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GEORGIA: Snapper Jeff Henson and safety Donovan Baldwin didn’t report with the team Sunday because they have both been suspended. Henson, who had a DUI last November, was arrested over the weekend for public intoxication and urinating in public. Baldwin, who has already been suspended one game for a January DUI, was taken to the hospital after being smashed in the head with a beer bottle in a local bar. Freshman linebacker Marcus Dowtin was also hit in the head with a beer bottle and ended up in the hospital. Three other Bulldog players—tailback Caleb King, and sophomore linebacker Akeem Dent—were interviewed as witnesses. Dent was considered polite to the police, but King was reported to be agitated and uncooperative with authorities. Junior linebacker Darius Dewberry went to visit Dowtin and Baldwin in the hospital. After the leaving the hospital, Dewberry admitted to damaging property on site. He will miss two games. Five players-Clint Boling (traffic offense), Fred Muzenmeier (alcohol), Henson, Baldwin and Dewberry-- will miss the opener.
Receiver signee A. J. Green told reporters Monday that he has re-aggravated an old groin injury. However, he said the injury won’t hamper him. Green is back, but several other receivers are not. Redshirt freshman Walt Hill is out three-to-six weeks with a broken hand; redshirt freshman Israel Troupe has a hyper-extended wrist, elbow and shoulder and Michael Moore injured his hamstring Thursday. With Dewberry’s absence and Justin Fields moved to fullback, freshman Christian Robinson will step in behind starter Akeem Dent. Offensive lineman Chris Little, who weighs 350 pounds, expects to be down to 325 by the end of camp. Quarterback Matthew Stafford weighs 225 pounds down from 235 last season.
Richt said he is not set on redshirting two of the three freshmen running backs-Richard Samuel, Dontavious Jackson or Carlton Thomas—because they could help on special teams. He also said it is not set in stone that Caleb King will backup Knowshon Moreno.
KENTUCKY: Quarterback Curtis Pulley has been kicked off the team for violating team rules. Mike Hartline looks to be the likely starter at quarterback. Starting cornerback Paul Warford has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2008 season. Offensive lineman Christian Johnson could miss the season with either a back injury or academics.
ARKANSAS: Cornerback Jerrell Norton will miss four to six week due to hernia surgery. Walner Leandre has emerged as a leader at safety.
TENNESSEE: The Vols put on pads Wednesday. Linebacker Gerald Williams, who weighs 245 pounds, has finally qualified after several attempts. He has been at a prep school and a junior college before qualifying. Freshman tight end Aaron Douglas is still rehabbing an upper arm injury that required surgery five months ago. Defensive tackle signee Montori Hughes and linebacker Marlon Walls, both freshman signees, are still dealing with Clearinghouse issues. Freshman receiver Steven Fowlkes have moved to defensive end. Oft-injured Montario Hardesty is healthy.
The Vols spent more on recruiting than any other school in the nation last year. Tennessee spent more than $2 million which included money for private and public air transportation, rental cars and lodging. Notre Dame was second with a total of $1.75 million, Florida was third with $1.45, Kansas was fourth with $1.37 million and Georgia was fifth with $1.28 million.
Vol players like the low preseason expectations. However, the Vols have to improve their running game. In 14 games last year, only South Carolina (389) and Ole Miss (379) ran the ball fewer times than Tennessee (459). Former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe grew impatient when the Vols couldn’t run the ball last season. In fairness to Cutcliffe, the offense had to score points because the defense was No. 11 in the SEC (403 ypg). Tennessee allowed the most first downs in the league last year and gave up 382 points, the most in Vol history. The Vols need to split the September series with Auburn and Florida because the next SEC game is against Georgia. Coach Phil Fulmer doesn’t need to start the SEC season at 0-3.
Vol junior defensive tackle Chase Nelson is out for the year with a ruptured patellar tendon. Nelson was going to be in a thin rotation at defensive tackle. Fulmer said without Nelson that Victor Thomas and Donald Langley will have to play better. Receiver Gerald Jones continues to experiment with a quarterback package.
