Spring Primer: SEC West
Athlon takes a look at the spring storylines facing the teams in the SEC West.
By: Steven Lassan | 3/21/11, 12:21 PM EDT
-by Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven)
Spring Primers: ACC Coastal | ACC Atlantic | Big 12, Part 1 | Big 12, Pt 2 | Notre Dame | Big East, Part 1 | Big East, Pt 2 | SEC West | SEC East | Big Ten Leaders | Big Ten Legends | Pac-12 North | Pac-12 South
Alabama
2010 Record: 10-3, 5-3 SEC
Spring practice: March 21-April 16
Returning Starters: Offense – 7, Defense – 7
Spring storylines facing the Crimson Tide:
1. All of the pieces appear to be in place for another run at the national title for Alabama. However, a big question mark rests under center with the quarterback position. AJ McCarron played limited snaps as a backup to Greg McElroy last year, completing 30 of 48 passes for 389 yards and three scores. McCarron has the experience edge over redshirt freshman Phillip Sims, but both were highly-touted prospects coming out of high school. With a solid offensive line and a star at running back in Trent Richardson, whichever quarterback wins the job should have plenty of time to ease their way into the lineup.
2. With Julio Jones departing early to the NFL, Alabama needs to use this spring to develop a few more weapons in the passing game. Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze will be the top two receivers, with each catching over 30 passes last year. However, depth needs to be established. Kenny Bell and Kevin Norwood should figure more into the mix, along with redshirt freshman DeAndrew White and incoming freshman Marvin Shinn. The Crimson Tide possess talented options, but this will be a concern until players emerge in game action, other than Hanks and Maze.
3. There are few concerns regarding Alabama’s defense, but one of them is finding a replacement for end Marcell Dareus. Dareus is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and was the team’s top lineman last year. The Crimson Tide need more production from Damion Square, Darrington Sentimore and Kerry Murphy from the end spot, but will get some help from junior college prospects Jesse Williams and Quinton Dial this spring. The defense should be among the best in the SEC next year, but the line is worth watching closely for development this spring.
Redshirts to watch: QB Phillip Sims, WR DeAndrew White, OL Arie Kouandjio, LB Adrian Hubbard, WR Keiwone Malone, OL Chad Lindsay
Fantasy tip: After playing behind Mark Ingram for the last two seasons, 2011 will be Trent Richardson’s time to shine. Expect Richardson to easily top 1,000 yards and finish among the top 20 in fantasy running backs.
Early Enrollees: WR Ronald Carswell, LB Trey DePriest, DL Quinton Dial (JC), OL Aaron Douglas (JC), QB Phillip Ely, RB Demetrius Hart, DL Wilson Love, LB Vinnie Sunseri, DL Jesse Williams (JC)
Arkansas
2010 Record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
Spring practice: March 15-April 16
Returning Starters: Offense – 5, Defense – 7
Spring storylines facing the Razorbacks:
1. Ryan Mallett decided to depart early to the NFL, leaving Tyler Wilson as the team’s No. 1 quarterback this spring. Wilson raised some eyebrows when he completed 25 of 34 passes for 332 yards and four scores in relief of Mallett against Auburn. The junior steps into a great situation this spring, with the return of the SEC’s best receiving corps and a 1,000-yard rusher in running back Knile Davis. Although Mallett was a terrific player, Wilson has shown enough in practice and in game situations to ease some of the concerns on offense. Don’t be surprised if Wilson challenges for All-SEC honors in 2011.
2. If the Razorbacks want to maintain the offense at a high level next year, filling in the gaps on the offensive line will be key. Three starters are gone, including first-team All-SEC tackle DeMarcus Love. Center Travis Swanson and guard Alvin Bailey are the two returning starters and help is on the way from incoming freshman Brey Cook and junior college recruit Jason Peacock. Redshirt guard Cam Feldt could also work his way into the lineup. The line may not be as successful as it was last year, but should remain solid.
3. Improvement was evident on the Arkansas’ defense last year and more is needed going into 2011. Seven starters are back, but getting tougher against the run and rebuilding the secondary will be two areas to watch this spring. Cornerback Ramon Broadway and safety Rudell Crim have finished their eligibility, leaving two positions up for grabs. De’Anthony Curtis was moved from running back to battle with Jerry Mitchell for playing time at cornerback, while Isaac Madison and Darius Winston will contend for the other spot. Replacing Rudell Crim at safety will be up to Eric Bennett and Elton Ford.
Redshirts to watch: OG Cam Feldt, DT Jatashun Beachum, S Daunte Carr
Fantasy tip: Despite the losses along the offensive line, expect Knile Davis to remain among the top 25 fantasy running backs in 2011.
