The difference in speed between the SEC and the Big 10 is more in the defensive lineman than any other position. And like I said, it is more southern speed than anything. The boys in the south seem to be the fastest in the country. You act like Florida State, Miami, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Virginia are slow.

Getting drafted is one thing. Getting on the field is another. The SEC has this obsession with speed. The NFL isn’t nearly as crazed with speed as many people think. If you have good football skills, if you run a 4.6, 4.8 the NFL will find a spot for you. Like CB Aeneas Williams who went to all those Pro Bowls … the guy played at Southern and ran a 4.9 40. Or like Rudi Johnson of Auburn … he ran a 5.0 40 but started in the NFL for several years. Also, look at all those big slow LBs and safeties from the Big 10 and Notre Dame that get drafted into the NFL all the time, guys from places like Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa. Those guys are good enough for the NFL, but in the SEC they wouldn’t even get a scholarship offer! If you are smart, work hard and have good skills, the NFL will give you a shot. So if you run above a 4.5 and are a DB, you will have a better chance playing in the NFL than you will in the SEC. But if you run a 4.38 40 and are a DB, SEC teams will fall over themselves for you if you have no cover skills, can’t or won’t tacle anyone, and don’t know a football from a tennis ball.

Also the Big 12 has had the fewest defensive backs drafted over the last several years out of all the conferences. And for all the talk about Big 12 QB play, there are 0 Big 12 starting QBs in the NFL, while there were a combined 10 starting QBs from the ACC and SEC heading into training camp this year (5 ACC, 5 SEC).

There is not such thing as SEC speed. It is southern football speed. Boys born and raised in the southeastern united states (particulary GA, FL, AL, SC, MS, TN, and LS). These kids play ball everywhere, but most play in the SEC and ACC.

Recruting Rankings with Video: http://www.squidoo.com/FootballRecruiting2010

So, this kid needs to go ahead, accept the OU offer, and dedicate himself to enrolling early. No need to waste your last semester in high school worrying about some prom (plus you can attend the promenade your junior year). Get all your required credits – even if it means attending summer school or taking online classes – and be in Norman in time for spring semester.

GO JACKETS!!!

Besides being a fine football player, Avery is also a good student and a quality young man from a great family. I suspect he’ll have a host of schools to choose from before he’s through. Anyone will be quite fortunate to have him come on campus because Avery is going to be one of those players you just never have to worry about; his parents should be very proud.