SEC East: Spring Updates

Brian McDonald
Senior Editor
April 30, 2008
Moving from left to right across the SEC landscape, we land in the SEC East where we update happenings of spring ball. Names like King and Rainey dominate the chatter and one poor kid named Garcia just can’t seem to get it. The Gracia story is truly amazing, and makes one wonder if the talented but decision-challenged lad will ever see the field in Columbia. (Original article written by Brian McDonald on 1/13/08. Updates by Alex Esselink) Florida Gators Will be missed next year: Andre “Bubba” Caldwell’s six touchdowns amidst about 800 yards of offense will likely be replaced without much difficulty, but replacing their senior team captain will not be as easy. Caldwell, the all-time receptions record holder at the University of Florida, will take his act to Sundays, and believe me, there is ample talent waiting to step up. Still, there will be times next season where Florida will need a big catch and #5’s absence will be felt. Fantasy Star of 2008: I think we’ll go with Tim Tebow on this one. Never has a player from a power conference put up 51 scores, let alone returned to campus following a 51-score season, so Tebow could be returning to the All-Time College Football Team in the History of Life, and he’d be the predicted fantasy star of 2008. Looking at Tebow’s numbers makes me want to cry. Not cry in a hand plucking my nose hairs kind of way, nor cry in a watching George Bailey get a bunch of money at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” These Tebow tears are comparable to hitting a five-team parlay on a blocked extra point returned for a safety as time expires. You know, the stuff that really matters. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Carl Moore is a 6’4” 220-lb wide receiver that spent his 2007 season playing at Roseville Sierra Community College in California. In 2008 he’ll be catching passes in Gainesville. According to a recent Sacramento Bee piece written by Joe Davidson, it appears that almost immediately following his Heisman ceremony Tim Tebow was on the phone (handed to him by his coach) telling Carl to get his arse down to Florida. Moore is on the way. He’s described as a freak talent, and his recruitment has elements of former Hurricane LB Willie Williams or some crazy Zooker escapade. However when Jeff Tedford is cooking a kid jumbo shrimp, Pete Carroll is hanging on his back patio, and an assistant coach is dancing down his street, we’ll bank on the fact that this kid may catch some passes. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: They’ll be more of the same, with maybe more Tim Tebow touchdown passes and less Tim Tebow touchdown runs. We don’t see Kestahn Moore hanging onto the starting job. Two names to file away: freshman RB Chris Rainey who redshirted this year, and Mon Williams, who blew out his knee in the spring. Each could steal carries or the starting gig. Oh, and let us not forget that USC transfer Emmanuel Moody will look to make his mark in the Gator backfield. In other words, Moore may not want to get too comfortable at the top of the depth chart. The touchdown receptions will be spread around, however Percy Harvin will be the clear focal point in the passing game. The junior-to-be will likely score about five on the ground, but he may triple his touchdown reception output. **Post-Spring Analysis** As you already know Chris Rainey exploded this spring. I’m not sure there is much more we can say about Rainey that we already haven’t. I guess I will use this time to temper some of the enthusiasm that may be building. Be careful on how quickly you reach for Rainey in the draft. He’s a solid #3 RB where you can catch lighting in a bottle on certain weeks. He could even turn into a mainstay in your RB rotation, but the consistency of his workload remains to be seen. We are hearing good things about all the Gator wide receivers, making it tough to slot each behind Percy Harvin. Deonte Thompson, Riley Cooper, Louis Murphy and Carl Moore all have potential. If you’re looking to grab one of these guys, you’ll have to spin the roulette wheel. Harvin's heel surgery has to be a touch worrisome for a few owners. Georgia Bulldogs Will be missed next year: Thomas Brown, and from more of a leadership standpoint Kregg Lumpkin, will both be missed next season. Each back did some very good things over the course of his career and each went out with a fine performance against a Hawaii defense that spent the New Year getting run over. Injuries took their toll on each, however players like these two are what (warning: cliché alert) college football is all about. Fantasy Star of 2008: Knowshon Moreno appears the next great thing in the SEC, and the talented back is one who fantasy owners can build their 2008 season around. There was 2007 preseason concern that Caleb King could make a move on Moreno’s potential output until King’s redshirt. Then, when Lumpkin and Brown injuries devastated the running back depth chart there was a thought of burning King’s redshirt, though this was avoided. King is firmly entrenched as the number two tailback heading into the spring, which would cause concern for Moreno’s owners if they hadn’t seen him run this past season. Based on what we saw, Caleb King will have to be one hell of a back to supplant a superstar-in-waiting like Knowshon Moreno. Still, we expect King to see plenty of carries in 2008. