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Spring practice starts early in the SEC, Monday to be exact in Nashville. Teams are allowed 15 practice days before reconvening for summer workouts and final season prep this fall. Here’s what to watch for heading into spring drills in the SEC:
ALABAMA — Life without Blake Sims, Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon will be interesting to say the least in Tuscaloosa on an offense that arguably reached its maximum potential under play-caller Lane Kiffin last fall. What does he have up his sleeve for an encore? The Crimson Tide return eight starters on Kirby Smart’s side of the ball, but ultimately this year’s team will advance as far as Jacob Coker and Derrick Henry take them, along with expected improvements in the secondary.
AUBURN — Will Muschamp tinkering with Auburn’s front seven along with the development of Jeremy Johnson as the Tigers’ starting quarterback makes for an exciting spring on the Plains. Five-star pass rusher Byron Cowart won’t arrive until the fall, but a healthy Carl Lawson and his surgically-repaired knee should give the Tigers a much-needed boost in the trenches. Look for newcomer Maurice Swain, a JUCO transfer, to be the talk of practice in the middle as a fierce run-stopper.
ARKANSAS — The road to a division championship begins now for the Razorbacks … Bret Bielema’s spring slogan will be something along those lines. After a red-hot finish to the 2014 campaign, Arkansas believes it can challenge in the West this fall with a veteran-heavy offense and talented secondary. Can the Razorbacks develop a pass rush? We’ll find out during the spring.
FLORIDA — The Jim McElwain era officially begins this spring, a breath of fresh air for Jeremy Foley and a Gators braintrust that respectfully had enough of Muschamp after the program grew stagnant. McElwain’s plan is to pump new life into an offense that has been stuck in the mud for several seasons with a pass-heavy philosophy, but first, he’ll have to make sure Florida has to personnel to do so. Treon Harris vs. Will Grier is intriguing at the quarterback position and there are several positions up for grabs along the offensive line and in the wide receivers group.
GEORGIA — Has Mark Richt reached the ceiling in Athens? Bulldogs fans hope not and are excited about this year’s team thanks to Nick Chubb along with several returning elite pass rushers on defense. Another program with a quarterback battle on its hands, Brian Schottenheimer will work closely with projected No. 1 Brice Ramsey this spring, furthering his development as Hutson Mason’s replacement.
KENTUCKY — Is Patrick Towles Kentucky’s best option under center? Mark Stoops will keep a close eye on the quarterback position next month as Towles challenges Drew Barker, a player with a vast skill set who hasn’t been able to keep himself out of trouble during his time in Lexington. The Wildcats need positive momentum badly during spring practice or the program will dive deeper into mediocrity under Stoops.
LSU — Keep Leonard Fournette healthy! You’ll see a light workload for the potential preseason All-American in Baton Rouge this spring, the leader on an offense still in search of a reliable starting quarterback. Can Anthony Jennings separate from Brandon Harris? Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron wants to see more from the rising junior. Defensively, Kevin Steele takes over for Chavis as the Tigers usher in a slightly different look on that side of the ball.
MISSISSIPPI — Will the Rebels take the next step under Hugh Freeze? Many are straddling the fence on the idea thanks to a returning starter at every position along the offensive and defensive lines, but serious questions at quarterback without Bo Wallace. It’s Chad Kelly or DeVante Kincade and neither, at least at this point, appear to be championship caliber. Staying injury-free next month is of utmost importance for every SEC team but especially the Rebels who lack depth at several key spots.
MISSISSIPPI STATE — Who steps up in 2015 besides Dak Prescott? The Bulldogs welcome back just seven starters off a team that won 10 games including three against Top 10 teams last season. There are several voids defensively that first-year coordinator Manny Diaz will try and plug during the spring with early enrollee Johnathan Calvin having the best shot to impress the Bulldogs staff at tackle. Keep an eye on 5-foot-9 speedster Malik Dear, a wide receiver the offense could utilize in a role similar to Jameon Lewis.
MISSOURI — Believe it or not, most in Tigers camp aren’t worried about life after Markus Golden and Shane Ray. Defensive tackle Harold Brantley is a serious All-American candidate and he’s going to have five-star Terry Beckner Jr. alongside to cause panic in opposing backfields. Also forced to replace Bud Sasser and Jimmie Hunt, Mizzou’s wide receiver battle — like Florida’s — will be interesting to watch this spring.
SOUTH CAROLINA — Which quarterback and incoming pass rushers will emerge has potential starters? For the first time in several seasons, the Gamecocks enter spring workouts without knowing who will be their starting quarterback in the fall, currently a four-player race with redshirt sophomore Connor Mitch being the frontrunner. JUCO transfer and early enrollee Marquavius Lewis will challenge for instant snaps at one of the defensive ends spots — a position in serious need of athleticism and strength.
TENNESSEE — Immense expectations will hover over spring practice in Knoxville a few months prior to the most anticipated season since arguably Kiffin’s only year with the Vols. We’ve talked at length about 2015 expectations at Tennessee thanks to a number of returning playmakers, defensive stars and most importantly, quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The Vols aren’t sneaking up on anyone next season and will receive plenty of media attention over the next six weeks.
TEXAS A&M — For the first time in Kevin Sumlin’s tenure, defense will be the primary focus next month in College Station thanks to John Chavis’ revamp on that side of the football. Myles Garrett and Armani Watts headline a young, but talented defense capable of improving under the direction of a veteran coach like Chavis. Expect vanilla formations and sets during the spring with lots of player rotation until Chavis finds a lineup combination he deems formidable.
VANDERBILT — Another winless conference season is insufferable for second-year coach Derek Mason who has already heard critics say that he’s not cut out to be a head coach in the SEC. The new-look Commodores take the field Monday with a sense of optimism thanks to several new assistants coaches who expect to alter the philosophy on offense. Vanderbilt returns an SEC-best 18 starters, but the quarterback spot is a primary position of concern. The job appears to be Johnny McCrary’s to lose heading into the 2015 campaign.
