College Caspules: 'Bama star receiver not interested in hype

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A Terrell Owens he isn’t. Alabama receiver Julio Jones is all about big plays, not sound bites.

"This is just how I am," he said Sunday at the Crimson Tide’s media day. "This is me all day every day. I’m not going to change for anybody. This is what you get."

Jones was off-limits for media interviews as a freshman under coach Nick Saban’s policy. On Sunday, he was all business, unsmiling and yielding little insight into Alabama’s most prominent player.

He earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference and freshman of the year honors after leading a run-oriented offense with 58 catches for 924 yards. Both were school records for a freshman.

"That’s a special kid," receiver Mike McCoy said. "He’s been working his tail off, maybe harder than last year. He might give a little bit more this year."

Jones brushed off talk of his health — a sports hernia against Georgia and wrist and shoulder issues later in the season, all requiring offseason surgery.

"It wasn’t that difficult," said Jones, who started every game. "If you’re going to let a little small thing like that stop you, anything can stop you. I just went out there and did what I had to do."

His coach was much more complimentary, particularly how the 6-foot-4, 211-pounder toughed it out against LSU. Jones caught seven passes for 128 yards, including a 24-yarder over a defender to set up the winning touchdown in overtime.

"He demonstrated tremendous physical and mental toughness to overcome those things," Saban said. "The way he competed and played in the LSU game is unbelievable. It would be nice to have a lot of young players sort of watch some of that and see that effort and see that toughness."

Last year, Jones was a popular figure even before stepping onto the field. A tackle-breaking touchdown during a preseason scrimmage was a hit on YouTube. He won a seat on the Student Government Association’s senate through write-in votes without campaigning. He even received nine votes for SGA president before graduating from high school.

"You can’t be thinking about the hype and stuff like that," he said. "You’ve just got to go out there and play your game and do what you need to do. I have no pressure on me at all because I have teammates and stuff. We try to bond and try to become as one. It’s not just on me, it’s on everybody."

If there’s one area Jones was willing to trumpet, it’s his dedication.

"I work extremely hard," he said. "That’s what separates a lot of people, is the work ethic that they have."

Jones was not the only one Sunday with an unaccustomed moment in the spotlight. Media day is the one time a year when Saban allows offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to speak to reporters, except at bowl-mandated sessions.

Smart, who was co-defensive coordinator with Kevin Steele — now at Clemson — is in his first season in full charge of the defense. He also has two new assistants, James Willis and Sal Sunseri, on a defense that was among the nation’s top 10 despite struggling in the final two games against Florida and Utah.

"We hope that we’ve addressed some of those things," Smart said. "All you can do is practice it and attack it the best you can and realize that a lot of teams may like to copycat that."

McElwain is concentrating on finding a replacement for left tackle Andre Smith, grooming new quarterback Greg McElroy and landing some reliable receivers behind Jones. He shied away from mentioning specific candidates for the open spots.

"Everybody wants to hear a name," he said. "This isn’t fantasy football. It’s the Alabama Crimson Tide."

Spurrier in charge of South Carolina’s attack

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Make no mistake: Steve Spurrier’s in charge of South Carolina’s attack.

"I’ll be responsible for the playcalling, how’s that?" Spurrier said Sunday.

For many Gamecocks fans, that’s just what they wanted to hear.

A season ago, Spurrier’s decision to let son Steve Jr. take on more of the game preparation and playcalling set off concern the 64-year-old ball coach might be ready to hang up his visor for good. But after another late-season collapse by the Gamecocks in 2008, an overhaul of the coaching staff and a recruiting class that might go down as the school’s best ever, Spurrier sounds more energized than ever and ready to put his touch back on South Carolina’s offense.

Spurrier will take suggestions. However, he made clear where the final call will come.

"Who’ll fire them in there first, we haven’t set in stone who’s going to do that yet," he said. "But I’ll be ultimately responsible like I’m ultimately responsible for everything."

