Alabama 22 of 24
Arkansas 21 of 27
Auburn 20 of 30
Florida 26 of 27
Georgia 23 of 23
Kentucky 25 of 28
LSU 25 of 26
Miss State 26 of 34
Ole Miss 19 of 22
USC 26 of 31
Tennessee 27 of 32
Vanderbilt 14 of 14

Alabama’s offensive line could be a strength this season. Chris Capps has been moved from right tackle to left tackle behind Andre Smith. B J Stabler and Mike Johnson, who is working with the first team, are battling for the right tackle spot. The rest of the line is the same with center Antoine Caldwell and left guard Justin Britt. Freshman running back Demetrius Goode will miss the season due to an ACL tear he sustained on the first day of practice. Devonta Bolden (6-4, 220), a three-star receiver from Norcross, Ga., announced on Sunday that he was going to Alabama. He chose Alabama from a group of Auburn, Boston College, Georgia and Florida. Destin Hood (6-3, 190), a receiver from Mobile (Ala) St. Paul, has committed to Alabama. Hood, Alabama’s 15th commitment, has offers from Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Freshman defensive back Chris Lett is dealing with a preexisting medical problem (diabetes) that has made his future uncertain. He practiced Thursday. True freshman Jeramie Griffin and junior Jimmy Johns has been working at both fullback and tailback. Junior receiver Nikita Stover missed Monday’s practice with a hip pointer.

Tide freshmen Luther Davis, Josh Chapman, Jeremy Elder, Alfred McCullough, redshirt freshman Brian Motley and Lorenzo Washington, the only one of the group with game experience, have had plenty of reps on the defensive line. Tide freshman linebacker Rolando McClain is working his way up the depth chart. Keith Saunders and Zeke Knight appear to have the outside linebacker positions wrapped up, but depth is sorely needed. Brandon Fanney and Zach Schreiber worked with the second team and Charlie Kirschman, who is from Nease (Fla.) High, and Chavis Williams did with the third team.

Arkansas receiver Marcus Monk injured his knee in Thursday’s practice. A MRI showed Monk has a bone bruise, which makes him questionable for the opener against Troy. Coach Houston Nutt praised the performance of receiver Robert Johnson, who is a former quarterback, on the first few days of practice. Starting quarterback Casey Dick is ahead of where he was this time last year in terms of his back injury and knowledge of the game. Freshman kicker Alex Tejada made a favorable first impression early on, but last year’s starting kicker Jeremy Davis did better Wednesday. Junior tailback Felix Jones is taking more snaps in the “wildcat” formation. Redshirt sophomore Colin Tucker has decided to give up football. Nutt said in order to strengthen the defense, senior Chris Wade has been inserted at defensive end. He is the starter opposite Antwain Robinson. Nutt also said tailback Darren McFadden is also in the best shape he has ever been in. Junior college running back signee Brandon Bennett joined the team for the first time on Thursday.

Auburn received a verbal commitment from Cameron Henderson (6-5, 240), a defensive end from Shades Valley in Birmingham, Ala. Mississippi State and Arkansas have offered him. Junior defensive lineman Pat Sims, who won the job in the spring, continues his good work. Freshman center Ryan Pugh is pushing for the second team spot behind starter Jason Bosley. Receiver signee Chris Slaughter, who came from Hargrave Military, has been approved by the Clearinghouse. Junior linebacker Steve Gandy, who has had four concussions in the past eight months, has decided to give up football. Junior Courtney Harden moves to his position. Running back Carl Stewart is out with a hamstring pull. Freshman Lee Ziemba is the fifth player to be given a shot at the right tackle position. OL coach Hugh Nall hasn’t been happy with anyone competing for that position. Freshman Brent Slusher has moved from tight end to defensive end and is now at linebacker. Coach Tommy Tuberville said he is not happy with his quarterbacks.

Florida freshman linebacker Lorenzo Edwards (6-2, 240) made two interceptions on 7- on- 7 drills on the first day of practice. Defensive tackle John Brown, who will likely be approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse, has two weeks of work in front of him even though he is yet to be certified. If Brown is cleared, then 71- of- 72 signees will have qualified under Meyer. Brian Ellis, a tight end from Daytona, is the only player yet to qualify. Freshman offensive lineman James Wilson might miss three weeks due to a left knee injury. The offensive line appears to be much bigger in their arms and chest. Freshman lineman Mike Pouncey has shown a mean streak in practice. Safety Major Wright was the first freshman to have his stripe removed symbolizing that he is officially a Gator.

