Offense

Concern entering spring: Get through spring healthy and progress as a unit
Concern exiting spring: Offensive line uncertainty

With 10 returning starters on offense, it was imperative this sexy unit stayed healthy and progressed through spring practice. The third best scoring offense in the SEC had to replace leading receiver Tavarres King, and that’s it. However, now, there is much ado about the offensive line. The biggest question may be the uncertainty surrounding the line because of increased depth and talent or a dull performance overall by the starting five. Really, the only spots hammered down are right guard Chris Burnette and center David Andrews. Xavier Ward was a star this spring and was called ‘the best tackle’ by Mike Bobo. John Theus returned from foot surgery and moved to left tackle. Every other trench position is kind of up in the air, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Who’s Murray’s backup?
The entire offense certainly is stacked, but one area of concern may be the backup quarterback job. Behind Aaron Murray, it gets a little blurry. Hutson Mason certainly had a tough start to spring as the No. 2 guy, and Christian LeMay played terribly in the G-Day game and fell on the depth chart. Walk-on Parker Welch looks like the No. 3 signal caller behind Murray and Mason. Speaking of Mason, he hasn’t faced live bullets yet from an SEC defense, but he looks – at times – more than capable of running the offense and even showed some wheels in the spring game. Let’s just hope Murray stays healthy, right?

Defense

Concern entering spring: Replacing so much lost talent and experience
Concern exiting spring: Defensive line

Losing three defensive linemen, and stars Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree, Shawn Williams and Bacarri Rambo, is unsettling for any team and coach. But Georgia’s defense really showed flashes during the spring game and left me feeling encouraged. This defense is fast and super talented, but they are just really inexperienced. Mike Thornton takes over the coveted nose guard position, with Garrison Smith and Sterling Bailey as the first-team defensive ends. Backups Ray Drew and John Taylor are more than capable here. But only Smith has the majority of the playing time, and until this defensive front is battle-tested, there will be questions. I’m not worried about linebackers Jordan Jenkins, James DeLoach, Amarlo Herrera or Ramik Wilson. All four will form a strong linebacking corps, headlined by the sacker Jenkins. Corners Damian Swann and Sheldon Dawson will form a strong corner duo, and with early enrollee Tray Matthews and Josh Harvey-Clemons at safety, the secondary should be fine. I’ll maintain my prediction: 2013’s defense will be better than 2012 even without the star-studded names.

Defensive MVPs
Georgia had two youngsters and safeties in early enrollee Tray Matthews and rising sophomore Josh Harvey-Clemons turn heads this spring. Matthews can cover ground in a hurry and bring the wood when he gets there, and he always seems to be in the best position even as a youngster. Harvey-Clemons was the spring defensive MVP, and he’ll also play the Star position. Both are young superstars in the making that all SEC fans should be excited to see.

The Wilson factor
Chris Wilson takes over the microscoped defensive line unit for Georgia. After Rodney Garner left for Auburn, several deep sighs were heard all around Georgia. But I actually think Wilson will be a better coach than Garner. Obviously Garner is a great recruiter and can go head-to-head with anyone for any one prospect, but Wilson stands to make a bigger impact with the progression and development of an inexperienced defensive line. If his unit can stop the run better than last season, another championship run weighs in the balance.

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Out with the old, and in with the new.

Alabama

Out: Barrett Jones (graduated)
In: Ryan Kelly

Barrett Jones leaves Alabama as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the history of college football, and his backup, Ryan Kelly, assumes the most important position under the microscope for the Tide. Not only did Alabama lose three offensive linemen, but they lost position coach Jeff Stoutland, too. Kelly played in just nine games last year, but he’s already making an impact on the club this spring. Cyrus Kouandjio provided a ringing endorsement of Kelly, saying, “He’s the most professional person I know…I trust him 100 percent.”

Florida

Out: Xavier Nixon (graduated)
In: DJ Humphries

Anytime a senior left tackle graduates or leaves early for the NFL, it’s a big deal. In this case, Xavier Nixon doesn’t leave behind a big void because he was a great player, but rather he had a lot of game experience at the most important position on the offensive line. However, his primary backup, DJ Humphries, has a chance to be All-SEC at left tackle. Humphries was a little light as a freshman at 275 pounds, but he’s added weight and has all the athleticism to be a top-flight tackle. Humphries was the No. 1 overall offensive lineman and No. 2 overall player in the 2012 recruiting class, and he’s ready to be the anchor on an improving Florida line.

