Just got the email from YouTube tv

Was Director of on campus recruiting for Billy at ULL. Similar role to Lee Davis but I’ve heard she is really good. Assuming this means she is coming over to the good guys?

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By Franz Beard
A few thoughts to jumpstart your Tuesday morning:

IS KAIIR ELAM LEAVING THE DOOR CRACKED OPEN FOR A POSSIBLE RETURN?
For months it has been assumed that Kaiir Elam has had one foot out the Florida door with the NFL his next stop. However, the combination of a season in which he feels the Gators have yet to play an elite game and a new head coach may have him thinking another year in Gainesville wouldn’t hurt.

“I just feel like, like offensively and defensively, I've just felt like when the defenses is hot, the offense has been okay,” Elam said Monday, just three days before the Gators conclude their season with a Gasparilla Bowl date with UCF at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. “When the offense is hot, the defense has just been okay. So, I feel like if we all come together and just, you know, play our brand of football, that we're both, you know, consistent in doing what we have to do to win and just dominate on all cylinders. I feel like that's what I mean by elite."

It isn’t just the team that has been so inconsistent. On nearly every preseason list, Elam was a first team All-SEC and a second team All-America choice. He played nine games, was in on 27 tackles, broke up five passes and intercepted a pass. Hardly the kind of numbers that earn All-SEC or All-America recognition. There were a lot of missed tackles and missed opportunities to make plays, but the same can be said about nearly every player on the defense.

So the UCF game is a chance for a small measure of redemption for both the Gators and for Elam. One good game probably won’t impress the pro scouts to reinstate him as a potential first rounder, but it could impress new head coach Billy Napier. The two have talked and Elam came away with a good opinion of the new head coach.

“I feel like his plans are very detailed and precise and how he takes his time with everything,” Elam said. “I feel like that's pretty cool."

Cool enough to come back for the kind of season that could allow him to live up to expectations and perhaps become the first round draft pick that many were predicting when the season began?

That will be determined after the UCF game.

“When am I planning on making a decision?” Elam asked rhetorically. “I’m not sure. I’m really just focused on beating UCF and making plays and grinding, dominating.”

That’s not a positive one way or the other. Elam is going to be drafted if he declares for the draft but unless he is off the charts at the combine, he’s probably going to be a third day guy in the draft. Perhaps with a season at UF working with Corey Raymond, arguably the best secondary coach in the country, Elam could have the kind of season that elevates him into the first round. There is a lot of difference between the money a first rounder makes and the kind a third-day guy gets.

OVER, UNDER, AROUND AND THROUGH THE SEC
Alabama (12-1): Nick Saban is implementing the same safety protocols Alabama used during the 2020 season as the Crimson Tide preps for its December 31 College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati. Saban said, “I’m always concerned when there’s an issue out there, and we want to do the best we can to help our players be concerned about the issue and respect it so they have the best opportunity to stay safe.”

Arkansas (8-4): Offensive lineman Jalen St. John, a former 3-star recruit, is in the transfer portal. He has four years of eligibility remaining.

Auburn (6-6): Auburn won’t have to worry about dealing with Houston’s Marcus Jones in the Birmingham Bowl. Jones, who won the Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player, has opted out of the bowl game. In addition to being a lockdown corner who doubled as a wide receiver, Jones ran back two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Georgia (12-1): Kirby Smart won’t say if quarterback JT Daniels is taking any starters reps as the Bulldogs prep for their College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan in the Orange Bowl … DB Chris Smith (knee) and LT Jamaree Salyer (foot) are practicing although neither is 100 percent.

Kentucky (9-3): Quarterback Will Levis, who is draft eligible, plans to return to Kentucky in 2022. Levis threw for 2,593 yards and 23 touchdowns while running for 387 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021.

LSU (6-6): Defensive lineman Neil Farrell, who had 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2021, is opting out of LSU’s Texas Bowl matchup with Kansas State to prep for the NFL Draft.

Mississippi State (7-5): Responding to Mike Leach’s criticism of players opting out of the bowl game, quarterback Will Rogers said, “It’s the players’ decision. People don’t talk about it, but coaches leave all the time mid-year … That’s up to the player, his family and whatever is best for him.”

