We were told that Jake Bowen, one of Bay County’s best defensive players, was supposed to sign a national let-ter of intent with South Alabama, which is forming a football team next season.

It turns out, that wasn’t true. We’re still not sure what Bowen signed this morning, but it wasn’t a NLI. Whether it was a miscommunication between USA coaches and his mother, or just a misunderstanding, Bowen will try to walk on to the Jaguars, who will play their first full season in 2010.

Bowen wasn’t included in my story on the Arnold signings because we don’t write about walk-ons in the print edition. Hence, why I’m talk-ing about it here on my blog.

Hope that clarifies some questions or concerns.

Gray chooses Troy
One noticeable name was absent from today’s ceremony at Arnold High School for National Signing Day. The Marlins quarterback, Johnny Gray, wasn’t among the three seniors inking their names to play at the next level.

That’s because Gray, who threw for 691 yards and six touchdowns last season, opted to be a preferred walk-on at Troy, a Sun Belt Conference school.

“It’s just close to home and I’ve wanted to play ball there, so I’m just going to go and walk on,” Gray said. “That’s the best of the best. You have to be good to get on the field. If you’re starting at a Division I program, then you know you’re one of the best in the country, period. That’s as big as it gets. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Troy recruited Gray briefly during his sophomore year. His lack of speed is no secret around Bay County, but Gray the opportunity to play at some Division II, Division III and NAIA schools. Instead, he’s trying to be one of 15 possible walk-ons out of a field of 60.

Gray said one Trojan assistant told him he should be selected.

“I’m probably going to get redshirted,” Gray said. “They told me to report in July and start working out and start practicing and all that stuff.”

If not, he may stay at Troy and get his degree or try to play else where.

“I haven’t even thought about that yet,” he said.

How the SEC stacks up
Check out where Rivals.com and Scout.com ranked the recruiting classes of all 12 SEC teams. The first number listed is Rivals.com and second is Scout.com.
Alabama 1 - 2
Arkansas 14 - 19
Auburn 18 - 15
Florida 10 - 21
Georgia 9 - 8
Kentucky 42 - 32
LSU 2 - 3
Mississippi 17 - 16
Mississippi State 22 - 18
South Carolina 12 - 12
Tennessee 23 - 22
Vanderbilt 73 - 74

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And Rich Brooks has a F-150.

Paul Miller Ford, a Lexington, Ky. dealership, released an “exclusive 2009 Rich Brooks Edition F-150 Crew CabTruck,” the school announced in a release.

The truck was on sale today, 1/23, in tribute of the Wildcats first, second and third bowl wins under Brooks.

“It’s a good looking truck and I encourage people to see it and drive it,” Brooks said.

It’s painted silver and blue with a strip of black, and includes a relax tailgate cover, 22-inch custom chrome wheels and tires, tinted windows, dual exhaust, Toff spray-in bed liner, enhanced mobile satellite TV system and Microsoft SYNC.

The truck also includes Rich Brooks signature decals on the doors and tailgate, and Rich Brooks edition decals on fenders and quarter panels.

A price has not been announced. The truck can be seen here.

In other SEC news…
Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes was named the Chevrolet defensive player of the year. He had 93 total tackles, including 52 solo, and was the anchor of the Gators defense which helped win Florida its second national title in three years.

Spikes was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Awards.

He announced earlier this month that he’ll return for his senior season at Florida.

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White replaces John Hevesy, who joined former Gator offensive coordinator Dan Mullen at Mississippi State.

White comes to Florida from Washington. He was special teams coordinator and tight ends coach there for one season after spending two as offensive coordinator at Syracuse. As offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Wisconsin, White tutored Ron Dayne, Michael Bennett, Anthony Davis and Brian Calhoun.

He won the AFCA Divison I Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004.

“He will play a key rol ein our offensive game plan and our special teams preparation,” Meyer said. “He is a relentless recruiter and has an understanding of our program’s philosophy.”

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A day after announcing his plans to return as Florida’s quarterback for his senior season, Tim Tebow
underwent arthoscopic surgery on his right shoulder at Shands Florida Surgical Center, the school announced in a release Monday.

The procedure removed a bone spur and releived chronic inflammation, the result of an injury Tebow sufferd last season but reaggravated earlier this year.

“The surgery went well,” team physician Dr. Pete Indelicato said in the release. “He should be able to begin throwing in the next three to four weeks and a full recovery is expected.”

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“Oh, by the way, let’s do it again,” Tebow said. “I’m coming back.”

Tebow had the option of forgoing his senior year of college and entering the NFL Draft.

In his three seasons in Gainesville, Tebow has won two national titles and the 2007 Heisman Trophy.

Read the story about Tebow’s announcement.

Now here’s my question…Will Tebow be the best college football player ever when his career is over?

Let me know.

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