Gator receiver Percy Harvin has been unusually impressive in individual and 7- on- 7 drills. Meyer is not sure whether or not defensive end Trent Pupello will remain on the team. Pupello returned to practice on Tuesday. Markihe Anderson may have one cornerback position locked down while the other one is up for grabs despite a strong performance by Wondy Pierre-Louis. Freshman Joe Haden, redshirt freshman Jacque Rickerson, freshman Ahmad Black and redshirt junior Markus Manson is also battling at cornerback. Receiver Deonte Thompson and Wright, both freshmen, have been impressive. Sophomore Jarred Fayson has been lined up at receiver and running back. Freshman defensive end Justin Trattou has earned the right to play according to Meyer. Quarterback Cam Newton will join the team at practice on Friday after improving his academics. Freshman Chris Rainey, Brandon James, Cornelius Ingram and Fayson are all working with the punt return team.

Keith Wells (6-5, 211), a four-star Rivals250 defensive end from Gainesville, Ga., chose FSU over Auburn, Florida and FSU on Friday afternoon. Damion Square (6-3, 270), a three-star strongside defensive end from Houston, Texas announces on Saturday his decision. Square has narrowed his choices down to Florida, Michigan, Miami, Alabama and Texas A & M.

Georgia coach Mark Richt said quarterback Matthew Stafford and cornerback Asher Allen have caught his eye early on. Defensive back Bryan Evans hamstring pull has improved significantly. Freshman safety John Knox has been approved by the Clearinghouse. Georgia has all its signees on board for the first time in recent memory. Freshman tight ends Bruce Figgins and Aron White have been impressive early on. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo wants to improve the Bulldogs long passing attack. The Bulldogs had only five catches of more than 40 yards last year. Georgia has all 23 signees approved. This is the first time that has happened in recent memory.

Kentucky receiver David Jones is moving back to his original position of defensive back. Offensive lineman Zipp Duncan and Justin Jeffries and JUCO’s Josh Winchell and Jess Beets have drawn praise from Coach Rich Brooks.

LSU players Will Arnold (surgery recovery on right knee and right ankle), Glenn Dorsey (fractured right shin), Ali Highsmith (left ankle) and Curtis Taylor (sprained ankle) have all worked through spring injuries. Offensive left tackle Mark Synder injured his knee Monday morning. Synder, who could be out for several months, was working behind Ciron Black. Coach Les Miles has been impressed early on with freshmen Terrance Toliver, a receiver and safeties Chad Jones and Stefoin Francois. The Tigers have a Saturday scrimmage.

Mississippi State Coach Sly Croom praised the play of senior defensive ends Titus Brown (who is recovering from a groin pull) and Avery Hannibal and quarterback Michael Henig after Saturday’s practice. Freshman running backs Robert Elliott and Marcus Green have seen their share of work with the starting units. Defensively, tackle LaMarcus Williams and defensive backs Zach Smith and Wade Bonner have also worked with the 1’s and 2’s. Third team quarterback Wes Carroll, who is from St. Thomas Aquinas, is pushing Josh Riddell for the backup quarterback position.

Ole Miss Coach Ed Orgeron singled out defensive linemen John Jerry, Michael Oher and Marcus Tillman for their contributions. Quarterback Seth Adams is running with the first team. Brent Schaeffer has been moved to receiver, at least temporarily, to provide some depth. Schaeffer moved back to quarterback Thursday. Linebacker Tony Fein was praised for his maturity. Orgeron said sophomore Jonathan Cornell has been his best linebacker thus far. Johnny Brown has shown consistency at the safety position. Freshman receiver Lionel Breaux is being moved to defensive back where he should see more playing time. The Rebels went to pads for the first time on Monday. Orgeron said Fein had a breakout day. Jeremy McGee, a UCLA transfer, had several big plays during practice. Orgeron has expressed concern that there is a lack of depth at defensive back and receiver. Jerrell Powe, a defensive tackle who has tried to qualify twice, practiced Thursday. Powe flirted with signing with Miami. Also on the field for the first time was linebacker signee Chris Strong. Both Powe and Strong have yet to be approved by the Clearinghouse.

