Live from Birmingham: SEC media days part II

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.

12:37 p.m. - Fulmer has finished at the podium and Thursday's media events have wrapped up.

The Volunteer head coach was confident in his team, but was a little edgy when asked about the subpoena situation.

Check back with AthlonSports.com later today for a video recap on today's events.

12:32 p.m. - Fulmer is also in favor of a plus one system and an early signing day.

12:30 p.m. - Fulmer has spoke very highly of running back Arian Foster, noting he has flown under the radar most of his career.

12:19 p.m. - A few fireworks in the early going. Reports have surfaced indicating Fulmer was served a subpoena this morning, but he strongly denied this was true.

Needless to say, I don't think we've heard the last of this.

12:12 p.m. - Fulmer mentions breaking in a new quarterback and offensive coordinator in the same season will be a challenge.

Also, thanks the SEC media for picking the Volunteers third or fourth in the SEC East...providing plenty of motivation for his team.

12:10 p.m. - After a slight delay, Fulmer has reached the podium.

11:55 a.m. - Jerry and Oher have finished their media obligations and Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer is up next.

11:41 a.m. - Some observations from Nutt's media appearance -

Overall, very positive about the direction of his program and thinks the Rebels can compete for SEC titles. Additionally, he wants to establish the run, just like he did at Arkansas. Although there is no Darren McFadden or Felix Jones, look for Cordera Eason and Enrique Davis to emerge this season. There weren't many questions directed about the defense, but the secondary is definitely a concern for this team.

The Rebels are one of the more difficult teams to peg in the SEC West this season. The talent is there....but is it 2008 or 2009 when they make a bowl game?

11:30 a.m. - Nutt has finished his press briefing and offensive tackle Michael Oher and defensive tackle Peria Jerry will answer questions.

11:27 a.m. - Nutt continues to address the press.

He mentioned all of the incoming recruiting class should qualify for 2008 with no concerns.

11:18 a.m. - Nutt also spoke highly of running back Cordera Eason - but said a couple of incoming freshmen will see time - including highly-touted Enrique Davis.

11:14 a.m. - When asked if he would support a plus one system, Nutt said he would prefer to keep the bowl system in place.

11:11 a.m. - Nutt spoke very highly of sophomore quarterback Jevan Snead. Especially his decision-making and leadership skills.

11:07 a.m. - Just an observation, about Nutt...he looks re-energized...I thought he looked drained at the end of his Arkansas' tenure.

11:02 a.m. - Nutt commented offensive tackle Michael Oher was his biggest recruit this offseason - as in recruiting him to stay another year on campus, instead of going to the NFL.

10:59 a.m. - The Rebels have some positive buzz going into 2008, but still have a few concerns to address on the defensive side of the ball.

10:58 a.m. - The Alabama players have finished their media obligations and Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt has made his way to the podium.

10:55 a.m. - While the Alabama players are finishing with their media obligations, be sure to check out our video recap from Wednesday's action.

10:53 a.m. - Here's my thoughts on what I've heard/listened to about Alabama on media day -

There's no question this team could see several youngsters play. Although Saban didn't mention Julio Jones, look for this true freshman receiver to play a lot.

Quarterback John Parker Wilson has a lot on his shoulders. He has to improve a lot from last year - and cut down on the mistakes - for this team to contend with Auburn and LSU in the SEC West.

As I mentioned earlier too, while Saban wants to win now, he realizes he has some rebuilding to do in 2008 and 2009.

10:40 a.m. - Offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell and safety Rashad Johnson are addressing the media in opposite corners in the room.

More on Saban's press briefing in just a bit.

10:36 a.m. - In one of the more interesting moments of SEC Media Days..Saban's final comments of the day revolve around thanking the media.

It was met with a lot of rolling eyes, laughter and sarcasm.

Saban exits with a huge crowd following...probably bigger than LSU's Les Miles.

10:34 a.m. - Saban has finished up in the press room.

10:32 a.m. - A little fire from Saban...he is not in favor of the current SEC recruiting rules.

Needless to say, that was the most animated he's been all morning.

10:27 a.m. - Saban is also in favor of doing a NFL style injury report.

10:21 a.m. - Mark Saban down as one of the coaches who support a plus one system.