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Super freshman A.J Green heads to Athens, and by all accounts he’s ready to go right now. Super freshman Tavarres King heads to Athens, and by all accounts he’s ready to go right now. And Walter Hill is already at Georgia. Our loyal readers know that we feel, in most cases, that true freshman wide receivers are ones to avoid due to the amazingly intricate offensive systems being run these days. It simply takes time to become accustomed to collegiate passing games. However, for a few reasons, we’re certain at least one of these players is going to explode onto the scene. Veteran and talented quarterback Matt Stafford will help. As will a great running game. Combine this with the steady leadership of Mohammed Massaquoi and we’ve the potential for a burner to take off. Tavarres King’s measurables show he’ll likely need a year to get stronger. Hill has been impressive in practice, and he’s a big (6’4”) target. Still we think the one to nab will be true freshman A.J. Green. He, like Hill, is 6’4” and our gut says he’ll be the one. 2008 Team Fantasy Outlook: The more I read about Georgia the more I feel we may be looking at next year’s national title winning squad. The pieces, especially on the offensive side of the ball, are in place. Matt Stafford, while one to avoid from a fantasy perspective, is a great game manager. Knownshon Moreno will be the top Bulldog on the board, and owners will want to invest in Caleb King as well. Late-round flyers on any of the aforementioned young wide receivers may be a sound investment as well. Tripp Chandler could be a sleeper at tight end. **Post-Spring Analysis** Dating back to last year, Caleb King’s name has been one that has been thrown around quite a bit. King had a nice spring. I wouldn’t call it a spectacular spring, but a nice spring. He’s a talented runner, and he is certainly going to eat into Knowshon Morneno’s carries. Moreno is still the lead workhorse though. The King that really stood out was wide receiver Tavarres King. Like Rainey there is no need to rehash what we’ve already written about him. It is time to get down to brass tax…is he draftable or not? I’m going to go with the cop-out answer and say...I don’t know yet. He is certainly someone to keep a close eye on this August to see if we can get a read on how much the true freshman is going to see the field in 2008. Either way he is going to be a player at some point and worth grabbing in keeper leagues. Kentucky Wildcats Will be missed in 2008: Lost amidst the Billy Gillispie arrival that makes Norman Dale’s early days in Hickory seem like a smooth transition, Wildcat fans seem to be neglecting (or unwilling to admit) that the great Andre’ Woodson is moving on. The talented senior has led the renaissance of the Kentucky football program and replacing his 39-touchdown season will be impossible (yes, impossible). Woodson, along with Keenan Burton, Rafael Little and Steve Johnson will be sorely missed. Hopefully the Kentucky faithful really took in the Music City Bowl experience, as it may be awhile before they return to postseason play. Fantasy star in 2008: Derrick Locke’s 536-5 freshman season certainly bodes well for the future of the Kentucky running game. Filling in for oft-injured Raphael Little, Locke provided solid but not spectacular production. In fact it is tough to tell the difference between Locke, Little and former Wildcat Artose Pinner. All are stocky, hard-nosed running backs that can catch the ball out of the backfield. Locke’s injury leading up to the bowl game notwithstanding, he should be a solid selection in SEC-only leagues. While there is a bevy of candidates to pick up additional carries in 2008, we think Locke will see the majority of touches, which includes the half dozen screen passes Kentucky throws each game. This will make him the likely fantasy star of the offensive unit, though this unit will be without the services of an NFL-caliber quarterback. Speaking of missing Mr. Woodson, Dicky Lyons Jr. may fall prey to the same feelings of loss experienced by Notre Dame TE John Carlson in 2007; in other words he may spend next fall wondering where all his buddies went. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Remember the name Curtis Pulley? At one point this young man was penciled in to be the 2006 Kentucky starting quarterback, then following some academic struggles and personal stuff the talented footballer left the university. Well, he’s been running the scout team this fall, and he has a legitimate shot to win the starting job in 2008. First off, he’s not Andre’ Woodson-in fact, he’s a better athlete, having seen significant carries and balls thrown his way prior to his premature departure from Lexington. He has a couple years of eligibility left and only the very green Mike Hartline in front of him. He’ll likely be raw, but he may also come from nowhere. Keep an eye on this young man. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: The 2008 Kentucky Wildcats will have a difficult time coming close to their 2007 offensive production, and we see a significant drop off from this impressive campaign that saw the Woodson-led squad surpass 40 points in eight of their 12 contests. Some programs are able to withstand the loss of a talent like Woodson and not miss a beat. Kentucky is nowhere near this point, and fantasy owners will be wise to look elsewhere for SEC talent. Or at least wait until the later rounds to snap up some Wildcats. **Post-Spring Analysis** Oh boy. There was not much good news filtering out of the Wildcats’ camp. Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline are still locked in a quarterback duel, and for the most part, the offense has not sounded sharp. Wide receiver Dicky Lyons even drew some criticism early on in the spring but rebounded nicely with a 10 catch, 148 yard and two score performance in the spring game. Dicky should still be a solid fantasy wide receiver off the bench or as your #2. The tailback spot is deep and there was little indication of a clear-cut winner coming out of spring. The two that have the most potential are Derrick Locke, who despite his size, is a young tough between the tackles runner with great speed and Tony Dixon, a vet with more power and bulk, but with a history of injury troubles. Dixon sprained his knee this spring but is expected to be ready in August. Alphonso Smith also had a big day in the spring game, rushing for 171 yards and a score on 20 carries. Locke’s biggest advantage is his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which makes him our choice as the most likely running back to make some noise this fall. Locke is also a good stash and stow guy in keeper leagues. South Carolina Gamecocks Will be missed in 2008: After a career full of off-the-field issues, it’s hard to say that Coach Spurrier and the rest of the Gamecocks will miss departing quarterback Blake Mitchell. Cory Boyd is another story. The tough tailback put up over 1300 yards and ten scores in a senior season that saw him fly under the national radar. Boyd was steady, not spectacular, in nearly every game, and he garnered three scores against Florida. His production will certainly be missed in 2008. Fantasy Star of 2008: Kenny McKinley and his family reiterated that he’d return next season, and an injured toe seemingly provided the sealer. McKinley will look to build upon an impressive 2007 season where he went for 77-968-9 and he’ll likely see those numbers improve as we expect steadier production from the quarterback spot. If either quarterback, Chris Smelley or Stephen Garcia, is able to distance himself from the other, then he immediately becomes a very viable fantasy option. Smelley will improve, and while Garcia is very highly regarded on the field, will the Ball Coach put up with off-the-field antics following Blake Mitchell’s nights on the town and academic woes? Adding more confusion is Spurrier’s tendency to start and sit quarterbacks like an antsy fantasy owner. McKinley is the sure thing on the Gamecock offense. Fantasy Sleeper of 2008: Chris Culliver, one of the most highly touted recruits in the country last year, had minimal impact from the wide receiver position in 2007. In fact, the dude didn’t catch one ball. As loyal and stubborn guys we’re going to stick with Culliver as a sleeper in 2008. He’s simply too talented, and while there certainly may be more than meets the eye in this case, we think he’ll make strides and join McKinley and the surprising Dion Lecorn as key cogs in the South Carolina offense. You’ll also want to keep an eye on TE/WR Jared Cook. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: Following a 6-1 start it appeared that Coach Spurrier’s team had made the leap…and then the next five games were played. This offense shows little resemblance to those Florida Gator units from over a decade ago. While players like Danny Wuerffel put up big numbers, and Jack Jackson was a stud on Sega’s Bill Walsh College Football, the Spurrier offense has, of late, seen numbers spread around. Numbers spread around do fantasy geeks little good, but this could change next season. If a clear starter at quarterback emerges, grab him. If Mike Davis becomes the clear heir-apparent to Corey Body, grab him. Grab Kenny McKinley if he’s available. This could be the year South Carolina’s offense puts it all together. **Post-Spring Analysis** Stephen Garcia continues to amaze me. Okay, God knows I was no saint in college, and I was known to throw back a beer or twelve. But I was also not given the keys to Steve Spurrier’s offensive machine at the ripe age of 19. A machine, that I might add, that has put many average quarterbacks in the NFL (and one on the Bachelor). Apparently Garcia can’t lay off the sauce and once again got popped, this time for cracking a beer outside a dorm. Show some restraint my man. Or at least use that noggin’ of yours to realize that rollin’ with a cooler of beer outside the East Quad is probably not a good idea. With Garcia still trying to find himself, Tommy Beecher comes out of spring as the #1 quarterback for the Gamecocks. I’m not sure if he won the job by default by only throwing three interceptions in the spring game versus Chris Smelley’s five, but he is the starter for now nonetheless. Oh, and running back Mike Davis has been suspended for the opener for skipping class, another thing I was known to do a time or two. I wonder if Spurrier has any use for slow and aging tight end with some bulk in the mid-section? One more thing. Chris Culliver is now playing defensive back. The Gamecocks keep us busy. Tennessee Volunteers Will be missed in 2008: Erik Ainge and David Cutcliffe put together two fine seasons, and Ainge’s quarterback play will be missed in 2008. Ainge was very rarely spectacular (save for an outrageous