SEC Notebook: Alabama LB Nico Johnson finding his voice

A look at what's making headlines around the SEC on Friday, including Alabama LB Nico Johnson being one of the most experienced and vocal leaders on the Tide's defense.

By Daniel Lewis

Aug 17, 2012 at 10:08 am ET • 1 min read

A look at what's making headlines around the SEC on Friday:

Alabama LB Nico Johnson is one of the most experienced and vocal leaders on the Tide's defense. Coach Nick Saban says it hasn't always been that way. Johnson has found his voice since being a quiet freshman in 2009.
Former LSU DB Tyrann Mathieu checked into a rehabilitation center in Houston, according to CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman. "Tyrann realizes he has to resolve his issue," a source told Feldman.
Tennessee was one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the nation in 2011 with just 16 total sacks. It is planning to use senior DE Steven Fowlkes and junior DE Corey Miller as pass-rushing specialists in 2012 to help with the problem.
Coach Gary Pinkel saw some good things from Missouri QB James Franklin in Thursday's scrimmage, but he was frustrated with his inconsistency. “It was a little bit like Kansas State last year, or Kansas last year, where he wasn't playing very well and all of the sudden he looks like he's going to be first team all-SEC,” Pinkel said.
With only 15 days left until Auburn opens against Clemson, several spots are still up for grabs. There are only six spots on offense that are pretty well locked down for the Tigers at this point in camp.