Spurrier added a strong group of offensive assistants in the offseason.

Quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus learned Spurrier’s offense as a Florida quarterback and most recently was offensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee. Offensive line coach Eric Wolford, also the Gamecocks run game coordinator, helped Illinois the past two years lead the Big Ten in rushing (2007) and passing (2008). This offseason, Spurrier Jr. had the title passing game coordinator added to his role as receivers coach.

Running backs coach Jay Graham and tight ends coach Jeep Hunter will also have input.

Quarterback Stephen Garcia thinks the more headsets involved in playcalling, the better. "They’ll all be involved and I think that’s going to be good," he said. "More eyes on the field, they’ll be able to see the defense and what they’re doing. That’s going to be good."

It has to be better than what it’s been at times during Spurrier’s four previous seasons.

Three of those years, the Gamecocks finished with multigame losing streaks — three straight losses in 2005, five straight in 2007 and three straight in 2008.

It didn’t seem to matter who was calling plays, South Carolina couldn’t execute. Last November, the Gamecocks carried a 7-3 mark to Florida Field and were clobbered by the Gators 56-6. A game later, Chris Smelley threw four interceptions in a 31-14 loss to rival Clemson. Spurrier gave Garcia the nod as starter for the Outback Bowl and he responded with three interceptions in Iowa’s dominating 31-10 victory.

"Calling plays was not our problem" last year, Spurrier said. "I can assure, whoever fires them in there, we’re all going to agree that this is our game plan, this is what we think we can do."

Spurrier said most important will be players learning how to run the plays and give the offensive staff options come game week. The group put together the package that gives South Carolina the best shot at victory.

"We all pitch in. Ultimately, if I don’t like some of their ideas and I like mine the best, I’m the head coach," Spurrier said. "I get the final ruling."

-- Pete Iacobelli

Spurrier says Bowden shouldn’t lose victories

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Steve Spurrier backs Bobby Bowden when it comes to vacating victories.

Spurrier said Sunday that Bowden and the Seminoles should not have to give up 14 victories as part of the NCAA penalties because of an academic cheating scandal at Florida State.

Spurrier also said Florida State’s track team should not lose its NCAA championships that took place during the time in question.

"Yeah, I think (football) should get the wins and the track team should get the championship," Spurrier said.

When Spurrier was Florida’s football coach, he would needle Bowden and the Seminoles when he could. Spurrier once called the school "Free Shoes University" in 1994 when Bowden had to deal with a scandal involving his players and Foot Locker.

This time, though, Spurrier thought the NCAA’s proposed penalties were too severe.

"It was something that none of the coaches were involved with and just a few of the players in the classroom," Spurrier added. "So yeah, hopefully ... I think the penalty was way too severe."

Bowden has 382 wins, one shy of Penn State coach Joe Paterno for the major college lead lead. Losing that many victories would all but end Bowden’s chances of overtaking the Nittany Lions coach.

Spurrier was asked if he had talked to Bowden about the issue.

The South Carolina coach chuckled and said he had too many issues involving his team to spend much time worrying about the Seminoles.

-- Pete Iacobelli

Seminoles’ Bowden wants national championship

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State’s Bobby Bowden says he wants one more national title before retirement.

At the annual football media day, Bowden said Sunday he believes the Seminoles are rebuilt and ready to win another national championship. He has two years to deliver before his successor-in-waiting, Jimbo Fisher, takes over in January 2011.

"Definitely I want to win a national championship again," said the 79-year-old Bowden, who enters his 34th season at Florida State. "I wish I could leave here on top."

Bowden’s 1993 and 1999 teams won national titles. The Seminoles narrowly missed another half dozen times between 1987 and 2000, often denied by rival Miami.

The coaches are also bringing back a slogan from the undefeated 1999 Seminoles team that won the national title: "It’s Not About Me ... It’s About Us."

Fisher, who is the architect of Florida State’s offense, agrees the Seminoles are on the right path despite their youth.

