Around The SEC East – 1/6/09

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Here are the top stories and links around the SEC East today, with an eye on making it easier to identify schools at a quick glance:

USC:  As we told you yesterday, linebacker Eric Norwood has reversed field after telling reporters following the Outback Bowl that he would turn pro.  Turns out, NFL advisers projected him to be a second day pick.  Bet your rear that THAT was the biggest part of the decision.

USC:  Safeties coach Ron Cooper is on his way to LSU.  “They got something special going there,” he said… which by default makes it sound as though USC doesn’t have something special going on.  “This was a wonderful opportunity that came up,” Steve Spurrier said.  “We wish Ron the best.  He did a lot of good things here — good recruiter, good family guy.” 

That sounds nice, but according to Joe Person of The State, he’s heard the Cooper was “encouraged to look for another position.”  Cooper will make around $300,000 a year in Baton Rouge (up from the $175,000 he made at Carolina).  He also has a multi-year contract, something he didn’t have with the Gamecocks.  Better program, more money, longer contract… that’s called landing on one’s feet.

USC:  Just days after upsetting #19 Baylor on the road, the Gamecocks whipped Wofford 78-61 last night in Columbia.  Darrin Horn’s team now heads into SEC play at 11-2 and toting some confidence.

UT:  Bruce Pearl is wondering if his team is tough enough for the schedule they have in front of them.  “Our lack of toughness has been exposed so obviously we’re trying to step up.  We’re not denying it and we’re not hiding behind it.”

UT:  Georgia recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Rodney Garner turned down more money in Knoxville to stay in Athens.  UT had offered him a chance to coach defense (moving Ed Orgeron from D-line to linebackers to make room for him), but Garner wasn’t swayed.

Vandy:  Bobby Johnson is happy with the recruiting class he’s put together so far… but Rivals.com says it’s just 67th in the country and dead last in the SEC. 

Sidenote — We put this on the homepage simply as a reminder that you can follow recruiting news from ALL around the SEC every day on our Recruiting page.

Vandy:  Say goodbye to Jamie Graham football player… and hello to Jamie Graham basketball player.

UK:  Looking at the ups and downs of UK hoops, Mark Story of The Lexington Herald-Leader believes Cat fans have reason for hope.  Yeah, it’s called a mediocre conference in which Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, and Alabama are the favorites.

UK:  Billy Gillispie’s team didn’t leave Louisville with a confidence boost, but they might have learned some valuable lessons.

UGA:  Rodney Garner says the biggest draw to Tennessee was the opportunity to work with Monte Kiffin (who flew to Athens on Sunday for a surprise visit).  That said, “Just like Monte was a major attraction for me there, coach (Mark) Richt is a major attraction for me here.  Just the opportunity to work for him as always is just tremendous.”

“I’m going to be honest with you, I love the community and I love the institution, but I work for a great man and that’s the main reason I stayed.”  Strong stuff.

UGA:  The NFL, Mark Richt and Georgia fans are all waiting for word on what Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are going to do.  But Richt isn’t pressuring them for a quick decision.

UGA:  Interesting note for you — Only two SEC coaches are among the nation’s active leaders in bowl wins: Steve Spurrier (7) and Richt (6).  Richt has only been a coach for eight years.  Folks can be mad after this season if they like, but Richt is putting some gaudy numbers in Athens.

UGA:  The Bulldogs may be playing at Georgia Tech tonight (the same arena in which they won the tornado-struck SEC Tournament in March), but this year’s Dawgs sure aren’t playing like they did at the end of last season.