Missouri (6-6): Six Mizzou players including team captain and leading tackler Martez Manuel will miss the Armed Forces Bowl game with Army. Manuel had 77 tackles this season. Also out are defensive back Akayleb Evans, defensive lineman Akial Byers, tight end Niko Hea and offensive linemen Javon Porter and Bobby Lawrence Jr.

Ole Miss (10-2): Defensive back Jakorey Hawkins, who made one tackle in the only game he played in 2021, is in the transfer portal. Hawkins was in on 28 tackles in 2020.

South Carolina (6-6): With Spencer Rattler transferring in from Oklahoma and a pair of 4-star QBs signed, the Gamecocks will have far more talent at the position next season than they’ve had in years. Rattler began the 2021 season as the Heisman favorite. He will be joined by freshmen Braden Davis and Tanner Bailey. That might send Luke Doty, who started most of the games in 2021 to the portal.

Tennessee (7-5): On a recent Saturday Down South podcast, former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said that he and Steve Spurrier are far from adversaries. Fulmer said, “Everybody thinks Steve and I are bitter enemies and we’re really good friends. I kid him all the time: You’re really a good guy until someone puts a microphone in front of you and then you’re a bit of a prick, but we’re actually good friends. I kid Steve that I ran him out of college football, but that’s in jest.”

Texas A&M (8-4): Tight end Jalen Wydermyer, A&M’s leading receiver with 40 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns, is opting out of the Aggies’ Gator Bowl game with Wake Forest.

STONY BROOK IS A MUST WIN FOR GATORS
On paper, Stony Brook (7-4) at Florida (8-3) is a blowout waiting for the opening tip to happen. The visiting Seawolves start a 6-7 center and four guards, the tallest of which is 6-4. The Gators have a distinct size advantage which should lend itself to a dominant game on the backboards and they’re exceptional defending the three. The size differential alone tells you Stony Brook is going to jack up a lot of threes and that should play right into Florida’s hands.

Except for one thing. The Gators do have this habit of playing down to opponents. Remember the loss to Texas Southern, which came to the O-Dome winless and left with a 15-point upset of the then 12th-ranked Gator? Texas Southern celebrated like it had just won the NCAA title.

The Stony Brook Seawolves have to be thinking they are every bit as capable as Texas Southern, especially if the Gators show up as under-motivated as they were against Texas Southern or even this past Saturday when they earned an uninspired 66-55 win over South Florida. How the Seawolves get it done is on the defensive end where they are an in-your-face team that gives up only 35.2 percent from the field overall and 30.4 percent from the three-point line. The Gators didn’t respond well to Texas Southern’s in-your-face defense and they struggled to make shots against South Florida.

So this is a game the Gators can lose if they show up thinking these guys are going to roll over. Because it’s the last non-conference game before the SEC opener with Ole Miss and because the Gators can’t afford a loss to a team that is No. 206 in the Kenpom.com ratings (the Gators are actually No. 30), this is a must win for Mike White’s team. The Gators need to defend well and they need to pass it better as well as value each possession. Florida has turned the ball over 140 times this year and the team only has 137 assists. That doesn’t cut it and won’t once the Gators get into the SEC.

The Associated Press Top 25 poll: 1. Baylor 10-0; 2. Duke 10-1; 3. Purdue 10-1; 4. Gonzaga 9-2; 5. UCLA 9-1; 6. Arizona 11-0; 7. Kansas 9-1; 8. Southern Cal 12-0; 9. Iowa State 11-0; 10. Alabama 9-2; 11. Michigan State 9-2; 12. Auburn 10-1; 13. Houston 10-2; 14. Ohio State 8-2; 15. Seton Hall 9-1; 16. Texas 8-2; 17. LSU 11-0; 18. Xavier 11-1; 19. Tennessee 8-2; 20. Kentucky 8-2; 21. Colorado State 10-0; 22. Providence 11-1; 23. Villanova 7-4; 24. Wisconsin 9-2; 25. Texas Tech 8-2
The Coaches Top 25 poll: 1. Baylor 10-0; 2. Duke 10-1; 3. Purdue 10-1; 4. (Tie) Gonzaga 9-2 and Arizona 11-0; 6. UCLA 9-1; 7. Kansas 9-1; 8. Iowa State 11-0; 9. Southern California 12-0; 10. Michigan State 9-2; 11. Alabama 9-2; 12. Auburn 10-1; 13. Ohio State 8-2; 14. Houston 10-2; 15. Seton Hall 9-1; 16. LSU 11-0; 17. Texas 8-2; 18. Kentucky 8-2; 19. Tennessee 8-2; 20. Xavier 11-1; 21. Colorado State 10-0; 22. Villanova 7-4; 23. Providence 11-1; 24. Wisconsin 9-2; Texas Tech 8-2