"We’re a very young football team, but a team that’s played a lot of football," said Fisher, noting that the 9-4 record and No. 21 ranking last season was the school’s best in the last four years.

Bowden conceded it would probably be 2010 by the time the "young and experienced" team might be ready to compete for another title.

"The good thing is they’re back another year," he said. "We’ve got a chance to improve, improve both years."

This season, Florida State needs to replace its top two receivers, running back and record-setting Lou Groza Award-winner kicker Graham Gano. Junior quarterback Christian Ponder returns for his second year as a starter.

Bowden faces the possibility of 14 career victories being stripped by the NCAA because of an academic cheating scandal at the school. His 382 career coaching wins are one fewer than all-time major college leader Joe Paterno of Penn State.

Bowden, who still suffers from a painful shingles virus on the left side of his face, doesn’t believe either the latest tiff with the NCAA or the program’s slide on the field in the last decade will cloud his career.

"When I get out, people will refer back to the good things that happened," Bowden said.

-- Brent Kallestad

Graham’s switch from hoops to football rolls along

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Jimmy Graham’s conversion from college basketball to college football at Miami got off to a bloody start.

Except, well, it wasn’t his blood.

The story goes like this: He was doing some unofficial 7-on-7 drills with Miami teammates earlier this summer, went up to make his first catch since ninth grade and — with his basketball instincts kicking in — used his elbows to create some space. Problem was, the space he created was over Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy’s right eye, deep enough that stitches were needed to close the wound.

"Yeah, he was boxing me out," McCarthy said. "I mean, look at him. He’s 6-foot-8, 260 pounds. I think it’s great for us."

Graham’s story line is one of the more intriguing for Miami during training camp. Can a guy who played in 120 basketball games for Miami over four years but who hasn’t worn football pads in nearly a decade become a viable part of a team with Bowl Championship Series aspirations?

The Hurricanes think so.

"Here’s a guy, big, can run, can jump, played football before — people don’t realize that — is dedicated and is still enjoying sports," Miami coach Randy Shannon said. "Is it a long shot? Yes. But if he can come and give us something this year, if he’s able to go out and score three touchdowns, maybe that’s three we wouldn’t have. You never know. So why not? We’ll see what happens."

Graham enjoyed football as a kid, and probably would have been a two-sport athlete until entering college. He was the product of a troubled childhood and his mother, who wasn’t always around during his formative years, eventually agreed to turn over parental rights to a woman who took a liking to Graham through church outings.

Once adopted, Graham enrolled at a school in Wilson, N.C., that didn’t offer football. So basketball became his priority, and he wound up earning a scholarship to play at Miami.

But the football itch never went away. He doesn’t even play pickup basketball these days, for fear of derailing his football chances by injury.

"I think I can help us out a little bit," said Graham, who has a 40-inch vertical leap. "Right now, I’m the tallest thing out there. Just throw it up there, and I’ll go get the rebound."

He can’t find too many similarities between football and basketball. For starters, there’s no air conditioning in football. So to get used to the searing heat Miami will face during training camp, Graham would often head to the practice field at high noon this summer, running around for as long as he could.

"He’s out there, catching all the balls, making the correct blocks, doing his assignments," quarterback Jacory Harris said. "He can help us a lot. The tight end position, we don’t have a lot of numbers there."

The presumptive starter at tight end, Dedrick Epps, is back on the field this fall, less than a year removed from surgery to repair a torn knee ligament. Richard Gordon, another veteran tight end, has four catches in his Miami career.

That being said, it’s certainly not an impossible mission for Graham to find his way to the field this fall.

"From what I can see, it’s already working," defensive end Eric Moncur said. "Jimmy’s adapting to the game real well. He’s looked good all summer. And you don’t question his work ethic. The dude is a beast in basketball and that’s just carrying over to football. The guy, he works like a dog out there."

Graham was a fan favorite during his Miami basketball career, despite never averaging more than 6.0 points per game in any season and often racking up more fouls than anything else.