LSU: Safety Rockey Duplessis and receiver DeAngelo Benton are not eligible for the fall semester. The earliest they can enroll is January. In all, 13 starters return including kicker Colt David. Coach Les Miles said after the first day of practice that freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson will likely not redshirt. Several players said the absence of quarterback Ryan Perriloux has produced a calming affect on the team. Some Tiger insiders have speculated that Andrew Hatch will start for the Tigers in the opener. Hatch will be a sophomore in terms of eligibility because he was awarded a medical redshirt (shoulder and finger injuries) year last year. Linebacker Perry Riley is back after missing spring with an injured foot. Freshman cornerback Deangelo Peterson has quickly worked up to a backup spot.
OLE MISS: Linebacker Patrick Trahan and defensive back Demareo Marr have been admitted into school. Both played at a junior college last season. Linebacker Allen Walker, who was suspended after a DUI in April, has been fully reinstated to the team.
Coach Houston Nutt was not happy with the receivers, considered the strength of the team, during the first day of practice. All the punters have struggles with consistency.
A total of 26- of- 31 signees reported. Quarterback Chris Wilkes opted to play pro baseball, defensive back Hunter Miller walked on at Arkansas, receiver Horatio Williams, athlete Randall Mackey and running back Andre Sterling didn’t qualify academically. Six players-defensive lineman Chris Strong, linebacker Brandon Thomas, defensive back Colby Arceneaux, linebacker Isaiah Smith, receiver Michael Hicks and cornerback Jamariey Atterberry --are no longer on the team. Freshman offensive lineman Kermit Tyler’s career is over after doctors discovered that he has a rare allergic reaction to strenuous exercise or becoming overheated. Safety Johnny Brown re-aggravated a hamstring injury.
Tailback Cordera Eason had his best day on Thursday. Eason is aware of the all pub given to the new incoming running backs such as Enrique Davis. Defensive tackle Jerrell Powe is coming along well.
AUBURN: DeRonn Furr, who missed Sunday and Monday’s practice after getting into a fist fight in the first practice, has withdrawn from school. Furr was a quarterback in the spring before switching to defensive back shortly afterwards. Freshman safety Christian Thompson has impressed the coaches in the first weekend of practice.
Starting cornerback Aairon Savage tore an ACL in practice Monday. Junior Jerraud Powers is the only returning cornerback with any experience. Savage, who previously played safety, was moved to cornerback in the spring. Junior Walt McFadden replaced Savage, but depth is thin at that position.
After six days of practice, Tiger quarterback Kodi Burns is completing 70% of his passing and Chris Todd is 75%. Todd is a much more effective quarterback after his shoulder has healed and strengthened.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Tight end Jared Cook will miss a few days of practice with a sprained big toe. Offensive lineman Heath Batchelor and defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye are back on the team after settling academic issues. Defensive tackle Nathan Pepper is back after recovering from a torn ACL. Pepper injured his knee in a freak accident after returning an interception for a score in the win over S. C. State. Offensive lineman Jarriel King is back playing again despite a history of heart problems. Walk-on quarterback Zac Brindise will transfer to another school to for more playing time. Freshman linebacker Shaq Wilson (Jacksonville, Fla.) is wearing No. 16. Coach Steve Spurrier said, “He’s a small linebacker, so he needs a small number.” Receiver Moe Brown is making inroads to be the No. 2 receiver behind Kenny McKinley.
Gamecock starting tailback Mike Davis is out for at least a week with an injured shoulder. Brian Maddox will get the majority of first team reps followed by Taylor Rank and Eric Baker. Quarterback Stephen Garcia was 3-of-13 in scrimmage work. Spurrier said he didn’t have much protection, but had a couple of nice runs. Defensive end Cliff Matthews has drawn rave reviews from the coaches.
FLORIDA: Tight end Cornelius Ingram will not play this season due to a torn ligament in his left knee. The injury will limit the sets involving the tight ends. It also means that Aaron Hernandez and Tate Casey need to step up. Hernandez and Riley Cooper have been the two favorite targets of the quarterbacks this week.
Tailback Chris Rainey is struggling with a hip injury while receiver Percy Harvin continues to limp on his troublesome heel. Defensive tackle Torrey Davis (academic issues) and safety Bryan Thomas (cyst on his knee) were not on the roster. Former offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson (who prefers to be called “Ron”) is still working his way back on the team. Wilson pled no contest to battery and discharging a firearm last year and copped a possession of marijuana charge in January that was dropped according to UF. There is some speculation that Wilson could replace Davis on the defensive line. Offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey was doing extra running as a penalty for his open container charge.