SEC Basketball
Monday’s game: Georgia (5-6) 85, Western Carolina (6-6) 79
Tuesday’s games: Samford (9-2) at Ole Miss (8-3); Northwestern State (3-9) at Texas A&M (8-2); Davidson (8-2) at No. 10 Alabama (9-2); Winthrop (6-5) at Mississippi State (8-3); Elon (3-9) at Arkansas (9-2)
Wednesday’s games: Stony Brook (7-4) at FLORIDA (8-3); Army (6-5) at South Carolina (8-3); Murray State (10-1) at No. 12 Auburn (10-1); Western Kentucky (8-4) at No. 20 Kentucky (8-2); No. 6 Arizona (11-0) at No. 19 Tennessee (8-2); East Tennessee (7-5) at Georgia (5-6); Lipscomb (6-7) at No. 17 LSU (11-0); Illinois (8-3) at Missouri (6-5); Vanderbilt (6-4) at Hawaii (4-3)

ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Thursday night will be Emory Jones’ swan song with the Florida Gators. He leaves having been a caddy to Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask while waiting his chance to prove he belonged at the SEC level. Whether he wins or loses the Gasparilla Bowl game with UCF, he will leave behind the disappointment of being good, just not good enough. Good enough to scare the bejabbers out of Alabama, which will probably win the national championship. Good enough to destroy Tennessee a week later when he threw for 209 yards and ran for 144. Good enough to throw for a school record 464 yards and six touchdowns while running for 86 against Samford. Sure, it was a D1AA team, but you put up 550 yards of offense and seven TDs (he ran for one) against a homeless shelter and you’re doing well. Yet he was bad enough to throw 13 interceptions including critical picks that kept the Gators from winning against Kentucky and LSU. Win those two games and Florida’s season probably never goes south. It’s way too easy to point out the all the bad plays in Emory Jones’ one season as Florida’s starting QB, and far too convenient to overlook the fact he never made excuses, worked his butt off, went to class and made good grades and was admired by teammates. Maybe it didn’t work out for him at UF, but he needs to walk off the field Thursday night with his head high, knowing he never copped an attitude and always gave it his very best. For that, we should be thankful.

Predictions?
Florida 45
UCF 24

Who will be the new DC

Couple of former Florida commits mentioned in the article.

Have there been any new rumors about who the new DC is going to be...seems super close hold atm

MAN do I LOVE THIS HIRE

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Many of you might already know him (Hector Rodriguez) and if you don't you soon will. He will start writing for 1st and Ten this week. Hector will focus on Baseball + Football for us. Glad to have him part of the community.

I COULD SH!T
A
BETTER PRESIDENT

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I wonder if he might join his brother Ty'Ron at UF?

The Staff spoke with Kevin Coleman and his father. He has 1 visit left according to his father if they chose to use it. 🤔. Big ups go STL for pushing this thing and helping out! Not saying we get this kid but keeping you all in the loop. Major Miami lean but did not sign on ESD!

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The nationally-ranked Florida volleyball program welcomes its 2022 signing class on Wednesday, as two high school seniors became Gators.

“When we are able to announce the entire class, we will celebrate the collection of elite talent that makes up the class of ’22,” said Head Coach Mary Wise. “We cannot wait to have them compete for us in the fall.”

Below are the details of the two signees’ – Carly Hendrickson and Alexis Stucky – high school and club accolades.

Carly Hendrickson | 6-2 | OH | High School: Mt. Notre Dame | Club: Elevation
Hendrickson’s High School Accolades

* 2021 Maxpreps All-American
* 2021 Maxpreps Best Player in Ohio
* 2020 USA Today Cincinnati Player of the Year
* 2020 USA Today Ohio Player of the Year
* 2020 Division I State Champions
* 2020 Maxpreps National Champions
* 2020 Maxpreps All-American
* 2020 Maxpreps Best Player in Ohio
* 2020 Mt. Notre Dame Offensive Player of the Year
* 2020 Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year
* 2020 First Team All-State
* 2020 First Team All-District
* 2020 First Team All-Conference
* 2019 First Team All-State
* 2019 First Team All-District
* 2019 First Team All-Conference
* 2019 Mt. Notre Dame Team MVP Award
* 2019 Columbus Invitational MVP
* Reached the 1,000-kill milestone her junior year
* Led the conference in kills three-straight years
Hendrickson’s Club Accolades

