Live From Birmingham

The 2008 season is right around the corner and SEC Media Days are underway in Birmingham. Athlon Sports' Braden Gall and Steven Lassan are here to bring the latest updates from this week's events.

You can find the video highlights from Day 1 of the SEC media days here

5:17 p.m. - That's all for day one of the SEC Media Days. Stay tuned to AthlonSports.com for more news and notes from this week's events.

5:08 p.m. - A couple of interesting notes from Johnson.

He believes the offense will be better in 2008, even though the offensive line suffered key losses. Additionally, Johnson indicated Nickson has a slight edge for the starting nod at quarterback.

Although they lose Earl Bennett, Johnson believes they will have a solid committee of receivers ready to take his place.

4:57 p.m. - Johnson believes linebacker John Stokes will be one of the breakout players for this team in 2008. The secondary has also been one of the most discussed parts of Johnson's meeting with the press and rightfully so, it should be one of the best in the SEC.

4:53 p.m. - A little change of pace from the rest of the coaches. Johnson answers questions to open up, rather than give an opening statement.

4:49 p.m. - Johnson is running a little behind schedule, which gives me an opportunity to talk about one of the players the Commodores has here.

With Earl Bennett moving onto the NFL, George Smith is expected to be a key cog for this team. With an unsettled quarterback situation, having a go-to guy will be important for this offense.

4:42 p.m. - Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson is coming up in just a few minutes.

Some quick thoughts from LSU....

LSU - As expected, we didn't figure to learn much about the frontrunner for the starting quarterback spot, but Miles indicated any of the three could start.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Jordan Jefferson take the first snap against Appalachian State, but it's anyone's guess at this point.

Coach Miles talked a lot about strength and conditioning and expectations following a national title. Even without Perrilloux, the Tigers will still be in the mix for a spot in the top ten.

I thought Perrilloux would be discussed a little more, but was rarely mentioned.

4:28 p.m. - A bit of a lull in the action.

The Tigers are finishing up their media interviews and up next will be Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. Johnson will be joined by receiver George Smith and safety Reshard Langford.

I am looking forward to hearing Johnson's comments on the quarterback situation and new starters along the offensive line.

4:18 p.m. - Miles has just finished his meeting with the press and left with a crowd of Tiger media members. Easily the biggest group following a coach all day.

As expected, he didn't give much insight into the quarterback situation, but was happy with his offensive line, defense and running back situations.

LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson and guard Brett Helms are now meeting with the media in opposite ends of the press room.

4:13 p.m. - When asked if he would support a playoff system, Miles gave several reasons why there shouldn't be one, but indicated he is in favor of tweaking the current system. So far, none of the three coaches have been particularly in favor of a playoff system.

Miles is also expressed his support for an early signing day.

4:01 p.m. - When asked what could separate the quarterback derby at LSU, Miles said "consistency." The coach is definitely looking for a consistent quarterback, not necessarily the flashy playmaker. Seems like the Tigers had pretty good success with consistent quarterbacks - Matt Mauck and Matt Flynn both hoisted national titles.

3:54 p.m. - It didn't take long for a Ryan Perrilloux question. Miles didn't spend too much time on the former Tiger quarterback - who is now at Jacksonville State.

3:51 p.m. - It didn't take long for Miles' recent remarks about Alabama and losing to UL Monroe. He was asked if Alabama played Louisiana only teams...what would their record be? Needless to say, the question was a hit in the press room.

3:48 p.m. - In his opening remarks, Miles made a point to mention the Tigers will not overlook Appalachian State.

3:42 p.m. - Easily the most asked question about the Tigers...the quarterback situation. Miles didn't rule out any of the three candidates - Andrew Hatch, Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee.

3:41 p.m. - Miles indicates he thinks the Tigers will once again use a running back by committee approach. Just a note for fantasy owners wanting to draft Keiland Williams.

3:39 p.m. - Coach Miles arrives...he kept the room waiting a few extra minutes.

3:29 p.m. - The media briefing with the Bulldog athletes is winding down, LSU head coach Les Miles will be up in just a few minutes.

