2011 SEC East Spring Preview
The Spring Position Concerns
Click for each team's spring preview
East
Florida
|
Georgia
|
Kentucky
|
South Carolina
|
Tennessee
|
Vanderbilt
West
Alabama
|
Arkansas
|
Auburn
|
LSU |
Ole Miss
|
Miss State
2011 SEC Spring Preview
-
SEC
Spring Preview - Does SEC Champ = BCS Champ?
-
2011
SEC East Spring Buzz |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Spring Attitudes |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Big Spring Questions |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Key Positions To Watch |
SEC West
- SEC East Spring Rankings |
SEC West
East
Florida
Defensive lineman. The meat of the all-timer of a 2010 recruiting class was on the defensive line with Ronald Powell the star of the class and Sharrif Floyd not all that far behind, and now they’re going to have to produce with three started gone off the line. Powell made a decent impact and showed a glimpse of his immense potential, but now it’s time to be the killer to revolve the rest of the defensive front around and it’s time for Floyd to show what he can do. The Gator line was decent against the run, but it failed to do enough to get into the backfield finishing 11th in the SEC, and 86th in the nation, in sacks and eighth in the league in tackles for loss. No Will Muschamp defensive line will ever be that mediocre.
Georgia
Wide receiver. Outside linebacker is also a key after losing the statistically-productive, but practically inconsistent Justin Houston, but the spotlight will be on the receivers. Aaron Murray Is a nice talent with a big-time arm, but he’s no Matthew Stafford. He didn’t have a bad 2009, but he needs more time to operate and he needs to get more out of his receivers now that A.J. Green is off to the big league. Not only is Green gone, but so is second leading receiver Kris Durham meaning junior Tavarres King, who’s moving from split end to flanker, and tight end Orson Charles have to start doing far more in lead roles. They have to be the stars of the offseason.
Kentucky
Receiver. With Mike Hartline gone and Ryan Mossakowski leaving, the quarterback situation is Morgan Newton and Morgan Newton … and that’s not a bad thing. The 6-4, 235-pound junior has tremendous talent and could be one of the SEC’s top playmakers over the next few years if he gets some weapons to work with. Not having do-it-all back Derrick Locke to rely on is a problem, but the bigger issue is losing Randall Cobb and his 84 catches and Chris Matthews’ nine touchdown grabs. La’Rod King is thrown into the No. 1 role while Brian Adams is a big young target who needs to become a major factor.
South Carolina
Offensive lineman. The Achilles heel of the South Carolina offense over the years was a porous offensive line that got the quarterbacks killed and did little for the ground attack. Last year was different as the front five tightened up and pounded away for a big year from Marcus Lattimore. While the pass protection was still sketchy, the 30 sacks allowed were par for the course for a line that allowed 107 over the previous three seasons. With O line coach Shawn Elliott back to provide some stability, the line shouldn’t fall of the map if a few key pieces can be replaced in a hurry. This key will be to find the right combination right away that can develop over the course of the season, while some newcomers have to quickly develop to add some live bodies to the rotation. Three seniors and a junior will likely end up starting, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this will be a cohesive unit.
Tennessee
Defensive back. Janzen Jackson is a rising talent with good hitting skills and great range, but the starting free safety and the sheriff of the secondary is out dealing with undisclosed personal reasons. Brent Brewer, the starting strong safety who was suspended after being arrested on domestic assault charges, is back on the team after his charge was lessened to offensive touching. Meanwhile, junior corners Herman Lathers and Prentiss Waggner have to be better for a pass defense that allowed 230 yards per game.
Vanderbilt
Outside linebacker. Ten starters are back on offense, both kickers are back, and nine starters return on defense including three veterans up front and all four main men for the secondary, not including nickel back, Andre Hal. Middle linebacker Chris Marve – the SEC’s active career leader in tackles - is the key player for the front seven and should be the leading tackler, but he needs help on the outside with John Stokes gone from the strongside and Nate Campbell needing to be replaced on the weakside. Juniors Archibald Barnes and Tristan Strong have to be the stars of spring ball.
Click for each team's spring preview
East
Florida
|
Georgia
|
Kentucky
|
South Carolina
|
Tennessee
|
Vanderbilt
West
Alabama
|
Arkansas
|
Auburn
|
LSU |
Ole Miss
|
Miss State
2011 SEC Spring Preview
-
SEC
Spring Preview - Does SEC Champ = BCS Champ?
-
2011
SEC East Spring Buzz |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Spring Attitudes |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Big Spring Questions |
SEC West
- 2011
SEC East Key Positions To Watch |
SEC West
- SEC East Spring Rankings |
SEC West