* 2021 Third Place finish in 18-Open
* USAV 18-Open All-Tournament Team
* 2018 Prepvolleyball Ohio Freshman of the Year
Hendrickson’s Off-the-Court Accolades

* Leader of Annual St. Vincent De Paul toy drive
* Member of Mu Alpha Theta
* Mom, Michelle, played softball at Northern Kentucky University
“Carly is what would be considered a coach’s dream. Her work ethic, athleticism and attention to detail challenges you as a coach to think outside the box, raise the standards and dream bigger. Stating that Carly has a passion for the game of volleyball would be an understatement. It would be more accurate to describe volleyball as her life’s work, but with the benefit of that it never feels like work Carly as it is truly her passion in life. Carly is only counting down the hours until she can get back in the gym and that is evident in the way she is able to take over a game and completely dominate it on all fronts. And while the athleticism is visible to everyone who watches Carly, it misses the most important part of Carly which is her heart and ability to embrace her teammates as her family. Carly is primed and ready for this next stage in her life, her volleyball career. From the very first time meeting Mary Wise, I knew that Florida was going to be Carly’s home and I am so very excited to watch her thrive at the next level with her new family around her. Go Gators!” – Chris Lovett, Elevation Volleyball Head Coach

Alexis Stucky | 6-2 | S | High School: Laramie | Club: Northern Colorado Volleyball Club
Stucky’s High School Accolades

* 2021 Wyoming 4A State Champions
* 2021 Wyoming 4A Player of the Year
* 2021 Wyoming 4A All-State
* 2021 Wyoming 4A East Conference Player of the Year
* 2021 Wyoming 4A East All-Conference
* 2020 Wyoming 4A State Champions
* 2020 Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year
* 2020 Unanimous Wyoming 4A Volleyball All State Player of the Year
* 2020 Wyoming 4A Volleyball All State Team
* 2020 Wyoming 4A Volleyball East All Conference Team
* 2020 Unanimous Wyoming 4A Volleyball East Conference Player of the Year
* 2020 Wyoming News Now Prep Player of the Year
* 2020 named the AVCA/Max Preps Wyoming Player of the Week – Sept 7-13
* 2020 Named the MaxPreps Best High School Player in Wyoming
* 2019 Wyoming High School Activities Association Sportsmanship Award
* 2019 Wyoming 4A Volleyball All State
* 2019 Unanimous Wyoming 4A Volleyball East Conference Player of the Year
* 2019 Wyoming 4A Volleyball East All Conference Team
* 2019 Wyoming Channel 2 News Prep Athlete of the week
* 2018 Wyoming 4A Volleyball East All Conference
* 2018 Wyoming 4A Volleyball All-State
* 2018 Wyoming High School Activities Association Sportsmanship Award
Stucky’s Club Accolades

* 2021 Named to the Under Armour High School All America Match – Golden Ticket Winner
* 2021 Maxpreps preseason All American
* 2020 Prepvolleyball.com All American
* 2020 Volleyball Mag All American
* 2020 VolleyMag 25 Underclassmen to watch
* 2020 AVCA Phenom
* 2020 Prepvolleyball.com 2022 Top 150 Recruits - #16
* 2020 Volleyhigh Good Kid Award
* 2020 Prepvolleyball.com Soph 79
* 2019 AVCA Phenom
* 2018 ACVA Phenom
* 2018 Prepvolleyball.com Frosh 59
Stucky’s National Team Accolades

* 2016 USA Volleyball Future Select A1 Training Team– Grand Rapids, MI
* 2017 USA Volleyball Future Select A1 Training Team – Colorado Spring, CO
* 2018 USA Volleyball Select A1 Training Team Invite
* 2019 USA Volleyball Select A1 Red Team
* Played up in the Junior International Division
* She earned starting setter and team captain role
* Team beat Chile in the finals
* Named to the Junior International All-Tournament Team
* 2020 USA Volleyball Youth National Training Team (postponed due to COVID-19)
* 2021 USA Volleyball Youth National Training Team
* 2021 Youth National 18U Team – Bronze Medalist at World Championship
* 2021 Youth National 18U Team Leadership Committee
Stucky’s Off-the-Court Accolades