3:27 p.m. - A couple humorous quotes from today -

From Tim Tebow - "I went to the Philippines, Croatia and Thailand. I enjoyed them all immensely. I got to preach in hospitals, schools, market places and prisons and I am sure I will get asked about all the circumcisions I performed."

From Jamar Chaney when asked about the Egg Bowl - "I do not care how many game Ole Miss loses as long as we beat them."

3:20 p.m. - Mississippi State linebacker Jamar Chaney and quarterback Wesley Carroll are answering questions from the media in opposite ends of the room.

3:12 p.m. - One more lunch side note...Braden made possibly the biggest sandwich at a luncheon I've ever seen. Not to mention...the Athlon team was the first through the line today.

3:09 p.m. - It's a busy day for the coaches and players for all teams involved. Once they finish on one podium, they are off to do television interviews in a couple of different rooms.

3:01 p.m. - Just to give a quick overview for the rest of the day - the Bulldog players will have their chance to speak to the media, then LSU's Les Miles is up next, followed by his players and the Vanderbilt contingent.

For those of you wondering about the lunch menu at the Wynfrey Hotel....it was ham, turkey and roast beef sandwiches with a little dessert on the side. Overall, a perfect lunch for the first day.

2:59 p.m. - Ten minute break for the media here to stretch.

Going back to Tebow, he definitely grabbed the attention of the room has he walked in and was a great interview. The junior is under a world of pressure, but handles it incredibly well.

2:58 p.m. - Croom has wrapped up his press briefing. The Bulldog head coach wasn't as entertaining as Tebow or Meyer, but was a straight shooter.

2:57 p.m. - Just a side note for the college fantasy owners...Croom mentioned three other backs - Ducre, Bonner and Elliott that will share time with Anthony Dixon in 2008.

2:53 p.m. - A curious statement by Croom, he (not the players) lost the season opener against LSU - and whatever he told his team after that game definitely worked for motivation.

2:49 p.m. - Croom continues to speak to the media about the 2008 season. The Bulldog coach indicated his goal is to win the SEC title - which seems unlikely this year - but believes he is setting the foundation for future teams to reach Atlanta.

2:42 p.m. - Just a couple of interesting tidbits from Coach Croom..he's is not in favor of the early signing period proposed by some in the SEC and eliminating the bowl system.

2:39 p.m. - Even though the Bulldogs have a new defensive coordinator, Croom has indicated he only expects minor changes to the overall scheme.

2:37 p.m. - Don't expect the Bulldogs to go to a full spread offense anytime soon. Coach Croom said he likes using tight ends and fullbacks....but won't rule out adding more elements of the spread into his offense in the coming years.

2:35 p.m. - Interesting...Croom indicates he was working on a 2010 depth chart (yes that's correct...2010) last night and how recruiting/roster development has become a lot like the NFL.

2:30 p.m. - Croom has indicated he expects to open up the offense in 2008 and noted Carroll's continued improvement is a big reason why. I think it's essential for the Bulldogs to open it up if they want to get to seven wins in 2008.

2:27 p.m. - When asked why Croom brought quarterback Wesley Carroll instead of a senior - "he's our leader...I've been amazed by his decision making."

2:24 p.m. - According to Croom, last season's success has tremendously helped the recruiting - as he has indicated he has 19 commitments for 2008.

2:22 p.m. - Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom is at the podium.

2:19 p.m. - Tebow has finished on the podium...more on his press briefing in just a bit.

2:14 p.m. - Since we arrived in Birmingham, the Georgia-Florida SEC East debate has been the most widely discussed prediction. Tebow indicated he believes their 2008 match-up could decide who plays for the national title...and I can't disagree.

2:13 p.m. - As if anyone was interested....Tebow was asked who his new roommate was this year and it's receiver Riley Cooper.

2:11 p.m. - When asked if he would make the same gestures about last year's cell phone incident at LSU, Tebow said - "Absolutely!"

2:10 p.m. - “Much-more mature this year," is how Tebow expects this Gator team to be.

