The Tigers received a letter of intent from Nick Farley (6-4, 260), a three-star tight end/defensive end from Mobile (Ala.) Davidson, who chose Auburn over Alabama and FSU. Jerry Howard (6-4, 240), a four-star defensive end from Orlando (Fla.) Jones, signed with Florida over FSU and Auburn. Brandon Paul (5-10, 185), a four-star athlete from Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln, signed with FSU over Auburn, Tennessee and Clemson. Josh Bynes (6-2, 212), a four-star linebacker from Boyd Anderson (Fla.) Lauderdale Lakes, has signed with Auburn over Louisville. Antoine Carter (6-4, 226), a three-star defensive end from Fort (Fla.) Lauderdale, signed with Auburn over FSU. Carlton Johnson (6-1, 190), a four-star linebacker from Lynn Haven (Fla.) Mosley, signed with Auburn over Florida, N C State, Ole Miss and Georgia among others. Frank Alexander (6-3, 240), a Rivals250 four-star defensive end from Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab, signed with Oklahoma instead of Auburn.

Auburn finished with its highest ranking (No. 7) since 2002. The Tigers have one of the top offensive line classes with Lee Ziemba (6-7, 295), a four-star tackle from Rogers, Arkansas, Chaz Ramsey (6-3, 285), a four-star guard from Madison, Ms., and Ryan Pugh (6-2, 275), a four-star center from Hoover, Ala. Kodi Burns (Dameyune Craig comparison), the No. 8 quarterback from Fort Smith, Ark., and Enrique Davis (5-11, 212), the No. 3 tailback, who came from Lynn (Fla.) Haven Mosley, helped fortify the skill positions. Defensively, the Tigers picked up Michael McNeil (6-2, 200), the No. 8 safety from Mobile. Assistant coach James Willis, in his first year, was able to bring in commitments from McNeil, Farley, cornerback Ryan Williams (5-11, 182) and offensive lineman Jared Cooper (6-4, 287), all from the Mobile area. Six of the 30 signees—Carlton Johnson, lineman Brandon Earl (6-4, 300) from Stevenson, Ala., offensive tackle Jermaine Johnson (6-6, 290), from Fort Lauderdale, defensive end Wilfred Journet (6-3, 242) from Scott, La., and athlete Johnnie Lee Dixon (5-11, 176), from Belle Glade Glades Central—are already slated for junior college or prep school.

Alabama has received a signed letter of intent from Chavis Williams (6-5, 220), a defensive end from Dora (Ala.) High School. Markish Jones (6-0, 183), a four-star athlete from Spartanburg, S.C., made his final visit to Alabama this weekend. He signed with FSU over Kentucky and Alabama. Josh Chapman (6-1, 280), a three-star defensive tackle from Hoover, Ala., signed with Alabama over Auburn, his original verbal commitment. Jeremy Elder (6-3, 270), a two-star strongside defensive end from College Park, Ga., signed with Alabama. He had an official visit to Georgia last weekend. Kerry Murphy (6-5, 315), a four-star defensive tackle from Hoover, Ala., and Chapman, his teammate, signed with Alabama. Brandon Gibson (6-2, 190), a Rivals100 receiver from Mobile (Ala.) USM-Wright, signed with Alabama over Auburn and South Carolina. Kourtnei Brown (6-5, 225), four-star defensive end from Charlotte (N.C.) Victory Christian, signed with Clemson over Alabama and North Carolina. Marquis Maze (5-8, 160), a three-star running back from Birmingham (Ala.) Tarrant signed with Alabama over Tennessee. Miami, Michigan and Auburn also offered him. Michael Ricks (6-2, 195), a four-star safety out of Boonesville Northeast (Ms.) Community College, signed with the Tide over Memphis and Mississippi State.

Tide coach Nick Saban was pleased with his first recruiting class. The Tide signed 24 signees from seven different states. The staff has spent 18- of- 30 days on the road recruiting. The class consisted of six defensive linemen and four linebacker signees. Kareem Jackson (5-11, 185) a defensive back from Macon, Ga. and Jamar Taylor (5-11, 200), a running back from Lakeland, Fl., are already enrolled. Twelve of Alabama’s players came after Saban came aboard.

Arkansas received a letter of intent from Kareem Crowell (6-5, 315), a four-star defensive lineman from Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military Academy, signed with Razorbacks over the Miami and FSU. Jermaine Love (5-11, 220), a four-star linebacker from North Garland (Texas) High, signed with the Hogs over Nebraska, Kansas State and Texas A & M.