* Wyoming 9 TIME 4-H Horse State Champion in the classes of Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and Hunt Seat Equitation
* 2017 & 2018 Wyoming Quarter Horse Youth Association President
* 2018 Wyoming Quarter Horse Year End High Point All Around Youth
* 2018 Earned the prestigious “AQHA Youth Champion” award with her Quarter Horse Prinzippled Asset
* 2018 AQHA Youth World Show – World Finalist in Youth Hunter Under Saddle and Youth Showmanship
* Mom, Jill, played college volleyball at the University of Wyoming. She then was an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Kansas for 10 years and was the Associate Head Coach at Wyoming for five years
* Dad, Kyle, played baseball at Independence Community College
* Has two sisters – Maddy and Ashlyn
“Alexis Stucky is an outstanding combination of physical ability and volleyball IQ. I’ve never met an athlete who works harder at being a student of the game. Not only has she put in hundreds of hours training on the court, she is also an animal in the weight room. Her aptitude for studying film is what has created her high volleyball IQ and understanding of the game. Combined with her passion for winning, these behaviors have created an unbelievable volleyball athlete that is ready for success at the next level. She is a tremendous role model for every small-town kid in America and has proven that talent can come from anywhere, even Laramie, WY. Her court personality and her sportsmanship have won over all the volleyball fans in Wyoming and I look forward to her doing the same for Florida Volleyball.” – Jill Stucky, Laramie High School Varsity Head Coach

As Jason mentioned earlier, I am back on the site as I will continue my baseball coverage and also do some football recruiting coverage as well. I would like to thank @JasonHigdon for bringing me on board and I’m excited to be back!

Not a fan of Kennedy but I guess he needed a token Democrat. Probably would have had Adams or Madison instead of JFK.

I would have had Ronaldus Magnus or George up front.

Louisiana’s Director of On-Campus Recruiting Briazja Wade announces that she’s leaving UL. Is Gainesville her next destination?

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I understand that we r waiting on a couple from the NFL, but i am sure out of the five left at least one would come from college. Having said that what is taking so long? Unless we are getting them from playoff teams, which seems unlikely.

1.) TJ Dudley - absolute no brainer here. Our LB cope is very thin and the addition of Dudley & James would be huge!
2.) Ahmad Moten - We need another interior DL. From South Florida and had excellent SR year.
3.) Trevonte Citizen - RB room is going to be thin next year. Sounds like Juluke has strong relationship with kid. Ultimately would love both of Citizen & Etienne.

Who are your 3 must gets to finish this cycle?

By Franz Beard
A few thoughts to jump start your Monday morning:
AUDITION WEEK HAS BEGUN
“Well, the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore; ‘Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door” – From “Uncle John’s Band” by the Grateful Dead, lyrics by Robert Hunter

In the case of the Florida Gators, the first days are indeed the hardest days. Think of what started on Sunday and runs through Thursday night’s Gasparilla Bowl game with UCF (7-5) as audition week. At least that’s what it will be for players who intend to be on Florida’s football roster next fall. They’ll take this entire process that began with player interviews on Sunday very, very seriously. This is a no-nonsense type who has a very business-like approach to his job of restoring Florida football to a championship level.

Those who have transferring on their minds, will find out in a hurry that this is a coach with a don’t let the screen door hit you on the way out approach. Judging from what folks back in Lafayette have to say about him, Billy Napier isn’t the type to beg anyone to stay. Those who intend to be Gators next fall should remember that old adage that the first impression lasts the longest.

“We'll begin individual meetings,” Napier said Wednesday at his early signing day press conference. “I'm going to meet with each individual player starting Sunday.”

Then he will observe and take copious notes. Those intending to stay need to make a very good impression on the practice field and play very hard if they get in the game.

Seven Gators have entered the transfer portal with two – Gerald Mincey (Tennessee) and Khris Bogle (Michigan State) – already committed. Of the remaining five (quarterback Emory Jones, wide receiver Jacob Copeland, linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, linebacker Lloyd Summerall III and defensive end Dante Zanders) there are rumblings that Summerall is hedging a bit. That would make sense since Bogle is transferring and Brenton Cox Jr., who is planning to return, has to show he’s capable of staying healthy. There is playing time potentially there for Summerall if he elects to return.