South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell, defensive back Carlos Thomas, defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis, defensive tackle Terrence Campbell and running back Bobby Wallace ran sprints in practice due to academic disciplinary reasons. Mitchell met with the media Monday night saying he missed a few days of a summer school class. Coach Steve Spurrier said twins Jordin and Dustin Lindsey will miss the first few practices, but he didn’t give a reason. Offensive lineman Quintin Richardson, who had two offseason incidents, is back on the team. Spurrier praised the improved passing of Chris Smelley. He also said freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia has had some of his technique improved. Defensive tackle Matt Raysor and outside linebacker Dakota Walker have both left the program. Walker is the 10th player from the 2005 recruiting class to leave the team. Senior receiver Mike West has moved back to cornerback. Freshman walk-on Zac Brindise has been added to the 105- man roster. Ryan Brown has returned to defensive end after experimenting with fullback during the spring. Signees Akeem Auguste, Eric Baker and Antonio Allen will likely enroll at Hargrave Military Academy. Marque Hall, USC’s best defensive lineman last year before tearing ligaments in his left knee, and missing most of the season, has returned to action. Offensive lineman Garrett Anderson has a broken hand after getting into a fight on the field with defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye. At least three freshman defensive lineman—Ajiboye, Clifton Geathers and Cliff Matthews-- will play.

Spurrier is still protesting the loss of two signees—Michael Bowman and Smith-- that were approved by the Clearinghouse but denied by the school. Should a public university have higher standards than the NCAA? Both Mississippi schools have been under a court order since the early 1970s to admit all athletes who meet NCAA standards.

Tennessee Coach Phil Fulmer said defensive tackle J. T. Mapu has had a great camp thus far. Fulmer bemoaned the lack of depth on the offensive line. Safety Sinclair Cannon has been moved to linebacker. Linebacker Ryan Karl is expected to return to contact next week after hurting his back in the weight room earlier this summer. Fulmer is looking for starters on the right side of the offensive line. Sophomore Chris Scott is working at first team right tackle and junior Ramon Foster at right guard. Tailback Lamarcus Coker has been suspended again for another violation of the athletic department substance abuse policy. Junior Arian Foster could take over the load if he can stop his fumbling problem (he had a crucial fumble against Penn State in the bowl game). Sophomore Montario Hardesty has been often injured and is nursing a hamstring currently. Freshman tailback Lennon Creer could get a look. Receiver Kenny O’Neal is dealing with a tender hamstring that he sustained in June. Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said at one point of Tuesday’s practice, quarterback Erik Ainge was working with a freshman back, three freshmen receivers and a redshirt freshman tight end.

Boston College senior linebacker Brian Toal will take a redshirt season after he had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder this past March. Toal, the emotional leader of the defense, injured his shoulder against Clemson in the second game and played with pain throughout the season.

Clemson linebacker Kevin Alexander has moved to defensive end and former safety Scotty Cooper has moved to linebacker. Defensive lineman Ricky Sapp has bulked up to 246 pounds but kept his 4.4 speed. Jonathan Willard (6-2, 203), a four-star outside linebacker from Loris, S.C., has committed to Clemson. Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and N C State have offered him. Freshman defensive end Jamie Cumbie is having his shoulder scoped after being injured. He is hoping to return for the FSU game.

FSU assistant coach Lawrence Dawsey said he was pleased with freshmen receiver Bert Reed, Brandon Paul and Taiwan Easterling during Tuesday afternoon’s practice. Defensive back Kenny Ingram is happy to be back after being academically ineligible the past two seasons. Freshman offensive lineman Antwane Greenlee is hoping to see early action. Offensive tackle Matt Hardrick, who came from Hargrave Military Academy, has been kicked off the team, for violating team rules. Hardrick’s dismissal might mean more playing time for Greenlee. Center/guard Dumaka Atkins has not been medically cleared to join the team due to shoulder and ankle problems. Zach Hillery, an offensive line signee from Orlando, didn’t report with the freshman due to academics. Brian Coulter, a junior college transfer, will also not be on the team also due to academics. Linebacker Joe Thaxton has not been medically cleared after suffering a concussion early last season. Center John Frady, who had surgery to clean his ankle, will probably not join the team until after the Clemson game. Tight end D J Norris is off the team due to injury. He has had his sixth shoulder surgery. The team slogan is “Bad to the Bone”. Coach Bobby Bowden has been quick to laud the strength and conditioning program for preparing the players for the heat.