Georgia

Out: Jarvis Jones (draft)
In: Jordan Jenkins

Jarvis Jones’ production at Georgia is mind-boggling. He registered 28 sacks and 44 tackles for loss in just two All-American seasons. But his backup Jordan Jenkins will be just as good, if not better. A stretch? Maybe, but based on Jenkins’ freshman season, where he registered five sacks with minimum playing time, I feel comfortable with stepping out on that limb. Only time will tell, but Georgia is in great hands with Jenkins waiting in the wings.

LSU

Out: Kevin Minter (draft)
In: Lamin Barrow

Kevin Minter’s 130 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and four-sack season was one of the best the country had to offer in 2012. However, LSU should replace Minter with rising senior Lamin Barrow. Barrow finished second in tackles with 104 and 7.5 tackles for loss as the weakside linebacker. And he’s experienced and knows John Chavis’ defense. Barrow can either play inside or outside, but he’s LSU’s weathered veteran to command the middle in Minter’s absence.

Texas A&M

Out: Luke Joeckel (draft)
In: Jake Matthews

The former Outland Trophy winner Luke Joeckel may be the first pick in this month’s NFL Draft, but it’s not out of the question that Jake Matthews could give the Aggies back-to-back Outland Trophy winners and become the first linemen selected in next year’s draft. Matthews slides over from right tackle, where he has dominated in his three-year career. He has 33 consecutive starts dating back to his freshman season, and he’ll be a boss this season.

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

SEC East

Florida: DE Dante Fowler
Buzz: The rising sophomore had a solid freshman season, nabbing 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Fowler is ready for the spotlight and the one player the Gators and Will Muschamp can count on to give the defense added production. Fowler’s development from his freshman to sophomore years should be very obvious, as he possesses all the athletic ability and strength to become one of the SEC’s most feared defensive linemen. That all starts this spring.

Georgia: OLB Jordan Jenkins
Buzz: Jordan Jenkins’ freshman season was about learning the defense, the rush linebacker position and backing up Jarvis Jones. Jenkins could have been an everyday starter for any other team in the SEC as a freshman, and saying he could eventually be better than Jones isn’t a ludicrous statement at all. Jenkins possesses all the ability – mentally and physically – to become Todd Grantham’s next star defender. Jenkins registered 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in minimal time. Jenkins will be one of the focal points to Georgia’s spring practice.

Kentucky: DE Za’Darius Smith
Buzz: Smith’s signing could be the cornerstone for Kentucky building success, starting with the defensive line. Smith is an early enrollee, and he’s ready to compete and start from day one. Stoops and defensive coordinator DJ Eliot are known for developing defensive ends, and Smith is ready to be the talk of spring for the Wildcats.

Missouri: WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Buzz: DGB has all the makings of a being a top receiver in the SEC. Unfortunately his lackluster freshman season didn’t exactly live up to expectation, but that certainly had more to do with the overall passing offense than anything. But with TJ Moe gone and a new offensive coordinator, it bodes well for DGB to emerge as the most talked about player in spring practice.

South Carolina: WR Shaq Roland
Buzz: The former No. 1 overall recruit from South Carolina should become the Gamecocks’ biggest breakout star this spring at a position of need. With Ace Sanders’ departure, Roland is the natural pass catcher who possesses as much talent as anyone in the league to become the next big play go-to receiver for Steve Spurrier’s offense. With Bruce Ellington currently playing basketball, it’s imperative that Roland emerges in the next two months. He’s going to be a player.

Tennessee: RB Marlin Lane
Buzz: Lane is heading into his junior season, and we still haven’t seen his best yet. Derek Dooley couldn’t get it out of him, and Butch Jones will have to develop him. Lane could be the perfect back for Tennessee’s new spread attack. He’s only rushed for 938 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons, and it’s time Lane becomes the back we all thought he would be out of high school.

Vanderbilt: DE Caleb Azubike
Buzz: Caleb Azubike’s development from his freshman to sophomore seasons will be a telling sign for Vandy’s defensive line. Losing three starters isn’t exactly comforting, but knowing Azubike’s high ceiling for ability and talent certainly will make one feel better. His 6-4, 255-pound frame has plenty of room to grow and tools with which to develop. Azubike should be the biggest breakout player for the Commodores this spring at a big position of need.

