Florida
Last Year
QB Tim Tebow's last hurrah didn't quite go as planned, losing to Alabama in the SEC title game putting paid to their national championship hopes. They did blow out #4 Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, with a career passing day from Tebow, but the season was a disappointment for many. The offense and defense ranked among the top in the NCAA as usual, but the team appeared flat at times, playing to the level of their opposition. The imagination and inventiveness the offense showed the previous year was missing, instead seemingly counting on Tebow to win games for them. This is an acceptable policy when playing lesser teams, as most were last season, but not against Alabama. Missing Percy Harvin is not a good excuse; this is Florida and perennially loaded with talent. Tebow and many of the other stars of the last couple of years have graduated, and a new batch of heroes must emerge. With Coach Urban Meyer at the helm, expect Florida to make another run at the SEC and a national championship this season.
Offense
Junior John Brantley (75% comp, 410 yds, 7 TDs) gets the thankless job of taking over Tebow. While he'll never be the same runner his predecessor was, he's still mobile and possesses superior passing skills. The Gator offense will take on a different spin with him at the helm, but shouldn't be any less effective. Freshman Trey Burton will be his primary reserve. With freshmen in reserve, Brantley's health is of paramount importance. He also has the pleasure of handing off to a plethora of exciting Running Backs. Jeff Demps (99-763-7) and Emmanuel Moody (58-378-3) will get the lion's share of the carries. Both possess different skills, think Mr Outside and Mr Inside, but neither are bellcows either. Mike Gillislee (31-267-1) is probably the fastest of the Backs and will see time too. Three starting offensive linemen return together with two with starting experience, although they need to improve on 30 sacks allowed. Mike Pouncey was 2nd Team All-American last season at RG, and takes over at Center for his brother who left for the NFL. LG Carl Johnson and RT Marcus Gilbert started every game last season. Sophomore LT Xavier Nixon started 5 games last season and was one of the country's top recruits. Junior RG James Wilson started 4 games and played in all 14. The reserves are loaded with former super recruits, many of whom have game experience. The receivers are loaded with talent, but only Deonte Thompson (24-343-4) has much game experience. He made some needless remarks about being limited by not having a real QB (Tebow) throwing to him in the offseason, but now that he has he better come up with the goods. Chris Rainey moves from Running Back to Slot Receiver. He will be dangerous in open field with the ball in his hands, but may not be a natural receiver. Senior Carl Moore, who missed last season with injury, will take the final starting spot. Redshirt freshman Jordan Reed steps in at TE. He was a high school QB, so will take time to grow into the position, but he should be a good one. He'll also step in for Brantley as a short yardage QB. Another freshman, Gerald Christian, will back him up. The offense may have to rely on the ground game, which should excel from Week 1, at the start of the season, but the passing game should click eventually. It's just a matter of when.
Defense
Six starters return, but many of last year's stars have departed. The Tackle position is loaded, with a deep rotation very likely. Omar Hunter (17 tkls, 2 tfls) and Terron Sanders (19 tkls, 2 tfls, 1 PBU) should start, but Lawrence Marsh (8 tkls, .5 sack), who struggled with injury last year, and Jaye Howard (29 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks) will see plenty of time too. End is a different prospect with both of last year's starters gone. Senior Justin Trattou (17 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 INT), a regular in the rotation, and junior William Green (12 tkls, 3 tfls) will take over. There are no proven pass rushers, and the depth is inexperienced, so an increase in blitzing may be required. The Linebackers will be small and fast, but the only returning starter is WLB AJ Jones (37 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs, 3 INTs). Senior Brandon Hicks (32 tkls, 1 tfl, 4 sacks, 2 PBUs) started 4 games last season and might nab the SLB spot. MLB will be either sophomore Jonathon Bostic (18 tkls) or redshirt freshman Jelani Jenkins. There could be reshuffling of this group in the first few games to find the right combination before conference games kick in. There is some experience among the reserves too. Two stars return in the secondary – CB Janoris Jenkins (38 tkls, 3 tfls, 6 PBUs, 2 INTs) and SS Ahmad Black (70 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 sack, 5 PBUs, 1 INT). Both will contend for conference honors and more this season. The new FS will be junior Will Hill (42 tkls, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU), who started 5 games last season. The final corner spot may not be decided until the season has kicked off. Sophomore Jeremy Brown missed all of last season through injury, but may start now that he's healthy. The depth is extremely talented, but the lack of experience could pose problems is any serious injuries happen. The defense will probably slip in the rankings this season, but improve as the year goes on.