Florida sophomore linebacker Jon Demps’ future is in limbo because he has a pending felony traffic case. Demps played in four games last season before a knee injury cost him the rest of the year. He and defensive lineman Darryl Gresham are not on the current roster. DeMarcus VanDyke (6-1, 161), an athlete from Miami (Fla.) Pace, signed with Miami over Florida. Terrance Toliver (6-4, 185), a five-star receiver from Hempstead, Texas signed with LSU over Florida. Allen Bailey (6-4, 255), a Rivals100 defensive end prospect from Darien, Ga., signed with Miami over Florida. Ronald Johnson (6-0, 177), a five- star receiver from Muskegon, Michigan, has chosen Southern Cal over Florida. USC, Ohio State and Michigan State were all involved with Johnson. Brandon Hicks (6-3, 205), a four-star linebacker from Forrest High (Fla.) in Jacksonville, signed with the Gators over Miami. Moses Jenkins (6-2, 169), a defensive back/athlete from Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.) Boyd Anderson, signed with Florida over UCF. Jerimy Finch (6-1, 203), a four-star safety from Indianapolis, Ind., has signed with Florida over Indiana. Coach Urban Meyer admitted that he just stumbled into Finch after going over a top 100 list. He never even visited Indiana. Deonte Thompson (5-11, 186), a four-star receiver from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades, has signed with Florida making 11 Rivals100 members.

The Gators picked up four five-star players and 15 four-star players. The 2003 and ‘06 classes were No. 2. Since Rivals has been covering recruiting Florida has never been outside the top 20. Several of the defensive signees will have an opportunity to play early.

South Carolina recruiting coordinator David Reaves had been contacted by the Oakland Raiders for their vacant quarterback coach job, but he chose to remain in Columbia. Reaves, the son of former Gator great John Reaves, has a sister who is married to new Oakland coach Lane Kiffin. Under Reaves, the Gators are having a top ten recruiting class. Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence turned the same job down with the Raiders a few days before. Outside linebackers coach Dave Wommack’s contract will not be renewed. Assistant coach Robert Gillespie did well in recruiting South Florida. Weslye Saunders (6-4, 270), a four-star tight end from Durham, N. C., has signed with the Gamecocks over North Carolina. Arkee Smith (6-1, 190) and Jamire Williams (6-0,180), defensive backs from First Coast (Fla.) High, have submitted their paperwork as signees. The Gamecock’s one five-star player was Chris Culliver (6-1, 195), a receiver from Garner, N C. The Gamecocks signed 13 players from Florida.

Georgia received a letter of intent from Chris Little (6-5, 320), an offensive lineman from Twiggs (Ga.) Co. and a former Notre Dame commitment. Antwane Greenlee (6-6, 302), a Rivals100 offensive lineman from Columbus, Ga., signed with FSU. Many analysts believed he would ink with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs already have six verbal commitments for next year. Georgia signee Jarius Wynn (6-5, 275), a junior college defensive end from Georgia Military College, might make the quickest impact. Punter Drew Butler might also see the field quickly because Gordon Ely-Kelso is gone. Future NFL prospects might be running back Caleb King (5-11, 205), who is from Waycross, Ga., and offensive lineman Justin Anderson (6-5, 320), who is from Ocilla, Ga., (reminds people of Max Jean-Gilles). Georgia got most of its signees in-state. They recruited few kids from Florida. The Bulldogs signed eight linemen, which was their primary need. Rennie Curran (5-11, 202), a four-star inside linebacker from Snellville, Ga., is one of the most talented signees.

Mississippi State received a letter of intent from Robert Elliott (6-0, 191), a four-star Rivals250, who spurned Ole Miss to sign with the Bulldogs. Elliott said coach Sly Croom will allow him to wear his favorite No. 2 on his jersey. The other four-star signee was Jazzmen Guy (6-5, 265), a defensive end from Hazelhurst, Ms. Croom said he felt recruiting helped the overall kicking game.

Ole Miss received a letter of intent from Roderick Davis (6-0, 192), a four-star receiver from Memphis, Tenn. Jerrell Powe, a five-star defensive tackle, has yet to sign because he hasn’t qualified. Powe has tried to qualify for the past two years. Ole Miss inked six four-star prospects and 12 three-star prospects. One major area of concern was the defensive line where Ted Laurent (6-0, 285), a four-star defensive tackle from Powder Springs, Ga., signed.