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Players not listed will have breakout years during the ‘13 season, but we’re not forecasting breakout stars. We are looking at known commodities.

Here are the 10 best linebackers opening spring practice:

Game changers

1. CJ Mosley, Alabama
2. AJ Johnson, Tennessee

CJ Mosley made the somewhat surprising decision to return to Alabama after back-to-back championships, and he is becoming one of the country’s finest linebackers. Now, he enters 2013 as the weathered veteran of the Bama corps and, again, one of the most talented players in college football. Not only has Mosley showed his tackling ability, racking up 211 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in three years, but he’s one of the best linebackers in coverage, adding five INTs and returning three for touchdowns…AJ Johnson’s stellar season was lost in the fact that Tennessee’s overall defense was just putrid. Just a sophomore, Johnson racked up 138 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. He’s a tackling machine, totaling 218 in just two seasons. One thing that sets Johnson apart is his athleticism, and he’s showed that by notching 12 carries on offense for six touchdowns.

High Ceilings

3. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama
4. Benardrick McKinney, Miss State
5. Denzel Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

Adrian Hubbard is still nowhere close to being as good as he can be, yet. He plays Nick Saban’s coveted Jack position, where his predecessor Courtney Upshaw dominated. However, Hubbard has posted 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in mainly one year of work, along with three forced fumbles. The ceiling is certainly high for the rising junior Hubbard. Will ‘13 be the year he finally puts it all together?…Benardrick McKinney is one of the best young linebackers in the country. Just a freshman in 2012, McKinney racked up 102 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack, and he will man the middle of MSU’s defense in 2013. He’ll remind you of former MSU star and current Seahawks linebacker KJ Wright…One of the fastest rising superstars in the SEC is Denzel Nkemdiche. Yes, Nkemdiche wasn’t even good enough to be ranked out of high school by Rivals, but he exploded in his freshman season, notching a team-high 82 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and three INTs. This kid brings the hammer, and with that hammer he brought an identity of toughness to the Rebels’ defense.

Seasoned veterans

6. Chase Garnham, Vanderbilt
7. Steven Jenkins, Texas A&M
8. Mike Marry, Ole Miss
9. Lamin Barrow, LSU

One of the best veteran players in the SEC you’ve never heard of is Chase Garnham. Garnham registered 84 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2012 to bring his totals to 143 career tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He’s no sure-fire top pick in the draft, but this guy isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and hit you in the mouth…Texas A&M will rest on Steven Jenkins’ veteran leadership in 2013. He’s one of only two returning starters in the front seven, and he’ll miss the spring recovering from shoulder surgery. Jenkins has notched 139 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in his career…Another savvy veteran and former greyshirt who is better than advertised is Ole Miss’ Mike Marry. Marry has registered 181 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in three years of work. He’s one of the better middle linebackers in the SEC, and the Rebels feed off Marry’s play on defense…Lamin Barrow’s production was overlooked by Kevin Minter’s dynamic season in ‘12, but Barrow enters as one of LSU’s veterans on defense. Buried on the depth chart for his first two years, Barrow broke out as a junior and notched 104 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, bringing his career numbers to 139 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He’s not Kevin Minter, but he’ll be one of the leaders of the Tigers’ defense in ‘13.

‘Budding’ superstar

10. Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Kentucky

Along with being a budding superstar, Alvin “Bud” Dupree has one of the better nicknames in college football. Kentucky expected Dupree to put up numbers in ‘12, and he did just that, racking up 91 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. If Bud isn’t a household name already, he’ll prove it soon enough by being one of the bigger forces in Mark Stoops’ new look defense.

Honorable Mention

Jordan Jenkins, Georgia: I promised I wouldn’t throw an honorable mention into any position rankings heading into spring, but I’m going to break that with Jordan Jenkins. Jenkins played behind Jarvis Jones in 2012, so he didn’t see the field as much as he would have at any other school in the country. Jenkins posted 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in very limited time. Jenkins could be the SEC’s biggest breakout player in 2013, and you could make the argument that he belongs on this list.