Special Teams
Kicker Caleb Sturgis (44/47 PATs, 22/30 FGs – 56 long) has fantastic leg strength but isn't as reliable as the Gators want. Punter Chas Henry (43.4 gross, 41 net), on the other hand, is probably the best Punter you've never heard of, as his opportunities are limited in a prolific offense. Despite only punting 34 times, he still made 2nd Team SEC last season. Chris Rainey will probably take over the kick and punt return jobs, which suit his skills perfectly. The kick coverage was merely okay, but Henry only had 5 punts returned for 21 yards!
Next Season
It's hard to bet against the Gators with all the retuning talent, especially with Meyer in charge, but there is a lot of youth and inexperience stepping in at crucial positions, and not everyone is a slam dunk star. The Gators will still beat up on the hapless teams, but as the talent gap narrows, that inexperience could become a factor. The OOC schedule is manageable, with home games against Miami (Oh), USF and Appalachian State, but the trip to Florida State at the end of the season could be tough. In-conference they've only three away games, Tennessee, Alabama and Vanderbilt. They also get LSU and an improved Mississippi State from the West in addition to Alabama. In the East, Georgia could be better, and South Carolina will be tough. Florida should still top the East, but the West looks stronger this season, and whoever wins that division (probably 'bama) will probably win the title too. The Gators will win 9 or 10 games, but fans expect more now.
Georgia
Last Year
Last season, the Bulldogs suffered the most losses in Coach Mark Richt's tenure, finishing 8-5 (4-4 SEC). They did finish on a strong note, going 4-1 and hammering Texas A&M in the Independence bowl. Richt is a victim of his own success, having six 10+ winning seasons and two SEC titles in nine years. Now fans expect more, and there is talk of the team having peaked and on the downslide. The defense, normally a Bulldog strength, slipped last season, holding only three teams to under 20 points, while the offense struggled to score points on too many occasions. Georgia's bringing in a new defensive co-ordinator, Todd Grantham from the Dallas Cowboys, and two position coaches to try and make the defense more aggressive, but only 4 starters return and Grantham will change the system to a 3-4. 8 starters return on offense, but they'll be breaking in a freshman QB. This will be an interesting season in Athens.
Offense
Redshirt freshman Aaron Murray, the third ranked high school QB in 2008, takes over from stopgap Joe Cox this season. Cox (55.9% comp, 2584 yds, 24 TDs, 15 INTs) finally got his chance to shine last season, but continued to display the inconsistency that marred his career. Murray has yet to throw a pass at this level, but he's got a strong arm, good mobility and toughness. He could develop into a star, but success is hard to come by in the SEC. His reserve is true freshman Hutson Mason, who gave him a good run for his money in camp, so (ideally) there shouldn't be much dropoff in production. The Bulldogs have an excellent pair of Running Backs in Washaun Ealey (125-717-3) and Caleb King (114-594-7). Both will benefit from splitting carries, remaining fresh throughout games. Ealey will miss the first game for an off-the-field transgression, so sophomore Carlton Thomas (22-92-0) will get a chance to show what he can do. Fullback Shaun Chapas (7-45-1) is one of the best in the country and is a punishing blocker. Four starting offensive linemen return, ensuring the rushing attack will be strong again this season, as will pass protection (just 12 sacks). LT Clint Boling and C Ben Jones were both 2nd Team SEC last season and should push for 1st Team honors in 2010. LG Cody Glenn is a multi-year starter, as is RG Chris Davis. The new RT will be senior Josh Davis, who has started 10 games over the last 2 years. There is a good mix of talent and experience among the reserves, and the line should be a strength this season. If receiver AJ Green (53-808-6) isn't the most talented receiver in the NCAA, then he's number two. He would flourish in a pass-happy offense, and constantly beats double-teams despite being the only real receiving threat in the team. Senior Kris Durham missed last season through injury, but gets the chance to show off his talent this season with the suspension of Tavarres King (18-377-1), who was tabbed to start this season. He has started in the past. The reserves have mostly under-achieved, so a fire needs to be lit under them going into the season. Sophomore TE Orson Charles (23-374-3) only started three games last season, yet finished third on the team in receptions. He's a good blocker, but more importantly, can develop into a key receiver to help take the pressure off Green. Last year's starter Aron White (13-198-4) is a good enough blocker and receiver to cause problems in 2-TE sets and give Charles the occasional breather. The backs weren't used much in the passing game last season, but the Bulldog's playbook does involve them, so look for passes their way this season. If Murray progresses quickly (and he may have to), this offense could be really good this season.
