This past week of camp was particularly rough on SEC East rosters. Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee all had at least one noteworthy injury or suspension.

Florida outdid everyone on this front with seven players suspended from team activities due to the reported abuse of student aid. The players, including star WR Antonio Callaway, have been announced as out only for the Michigan game, so it doesn’t look to have a direct impact on the SEC race, though some of these suspensions could go on longer. One of the suspended players, DL Jordan Smith, is the subject of a criminal investigation for credit card fraud and grand theft, allegedly using stolen credit information to pay rent.

The defending division champs have relied on defense the past two seasons, but with so many of last year’s defensive starters departed to the NFL, this was supposed to be the year that the offense started to pull its weight. Callaway, though, could be on thin ice even if he returns after the Michigan game. If the Gators top wideout — who has had various off-field issues over the past couple years — isn’t back for conference play, there will be a definite impact on the division race.

The Wildcats, Tigers and Volunteers all lost players for the season. Let’s take a look at what went on around the SEC East this week.

Florida

With Callaway suspended, Florida has been giving various wide receivers reps with the first-team offense in practice. On Monday, it was sophomore Freddie Swain who lined up in Callaway’s spot. At Thursday’s practice, the Gators lined up in a four-wide receiver set with sophomore Tyrie Cleveland and freshman Daquon Green joining regular first-teamers Joshua Hammond and Brandon Powell.

The Gators held their second scrimmage Friday and were down 17 players between suspensions (7), injuries (9) and TE DeAndre Goolsby attending his grandmother’s funeral.

Georgia

One of the Bulldogs’ most experienced defenders, CB Malkom Parrish, has reportedly suffered a broken bone in his foot. A senior, Parrish started 25 games the past two seasons. He led the team in pass breakups last season as a junior.

The timeline for Parrish’s return is unknown.

Kentucky

The Wildcats suffered a devastating loss up front in senior OT Cole Mosier (below), who tore his ACL. Mosier was a key blocker last season for an offense that featured a pair of 1,000-yard rushers, Boom Williams and Benny Snell Jr.

Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

“We’re extremely disappointed about Cole’s injury,” coach Mark Stoops said. “He has been with us all five seasons we’ve been at Kentucky. He helped set the example of hard work that is the theme of this program, as he came in as a walk-on and earned a scholarship. We know Cole will continue to support his teammates this season and we wish him the best in his recovery and in the future.”

Missouri

The Tigers were forced to scratch two defensive linemen from the roster this week.

DE Nate Howard was dismissed from the team after an arrest for failing to appear for an out-of-county speeding ticket. Howard was arrested (and suspended from the team) in June for possession of a controlled substance.

Mizzou also received word that DT Malik Young, a junior college transfer, did not qualify academically for 2017.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks have settled on a starting left tackle, according to position coach Eric Wolford. Redshirt junior Malik Young will lead the effort to protect QB Jake Bentley. Young won out for the starting spot over JUCO transfer Dennis Daley. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Young played in every game last season and started nine.

Tennessee

The Vols lost freshman WR Jacquez Jones for the season, but if Tennessee needs a pass-catcher to step up, RB John Kelly has the hands. Kelly made quite the impressive one-handed grab in practice this week, as seen below. Without Alvin Kamara or Jalen Hurd in the backfield any more, expect more receptions for Kelly this season.

 

Vanderbilt

The most interesting story involving Vanderbilt football this week doesn’t actually involve the team itself. Renderings of a proposed Nashville Stadium were unveiled as part of the city’s bid to receive a Major League Soccer franchise. The group behind the expansion bid needs to know in the coming months if Vanderbilt is committed to using the stadium for football. The 33,000-35,000 capacity stadium would be off campus, but it’s an intriguing opportunity for the Commodores to play in a newer, updated facility.

The new stadium would be located on the south side of the city near the fairgrounds.

Quote of the Week/Tweet of the Week

This week, the Tweet(s) of the Week come in reaction to a quote by Florida QB Luke Del Rio, or perhaps we should call him Luke Del Rico.