"At least now, I can’t foul out," Graham said.

Still, he would have had an opportunity to play professionally overseas, probably making at least $100,000 in his first year.

Instead, he remained at Miami, finally able to give football one more try.

"Being in the situation I was from as a kid, it’s tough to turn down six figures," Graham said. "But I see this as a great opportunity. I don’t know what’s going to come of it, but I’m going to dream big."

-- Tim Reynolds

Chavis won’t blame talent if LSU defense stumbles

BATON ROUGE, La. — If LSU’s defense fails to improve, the unit’s new "Chief" promised he won’t be making excuses.

"You won’t hear me say, ‘Hey, we don’t have any talent,"’ said new defensive coordinator John Chavis, who goes by the nickname Chief, a nod to his native American heritage.

"There’s no question in my mind that we have the talent to be a very good defense and we’re going to expect to be a very good defense," he continued on Sunday. "I’m not standing up here making any predictions ... but when we walk out on that field, we expect to be a championship defense."

The talent level of LSU’s defense was never more evident than in last year’s Chick-fil-A Bowl, when the Tigers mauled Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense, which last season averaged 377 yards and 26.2 points per game, couldn’t score a touchdown against LSU.

The result proved what the Tigers’ defense could do with several weeks to prepare for a single opponent. The problem was LSU’s performance against its Southeastern Conference rivals during the regular season.

LSU gave up 50-plus points each in losses to Florida and Georgia, then gave up more than 30 points each to Mississippi and Arkansas, results that led 2008 co-defensive coordinators Bradley Dale Peveto and Doug Mallory to seek work elsewhere.

Head coach Les Miles decided to return to the traditional single-coordinator hierarchy and turned to Chavis, who’d spent two decades molding some of the SEC’s best defenses at Tennessee. With longtime Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer leaving, Chavis was ready for a change.

"LSU has always been a place, and I can’t identify the reason why, but it’s always been a place that I said, ‘If I had an opportunity, I’d love to coach at LSU,"’ Chavis said during media day. "There’s always been something that intrigued me about LSU and Baton Rouge."

Chavis spent his last 14 years at Tennessee as defensive coordinator. As an opponent, Miles admired Chavis’ defensive acumen, particularly his ability to adjust in games and evolve from season to season.

"The number of different changes he’s shown ... it lets you know it’s not just a guy stuck in a career. It’s a guy who’s moving and making adjustments and preparing the best defense," Miles said.

In 2005, Miles’ first season at LSU, he saw first-hand how quickly Chavis could transform his defenses. The Tigers hosted Tennessee and took a 21-0 lead at halftime, then wound up losing 30-27 in overtime.

Even when LSU beat Tennessee, the games tended to be close. Miles noted that the Volunteers stifled the Tigers’ offense for much of the 2007 SEC championship game, which LSU won, 21-14, thanks in large part to Jonathan Zenon’s interception return for a touchdown.

Chavis’ lengthy experience preparing for Florida in the SEC’s East Division didn’t hurt his credentials, either.

"He kind of knows the lay of the land," Miles said.

The transition has been fairly easy for LSU players. Chavis’ scheme features a 4-3 alignment, which is what LSU was already using when he arrived.

"It’s some adjustments and tweaks from last year, and I think it’s to our advantage," said senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander. "So far I love his intensity and tenacity."

The changes feature a greater number of blitzes and an emphasis on having certain players train at multiple positions, giving the unit greater versatility and more ability to disguise its play calls.

"We’re putting in new packages every day — a whole bunch of blitz packages so we can be a much more aggressive defense," safety Chad Jones said. "We’re going to make the quarterback get the ball out quick and make him make mistakes."

Jones, who will play primarily free safety, said he might also play some at strong safety, cornerback or even linebacker, depending on the matchups Chavis seeks with various opponents.

It all sounded familiar to LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton, now entering his third season with the Tigers.