Defense
With a new system and new faces, the defense is a concern going into 2010. But there is enough talent on the roster to make it a solid unit again this year. DE Demarcus Dobbs (30 tkls, 1 tfl, 4.5 sacks, 4 PBUs) returns, and is big enough to hold his ground a 30 End. Opposite him will be senior Brandon Wood (14 tkls, 1 PBU), an occasional reserve. Expect sophomore Abry Jones (8tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack) to be in the mix and eventually take over. Junior DeAngelo Tyson (12 tkls) will man the nose. Depth is talented but inexperienced, and it remains to be seen how quickly they adapt to the new system. Justin Houston (39tkls, 7.5 tfls, 7.5 sacks, 1 PBU) and Darryl Gamble (47 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack, 2 PBU) return at OLB. Houston did a good job getting after passers last season, and should excel in the 3-4. The ILBs will be senior Akeem Dent (32 tkls, 2 tfls, .5 sack), who has started regularly over the last three years, and sophomore Christian Robinson (19 tkls, 2.5 tfls), who did well in limited opportunities last season. The Linebacking corps is deep and talented and should be the strength of the defense this season. CB Brandon Boykin (54 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 6 PBUs, 3 INTs) is the sole returning starter in the secondary, but, he's a good one. Opposite him will be senior Vance Cuff (21 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 2 PBUs), who looked great in spring camp. The Safeties will be junior Nick Williams (9 tkls), a former LB who started one game last season, and sophomore Bacarri Rambo (25 tkls, 5 PBUs, 2 INTs), who had a solid freshman year. Watch out for JUCO Jakar Hamilton, a fierce hitter, to take increasing playing time from Williams as the season goes on. What the reserves lack in experience, they make up for in potential. This should be a fine group in the long term, but may struggle initially. The defense may have their off-moments picking up the new system, but the 3-4 may actually suit their current personnel better.
Special Teams
This one of the best special teams units in the country, and it returns most of their star cast. Kicker Blair Walsh (100% PATs, 20/22 FGs – 53 long) and Punter Drew Butler (48.1 gross and 41.9 net) are two of the (if not THE) best in the country. Walsh made the final three of the Lou Groza Award, while Butler is the reigning Ray Guy Award winner. Both should be in the running again this season. Brandon Boykin (26.0 ypr, 3 TDs) is a TD threat every time he touches the ball on kick returns. Branden Smith will pitch in on KRs and also return punts this season. The coverage units were surprisingly poor in 2009 and need to be improved drastically. This unit will make the difference in close games though.
Next Season
The offense has to hope that the running game can carry the team early on while the new faces learn their trade, as after the home opener against Louisiana-Lafayette, they travel to South Carolina, home to Arkansas and then off the much improved Mississippi State. They follow that with a trip to Colorado. The season doesn't get any easier, with the only breather against FCS Idaho State. They have the talent on offense and defense to make a run at the East title, but inexperience will probably slow them down. 7 or 8 wins will probably the likely record at the end of the season, but the future looks rosy.
