Eligibility change is bit tougher in SEC

HOOVER, Ala. - Despite talk about eased eligibility standards in the SEC, commissioner Mike Slive said a revised conference bylaw actually makes it more difficult for prospective student-athletes to become eligible.

"There has been confusion about a recent amendment that the conference made to its bylaws with respect to student-athlete eligibility, with some reports indicating the conference has relaxed its academic standards," Slive said Wednesday at the start of SEC Media Days. "In fact, the opposite is true."

Under the revised bylaw, SEC schools can still accept only four men's and four women's non-qualifiers, with a maximum of two in football and no more than one in any other sport.

The minimum grade-point average is lower (2.0 down from 2.25) and there is no minimum standardized test scores (SAT and ACT).

However, one of the reasons the new rule is tougher , Slive says, is that the GPA applies to at least 12 core courses, while previously there was no minimum GPA needed in basic high school classes such as math, English or science.

Non-qualifiers who meet those minimum requirements may still enroll and receive financial aid, practice and compete at an SEC school.

Non-qualifiers who fall below the minimum standard, however, must enroll in a junior college to become eligible for competition in the SEC. Any non-qualifier who doesn't meet those minimum standards set forth in the new bylaw can enroll at an SEC school, but cannot become eligible.

Additionally, only two non-qualifiers who meet the minimum standards under the new bylaw can become eligible to play football in the SEC.

"It is inappropriate to associate this legislative change with any individual student-athlete or prospective student-athlete," Slive said. "Rather the revision is based on the need to update rules to properly reflect new NCAA standards and to ensure accommodation of individuals challenged by learning disabilities."

TV Talk: Slive didn't offer anything new on the SEC's negotiations for a new television package to replace its current deal.

"Until the conference makes a final decision, there is not much more I can share with you, other than to say we have been very gratified with the level of interest in the SEC shown by television and multimedia distributors."

Slive also said that an SEC network, much like cable networks started by the Big Ten, Mountain West and the NFL, still is an option.

Jennings Back: Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said he expects former Jefferson County standout Jeff Jennings will see a lot of playing time this fall, his final season with the Commodores and his first season back after a knee injury.

"Jeff has a knack of getting the tough yardage," Johnson said. "I think he'll always be one of the first guys we look to in that role. But he's also a very good pass protector and a very good receiver coming out of the backfield.

"Jeff has enough skills to help our program enough that he's going to see a lot of action."

Healthy Harvin: Florida coach Urban Meyer said wide receiver Percy Harvin is ahead of schedule in recovering from a foot injury.

"I'd say he's close to 80, 90 percent, which is still a little bit ahead of schedule," Meyer said. "There's a part that says line him up at tailback and let him go. I think he'd be one of the best tailbacks in the country."

Injury Reports?: Count Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom among those who wouldn't mind providing an NFL-style injury report during the season, as the ACC will do this fall.

"If everybody is doing it, I don't have a problem with it," he said. "It's easy to say, 'Probable. Out. Maybe.' Just cuts (down) how much I got to say."

Gone, Not Forgotten: Safe to say the only SEC coach who will miss LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is Tigers coach Les Miles.

Still, Croom offered the first-round draft pick high praise when asked about LSU's defensive front.

"In my coaching career, he (Dorsey) is one of only three defensive linemen that when I went to the game I was truly afraid of."

The other two came from the NFL: Howie Long and former UT All-American Reggie White.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.