SEC Media Days kick off in Hoover
Although summer workouts have been going on for the better part of two months, the fact that SEC Media Days kicked off Wednesday in Hoover, Ala. is a sure sign that the 2008 season is not very far away.
Georgia coach Mark Richt, along with senior wideout Mohamed Massaquoi and defensive tackle Jeff Owens make their appearance Thursday at the Wynfrey Hotel where they will meet with an estimated 1,000 sports writers and sportscasters from across the Southeastern Conference and nation.
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The three-day event gets underway at 2:10 ET with Florida head coach Urban Meyer took the podium following an opening address by SEC commissioner Mike Slive.
Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow and offensive tackle Phil Trautwein were also be in attendance.
Mississippi State was next on Wednesday's docket with head coach Sylvester Croom, who was joined by quarterback Wesley Carroll and former Georgia signee, linebacker Jamar Chaney.
LSU coach Les Miles took the stage at 4:10 with center Brett Helms and defensive end Tyson Jackson before Vanderbilt head man Bobby Johnson, along with defensive back ReShard Langford and wide receiver George Smith, closed out the first day's session.
It promises to be a madhouse when Alabama and Georgia kick off Thursday's session.
Crimson Tide fans can be expected to take over the Wynfrey clamoring for autographs of head coach Nick Saban, who will be joined by offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell and safety Rashad Johnson.
No doubt Richt will field a wide range of question from the inquisitive throng.
Subjects certain to be broached include Georgia's status a national title contender, but also last year's game against Florida and this summer's list of off-the-field transgressions which brought the program some not-so-favorable reviews.
Rebels' coach Houston Nutt will bring defensive tackle Peria Jerry and offensive tackle Michael Oher. With Vols' coach Phillip Fulmer closing out the afternoon. Tennessee is also bringing running back Arian Foster and defensive end Robert Ayers.
Friday's final day promises to be very interesting.
Along with South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, who will bring linebacker Jasper Brinkley and wide receiver Kenny McKinley, new Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino will make his first appearance at Media Days since bolting the Atlanta Falcons last year to take over the Razorbacks' program.
Linebacker Elston Forte and center Jonathan Luigs will also represent the school, but all eyes and ears will be on Petrino who is sure to get some pointed questions.
Tigers coach Tommy Tubervillle is bringing center Jason Bosley and defensive end Sen'derrick Marks, while head coach Rich Brooks, along with defensive end Jeremy Jarmon and wide receiver Dicky Clark will represent the Wildcats.
Also Friday, the league's media will announce its preseason All-Conference team, as well as the predicted order of finish for both the Eastern and Western divisions.
UGASports will feature extensive coverage of the event.