Kentucky
Last Year
The Wildcats have been to four consecutive bowls under Coach Rich Brooks, something they hadn't done in their history. Sadly, Brooks has retired and handed over the reins to his Coach-in-Waiting Joker Phillips, the offensive co-ordinator since 2005 and a UK alumnus. Phillips' offenses were excellent in '06-'07, but have struggled with inconsistency at QB since. Last year, the rushing attack ranked 21st in the FBS, but 93rd overall due to a passing attack that managed just 140.3 yards per game. The defense was tougher, finishing 53rd overall and 43rd in points allowed. Both units are losing stars this season, so Phillips has his work cut out for him, but he does have some great talent to work with too. Can they make a 5th consecutive bowl? Time and some better QB play will tell.
Offense
Mike Hartline (59.4% comp, 802 yds, 6 TDs, 7 INTs), the starter at the beginning of the last two seasons, has lost his job both years due to either injury or inconsistency. Now a senior, he'll start again this season. He's the most experienced on the roster, and has a good arm, but he's a sitting duck in the pocket and hasn't shaken the inconsistency that has dogged his career. Morgan Newton (55.6% comp, 706 yds, 6 TDs, 3 INTs), a dual threat QB (59-130-2), will back him up again this season. He is now experienced and has his moments, but also struggles with consistency. Both are good enough to win some games though. Expect to see WR Randall Cobb (38.5% comp, 89 yds, 94-573-10) in the WildCobb formation. Running Back is in good shape with the sterling Derrick Locke (195-907-6) carrying the load. He's a year removed from a career-threatening knee injury and could explode this year. Sophomore Donald Russell (13-137-1) will get more opportunities in reserve this season. Moncel Allen (47-228-2) will be the Fullback again and will get some short yardage carries. The offensive line will need to be rebuilt around sole returning starter, LG Stuart Hines, a 3rd Team SEC choice last season. Junior Chandler Burden will switch to LT after starting three games at Defensive End last season. Sophomore Matt Smith steps in at Center after picking up some experience in reserve last year. Sophomore Larry Warford and junior Billy Joe Murphy will step in at Right Guard and Tackle respectively. Both also picked up some valuable experience last year. There is some experience among the reserves, but the unit could be a problem this season. Receiver is on good shape with both starters returning. Cobb (39-447-4) is capable of much more, while Chris Matthews (32-354-3) is a solid number two. La'Rod King (10-142-1) will be the third option. There is good talent in reserve, and this unit could make some plays if they can find someone to throw them the ball consistently. Tight End will be manned by redshirt freshman Jordan Aumiller. True freshman Tyler Robinson will back him up. The offense will most likely struggle again this season with inconsistency at QB and a new offensive line.
Defense
The defense should be in better shape, despite their losses, as they have six starters returning. Both Defensive Ends, DeQuin Evans (38 tkls, 6.5 tfls, 6 sacks) and Taylor Wyndham (28 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 2 PBUs), return, but Wyndham will have to split time with Collins Ukwu (14 tkls, 1 tfl, .5 sack, 1 PBU), who beat him out in camp. Ricky Lumpkin (26 tkls, 1.5 tfl) is a decent Tackle, but can't stay on the field. Junior Luke McDermott will start opposite him, but he only played in two games last season. There is some talent and experience in reserve, but the line needs to play out of their skins to be effective this season, with Evans the only real star. The three Linebackers will be new, and lack ideal size. Junior Ronnie Sneed (14 tkls, 1 tfls, 1 PBU) will man the middle, although redshirt freshman Qua Huzzie will push him for time and may eventually take over. The OLBS will be senior Jacob Dufrene (9 tkls, 2 tfls), who started three games over the last two years, and junior Danny Trevathan (82 tkls, 5 tfls, 1 PBU), who started six games last season. Depth is dangerously thin. The secondary was outstanding for the most part last season, and returns three starters. Corners Paul Warford (32 tkls, .5 tfl, 6 PBUs) and Randall Burden (36 tkls, .5 tfls, 8 PBUs, 2 INTs) are rock solid. SS Winston Guy (60 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack, 5 PBUs) has all the tools to be a pro except consistency. The new FS will be JUCO Mychal Bailey. The reserve strength is talented but inexperienced, but the secondary should be tough again this season. It might not matter if they can't do a better job against the run, though.