Early Enrollees: OL Brey Cook, WR Quinta Funderburk, LB Tyler Gilbert, DT Robert Thomas (JC), WR Marquel Wade
Auburn
2010 Record: 14-0, 8-0 SEC
Spring practice: March 23-April 18
Returning Starters: Offense – 2, Defense – 3
Spring storylines facing the Tigers:
1. There are a plethora of question marks to address this spring, but one of the biggest will be finding a new quarterback. Replacing Cam Newton is one of the toughest assignments in the nation, but coordinator Gus Malzahn always manages to get production from his offenses. Junior Barrett Trotter has the early edge to win the job, but will get a push from incoming freshman Kiehl Frazier. The freshman ranked as the No. 50 prospect in the 2011 Athlon Consensus 100 and is likely the best fit for this offense. However, Trotter has the edge in experience and would be a surprise if he did not start the season opener.
2. Although Cam Newton was the best player in college football last season, he couldn’t have done it without the offensive line. Four seniors started up front last year, including All-SEC first-team selections in tackle Lee Ziemba and center Ryan Pugh. Guards Mike Berry and Byron Isom also finished their eligibility, leaving tackle Brandon Mosley as the lone returning starter up front. A.J. Greene was lost for the year with an ankle injury against Clemson, but should return as one of the team’s starting tackles. There’s a good group of talented youngsters, including true freshman Christian Westerman and redshirts Ed Christian and Eric Mack to fill in the gaps. There’s no way this line can equal last year’s production, but the Tigers have a solid group of talent to build around.
3. Defense was not the strongsuit of Auburn last year and it’s an even bigger issue going into 2011 with eight starters departing. The biggest question mark will be finding a replacement for tackle Nick Fairley, who dominated opposing offensive lines last year. Also gone from last year’s defense is end Antoine Carter, linebacker Josh Bynes, safety Zac Etheridge and cornerback Demond Washington. With a host of losses, it’s time for sophomores like Corey Lemonier (end), Nosa Eguae (tackle) and Jake Holland (linebacker) to emerge into leaders for this defense. Coordinator Ted Roof took a lot of heat for Auburn’s play on defense last year and it may be a year of transition with so many losses.
Redshirts to watch: WR Trovon Reed, OL Ed Christian, OG Eric Mack, LB LaDarius Owens
Fantasy tip: The only sure thing on the Auburn offense looks to be running back Michael Dyer. Although he may lose some carries to Onterio McCalebb, Dyer should still manage 1,000 yards and 10 scores.
Early Enrollees: C Reese Dismukes, OL Thomas O’Reilly, CB Jonathan Rose
LSU
2010 Record: 11-2, 6-2 SEC
Spring practice: March 11-April 9
Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 7
Spring storylines facing the Tigers:
1. The quarterback position has been a source of frustration for LSU fans over the last couple of seasons, but could this be the year things change? New coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has to find a way to jumpstart a passing attack that ranked last in the SEC last year. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson had an underwhelming junior campaign in 2010, throwing for 1,411 yards and seven scores, along with 10 interceptions. Jefferson played better in the final three games, but junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger was brought in to provide competition. Mettenberger is the better passer, but doesn’t have Jefferon’s experience or mobility. If the Tigers settle the quarterback spot, contending for a national title isn’t out of the question.
2. Despite some key players departing, LSU should be in good shape on defense. Cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard and tackle Drake Nevis leave big shoes to fill, but Barkevious Mingo, Ryan Baker and Tyrann Mathieu are the next group of defensive stalwarts in Baton Rouge. Some freshmen could figure heavily into the defensive rotation, including tackles Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson. Coordinator John Chavis always seems to find the right mix and despite a talented trio leaving, the Tigers will remain stingy on defense.
3. LSU is a team without many needs this spring, but looking ahead, it’s important for the Tigers to get off to a good start in 2011. The Tigers have a neutral site affair against Oregon to open the year, followed by a date at Mississippi State in Week 3 and at West Virginia in Week 4. If new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe gets the passing attack to perform better and the Tigers can navigate the early schedule, they should be in good shape to be one of the top five teams in the nation.
Redshirts to watch: DL Ego Ferguson, TE Travis Dickson, DB Ronnie Vinson, OT Evan Washington
Fantasy tip: Keep a close watch on the battle for carries in Baton Rouge. Michael Ford, Spencer Ware and Alfred Blue are all capable of rushing for 1,000 yards if they win the job outright, but a committee would limit the fantasy value of each.