One observer who was at most of Florida’s practices during the season, says he expects there will be another 10-15 who put their names in the transfer portal after the bowl game. With just the players currently in the portal and adding in the nine who were signed last Wednesday, there are approximately 70 on scholarship. The NCAA has given a special waiver that allows a school to replace up to seven who enter the transfer portal after December 15 without counting against the 85 roster limit. That gives Napier some flexibility on how to rebuild the roster if he loses a dozen or so players after the bowl game.

Maybe one of the safest calculations is that Napier will sign another 7-9 high school/junior college kids in February and will add as many as 12-14 transfers. Think of the transfer portal as the new norm for college football. The coaches who understand it and know how to use it best are going to be the ones who succeed in the years to come.

ANOTHER UGLY WIN FOR UF, BUT AT LEAST IT WAS A WIN
The gang that can’t shoot straight had a better game than they’ve had recently against South Florida Saturday, but the Gators (8-3) still only shot 39 percent overall and 30.8 percent from the 3-point line. They also turned the ball over 17 times and had only 12 assists.

Ugly? You got it, but the defense, rebounding and an 18-point margin from the 3-point line were enough to give the Gators a 66-55 win in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise. Florida held the Bulls to just 2-11 shooting from the 3-point line, and while Florida’s 30.8 percent is nothing to write home about, going the eight made threes helped pull this one out. The Gators outrebounded the Bulls 45-27.

“I liked the way we rebounded,” Mike White said. “We have to value the ball better. We have to adjust better to changing defenses, or even though it was all man, they changed what they were doing, and we have to find a way to make some shots. That’s on myself and our staff as much as anyone. A lot of this is trial and error and we need to change something that we’re doing in practice. We need to continue searching because we are better shooters than this – we are. I believe they’ll go down and maybe it’s trying something different.”

The Gators have only one more non-conference game before the SEC schedule kicks in on December 29 against Ole Miss. The Gators face Stony Brook (7-4) Wednesday in a 1 p.m. game at the O-Dome.

SEC Basketball
Saturday’s scores: FLORIDA (8-3) 66, South Florida (4-6) 55; No. 6 Alabama (9-2) 65, Jacksonville State (5-6) 59; No. 13 Auburn (10-1) 74; Saint Louis (8-4) 70; No. 19 LSU 66; Louisiana Tech (8-3) 57; No. 21 Kentucky (8-2) 98; North Carolina (8-3) 69; Hofstra (7-5) 89, No. 24 Arkansas (9-2) 81; Vanderbilt (6-4) 77, Austin Peay (4-6) 51; Missouri (6-5) 83, Utah (7-4) 75; Clemson (8-4) 70, South Carolina (8-3) 56; Ole Miss (8-3) 76, Dayton (7-5) 68; George Mason (6-5) 80, Georgia (4-6) 67l Texas A&M (8-2) 83, Oregon State (1-10) 73; No. 18 Tennessee (8-2) at Memphis (6-4), Postponed COVID

Monday’s game: Western Carolina (6-5) at Georgia (4-5)
Tuesday’s games: Samford (9-2) at Ole Miss (7-3); Northwestern State (3-9) at Texas A&M (8-2); Davidson (8-2) at No. 6 Alabama (9-2); Elon (3-9) at No. 24 Arkansas (9-2); Winthrop (6-5) at Mississippi State (8-3);

Wednesday’s games: Stony Brook (7-4) at FLORIDA (8-3); Army (6-4) at South Carolina (8-3); Murray State (10-1) at No. 13 Auburn (10-1); Louisville (7-4) at No. 21 Kentucky (8-2); No. 8 Arizona (11-0) at No. 18 Tennessee (8-2); East Tennessee State (7-5) at Georgia (4-6); Lipscomb (5-7) at No. 19 LSU (11-0); Illinois (8-3) at Missouri (6-5); Vanderbilt (6-4) at Hawaii (4-3)

OVER, UNDER, AROUND AND THROUGH THE SEC
Alabama (12-1): Former 4-star offensive lineman Pierce Quick, who played in one game (3 snaps) in 2021, has transferred to Georgia Tech … Only two other Alabama players remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Cincinnati (13-0) in the Cotton Bowl, CFP semifinal