Special Teams
The Wildcats need a new Kicker, and Punter Ryan Tydlacka (40.0 gross, 36.7 net) is getting first crack at the job, while also punting. He's a decent Punter, so it's hoped he can transfer that to the kicking job too. Locke (27.8 ypr, 1 TD) and Cobb (26.5 ypr) will return kicks this season, with Cobb (12.8 ypr, 1 TD) also returning punts. The kick and punt coverage is solid. If Tydlacka can be reliable kicking, this will be a solid unit this season.
Next Season
UK don't need a whole lot to make their 5th bowl game in a row, the schedule isn't too tough. The OOC schedule has the annual game with Louisville, although it's away this year. The other games are all at home – Western Kentucky, Akron and FCS Charleston Southern. From the West they have Ole Miss and Mississippi State away and Auburn at home, and only travel to Florida and Tennessee within the division. They're not going to challenge for the East title this season, but with a little better QB play and decent play from both lines, they should make a bowl. Those are big question marks though.
South Carolina
Last Year
The Gamecocks have been mired in the middle of the SEC pack for the last number of years, despite the presence of legendary coaches such as Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier on the sidelines. Last year was just another such season, finishing 7-6 (3-5 SEC) and getting beaten by Connecticut in the PapaJohns Bowl. Their defense was generally outstanding, particularly against the pass, although some teams ran successfully against them. The offense was their weak point, unusual for a Spurrier-led team, mostly because of poor offensive line play, but Spurrier feels QB Stephen Garcia didn't prepare enough for games either. Thanks to some great recruiting, the team is loaded with talent, and with sixteen starters returning this year could be their best shot to make the conference title game.
Offense
Stephen Garcia (55.3% comp, 2862 yds, 17 TDs, 10 INTs) started every game last season and played pretty well despite receiving little protection. He's got a fine arm, decent mobility (120-186-4) and toughness. His backup is freshman Connor Shaw, who will see time this season due to Spurrier's penchant for musical Quarterbacks. At Running Back, star recruit Marcus Lattimore, the highest rated rusher in the country this offseason, will start. Last year's starter, Kenny Miles (117-626-1) will see plenty of carries in a reserve role. Fullback Patrick DiMarco (10-31-0) is a decent blocker. It won't matter who is running the ball if the line can't perform better than last season. Three starters return, LT Jarriel King, C TJ Johnson and RT Hutch Eckerson, who'll split snaps with junior Kyle Nunn. The new starters will be the Guards, senior Garrett Chisolm on the left and junior Rokevious Watkins on the right. The reserve strength is a mixture of experienced veterans, top recruits and JUCOs and with a new position coach looks like it could be greatly improved this season. Alshon Jeffrey (46-763-6) broke onto the scene in his freshman season and is already the Gamecock's top target. Tori Gurley (31-440-2) moves into the slot this season. Sophomore DL Moore (7-99-1) will start this season in the third receiver role. The reserves are very good and many will see playing time. TE Weslye Saunders was suspended for an off-the-field incident and it is unknown when he will return. In his absence DiMarco will get most of the snaps. Sophomore Justice Cunningham will see the field too. This offense is all about the line – if it improves, the offense will be dangerous. If it continues to under-perform – another middle of the pack finish is assured.