Nole offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said redshirt freshman quarterback Christian Ponder has been more impressive in the first two practices than Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee. Fisher said Ponder rarely makes the same mistake twice. Matt Dunham and Marcus Sims, who played tailback last year, are being used in the H-back position. Budd Thacker has jumped Paul Griffin and Letroy Guion for the nose tackle spot next to defensive tackle Andre Fluellen. Caz Piurowski, the former tight end is presently No. 1 at one of the tackle positions. Freshman Jatavious Jackson began practice on the defensive line.

Over 85,000 seats have been sold for the FSU/Alabama game. Rick Catlett, the Gator Bowl President said, there is a chance that 1,000 seats could become available making the total 86,000, which is more than Super Bowl 39. The game is called the River City Showdown. FSU is the home team. FSU is in talks with Jacksonville to add a 12th game in 2008.

Miami receiver Sam Shields had the highlight of the first scrimmage Thursday when he caught a 50- yard catch- and- run pass from quarterback Kirby Freeman, who also led the other touchdown drive. Running back Graig Cooper came close to breaking a punt return. The receivers dropped several passes.

Cane freshman receiver Leonard Hankerson and defensive end Adewale Ojomo have been approved by the Clearinghouse. Cane coaches have said Hankerson will play this season. Freshman Orlando Franklin is seeing plenty of time with the first team. Miami’s first scrimmage is Thursday. Demarcus VanDyke has worked his way up to second team receiver. Starting linebacker Glenn Cook will miss at least the first three games with an unspecified injury. Starting safety Lavon Ponder missed Thursday’s scrimmage and should be back for the opener due to an injury. Spencer Adkins replaced Cook, who players say has the best working knowledge of the defense. Willie Cooper is replacing Ponder opposite Kenny Phillips. Defensive right tackle Teraz McCray and middle linebacker Darryl Sharpton are also sitting out with undisclosed injuries. Miami city manager Pete Hernandez said he has a gut feeling the Canes will leave the Orange Bowl in time for the 2008 season. A decision should be reached on whether to stay or play in Dolphins Stadium on Aug. 21 at the next board of trustees meeting.

North Carolina redshirt freshman T J Yates, who was named the starter coming out of spring, is considered the front runner to hang on to the starting quarterback job. Cam Sexton, B J Phillips and freshman Mike Paulus are battling for the job.

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said he would name a starting quarterback in the next few days. This means he is probably leaning toward Jordan Steffy over Florida transfer Josh Portis.

The text message ban was reviewed Thursday by the 18 member NCAA board of directors. They decided to make no changes and send it back to the membership for another vote in January. The board had three options: it could affirm the rule that went into effect on Aug. 1 until another vote at the January convention; it could approve an emergency legislation to amend the rule, pushing back the date it takes affect or it could overturn the rule and go back to virtually no limits except during dead periods. Nearly 40 schools have requested the board to revisit the rule.

Missouri running back Tony Temple injured his knee during practice Tuesday. The extent of the injury is only a bruise. Hardy Ricks, a sophomore cornerback who started eight games last year, also separated his shoulder on Tuesday. Ole Miss plays Missouri on Sept 8.

UCLA freshman running back Raymond Carter tore an ACL and is lost for the season. The Bruins are thin at running back. Starter Chris Markey returns, but there is not much depth behind him. Quarterbacks Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan are battling for the starting position.

Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis said the quarterback battle has not been decided. Freshman Jimmy Clausen, junior Evan Sharpley and sophomore Demetrius Jones are vying for the spot. Sharpley was the second team quarterback last season.

Texas is looking for a backup quarterback behind Colt McCoy. Freshman John Chiles and redshirt freshman Sherrod Harris are about even for the position. The Longhorns struggled to run the ball last year having only four runs of longer than 27 yards.

Nebraska has its own quarterback battle going between Sam Keller, an Arizona State transfer and Joe Ganz. Keller has three years of experience from Arizona State. Ganz has three years of experience in the Nebraska West Coast offense. He played in five games as a sophomore last year.

Oregon is possibly working on a game with Boise State to begin the 2009 season in China. Duck officials have permission to play the game in China from the NCAA if it is in late August.

BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR MYCLAYSUN IN ORANGE PARK, FLA. HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON SPORTS RADIO 1010 XL.