10:17 a.m. - The word "expectations" has been mentioned several times by Saban and through some of the questions asked by the press.

I get the feeling Saban wants to temper the goals for 2008 and 2009, particularly with a young team.

10:16 a.m. - According to Saban, new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain will slightly tweak last year's offense to make it more quarterback friendly - which Saban has attributed will be the cause for improvement in John Parker Wilson.

10:09 a.m. - A couple of notes so far from Saban's meeting with the press -

The linebacking corps is a concern, especially with several young players possibly seeing time.

Also, the season opener with Clemson will give his team a good test of where they are now.

10:00 a.m. - It's no secret a lot of the Tide's success will hinge on quarterback John Parker Wilson.

According to Saban, he's made a lot of progress this offseason.

9:58 a.m. - As expected, look for several of the Tide's youngsters to play key roles this season.

Saban has noted depth on his team is a concern.

9:56 a.m. - A couple of the key points of Saban's opening remarks revolve around finishing games and consistency - two things the Tide did not do very well last season.

Saban also noted team chemistry will be much better in 2008.

9:53 a.m. - Saban has stepped to the podium.

9:46 a.m. - Alabama's Nick Saban is up next.

9:43 a.m. - The Bulldog players have finished their media obligations.

9:39 a.m. - The SEC media will be making their predictions and all-conference teams today.

Two teams that I've heard a lot of writers talk about - Mississippi and Auburn.

Although the Rebels won't win the title, there are a lot of media members here who feel they will sneak up and upset someone this year.

9:33 a.m. - Some of my observations from Richt's meeting with the press -

Overall, seemed confident in his team, but express a lot of concerns about the offensive line and in the defensive backfield.

The Bulldogs have high expectations this year, but he also tried to downplay them just a bit with some of the concerns.

Let the hype begin for November 1st. The Georgia-Florida debate from this offseason has continued into the media days and we'll have to wait a couple more months to see how it plays out.

My prediction? Florida edges Georgia for the SEC East crown.

9:21 a.m. - Receiver Mohammed Massaquoi and defensive tackle Jeff Owens are beginning to answer questions in opposite ends of the press room.

Although teams don't have to bring their top players, it is a little surprising not to see quarterback Matthew Stafford or running back Knowshon Moreno representing the Bulldogs.

9:20 a.m. - Richt has finished his meeting with the press.

9:13 a.m. - Richt mentions kicker as a big concern for this team - but mentions Blair Walsh is a promising player.

In order to win the SEC - especially with all of the close games - having a good kicker is essential.

9:11 a.m. - When asked about potential holes in his lineup, Richt expressed concern about having senior leadership on the offensive line.

Interestingly enough...Richt has concerns about his running backs...depth that is. Even though Caleb King is super talented, he has yet to play a down of college football.

9:07 a.m. - Remember Georgia's touchdown celebration against Florida?

As most of you know, Richt used the celebration to fire up his team...but said today actually didn't expect the entire team to go out and celebrate.

9:06 a.m. - Richt is not in favor of an early signing day period.

9:00 a.m. - A couple of key points from Richt's meeting with the press -

The energy level changed dramatically after the Bulldogs loss to Tennessee. Richt attributed the late season surge to his increased energy level on the sideline - which the players responded well to.

It will be interesting to see if the Bulldogs can find the energy level once again. Recapturing last year's late season magic won't be easy.

8:50 a.m. - It didn't take long for the schedule to become a question for Richt.

Richt commented the Bulldogs will take it one game at a time and won't overlook anybody.

However, the Florida-Georgia match-up looms large for the SEC East crown.

8:47 a.m. - So far, a confident (and rightfully so) coach. Richt mentioned improved depth on his team and the continued improvement of Prince Miller.

8:44 a.m. - Things are rolling along this morning. Georgia head coach Mark Richt is at the podium.

8:42 a.m. - Some of the rule changes for 2008 involve sportsmanship, the horse collar tackle and the play clock. Instead of having 25 seconds, teams will have 40.

8:35 a.m. - The SEC Coordinator of Football Officials Rogers Redding is taking the podium for a short discussion on rule changes for 2008.

8:25 a.m. - Welcome to day two of SEC Media Days in Birmingham! Today's highlights will include head coaches Nick Saban of Alabama and Mark Richt from Georgia.

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

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