The secondary appears to be more confident. Receiver signee T. J. Lawrence has been moved to safety. Janoris Jenkins is staying at cornerback instead of moving to safety. Starting safeties on Monday were Ahmad Black and Major Wright. Starting cornerbacks were Joe Haden and Wondy-Pierre Louis. Haden appears to be a much improved player. He has improved his coverage skills and broke up several passes. Freshman cornerback Adrian Bushell practiced for the first time Thursday. Some players believe once Will Hill learns the defense that he will be a starter. Freshman linebacker William Green is playing a lot with the second team defense. JUCO transfer Troy Epps has been impressive on the defensive line. The first team defensive line was Terron Sanders, Jermine Cunningham, Carlos Dunlap and Epps. Freshman receiver Frankie Hammond, Jr., has made a big play in virtually every practice. The other freshman receiver Omarius Hines has done little t o impress and Lawrence has made the move to safety.
Hawaii quarterback Tyler Graunke has been held out of preseason camp due to unresolved issues reportedly believed to be academic. If he can’t play then Inoke Funaki or junior college transfers Greg Alexander or Brent Rausch will compete for the job. Center John Estes is one of only three starters back on offense.
Jordan Reed (6-3, 235), a four-star dual threat quarterback from New London, Ct., has verbally committed to Florida. He has offers from Iowa, Oregon, Tennessee, Boston College, UConn and Duke.
ALABAMA: Redshirt freshman Josh Chapman, who has a team-leading 480 pound bench press, earned some reps with the first team on Monday. He has been behind junior returning starter Lorenzo Washington. Receiver Darius Hanks is awaiting clearance by the doctors for contact. He is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. With senior Will Oakley out, Hanks is battling freshman Burton Scott for a starting role. Coach Nick Saban said Mike McCoy has been the most consistent receiver. Drew Davis is holding down the right tackle spot. Tailback Mark Ingram continues to rotate with the first team offense.
Defensive tackle Terrence Cody, who weighs nearly 400 pounds, has been impressive. Other linemen have commented on Cody’s speed. Cody is considered the biggest player in Alabama history.
Rolando McClain is the only returning starting linebacker. Prince Hall has experience, but he has been suspended for the first three games. Juniors Corey Reamer and Brandon Fanney are with the first team. Freshmen Jerrell Harris, Courtney Upshaw and Don’ta Hightower will challenge for playing time.
Former Alabama coach Dennis Franchione could be the analyst for the Alabama vs. Clemson game on ESPN radio. Dave Barnett will provide play-by-play. Simpson Pepper, the former P.A. announcer at Legion Field and for Alabama football, has died. Former running back Demetrius Goode, who is recovering from a serious knee injury, has been switched to defensive back. Receiver Chris Jackson is battling an ankle injury.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: Coach Sly Croom has praised defensive players Jesse Bowman, Jamar Chaney, Tim Bailey and Dominic Douglas. Senior safety Derek Pegues and sophomore linebacker Karlin Brown have been suspended for the first game due to a violation of the class attendance policy.
VANDERBILT: Redshirt freshman running back Jermaine Doster has been suspended for the season after he was arrest on three misdemeanor charges recently.
ACC
GEORGIA TECH: Coach Paul Johnson has been adamant about running backs not fumbling. Defensive back Jahi-Word Daniels sustained a leg injury in an early practice. Freshman quarterback Jaybo Shaw has looked impressive in running the offense.
CLEMSON: The Tigers have their share of early injuries. Receivers Xavier Dye (shoulder) and Jacoby Ford (ankle), freshman tight end Dwayne Allen (lower abdomen) should recover quickly. Running back Jamie Harper is 230 pounds and able to move a pile of defensive players. Freshman receiver Marquan Jones has drawn raves from the coaching staff. Coach Tommy Bowden said as many as 11 freshmen could play. Junior defensive end Ricky Sapp, who is close to 250 pounds, has been unblockable at times in drills. Bowden also said he has been disappointed in the kicking and punting. The offensive line continues to be a work in progress. Redshirt freshman David Smith, considered the leading candidate for the left guard spot, has missed several days with an injured toe.