Previous position rankings

• Quarterback
• Running Back
• Wide Receiver
• Offensive Linemen
• Defensive Ends
• Defensive Tackles

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama: Cooper made the biggest play of the game for Alabama when he caught AJ McCarron’s 45-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter. The play was largely effective due to Alabama’s ability to really run it down Georgia’s throats all night. Cooper caught seven passes for 127 yards and one touchdown, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He plays like a veteran, and he’s built like a veteran. But the true freshman has really emerged throughout the season as McCarron’s go-to receiver in the clutch, and the big play receiver on the Tide’s offense. Cooper is the Tide’s biggest play-making receiver since Julio Jones.

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: I’ve said it all season: Todd Gurley is the best running back in the SEC as a freshman. You give me one back in the SEC to choose from, and I’m taking Gurley. Usually freshmen hit a wall somewhere about midway through the season, but Gurley is one of the exceptions. He delivered one of his best performances all season against Bama’s defense, and he did it by running straight into the teeth of the defense. Gurley’s yards after contact have to be one of the best averages in all of college football. He’s the total package at running back. Gurley rushed 23 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns, leading the charge for the Bulldogs’ offense.

Jay Rome, TE, Georgia: The sight of Jay Rome making plays at tight end is encouraging for Bulldogs fans. Rome has all the athletic ability in the world, but even his coaches have criticized him for not practicing hard and maximizing his ability. However, we saw a glimpse of what we’ll see for a few years on Saturday with his 19-yard touchdown reception for the first score of the game. That was the only pass he caught all night.

TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama: Much like Gurley, TJ Yeldon saved his best for last, too. You can certainly make a case for Yeldon to have an edge against Gurley, as Yeldon is able to stay fresher than Gurley throughout the course of a game and a season because he splits carries with Eddie Lacy. Yeldon has the uncanny knack, power, footwork, explosiveness and speed to be an elite running back, not only the SEC, but at the next level, too. Yeldon rushed 25 times for 153 yards and one touchdown in Atlanta.

Other Impact Freshmen:

Jordan Jenkins, DE, Georgia: Jordan Jenkins is the next Jarvis Jones. You just don’t know Jenkins yet because he’s a freshman. But he’s a true hybrid outside linebacker or defensive end that Todd Grantham’s defense needs in the next several years. He’s a strong player, and he’s going to be massive for the Bulldogs in the coming years.

Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia: Marshall has had a huge impact throughout the season, rushing for 723 yards, but he was nearly invisible against Alabama. Why? Gurley is the perfect power back against a tough, physical Alabama defense. The game just got to a point where Gurley was much more important than Marshall. It happens in some football games, and the SEC Championship just took a turn in that direction. Marshall only carried two times for three yards. Nonetheless, you can’t understate how important Marshall has been for this club over the long haul.

John Theus, OL, Georgia: Theus has started all 13 games for Georgia at right tackle as a true freshman, and he’s only going to get better. He had a ton of hype coming in as a blue chip recruit, and he’s certainly lived up to it. Theus will be a staple on Georgia’s line for the next few years.

Photo Credit:  Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively Georgia ranked 5^th in the nation in total defense, and the Bulldogs only lose two players off the 2011 squad.  Brandon Boykin is by far the biggest loss on this team.  Boykin was all over the field for the Bulldogs, and it will take multiple guys to replace his production.  The only other loss on defense is DE Deangelo Tyson, and his production will be relatively easy to replace.  Next year’s defense could easily be the best defense in the country if Georgia can avoid the injury bug this off-season.

Georgia also lost their kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler to graduation.

Needs Met: Georgia only lost a few guys, and they did an awesome job at replacing every position they needed to fill.  Up front they signed 5-star Offensive Tackle John Theus.  Most feel that he can compete for the starting job next year.  They also signed two more O-linemen, and JUCO transfer Mark Beard is already on campus and learning the system.  The Bulldogs brought in three RBs, and Keith Marshall is easily the best of the three.  I have seen Marshall run track and play football, and since he enrolled in January, I have no problem stating that he will play next year because of his speed.  However, don’t count out RB Todd Gurley or FB Quayvon Hicks, both guys could push for serious PT next year.  Georgia rounded out their offense by signing one receiver, one TE, and one QB.