Early Enrollees: RB Kenny Hilliard, QB Zach Mettenberger, DT Anthony Johnson
Mississippi State
2010 Record: 9-4, 4-4 SEC
Spring practice: March 4-April 11
Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 7
Spring storylines facing the Bulldogs:
1. The Bulldogs didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher last year, but three players managed over 500 yards. Leading the way for the rushing attack was tackle Derek Sherrod, one of the top linemen in the nation last year. Sherrod has finished his eligibility, but three starters are back. Although the Bulldogs may not be as dominant up front as they were last year, the rushing attack should still rank among the best in the SEC. Senior James Carmon will be the player to watch in this unit, making the move from defensive tackle to left tackle.
2. All three starters are gone from an underrated linebacking corps last season. Chris White earned second-team All-SEC honors, after collecting 110 tackles and six sacks. K.J. Wright and Emmanuel Gatling join White in the departed ranks, after starting all 13 games last year. Cameron Lawrence, Brandon Wilson and Chris Hughes are Mississippi State’s most experienced returnees at this position, but redshirt freshman Ferlando Bohanna and Christian Holmes will get every opportunity to earn playing time in spring practice. Help is also on the way from Clemson transfer Brandon Maye. The senior will be eligible immediately in 2011 and should contend for a starting spot. Linebackers are usually an easy place to reload, but this will be one of the areas of focus for the Bulldogs this spring.
3. Even with the departures along the offensive line, the Bulldogs will continue to pound opponents on the ground. With the success of the rushing attack, the passing game should only get better, and quarterback Chris Relf made strides last season. Relf threw for 1,789 yards and 13 scores last year, while adding 713 and five touchdowns on the ground. In order for Relf to take the passing game to the next level, the receiving corps must make more plays. Chad Bumphis is an underrated playmaker, but Brandon Heavens, Arceto Clark and Chris Smith have to get better. Tight end Marcus Green played in only two games last year due to injury, but his return should give Relf another valuable weapon. If Relf continues to improve as a passer in 2011, the Bulldogs stand a reasonable chance to finish third in the SEC West.
Redshirts to watch: DE Kaleb Eulls, LB Ferlando Bohanna, ATH Brandon Hill, OL Damien Robinson, DL Curtis Virges, WR Robert Johnson
Fantasy tip: Vick Ballard rushed for 968 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, but the player to keep an eye on will be LaDarius Perkins. The sophomore came on strong at the end of 2010, posting over 100 yards in each of the final two games.
Early Enrollees: DL John Harris, QB Dak Prescott, OL Nick Redmond, OL Joey Trapp (JC)
Ole Miss
2010 Record: 4-8, 1-7 SEC
Spring practice: March 28-April 16
Returning Starters: Offense – 6, Defense – 3
Spring storylines facing the Rebels:
1. The Jeremiah Masoli experiment worked out alright for Ole Miss, as the Oregon transfer finished with 2,039 passing yards and another 544 on the ground. The battle to replace Masoli is expected to last well into fall practice. Junior Nathan Stanley started the season opener last year and has the most experience, but will be pushed by junior college recruit Zack Stoudt and junior Randall Mackey. Barry Brunetti could figure into the mix, but needs a waiver from the NCAA to be eligible in 2011. Mackey is probably better suited for a change of pace role, leaving Stoudt and Stanley to decide the quarterback battle if Brunetti does not receive a waiver.
2. The Rebels took a significant step back on defense last year, going from 15th in scoring defense in 2009 to finishing 107th nationally in 2010. Only three starters return this spring and there’s a host of key personnel losses. Gone are defensive tackles Jerrell Powe and Ted Laurent, linebacker Jonathan Cornell and safety Johnny Brown. With several needs on defense, the Rebels turned to the junior college ranks, bringing in five prospects to compete for time in the fall. The line could get a boost if end Kentrell Lockett is awarded an extra year of eligibility, after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the fourth game of the year. The Rebels have a lot of question marks and even with an infusion of junior college players, will likely struggle once again in 2011.
3. Is Houston Nutt on the hot seat? This is undoubtedly an important year in the Houston Nutt tenure and one that needs to show some progress after a disappointing 2010 season. Even if the Rebels go 4-8 once again, it’s difficult to imagine a coaching change in Oxford. Nutt brought in a familiar face to coordinate the offense, former Arkansas coordinator David Lee. Defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix is well-regarded around the SEC, but last season’s results were damaging. The Rebels are the only SEC West team to not play in the title game and another disappointing year would only push the pressure meter even higher for Nutt and his coaching staff.
Redshirts to watch: QB Randall Mackey, DL Bryon Bennett, WR Vincent Sanders, DE Carlton Martin
Fantasy tip: Similar to many offenses in the SEC West, the only sure thing entering spring practice is the running game. Brandon Bolden had a solid junior year and was often overlooked in fantasy leagues last season. Don’t be surprised if he posts 1,000 yards and 10 scores in 2011.
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