A quick fall camp roundup highlighting the latest from some of the top players in the SEC West:
Ole Miss
Wide receiver Vince Sanders will miss the next six weeks, and the Rebels' first game at a minimum, after breaking his collarbone Saturday. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports that Sanders was injured when he was tackled to the ground, even though the team was just wearing helmets. Coach Hugh Freeze clearly thought the injury should never have occurred, calling it "foolish." Sanders' 504 receiving yards and four TD catches last season both ranked second on the team.
It's a definite blow to an offense that relies on multiple receivers in a hurry-up scheme. And with upstart Vanderbilt being the Rebels' season opener August 29, Sanders could be greatly missed.
Texas A&M
Lost in the latest Johnny Manziel saga on Monday was coach Kevin Sumlin's announcement that Texas A&M defensive lineman Kirby Ennis has been suspended for the Aggies' season opener against Rice. Ennis' suspension stems from an arrest for disorderly conduct and display or discharge of a firearm. Ennis was a full-time starter last year.
Arkansas
Razorbacks wide receiver Mekale McKay is looking into transfer options. The 6-foot-6 wide receiver, who made 21 catches as a freshman last year, doesn’t appear to be a fit with the run-first offense new coach Bret Bielema is installing.
Auburn
C.J. Uzomah must have a strong grasp of new coach Gus Malzahn's offense. Oanow.com reports Uzomah is seeing action at four different positions thus far in fall camp -- from outside or slot receiver to tight end or the offensive backfield -- in an effort to set up favorable coverage matchups. AU is one of several schools in the SEC -- along with Florida, Mississippi State and Tennessee -- in search of impact players at the receiver position. Uzomah, who was converted to tight end last year, will be counted to help in that regard.
Alabama
It's been a quiet camp for news in Tuscaloosa thus far, although there's been nothing quiet about LaMichael Fanning's first week. With UA coaches looking to replace Detroit Lions draftee Michael Williams at the Y-tight end position, Fanning (6-7, 275 pounds) has been moved to that spot after spending two seasons at defensive end. Fanning's athleticism flashed brilliantly in practice at times at defensive end, but consistency was always an issue. Now, he'll get a chance to contribute doing what Williams did best: blocking.Â
LSU
Linebacker Lamin Barrow has earned an honor down on the Bayou, receiving jersey No. 18, according to The Times-Picayune. The number goes to a Tiger recognized for leadership skills, and Barrow -- one of several NFL prospects on the LSU defense -- made over 100 tackles last season for the Tigers. Players vote on the annual honor. Last year's bearer of the number was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles: defensive lineman Bennie Logan.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