Defense
Seven starters return from last season's tough unit. While they're not huge, the team speed is exceptional and players fly to the ball. The line only returns two starters, but one of them is DE Cliff Matthews (47 tkls, 3 tfls, 7 sacks, 3 PBUs), a good pass rusher who was 2nd Team SEC. Sophomore Devin Taylor (28 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 2 sacks) will start opposite him, but it remains to be seen whether he can be effective. Ladi Ajiboye (45 tkls, 4 tfls) is an under-rated Tackle. Junior Travian Robertson (8 tkls, 1 tfl), has started previously and will start opposite him. There is plenty of talent in reserve and this unit could be good if they can stay healthy. Both OLBs are returning starters – WLB Shaq Wilson (85 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 2 PBUs, 1 INT), who was MLB last season but will miss the start of the season due to a hamstring injury, and SLB Antonio Allen (35 tkls, 2 PBUs). Senior Tony Straughter (16 tkls, 1 tfl) will play while Wilson recovers. The MLB will be either junior Rodney Paulk, who missed the last two years through injury, or senior Josh Dickerson (36 tkls, 2.5 tfls), who played well when given the chance. Depth is solid. CB Stephon Gilmore (56 tkls, 3 tfls, 3 sacks, 8 PBUs, 1 INT) has pro potential and was a Freshman All-American last year. Chris Culliver (62 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 sacks, 9 PBUs) moves to Corner from Free Safety, but is currently suspended indefinitely. Junior CC Whitlock, who started 5 games last season, will start in his absence. Akeem Auguste (38 tkls, 2 tfls, 3 PBUs) is moving from Corner to Free Safety, which may suit him better. The SS will be new, but sophomore DeVonte Holloman (30 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) started a couple of games last season and looks like he may be up to the task. The depth is good and this unit may be even better than last year's edition. They have to improve on interceptions, though, after dropping far too many last year. The defense should carry on where last season's group left off, but may still be vulnerable to power running attacks.
Special Teams
Spencer Lanning did a fine job last season as both the Kicker (28/29 PATs, 17/20 FGs – 47 long) and Punter (41.9 gross, 34.1 net) and will continue in both roles this season. Culliver (22.5) and Bryce Sherman (20.9) will return kicks again this season, with Gilmore returning punts. They need more big plays from both units though. Both coverage units were very poor, and 3 kick return TDs were allowed. This will have to be cleared up if the Gamecocks are to make a title run this season.
Next Season
This is their big chance. With new QBs being broken in by Florida and Georgia, the Gamecocks must jump on the opportunity to pass them by. They have the talent, as long as the line and QB hold up. The OOC schedule is manageable – Southern Miss, Furman and Troy at home, then away to Clemson to finish up. The bad news is they get Auburn away, and Alabama and Arkansas at home from the West division. In their own division, they travel to Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Florida (a potential division decider). This is their big chance, and they have the ability. But they have to show they want it.
Tennessee
Last Year
The Lane Kiffin era, which lasted exactly one year, resulted in a 7-6 (4-4 SEC) season which was better than the record suggested. On offense, he coaxed fine seasons out of QB Jonathon Crompton (58.3% comp, 2800 yds, 27 TDs and 13 INTs) and RB Montario Hardesty (282-1345-13), who previously struggled with inconsistency. The defense was tough, finishing 22nd in total yardage, but its lack of size hurt them against the run (just 65th). Unfortunately, along with Kiffin leaving, many offensive starters have graduated too. The defense loses five starters, four of whom were big time players. Derek Dooley, who had a middle-of-the-road three year career at Louisiana Tech takes over as Head Coach. He knows the SEC territory well, having coached special teams at LSU. Whether he can get this team to a bowl game, or even competitive, this season will be a big challenge.
Offense
Former Louisville QB Matt Simms will take over this season after a solid season in the JUCO ranks. He has the look of capable QB – decent arm, mobile, smart and a good leader – and is their most experienced at the position. Freshman Tyler Bray is the future, but will be the primary reserve for now. Expect to see him sooner rather than later if Simms struggles though. Running Back is a concern with the only returning starters Tauren Poole (10-85-0) and David Oku (23-94-2). Poole has the potential to be the next great Volunteer Back, but hasn't had much playing time. Oku will back him up. Expect to see plenty of solid Fullback Kevin Cooper (1-3-0), as Dooley likes traditional offenses. He might be the only decent blocker, as the Vols only return one player with any starting FBS experience. The new line will be sophomore LT Dallas Thomas, freshman LG JerQuarl Schofield, junior C Cody Pope (their experienced player with 4 games in 2 years), senior RG Jarrod Shaw (3 starts at RT last year) and freshman RT Ja'Wuan James. The line is huge, averaging 312 lbs, and talented and may surprise, but the lack of experience will cost them this season. No such problem at receiver, probably UT's strongest position. Gerald Jones (46-680-4) has finally put it all together after struggling with injuries and inconsistency. If they can get him the ball, he should have a break out year. Denarius Moore (40-540-7) only started 7 games last season and should do more this year. There is excellent speed and talent in reserve. TE Luke Stocker (29-389-5) is a potential Mackey Award winner. He's an outstanding blocker and receiver, and should be very productive for a team in need of a safety valve this season. Breaking in a QB and offensive line isn't good news for any team, especially one with a new coach too. This could be a tough, learning year for this group.