FLORIDA STATE: On the eve of starting practice, coach Bobby Bowden told the Orlando Sentinel that “either the team improves or I’m going to have to get out of her”. Defensive lineman Everette Brown is bench pressing 480 pounds, a 50-pound increase over last year. Brown said both Budd Thacker and Kendrick Stewart have gotten increasingly stronger. Joe Tonga (6-5, 305), a California junior college offensive lineman transfer has joined the team. Defensive tackle Justin Mincey, and tight ends Charlie Graham and Matt Dunham didn’t report on the first day due to academic issues. Receiver Richard Goodman, defensive linemen Budd Thacker, Neefy Moffett and Paul Griffin, and linebackers Dekoda Watson and Patrick Robinson are among the 10 players suspended for the firs t three games due to academic fraud. Safety Myron Rolle, who graduates this weekend, is expected to be named a Rhodes Scholar in a few weeks.
For the first time in memory, FSU media relations will not allow first time players either freshmen or transfers to talk to the media unless they have made significant contributions on the field.
Tony Barnhart of the AJC visited FSU early in the week. He said look out for quarterback Christian Ponder, who graduates this week, to make an early impact. Ponder earned his degree in less than three years. The team is much stronger in offseason conditioning under Todd Stroud. Barnhart made the point that the death of Devaughn Darling in mat drills in 2001 has had a real psychological affect on the team. Assistant coach Jimbo Fisher wants to work with bigger backs like Tavares Pressley (6-1, 215) along with Antone Smith (5-9, 185). Pressley is still waiting on academic clearance. Barnhart also noted that FSU recruiting has picked up despite the fact that Mark Richt and Nick Saban had locked down the states of Georgia and Louisiana.
In strength testing results, the offensive line is also stronger. Last year no linemen could bench press 400 pounds, but this year three players have broken the barriers and two more are on the verge. Freshman Nigel Bradham, who weighs 239 pounds, finished in the top five in bench press (470); power clean (350) and vertical jump (36 inches).
MIAMI: Coach Randy Shannon said all the freshman who came in during January will play. Fullback Pat Hill has been lauded for his blocking ability. Shannon is looking for better time management from the quarterbacks. Signees C. J. Holton and Gavin Hardin have been cleared to play. Brandon Marti, Jeremy Lewis and Joe Wylie are still waiting. Receiver Sam Shields said last year’s suspensions and poor play are behind him. He said the young receivers are pushing him. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke is up to 178 pounds. The coaches believe Xavier Shannon, the son of the head coach, will be the starting center. Defensive lineman Antonio Dixon was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning. He returned Thursday afternoon. Shannon said the hospitalization was precautionary. Left guard Chris Barney is out four to six weeks with a yet to be disclosed injury.
NORTH CAROLINA: Running back Marcus Houston, who is the backup to Greg Little, appears to be a different player at 242 pounds after starting his career at 273. The coaches are making the running game more of a priority. Shaun Draughn, who moved from defensive back, has transitioned well to running back. Outside linebacker Chase Rice is one of four, fifth-year seniors who are providing leadership.. Junior quarterback T. J. Yates said he is more comfortable with his role this season. Senior defensive end E. J. Wilson is recovering from a hamstring injury. Coach Butch Davis has been pleased with the offensive line.
N. C. STATE: The defense and particularly the line, is the strength of the team. Quarterback is up for grabs with fifth-year senior Daniel Evans; redshirt junior Harrison Beck, redshirt sophomore Justin Burke, redshirt freshman Russell Wilson and freshman Mike Glennon.
MARYLAND: Heralded freshman Kenny Tate has been moved from receiver to defensive back. Coach Ralph Friedgen has been impressed with quarterbacks Jordan Steffy, Chris Turner and former Florida transfer Josh Portis. However, the battle is basically between Steffy and Turner. Portis missed all of last season due to academics.
OTHER TEAMS
KANSAS STATE: Coach Ron Prince is due to get a five-year extension in the near future. He is 12-13 overall and 7-9 in the Big 12. The extension should put to rest rumors of South Florida’s Jim Leavitt taking over if Prince was fired.
MICHIGAN: Steven Threet, Nick Sheridan and freshman Justin Feagin are all working at quarterback.
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.
E-MAIL BRENT AT brentbeaird@comcast.net
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