LSU received a letter of intent from Stefoin Francois (6-2, 210), a Rivals100 safety from East St. John, La., who signed with the Tigers over Florida State. Sidell Corley (6-4, 250), a Rivals100 defensive end from Mobile (Ala.) McGill-Toolen, signed with LSU. Alabama, LSU, Tennessee and Florida were vying for his services. Chad Jones (6-2, 220), a five-star athlete from Baton Rouge Southern (La.) Lab, signed with LSU over Florida and FSU. The Tigers were the No. 4 class in the nation on the strength of five-star players Jones and Terrance Toliver (6-4, 185), a receiver from Hempstead, Texas. Only 11- of- 26 came from in-state. Joseph Barksdale (6-6, 323), a defensive tackle from Detroit, Michigan, is already enrolled. LSU signed three receivers and two kickers. They signed two ends and two safeties. Three yet- to- be named players will not qualify.

Tennessee commitment Rolando Melancon (6-2, 260 ), a four-star defensive tackle from Lutcher, La., visited Alabama this past weekend, but signed with the Vols. Dwight Jones (6-5, 210), a five-star receiver from Burlington, N. C., signed with North Carolina over Clemson, and Tennessee. Ahmad Paige (6-3, 175), a four-star receiver from Sterlington, La., signed with Tennessee over USC. He said Vol assistant Trooper Taylor talked him out of signing with USC. Rae Sykes (6-4, 240), a four-star defensive end from Alcoa, Tenn., has signed with Tennessee over an offer from FSU. Gerald Jones (6-0, 185), a four-star athlete from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has honored his commitment and signed with Tennessee. Texas Tech was pushing hard for his signature. This is one of the best receiver classes in recent Tennessee history with Jones, Paige, Brent Vinson (6-2, 180) from Chatam, Va., and Kenny O’Neal (6-0, 195), from San Francisco, Calif. The Vols No. 2 ranking was built by the signing of Eric Berry (5-11, 194), a five-star cornerback from Fairburn, Ga., Chris Donald (6-2, 220), a five-star linebacker from Huntingdon, Tenn., and Brent Vinson (6-2, 180), a five-star athlete from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatam, Va.. Tennessee signed 32 players. The Vols filled needs at receiver and defensive back.

The NCAA football rules committee meets Feb. 11-14 in Albuquerque, N.M. to discuss among other issues the new clock rules. Some groups want to return to the old rules. Other groups desire to change the rules at the end of game and halves and others want to establish different rules for different divisions.

Florida State signed Jonathan Hannah (6-4, 260), a former South Carolina signee. He was the No. 4 rated tight end coming out of high school. Hannah left South Carolina before being recruited by N C State, but never enrolled. He ended up at Louisburg College in North Carolina. He was being recruited by N C State, FSU and Akron and still has not signed. Maurice Harris (6-0, 190), a linebacker from Homestead (Fla.) High, signed with FSU over Ole Miss and Wisconsin were in his top two. Stefoin Francois (6-0, 195), a safety from Reserve (La.) East St. John, really enjoyed his visit to FSU, but he signed with LSU. Marvin Austin (6-2, 291), a five-star defensive tackle from Washington (D.C.) Ballou, signed with North Carolina over FSU.

Bert Reed (5-11, 165), a four-star athlete from Panama City Bay, decommited from Florida and signed with FSU. Taiwan Easterling (5-11, 182), a three-star athlete from Hattiesburg, Ms., has not signed with FSU. He was a Southern Miss verbal. Markish Jones (6-0, 183), a four-star athlete from Spartanburg, S.C., switched from Clemson and signed with FSU. He needs a higher test score to qualify. Antwane Greenlee (6-6, 302), an offensive lineman from Columbus (Ga.) Hardaway, has signed with FSU over Georgia. Brandon Paul (5-10, 185), a four-star Rivals250 athlete from Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln, signed with FSU over Auburn, Tennessee and Clemson. Jatavious Jackson (6-4, 270), a three star offensive tackle from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades, signed with FSU. Seminole additions of Greenlee, Bert Reed, Paul and Jones jumped the FSU final class 21 spots to No. 19. The class could still grow with additions of Hannah, and Noel Devine (5-8, 170), a tailback from North Fort (Ala.) Meyers.

Miami has received a letter of intent from Tyler Horn (6-5, 290), a two-star offensive lineman from Memphis, Tenn. Arkansas State, Central Arkansas and Florida International have offered him. Joseph Nichols (6-3, 198), a three-star safety from Homestead, Fla., signed with Miami over Rutgers. Allen Bailey (6-4, 270), a linebacker from Darien, Georgia at McIntosh Academy, signed with the Canes over Florida. DeMarcus VanDyke (6-0, 161), a four-star receiver from Miami (Fla.) Pace has signed with Miami over Florida. Lee Chambers (6-1, 200), a three-star running back from Coffeeville, Ms., decomitted from Mississippi State and signed with Miami.