Arkansas (8-4): Defensive end Tre Williams, who is the team sack leader (6) was arrested for DWI … Currently there are seven Razorbacks in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Penn State (7-5) in the Outback Bowl

Auburn (6-6): There is no turning back for Bo Nix. Auburn’s former starting QB is transferring to Oregon to play for Dan Lanning … Auburn’s new offensive coordinator is former Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis, who is the quarterbacks coach of the Seattle Seahawks … Former 4-star safety Ahmari Harvey, who didn’t play in a game in 2021, is the seventh Auburn player to enter the transfer portal. Harvey played prep football at Tallahassee Florida State University School.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Houston (11-2) in the Birmingham Bowl

Georgia (12-1): ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has three Bulldogs going in the first round in April: defensive tackle Jordan Davis, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive end Travon Walker.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Michigan (12-1) in the Orange Bowl, CFP semifinal

Kentucky (9-3): Mark Stoops’ new contract, extended until 2028, will pay him $6,350,000 next year and will escalate to $7,600,000 in his final season. The contract is loaded with incentives that could increase the money every year … Eight Wildcats remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Iowa (10-3) in the Citrus Bowl

LSU (6-6): Brian Kelly tried to lure Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken but since Monken said no, he’s targeted Cincinnati OC Mike Denbrock, who worked for Kelly at Grand Valley State and for seven years at Notre Dame ... With Max Johnson transferring to Texas A&M, five Tigers remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, January 4, vs. Kansas State (7-5) in the Texas Bowl

Mississippi State (7-5): Left tackle Charles Cross, who made some All-America teams, will opt out of the Liberty Bowl game with Texas Tech to prepare for the NFL Draft … Currently there is only one Bulldog in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Texas Tech (6-6) in the Liberty Bowl

Missouri (6-6): Currently there are seven Tigers in the transfer portal.
Next game: Wednesday vs. Army (8-4) in the Armed Forces Bowl

Ole Miss (10-2): Left tackle Nick Broeker says he won’t make any decision about returning to Ole Miss or leaving for the NFL until after the Sugar Bowl game with Baylor … Former Southern Cal linebacker Danny Lockhart Jr. is transferring to Ole Miss ... Five Rebels remain in the transfer portal.

Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Baylor (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl

South Carolina (6-6): South Carolina, which signed 4-star QB Braden Davis on Wednesday, got another 4-star QB when Tanner Bailey (6-1, 195, Gordo, AL) flipped from Oregon over the weekend ... Currently nine South Carolina players are in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. North Carolina (6-6) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Tennessee (7-5): Navy (yes, that’s his real name) Shuler, a freshman quarterback at Appalachian State, is transferring to Tennessee. A 3-star prospect out of high school, Shuler had offers from 13 schools including Duke and Wake Forest. He’s the son of former UT quarterback Heath Shuler (1991-93) … Currently there are only three Tennessee players in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. Purdue (8-4) in the Music City Bowl

Texas A&M (8-4): In an obvious slap at Tennessee (he’s from Powell, Tennessee), 5-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen responded to rumors that he chose the Aggies because they offered him a big NIL deal, by stating, “If I was looking for NIL money, I would have come to UT.” … There are currently three Aggies in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 31, vs. Wake Forest (10-3) in the Gator Bowl

Vanderbilt (2-10): Former 4-star linebacker Kane Patterson is transferring from Clemson to Vandy. His younger brother Langston signed with Vanderbilt for the 2022 recruiting class … Former 3-star edge rusher Alex Williams is in the transfer portal. He has three years of remaining eligibility. Williams brings to seven the number of Commodores in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, August 27, at Hawaii

ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum made some money from NIL deals this season but he’s not letting the money spoil him. Unlike some of the college football players who are raking in big bucks, Linderbaum is showing that just because you have a lot of money at your disposal doesn’t mean you have to spend it all on yourself. Over the weekend, he wrote a $30,000 check to the Iowa Children’s Hospital.

I don’t have a problem with kids making some money on name, image and likeness. After all, why should the schools make money on the kids without sharing some of it? It does make me happy when someone like Linderbaum understands that he can use the money he makes from his talent and abilities to help those who can’t help themselves. It’s Christmas. I’m hoping a lot more kids who have profited off NIL this year elect to help those less fortunate but I’m not counting on it. I am willing to be surprised, however.