SEC Media Days news and notes

The 2012 version of SEC Media Days has started and the the first day is officially in the books. The Crimson Tide will not make the trek to Hoover until Thursday, but there were plenty of exciting things to go around on the first day of media interviews with coaches and players from newcomers Missouri, Texas A&M and mainstays like South Carolina and Vanderbilt.

• Steve Spurrier began the day like he always does — with a few quotes that drew laughter from everyone within earshot.
• Spurrier stated when asked about scheduling in the SEC:  “You think I make the schedule,” Spurrier asked while smiling. “If I made the schedule, Georgia would be playing LSU and we’d be playing Ole Miss.”
• Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe stole the show in both the radio/internet and the main media room on Tuesday. Moe could have a nice career as a stand-up comic when his football career ends.
• Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers is extremely confident and looks like the type of guy who will be much improved in his second season with head coach James Franklin. Rodgers noted that knowing he is the starting quarterback heading into the season gives him the tools he needs to be able to conduct offseason workouts and drills the way he always wanted to do them.
• South Carolina’s player representatives were all very confident and seem focused on making sure this season is their best in recent memory. The Gamecocks return wide receiver Ace Sanders, quarterback Connor Shaw and running back Marcus Lattimore on offense to provide the basis for what could be a powerful threat in the SEC East. On defense, the Gamecocks will see the return of former all-world recruit Jadeveon Clowney on the defensive line. Coach Spurrier said he expects Clowney to play a lot more in 2012.
• Texas A&M and Missouri remained confident that they have what it takes to win in the SEC this season.
• Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin was very impressive in his inaugural appearance at SEC Media Days.
• Tomorrow will be a hectic day at the Wynfrey Hotel as six SEC teams will send their head coach and three player representatives. Mississippi State, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, LSU and Auburn will all take their turns in front of the media tomorrow.
• CrimsonConfidential.com will have continuing coverage of SEC Media Days throughout the week.