Coach Randy Shannon said the class filled many needs. Miami signed 10 players who can play any skill position or defensive back. Shannon said spots will be left open for later signees. He added that players such as Russell Maryland and Ray Lewis signed weeks past signing day. In the press conference, Shannon also said no one except for Andrew Johnson had transferred. He will have the staff positions all filled by the beginning of next week.

North Carolina signed Rashad Mason (6-6, 220), a Rivals250 receiver from Nashville (Tenn.) Pearl-Cohn. Michigan, Ole Miss and Kentucky were recruiting him. Greg Little (6-3, 210), a four-star athlete from Durham, N C, decommited from Notre Dame and signed with North Carolina. Dwight Jones (6-5, 210), a five-star receiver from Burlington, N C signed with North Carolina over Tennessee and Clemson. Kevin Bryant (6-7, 375), a three-star offensive lineman from Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.) Boyd Anderson, signed with North Carolina over Ole Miss and Louisville.

Clemson has received a letter of intent from Kortnei Brown (6-5, 230), a four-star defensive end from Charlotte Victory (N C) Christian. He also considered Alabama and North Carolina. Tommy Bowden in his press conference on signing day had little comment when asked about getting recruits through the admissions department. Bowden was pleased that assistant coach Billy Napier was able to recruit North Carolina signees--Landon Walker (6-6, 275) an offensive lineman from Ronda, Marcus Gilchrist (5-11, 175) a defensive back from High Point and Brown. He also said there is a real need at defensive back with the loss of C J Gaddis and defensive end with the loss of Gaines Adams. Clemson is also looking for running back depth

Joe McKnight (5-11, 185), a running back from John Curtis High in La., said he went to USC because he wanted to leave New Orleans and he wanted to be a sports broadcaster. He was wary of the USC possible NCAA investigation.

SEC HOOPS

Alabama has won two straight games over LSU on the road and against South Carolina at home Saturday to stop a free fall and claim a half of a game lead in the division. Brandon Hollinger continues to play well. He scored four late free throws and more importantly, held Gamecock Tre Kelly to only three points in the second half. Offensively, Mykal Riley scored 14 of his 15 points in the second half. Richard Hendrix added 14 points and 15 rebounds. He had eight offensive rebounds. South Carolina had 12 turnovers in the second half after committing only four in the first half.

Auburn has lost consecutive home games by 20 or more points for the first time since the 1990-91 season after being hammered by Ole Miss Saturday. The Tigers committed 25 turnovers that Ole Miss converted into 31 points. Auburn hasn’t won consecutive games since December.

Ole Miss is off until they play Alabama next Saturday. Clarence Saunders, an Alabama native, scored 21 points to lead the Rebels in the Auburn win last Saturday. It was the first SEC road win for Ole Miss.

Florida’s game against Tennessee was over at halftime. The Gators hit 17- of- 29 shots from the field and outrebounded the Vols 26-6. Florida has the nation’s longest win streak at 14 straight. Al Horford did most of the damage for the Gators scoring a career high 22 points along with 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. ESPN College Basketball GameDay will be in Lexington next Saturday night for the Gator game.

Tennessee has lost six of its last eight games after the rout at Florida. SEC leading scorer Chris Lofton has sat out four straight games with an ankle injury. He is expected back this week. Tennessee’s fourth rated strength of schedule is helping them, but the Vols must put together a winning streak in order to make postseason play.

Kentucky had a 32-10 run in the second half to pull ahead at Arkansas. The Wildcats forced 19 Arkansas turnovers. Ramel Bradley scored 22 second half points to led Kentucky against the Hogs.

LSU, a Final Four team last year, is tied for last place in the Western Division at the halfway mark. The Tigers have lost five games in a row for the first time in four seasons. Nineteen turnovers limited the Tigers.

Mississippi State had a 14-4 run against LSU that turned the game starting at the 9:20 mark of the second half. State, who broke a three game losing streak, was 13- of- 27 from the three point line. Reginald Delk led the team in scoring with 18 points.

Vanderbilt beat Georgia on the strength of 14 first half points from Derrick Byars and 19 second half points from Dan Cage. Vandy’s defense held Georgia to 39% shooting for the game.

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.