| 1. LSU Running Back |
 Since Matt Flynn has the starting QB position sewn up, let's have a look at the Tiger's RB position. Senior Jacob Hester (FB) returns as the '06 squad's leading rusher. The bruising 232 pounder from Shreveport was also a reliable option to catch passes from Jamarcus Russell out of the backfield. In '07 Hester will be joined by sophomore Keiland Williams and Will Les Miles try to find a 100-yard every down back in the bunch? With as much talent and depth as he has on his roster, it's reasonable to expect to see a variety of looks at the RB position. While a 'star' running back may not have a chance to emerge, we'll be surprised if Jacob Hester Despite losing top talent in '06, the Tigers will be the odds-on favorite to win the SEC in '07. |
| 2. Florida Running Back |
 At Florida, DeShawn Wynn came and went without ever truly reaching the potential envisioned by Gator fans and coaches alike. While Wynn was a serviceable SEC back in '06, usually able to move the pile in short yardage situations, he never overcame his tendency to stutter step his way into the hole rather than exploding through it. In fact, head coach Urban Meyer turned primarily to his freshman quarterback, Tim Tebow, for his rushing attack in their national championship season.In 2007, the Gators will no longer be able to rely on "The Hammer" as the point of attack for the running game. The sophomore signal caller must rely on his arm and the option attack for his portion of the Gator's offensive yards. Coming out of spring practice, Kestahn Moore was the leading 'traditional' running back although WR Percy Harvin and Andre Caldwell will no doubt run out of the backfield as they did with such great success in 2006. Mon Williams was a promising prospect this season but a torn ACL will keep him sidelined until '08. Former running back Marcus Manson is now a converted cornerback. Highly touted true freshman Chris Rainey will vie for touches as well as tiny punt returner Brandon James. Expect another RB-by-committee effort from the Gators, with Kestahn Moore taking over the bulk of the carries in the I-Form and single back sets. |
| 3. Arkansas DE/DT/LB |
 DE Jamaal Anderson was a 1st round draft pick for good reason: he logged an amazing 13.5 sacks in 2006 as well as 65 tackles. The SEC is breathing a sigh of relief that he's moved on to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Also gone are two All-SECers: LB Sam Olajubutu, now suiting up for the Bucs, and DT Keith Jackson (Seahawks). Replacing them will likey be DE Malcom Sheppard (sophomore), senior Tackle Marcus Harrison, and sophomore LB Freddie Fairchild. In the last few seasons, Arkansas has been good at pounding the ball as well as stopping the run. If the defensive line and new linebacker corps can step it up, that legacy will continue in 2007. |
| 4. South Carolina Wide Receiver |
 Sidney Rice is gone and with him went South Carolina's most potent threat at wide receiver. Kenny McKinley heads up the list of USCe's 2007 wideout squad and is joined by Freddie Brown, the only other returnee who has more than ten catches, Scott Spurrier (yes, the Evil Genius' son, but at 5' 4" it's hard to imagine him having an opportunity to shine) and Larry Freeman, a JUCO transfer. Look for Freeman to make a spash in '07 and for McKinley to continue his upward trend, becoming an impact player for the Gamecocks in 2007.It goes without saying that for any of these receivers to look good, Blake Mitchell will have to get the ball to them. And to do that, he'll need time to pass. Unfortunately, Steve Spurrier says his O-Line "isn't very good" and Mitchell only managed to connect 13 out of 39 tries in the Cock's spring scrimmage. |
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-03-2007 @ 10:32PM
Brian said...
Broussard left LSU a few days ago :o
Reply
8-03-2007 @ 11:06PM
Ryan Ferguson said...
... aaaaaaaand that's why I hate writing on pre-season position battes... thanks Brian.
Reply
8-04-2007 @ 12:43PM
G said...
Arkansas DT was drafted and signed by the Rams, not the Seahawks.
Reply
8-05-2007 @ 12:21AM
Bert said...
John,
I read your comments quite often, and when it comes to out of conference scheduling the SEC plays FSU, Va Tech, Missouri, WV, Ok State, NC, Clemson, Louisville, and Cal.
The SEC is the best conference point in fact. Your bowl game assertion is wrong as well. The SEC finished 6-3, while the Pac 10 finished 3-3. The SEC placed 3 more teams in bowls than the Pac 10. Yes USC beat Arkansas, but the Arkansas team did not come together until after they beat Alabama, and even after the season no one in the SEC felt Arkansas was the second best team in the SEC.
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8-05-2007 @ 11:46AM
Michael M said...
Future SEC starz, Got skillz?? Blue Chip Athletes market your accomplishments for coaches and fans to see 24/7. www.bluchipz.com
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8-19-2007 @ 8:54AM
John Hodgin said...
Do you SEC fans really think your confrence is strong or is that just a lot of bluster? Except for Florida, it seems like your bowl record is dismal and that is the only yardstick we have because you don't play any good non-confrence teams unless you want to look at the thrashing Ar-kansas took last year at USC.
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