Day Two at the Wynfrey Hotel/Mall in Birmingham featured the big name head coaches. Hitting the scene early was "S". That's Alabama's head man Nick Saban. "S" was on stage first and he brought "Ro" and big OL Mike Johnson with him. "Ro" is ILB Rolando McClain, one of the top player's in CF. Coach Saban gets a bad rap. I've found him to be a real gentleman. He's a good family man and an excellent football coach. He told me the Saban family has enjoyed some down time at the lake this summer. He looks rested and ready to go. The scene of "S" leaving the hotel was sort of funny. The Bama fans circled his car out in the valet parking area, forcing him to engage...sign a few autographs, pose for a few pictures, and get a couple of hugs. The car was a black Mercedes S550. Impressive. The police eventually cleared a path for his driver to get out and "S" was gone. The funny part is this: few moments later "Ro" and Mike Johnson exited and left in a beat up, old white University of Alabama van. Probably some NCAA rule.
    Richt hit the stage next, with the aura of a successful senator. After coming here as the Preseason #1 last year and getting swamped, he looks comfortable in this underdog role. And I think he likes this team. He needs a few young pups to deliver at WR, TE, DE, and CB, and that looks possibility. Joe Cox is a likeable, but really serious young man. I like it. He's serious about winning. Again, look for him to surprise a lot of doubters. I'd say Joe stands 6'0. The ball will get out quick and be thrown accurate. And he will lead. Plus, the O-Line is legit and that's going to help Joe play well. The funniest moment was standing there with Joe (after interviewing him) and watching Jeff Owens shooting video of Tim Tebow, as he was escorted into the ESPN room. Tebow's expression was something like...I've seen this big guy somewhere before and why is he shooting video of me? Owens was trying to get the INTV we were all out to get. Jeff came up empty too.
    Sat down with Houston Nutt and Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead. A lof of chemistry going on there. Makes for a real good situation. Jevan can make all the throws and he respects Coach Nutt because he's played the position and knows how to attack defenses.Ole MIss is the only team in the West to not advance to the SEC Championship game. Get the feeling that these two think that will change this season.
    Urban Meyer joned us on the phone for an INTV. He's the only coach today to not work Radio Row. But he's never done that. All-American LB Brandon Spikes was scheduled to be here but was replaced by LB Ryan Stamper. Spikes apparently wasn't real comfortable with the idea of appearing in front of 200+ writers and 100 TV/Radio stations. Camera shy. Reportedly, he told the Florida S.I.D. guys weeks ago that he wasn't going to come. Guess they thought he was kidding around. Stamper was flown up at the last minute.
    No one is leaving early. Tomorrow Kiffin and Spurrier show up. And Les Miles.