seven score performance against UK) so he was tough to start on a weekly basis. Owners simply don’t win weeks when their starter typically tosses two scores, and it proved too difficult to predict when Ainge would provide a great week. Ainge will be missed, but Jonathan Crompton’s presence makes this loss one that the Volunteers should be able to overcome. Fantasy star in 2008: Arian Foster sent his stuff into the NFL for evaluation, but we’re banking on the talented back returning for his senior season. Foster will be the beneficiary of an offense that will see his skills featured very prominently. Gaining over 1400 yards while scoring 14 times in 2007, Foster proved a great threat on the ground or as a safety valve in the passing game, and his return will be pivotal as Tennessee looks to break in a new starting quarterback. With Lamarcus Coker officially out of the picture, he also won't be ignored on draft day in 2008. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: QB Jonathan Crompton is 6-4, 230 lbs. and he’s more mobile than you would think. He’s the clear choice to replace Erik Ainge, and was impressive when thrust into action against South Carolina and LSU in 2006 after Ainge went down. Crompton is one we will be watching closely this spring as we believe has as the ability to make a splash in 2008. The wildcard is Dave Clawson, who takes over as offensive coordinator. Clawson comes to the Vols from Richmond of the Championship Playoff Subwhatever Division. It will be interesting to see what impact Clawson will have on the offense. Everything we've been able to gather is that Vol fans will continue to see a traditional power run game mixed in with a vertical passing game. This is good for both Foster and Crompton. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: Ainge and Cutcliffe moving on will get a good deal of attention, but the Tennessee offense could be very enticing in 2008. Foster is a top national back and will garner the most attention on draft day. There are also a number of wide receivers that can stretch the field, with Taylor and Rogers leading the way. Throw in Crompton, who has the potential to be the top sleeper quarterback in 2008 and Tennessee will allow the fantasy owner to build depth, and possibly find a great steal. **Post-Spring Analysis** Word on the street (or WOTS for you text messagers) is the Vols are going to put a bigger emphasis on the run game this fall. This is a run game that finished 9th in the SEC last year, and this is good news for Arian Foster owners. If he stays healthy, expect a big year from Foster. Jonathan Crompton, who had minor elbow surgery following the conclusion of spring practices, is on our wait and see list. He is not going to get drafted in too many leagues, but he should be on your short list of guys to keep an eye on once the season starts. Running a West Coast style offense, he might not put up gaudy numbers but he should be consistent and there is plenty of offensive talent around him. Wide receiver Lucas Taylor’s name was not one we heard a lot of this spring, but he is still an option in deep leagues. Vanderbilt Commodores Will be missed next year: The SEC's all-time leading receiver Earl Bennett, yes you heard that right, Earl Bennett is off to the NFL. Bennett finishes his career with a SEC record 236 receptions. Despite the gaudy numbers, Bennett was a tough start for fantasy owners as Vandy's offense rarely put him in a position to score and fantasy football, like a sound brothel, is often all about the scores. Fantasy Star of 2008: Mackenzi Adams took over for the injured Chris Nickson, and he did a very nice job. The junior-to-be proved a dual threat option, and he even accounted for three scores against Kentucky and Tennessee. Adams is one who could make significant strides next season, and he may become a decent starting option when match ups are right. Still the likelihood that Vandy’s starting quarterback will crack your starting lineup at any point is very remote. Can he be a backup buried on your depth chart? Certainly. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: We’re going to go with running back Jared Hawkins. Hawkins had a nice little season going before leaving the Kentucky game with a head injury on November 10th. Hawkins and Adams may be the building blocks to the Vanderbilt offense in 2008, and the Commodores’ likely struggles make both only real options in SEC-only leagues. 2008 Team Fantasy Outlook: Not good. Vandy had its little window, and now it appears this window has been closed, sealed and boarded up. Then they put some metal bars over the wooden planks and built a brick wall around the window. With Earl Bennett's departure, it is hard to imagine the Commodore offense improving and Adams becoming a consistent performer. Of course I also thought Todd Reesing would be a fantasy afterthought when he was named Kansas’ starter this summer, so what the hell do I know? **Post-Spring Analysis** Vandy lost its one true fantasy player following Earl Bennett's graduation, so if you’ve read down this far we thank you for your loyalty, but there is nothing to see here. In all seriousness folks (try the veal), from a fantasy perspective the quarterback situation is still a mess and scrimmage reports have been mostly dominated by the defense, which may have the only fantasy value for Vandy in 2008.

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