Anthony Jennings is in the running for LSU's starting QB job. (Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
LSU: Most of the attention this spring has been on quarterbacks sophomore Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris. Jennings has more game experience, but don’t expect a starter to be named after spring practice ends. There are also defensive line issues. The departure of Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson means coach Les Miles has not had the same two defensive tackles lead their position in starts in consecutive seasons since 2006-07.
Scheduling in the SEC is going to be critical over the next few years. The Tigers have scheduled home-and-home series with UCLA and Arizona State. Neither series begins before 2021, but it is important that schools bolster their slate with strength of schedule being important in the new playoff system
OLE MISS: Quarterback Bo Wallace has played well during spring practice. Wallace is a good dual-threat quarterback when he is focused and paying attention to his coaches. In some games last year, Wallace and the offensive coaches were not on the same page.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Coach Steve Spurrier does not play around. He has already named Dylan Thompson as the starting quarterback instead of playing the typical game of telling the media that he wants the battle to extend through the summer. Thompson has earned his playing time. He came off the bench two seasons ago to win a bowl game on the last drive of game.
TENNESSEE: What is stunning about Tennessee’s roster this season is that fact that the Vols have only 13 seniors. No doubt the small amount of veterans is an example of how multiple coaching changes affect a team. The Vols quarterback competition is still a heated race that involves Justin Worley, Josh Dobbs, Riley Ferguson and Nathan Peterman. Worley and Ferguson are the considered to be the two leaders for the job. The biggest focus of the spring is literally rebuilding the entire offensive and defensive lines.
TEXAS A&M: Aggie sophomore quarterback Kenny Hill’s suspension sets him back in the quarterback race to replace Johnny Manziel. Hill is suspended indefinitely after he was taken into custody on a public intoxication charge last weekend. He was battling with senior Matt Joeckel and true freshman Kyle Allen before getting in trouble.
ALABAMA: Tide running back Altee Tenpenny also showed poor decision making on his part also after he was pulled over for a broken license plate light while on spring break. He was charged for possession of a controlled substance after police searched his vehicle and discovered marijuana during the traffic stop. Tenpenny has an opportunity to make an impact at his position. He won’t beat out T. J. Yeldon or Derrick Henry, but Tenpenny has the talent to break into the rotation.
GEORGIA: Most teams could not afford to redshirt one of their top running backs without it impacting the team. Bulldog tailback Keith Marshall has not fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered last October. The return of Todd Gurley and a promising running back recruiting class takes pressure off of the Bulldog coaching staff if Marshall can’t return.
CLEMSON: It is refreshing to see the NCAA award Tiger receiver Charone Peake with an extra year of eligibility after he tore his ACL in the second game of last season. Peake, who was a starter at the time of his injury, will help fill the void for the loss of Sammy Watkins.
FLORIDA STATE: Some coaches have tried to ban or limit their players using mopeds on campus. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher might want to add motorcycles to that list after tight end Nick O’Leary had his second motorcycle wreck in less than a year. O’Leary will miss the rest of spring practice due to his injuries.
MIAMI: Hurricane fans are hoping the defense is going to be greatly improved considering16 players returning on the two-deep, including eight starters. Perhaps the best defensive player, Denzel Perryman, is now playing middle linebacker. Former running back Dallas Crawford was moved to safety to bolster depth.