"He has the ability to change up zone and man coverage and it keeps you off balance, and he disguises things well," Crowton said. "He gives you the whole package and with the experience he has, he knows when to do what."

Chavis said one key to getting the best out of his players is recognizing their weaknesses and keeping them out of situations where they may be in over their heads.

"When you do that, they’re able to play aggressive and cut it loose," Chavis said. "We want to make sure when we put a guy out there, that he’s able to line up and he’s able to function at full speed. That’s the way you get to play great defense."

-- Brett Martel

Irish OT Duncan has new perspective on hard work

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame offensive tackle Paul Duncan has a new perspective on hard work after missing last season with a hip injury.

Duncan always considered himself a hard worker, but now he’s not so sure. A year on the sideline watching his teammates go 7-6 last season gave him time to reflect on his effort.

"I don’t want to say I didn’t work hard before. But just the whole attitude of going in there and making every single rep count, just pushing it that much harder," the fifth-year senior from Dallas, Ga., said Sunday. "I’m a year older now so I’m more mature about it and I’m maturing still. That just helps."

The effort helped the 6-foot-7 left tackle to add 20 pounds to his frame, bulking up to 320 pounds. He knows, though, he needs to prove himself on the field.

Duncan was part of an Irish offensive line in 2007 that gave up an NCAA-record 58 sacks and rushed for just 75.3 yards a game, by far the worst mark in school history as the Irish finished 3-9. Duncan concedes he was part of the problem.

"I just didn’t play well. I watch film and I don’t like what I see," he said.

First-year offensive line coach Frank Verducci, who spent the past eight years coaching in the NFL, said he thinks time off can help players to better value the opportunities they have. He said in the pros he always liked to get players who had been cut by other teams because they suddenly realized their own career mortality.

"Those guys went about their work with a whole different attitude after that," he said.

Seeing former classmate Mike Turkovich, who replaced Duncan at left tackle, graduate last year helped Duncan to see how little time he has left to prove himself.

The entire Irish line is looking to prove itself. The Irish return six linemen who have started games. But the line hasn’t been a place of strength for the Irish, who have posted the three worst rushing seasons in school history the past three years.

Coach Charlie Weis said the Irish need to be able to run the ball so teams can’t focus on stopping the passing attack. Duncan believes experience will be a key reason why the line will be better this season.

"We’ve been around each other. We know how each other think. Experience is huge on the offensive line," he said.

Duncan believes he’s already laid the groundwork for a better final season. He has a better understanding of the offense and a better understanding of defensive concepts. He’s focusing now on being more aggressive.

"Every single play I’m going to be running around hitting anybody I can hit. If the ball is 20 yards down the field, hopefully I’m right there, blocking 20 yards down there with them," he said.

He wants to make sure he leaves Notre Dame with no regrets.

"I don’t want to leave here thinking what I could have been, what I could have done," he said. "I’m doing everything I can, throwing it all out there right now."

-- Tom Coyne

Nebraska works on timing at second fall practice

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska football team is a little rusty after the summer, but the players are working on improving their timing and execution.

Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson says even though the players have been working with each other all summer, there are always timing problems when they get back together with the coaches.

Watson says he’s been impressed with junior college transfer Brandon Kinnie. He says the receiver has done well so far.

The team worked out in helmets and shorts for about three hours Sunday in the second practice of the fall.

Nebraska will return to practice Monday afternoon.

CU wideout Simas suspended for 2 games

BOULDER, Colo. — The long-awaited debut of University of Colorado wide receiver Markques Simas will be delayed two games this season following his suspension for violating unspecified team rules.

Simas, a third-year sophomore, can practice with the team but must sit out its Sept. 6 opener against Colorado State and a Sept. 11 game at Toledo. He will be eligible to play in the Buffaloes’ third game, against Wyoming.

Simas, from San Diego, redshirted in 2007 and was ruled academically ineligible before last season.

Sophomore offensive lineman Sione Tau has also been suspended for the fall semester also for violating an unspecified team rule. He has been excused from all team activities.