Defensively, an outstanding defense just got better with this recruiting class.  Josh Harvey-Clemons gave the Bulldog faithful a signing day scare, but ultimately the only LB in this class will be a huge addition to this defense.  Look for Harvey-Clemons to compete for playing time, and possibly come in for blitzing situations.  Sheldon Dawson was the only DB signed in this class, but I think he will be hard to keep off the field with 4.4 speed.  Up front is where the Bulldogs added the most depth by signing four DE’s, and I think Jordan Jenkins is the best of the bunch.  Jenkins’ film was so amazing that you should check out his basketball clips on youtube.com.  Georgia finished up their defensive class by signing two DT’s, and I think that Jonathan Taylor could push for playing time next year.

Georgia signed a kicker and a punter that could play right away next year because of the lack of depth.

Biggest Get: John Theus or Keith Marshall.  Both guys could play immediately, but I love the explosiveness that Marshall brings to the offense

Biggest Miss: Ricky Parks.  Parks was an in-state TE that went to Auburn.  Georgia was on him early, and with Orson Charles’ early departure to the NFL, Parks could have helped in that department.

Final Evaluation: I think competing for a National Title in 2012 is a reasonable expectation, and this recruiting class only adds fuel to that fire.  I think every position was filled, and a ton of depth was added with this class.

Final Grade:  A

Other 2012 Signing Report Cards:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: A+
• Florida Gators: A+
• Kentucky Wildcats: C
• Ole Miss Rebels: C

Get the minute-by-minute updates on Jordan Jenkins and his decision by clicking here.

Jenkins, who hails from the state of Georgia, will announce between Florida, Georgia and Alabama. All three schools feel good to land him at this time.

Jenkins has strength, power and speed that is a rare combination in any prospect at the high school level. He can play speed rush defensive end or outside linebacker in some systems. He will major in engineering in college.

Jenkins is ideal for all three schools’ defenses.

Alabama: Jenkins would be the JACK linebacker in Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense. Courtney Upshaw currently plays this position for Alabama, but the Tide have so many linebackers currently committed that it will be tough to get Jenkins’ services. But Jenkins is not scared to compete, I’ll assure you. Alabama was the team to beat early on, and all other schools were playing catchup. Have things changed?

Florida: Jenkins would the BUCK in Will Muschamp’s defense. Florida currently has no big-time playmaker at the position, and there is opportunity for immediate playing time because of the lack of depth at linebacker and defensive end. Jenkins is tight with several other Florida commitments, and Florida might have the best to offer with an engineering degree. The Gators feel good about Jenkins.

Georgia: Jenkins would fit perfectly in Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense as either an outside linebacker or a speed rush defensive end. Georgia is the home team, and they have come on rather strong as of late. Todd Grantham is the last coach to see Jenkins before he announces. Georgia also feels good about Jenkins.

However, no matter where Jenkins goes, he will excel because of his talents on the field and his smarts off the field. He’s a very well-spoken young man, and he will be dynamite in the SEC.

FOLLOW THE LIVE FEED ON JORDAN JENKINS BY CLICKING HERE

However, for this article, let’s take a look at three players on the recruiting wish list for the Crimson Tide heading into late December leading up to National Signing Day.

1. RB TJ Yeldon – Committed to Alabama yesterday: Yeldon has been a longtime commitment for the Auburn Tigers. However, with Gus Malzahn leaving for Arkansas State, you better believe that had a factor in this tremendous running back’s decision to decommit. Yeldon has all the tools to be a great SEC running back in the future. Now that he has changed his commitment to Alabama, will he stay with the Tide on National Signing Day?

2. QB Jameis Winston – Committed to Florida State: The in-state prospect has had all Alabama fans in a tizzy because of his early commitment to Florida State. Winston is a stud baseball player who will likely be drafted very high in this year’s draft in June; so, it’s possible that neither Alabama nor FSU will get a chance to get this kid on campus. But Alabama would like nothing else than to steal Winston away and make him a Tide commitment on signing day. It is very possible we see a switch here.

3. LB/DE Jordan Jenkins – Currently not committed: Jenkins, a Georgia native, is said to be down to Florida and Alabama as his top two schools. Jenkins is a freak athlete 6-3, 245lbs, and he would play the Jack linebacker position that Courtney Upshaw has played throughout his career. Jenkins is athletic enough to put his hand down at end or be a rushing linebacker. Jenkins will be a dynamite player wherever he chooses at the next level.