It’s Thursday night and I’m home from SEC Media Days, so it’s time for Mail Call!

Q: CBS Sports recently predicted an 8-4 record for the Ags this fall. They point to a tougher schedule. I see that as an absolute bottom, with a very low probability of actually happening. I think we’d have to have multiple major injuries to starters for that to be plausible.

What is your take on their prediction?

A: It’s garbage. 

Edit: Saban says Elko’s defense is always going to lean towards lighter, faster DL groups, and that teams like Miami (which would have included South Carolina, Arkansas, Missou last season) are going to run right down our throats. Is he right? (Rick77)

The reason Miami ran on A&M was because Albert Regis got hurt. Before that, they were shut down. It’s not just about about size, it’s smarts. There was a lot of blown gap assignments last year that led to big gains.

Q: Based on your questions for Elko, Is Daymion Sanford injured? (TAMU_Fan)

A: There’s absolutely no doubt that he’s injured and has been rehabbing for months.

Q: Does Elko look like he lost any weight?

A: I don’t know. It wasn’t on my list of things to ponder.

Do you think he looks in Coaching shape? (Clayber)

Always.

Q: Is the O-line going to be interchangeable positioning of players like the last two years? (Spar2cus)

A: I doubt it, but I’m not sure on that. I could see Robbie Bourdon being moved around some, but that would be about it.

Q: I know there are a lot of new SEC coaches this year, but now that you have been around most of them at media days, excluding Kiffin, which SEC coach do you despise the most?

A: I don’t despise any of them (beyond Lane). There are some I don’t think I’d get along with on a personal level, and that includes Drink and Brent Venables.

Excluding Elko, which SEC coach do you like the most.

Wow, I don’t know. I want to like Shane Beamer, I really do, but I can’t. Make Josh Heupel. 

Which SEC teams do you think have a legitimate shot at winning the conference?

Georgia, Texas, A&M and LSU if the pieces fit. 

Which SEC teams have a legitimate shot at making the CFP?

Those four, OU and Alabama.

Most overrated SEC team?

Alabama.

Most overlooked SEC team? (big_ag)

OU.

Q: Will the NCAA be able to enforce their age rules for playing college sports? (QuickDrawMcgraw77)

A: I sure hope so, but I expect lawsuits galore and judges willing to help their home team out.

Q: Who was our most disappointing recruit in your memory? (H273) 

A: Demond Demas. Full stop.

Q: In general, what changes in schemes, play calling, tempo, etc do you see with the changes in personnel, both on the field and the sideline? BTW, great reporting from Tampa this week! (GasAg90)

A: I think one thing we’ll see more of is the moving of the pocket, which I think is a great idea. Getting Marcel Reed in a better position to use his feet I think will be a big help to the offense. I think that they may move a little bit faster tempo-wise, but that’s about it.

Q: 1. Kirk Herbstreit today said on the Pat MacAfee Show, the 3 teams I’m looking at for the NC this year are, Miami, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M. Feels good, but makes me nervous. What do you think about this in July?

A: I don’t. It’s all crap. Herbie may know more than most, but he’s still a big picture guy.

2. When can Jefecita Thunderballs come back to the First Deck?

Whenever she wants.

3. How is the kicking game looking so far with the team?

We didn’t see much of David Olano in the spring, so I’m not really sure. But Asher Murray looked pretty good, so I’ve got more confidence in those two than Randy Bond and Jared Zirkel.

4. Do the Orioles trade Rutschman (C) before the trade deadline to bring in some more pitching, especially since they’ve not been able to sign him to a long-term deal and he’s a FA in ’27?

The haul will have to be significant, but I’d certainly consider it. 

5. Who’s the one person in the Athletic Dept. that you’d like to know, but do not? (Tsip despiser)

A: Softball coach Trisha Ford. My niece was first team All-District second baseman as a freshman and I’d like to see if the Aggies would have any interest. Also, she seems like a very chill person.

Q: Now that SEC Media Days are over, when does Fall Camp begin? Are all players in College Station? Tell me your thoughts on a few players rarely mentioned; Myles Davis, Sam M’Pemba, Bravion Rogers, Kelvion Riggins and Micah Riley? (Nemojones)

A: Davis: Backup safety. Probably safety 4.

M’Pemba: This one intrigues me. Right now, they’ve got Anto Saka, Marco Jones, TJ Searcy and Ryan Henderson in the defensive end rotation. They need more. A standup pass rusher would be nice. M’Pemba looks absolutely shredded and, if he’s got the burst that he had that made him a 5-star, he could be a real factor.

Rogers: Special teamer par excellence, and possibly in the mix at nickel. Not a big name, but one of the cogs that makes a good team run.

Riggins: Let’s see if he’s actually out there in a few weeks.

Riley: Primary blocking tight end.

Q: Obvious one.

Summer camp surprises and emerging players. (R23)

A: I’m going to go out on a limb with a few of these guys, even if some were 5-stars: M’Pemba, Terry Bussey, Angelo McCullom and Rickey Gibson as the surprises, though McCullom and Gibson could just be because fans don’t know them yet. As for emerging players, look for running back KJ Edwards, wideout Aaron Gregory (no shock there), defensive end Bryce Perry-Wright, linebacker Tamarion Watkins and corner Brandon Arrington.

Q: Does Lane Kiffen live under a sun lamp? Makes me think of actor George Hamilton.

A: If he doesn’t, he, Hamilton and Trump are using the same spray-on tan.

He does seem to like and respect Elko. (QuickDrawMcGraw77)

Like I said earlier today on the board, Lane has a prison mentality. He shows respect and deference to people he thinks might shank him.