SEC freshman class having huge impact

When you hear the SEC is a young league this season, that's not just "coach speak." Statistics back it up.

Many of the conference's statistical leaders are freshmen or sophomores.

Tennessee freshman Daniel Lincoln, who has made 20 of 24 field-goal attempts, leads the SEC in field-goal percentage. Two freshmen - Alex Tejada of Arkansas and Wes Byrum of Auburn - are second and third, respectively.

Auburn freshman Ryan Shoemaker leads the SEC in punting.

Florida sophomore Brandon James leads the SEC in punt-return average and is second in kickoff-return average.

Florida sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow leads the conference in pass efficiency, total offense and touchdowns.

Ole Miss sophomore defensive end Greg Hardy leads the conference with 10 sacks and is tied for the lead in forced fumbles.

Georgia redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno is second in rushing, and Florida sophomore linebacker Brandon Spikes is second in tackles.

Seniors are in the minority in most statistical categories.

Only three of the conference's top-10 rushers are seniors. Four of the top-10 receivers are seniors. And five of the top 10 passers are seniors.

Statistics aren't the only basis for characterizing the SEC as a young league. The 12 conference schools have nominated 63 freshmen for the SEC all-freshman team, which includes true and redshirt freshmen.

Auburn's Youth Movement: Apparently, no one is higher on its freshmen than Auburn. The Tigers list 15 as candidates for the conference's all-freshman team.

The Tigers start three freshmen in the offensive line and three more on the second-team line. Linebacker Craig Stevens and strong safety Zac Etheridge are freshman starters on defense. Shoemaker and Byrum are the other freshman starters.

Auburn also has four freshmen on its second-team defense.

UT Nominees: Tennessee nominated seven players for the All-SEC freshman team: defensive backs Eric Berry, Brent Vinson, and Dennis Rogan; offensive tackle Ramone Johnson, Lincoln; wide receiver Denarious Moore; and tight end Luke Stocker.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.