Defense
The defense should continue to be decent this year, but may struggle if it has to spend too much time on the field. Both Ends, Ben Martin (38 tkls, 1 tfl, 3.5 sacks, 3 PBUs) and Chris Walker (42 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 6 sacks, 1 PBU, 2 INTs) return from last season's unit, but need to boost their production. They may not get any help from two new Tackles either. Sophomores Montori Hughes (20 tkls, 2 tfls, 1 PBU) and Marlon Walls (2 tkls) have little experience, nor do their backups. End is in slightly better shape in reserve. The Linebackers should be solid but unspectacular. SLB LaMarcus Thompson (35 tkls, 6 tfls, 1 sack) is the sole returning starter. But both Nick Reveiz (27 tkls, 4.5 tfls) and Savion Frazier (38 tkls, 3 tfls, 1 sack, 1 PBU) were starting before their seasons were cut short by injury. Depth is good too. Losing FS Eric Berry would hurt any team, and Tennessee is no different. CB Art Evans (39 tkls, 1 tfl, 3 PBUs) should be 100% after a shoulder injury, and FS Janzen Jackson (37 tkls, 1 sack, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) hits hard, but the new starters are untested. Redshirt freshman Eric Gordon takes over at Corner, with sophomore Darren Myles (7 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 PBU) the new Strong Safety. Expect Gordon to be picked on often this season, although he has the talent to be a good one.
Special Teams
Kicker Daniel Lincoln (33/34 PATs, 10/16 FGs – 49 long) was outstanding as a freshman but inconsistent since. Under Dooley's tutelage, though, he appears to back to his best though. Punter Chad Cunningham (42.1 gross, 34.4 net) is pretty solid, but needs more help from his coverage unit. Oku (26.2 ypr) and Moore will provide a dangerous pair of kick returners, and Jackson has the ability to be good on punts. Both coverage units were mediocre, but expect that to change this season.
Next Season
This could be a tough season for Dooley and his team. They don't have the luxury of playing a number of lesser opponents in their OOC schedule, as after their home opener with Tennessee-Martin, Oregon comes to town. Later in OOC they have UAB at home and Memphis away, but they're sandwiched around conference games. They get LSU (away), Alabama and Mississippi from the West to make matters worse, and have to travel to Vanderbilt in their (relatively) easiest division matchup. They also travel to Georgia and South Carolina. This will be a long season in Knoxville, and 3 or 4 wins might be the best they can hope for.
Vanderbilt
Last Year
After the highs of reaching their first bowl game in 26 years, more (or at least the same) was expected of the Commodores last season. Instead they slipped back to the bottom of the East, finishing 2-10 (0-8) and beating only FCS Western Carolina and equally hapless Rice. It's tough to win at Vanderbilt, a small school with strict academic standards that make recruiting difficult, and results like last year's are the norm. They weren't awful, and have some fine players such as SEC Freshman of the Year Warren Norman and MLB Christian Marve. Injuries played a part in the season, and Vanderbilt doesn't have the quality of depth to compete when they're hit hard. Bobby Johnson is a good coach in a tough spot, and if he doesn't have the team competing again soon, he could find himself on the unemployment line.
