out of a walking boot toward to the end of the week, but coach Bruce Pearl said Wednesday’s game against Georgia is the earliest that he could return. December wins over Memphis, Oklahoma State and Texas will help Tennessee’s resume, but they need to end up around .500 in the league.

Pearl was the subject of much attention after he showed up at the Lady Vols game against Duke without a shirt adorned in body paint. He cleaned up and put on a shirt for the duration of the game in order not to be a distraction to the team.

South Carolina’s win at Mississippi State was significant because the Gamecocks won in Starkville for the first time since 1997 and beat SEC foes in consecutive games for the first time this season. As usual, the catalyst was Tre Kelly, who led the team with 23 points and six assists. Kelly has moved to No. 4 on the career assist list. In the wins over Arkansas and State, Brandon Wallace has owned the boards with 16 offensive rebounds. The Gamecocks have won two straight after losing four of their previous SEC games by an average of 25 points. Power forward Dominique Archie, a redshirt freshman, has started every game this season. He could be the first freshman since Marius Petravicius in 1999-2000 to start every game.

Georgia had lost three straight and six of the last nine against LSU including last year’s 81-52 debacle before beating the Tigers Sunday on a last second shot by Levi Stukes. This might be the year that Georgia returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Georgia officials unveiled a memorial scholarship in honor of former player Kevin Brophy, who died in a car wreck in July of last year.

Kentucky’s Joe Crawford scored 15 points in the win over Tennessee for his 10th straight double-digit scoring game. The Wildcats erased memories of two straight losses with a second half performance against the Vols that saw them outscore Tennessee by 20 points on 64% shooting. The Wildcat defense held Tennessee to only 30% shooting in the second half.

WILD, WILD WEST

After Saturday and Sunday’s games every team in the SEC Western Division has at least three losses, none has a winning record in the league and only one team (Arkansas) has a road win.

LSU has lost four of its first six league games primarily because its offense continues to struggle. The Tigers have lost three straight games scoring below 55 points in every game. The Tigers, who have not tallied more than 70 points in the past nine games, scored 52 against Arkansas, 53 versus Vandy and 54 against Georgia. LSU continues to be the worst three-point shooting team in the SEC. The Tigers are averaging less than 30% from the arc. To make things even worse, in losses to Arkansas and Vanderbilt, LSU missed 18 of 35 lay-up attempts. Opponents have played primarily zone against the Tigers.

Alabama is in a free fall in the SEC. The Tide has lost four of its first six conference games including on the road and at home to Arkansas. The second defeat last Saturday snapped the Tide’s 17-game home winning streak. In the second half, the Tide, led by freshman guard Justin Tubbs who forced four steals, cut a 25-point deficit to five points after a 23-3 run. Richard Hendrix led the Tide in scoring with 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead the team in both categories. The loss was No. 101 for Mark Gottfried at Alabama and No. 125 overall for his career. Alabama has lost three road games by an average of 24 points.

Arkansas center Steven Hill led his team with 16 rebounds in the road win at Alabama. The Hogs snapped a five game road losing streak with the win. Arkansas swept the two-game series with Alabama for the first time since the 2001 season. Sonny Weems, who had been playing with a mask on his face to protect his cracked nose, took off the mask for the Alabama game. He scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Auburn coach Jeff Lebo is creating some excitement with Tiger fans. Even though the Tigers were manhandled by Florida, a crowd of 11,700, the most since the Kentucky game in 1994, attended the game. Auburn has now lost eight straight games against top ten ranked teams.

Ole Miss has three close loses on the road against LSU, Florida and Vanderbilt. The Rebels had six players in double figures in the Vanderbilt loss last Saturday. Ole Miss has started three straight games poorly. In the Vandy loss, the Rebels trailed by 16 points in the first half before rallying to tie the game in the second half. Ole Miss has won once (2001) in its last 15 games at Vanderbilt.

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.