2:06 p.m. -According to Tebow, he wants to become a better decision maker this season - along with possibility taking less hits in the running game by stepping out of bounds one step earlier.

2:05 p.m. - So far, Tebow has provided a few moments of humor. The defending Heisman Trophy winner mentioned he had a few inappropriate fan incidents...and was asked if he takes his trophy with him everywhere - which drew quite a bit laughter from the press room.

2:03 p.m. - Tebow is asked if he could clone himself due to his busy schedule...what would SEC defensive coordinators think about that? Easy answer...more nightmares!

2:01 p.m. - The Demps-Rainey race discussion continues...Tebow confirms Rainey won the 40-yard dash...Safe to say the Gators have plenty of options in the speed department.

2:00 p.m. - Tebow - "I've never been one to worry about pressure." Wow...

1:58 p.m. - According to Tebow - "we really like our team."

1:57 p.m. - Tebow has just stepped to the podium.

1:46 p.m. - Defending Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will be up next.

1:42 p.m. - Meyer has finished up his press briefing and overall seemed very confident in his team this season. The head coach was very confident when talking about his offensive line and weapons around Tebow. Leadership on defense should be better, which should help improve this unit in 2008.

1:39 p.m. - Meyer believes improved leadership from linebacker Brandon Spikes will be key for the defense this season.

1:36 p.m. - Would the Gators be better off in 2008 if Tebow has to do less? Interesting question proposed by one of the writers.

1:30 p.m. – “We have worked very hard on that,” when Meyer was asked about improving the Gators two-minute drill offense this season.

1:28 p.m. – According to Meyer, the running back position is in great shape…and believes Chris Rainey will be a big-time playmaker for this team.

1:27 p.m. – Harvin is close to 80-90 percent according to Meyer…along with added weight and improved bench press.

1:25 p.m. – (Braden) Sly Croom just stepped to the podium. He began by establishing his goals for 2008. "Our primary objective last year was getting to a bowl game. We expect to continue to improve. This season we feel like we have the best talent we have ever had at Mississippi State (under Croom)." The Bulldogs head coach certainly seems optimistic.

1:23 p.m. - Secondary concerns have been addressed by Meyer and he spoke highly of incoming freshman Will Hill. Meyer also indicated the Gators are looking to move a highly-regarded freshman to defense - but was not mentioned by name.

1:21 p.m. - A little humor from Meyer. Apparently Chris Rainey beat Jeff Demps in a race...talk about speed.

1:20 p.m. - Meyer indicates the Gators will use more two tight end sets in 2008 - due to the emergence of Aaron Hernandez.

1:18 p.m. - Meyer indicates he likes the maturity of his team in 2008 - and most importantly, less off the field incidents than after the 2006 season.

1:14 p.m. - Meyer is at the podium and has already indicated he likes what he has returning in 2008. "Talent-wise, a solid football team," commented Meyer. Odd thing for a coach to say...

1:12 p.m. - A quick break for the writers before Florida head coach Urban Meyer hits the podium.

1:10 p.m. - Slive closes with a thanks to the SEC staff who helped with the tornado at the Georgia Dome at the men's basketball tournament.

1:07 p.m. - The BCS word has been spoken. Slive has indicated his continued support for the plus-one model.

1:00 p.m. - Slive continues to speak on a variety of issues - particularly media relations and the academic standing of athletes.

12:49 p.m. - SEC-TV has been an important part of Slive's opening remarks. The conference will have television contracts expiring at the end of the 2008-2009 season. A decision about SEC-TV and future contracts has not been made.

12:47 p.m. - Slive has indicated over 800 media members are attending this event.

12:45 p.m. - Commissioner Mike Slive is taking the podium for a briefing and then Florida head coach Urban Meyer will speak.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - One of the interesting parts of media days is meeting and seeing different writers from around the country. We had lunch with Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports and some of the local SEC beat writers. We don't expect to hear much breaking news in Birmingham, but there should be some interesting tidbits from hearing the coaches and players speak.

9:00 a.m. - The Athlon Sports crew has arrived in Birmingham, ready to bring live updates of today's events.

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