Offense
QB Larry Smith (46.7% comp, 1126 yds, 4 TDs, 7 INTs, 85-213-2) was given the opportunity to grow into the role last season, only losing time through injury. He showed little improvement all season, but is number one again this season. He has the ability to be successful, but needs help from his supporting cast. Senior Jared Funk will back him up, but he's seen little action. Watch out for JUCO Jordan Rodgers if Smith continues to struggle. This year's crop of Running Backs is the best they've had at Vandy in a while. Norman (145-783-3) will get most of the carries, but Zac Stacy (107-478-3) will get his fair share too. He was hampered by an ankle injury most of last season and his best may be ahead of him. The offensive line won't be quite starting from scratch, but isn't far off. Junior LG Kyle Fischer (13 career starts in 2 years) and senior C Joey Bailey (5 career starts) are their most experienced linemen. Sophomore RT Caleb Welchans played in every game as a redshirt freshman. Sophomore LG Jabo Burrow and redshirt freshman LT Wesley Johnson, who was a good recruit for the school, haven't played a down yet. There may not be as much dropoff from last season's unit as one may expect, as the group was poor in '09. The receivers did little to help Smith last season, showing little reliability. Sophomore John Cole (36-382-1) is the best of the bunch, but missed time through injury. Udom Umoh (20-267-1) returns in the Slot. Senior Turner Wimberly (12-99-0) will take the third spot, but hasn't proven he can be a solid target. There is a potentially good group of freshman waiting in the wings, and if the starters' experience doesn't serve them well this season, expect to see some new faces at the position. Brandon Barden (29-357-1) is one of the better Tight Ends in the conference and could put up some monster numbers this season. This group has some decent talent, and could put it together if injuries don't strike. Depth is thin throughout (except at RB) though.
Defense
The defense is in better shape and should keep the Commodores in most games. DE Tim Fugger (21 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack) will be the only returning starter at the beginning of the season, but DT Adam Smotherman (31 tkls, 2.5 tfls, .5 sack, 2 PBUs) should be back from a torn ACL in October. Junior TJ Greenstone (38 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 2 PBUs), a regular in the rotation last season, and sophomore Rob Lohr (14 tkls, 1 tfl) will start the season. The other End will be Teriall Brannon (12 tkls, 1 sack). Depth is excellent – watch for senior Theron Kadri (24 tkls, 3 sacks, 1 PBU) to push Fugger for playing time. MLB Christian Marve (121 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 1 sack) is the sole starter at Linebacker returning, but he was 2nd Team SEC last season, which says a lot. Senior John Stokes (44 tkls, 2 tfls) will be the SLB, while sophomore Archibald Barnes (15tkls) will man the Weakside. Depth is good and there should be little letdown this year. The secondary should be excellent again this year, despite only returning CB Casey Hayward (58 tkls, 8.5 tfls, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs) and SS Sean Richardson (84 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 2 PBUs). Sophomores Eddie Foster (17 tkls, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 2 INTs) and Trey Wilson (10 tkls) will split time at the other Corner. The new FS will be redshirt freshman Jay Fullam. There is good depth too. If the defense can play tougher against the run, they could get back to the '08 unit's form.
Special Teams
Kicker Ryan Fowler (100% PATs, 16/21 FGs – 47 long) returns after a decent freshman season and should get more opportunities this season. Sophomore Richard Kent will be the new Punter. He has a booming leg, and if he can develop placement he could be a good one. Norman (26.2 ypr, 3 TDs) was superb returning kicks last season and will do so again this year. Cole will get a shot at returning punts. The kick coverage unit was good, but punt coverage could improve. Kent will get a lot of work this season, and the much of the success of this unit relies in him.
Next Season
The Commodores have some excellent talent and could potentially pull a couple of surprises this season. The OOC schedule is pretty tough – home to Northwestern, at Connecticut, then home to Eastern Michigan and Wake Forest. From the West division they have a home game against LSU, but travel to Mississippi and Arkansas. They also travel to Georgia and Kentucky. There are some rebuilding teams in the division and they could win a couple of games there, but they probably won't win more than 3 or 4 games.
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