Reporters' Notebooks

Joseph Person, Columbia State: The mystery behind John Thompson's departure from South Carolina grew, with coach Steve Spurrier saying he didn't fire the defensive coordinator.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alex Mortensen, the Arkansas quarterback and son of ESPN's Chris Mortensen who had decided to transfer to Georgia Southern, won't be headed to that school (registration).

Jerry Hill, Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor hired Joe Kinne as linebackers coach. He lost 80% of his liver after he was shot by the parent of a player last April.

Jason Smith, Commercial Appeal: Jocques Crawford, a talented prep running back, had recruiters trying to knock down his door. Then came an arrest and guilty plea to misdemeanor simple assault (registration).

Charles Durrenberger, Arizona Daily Star: Dana Dimel, a former head coach at Wyoming and Houston, is the new tight ends coach at Arizona, replacing Josh Heupel.

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News: Colorado scored a bit of a victory when standout kicker Mason Crosby decided to return for his senior season.

Nehlan Blog: The hype surrounding West Virginia's 2006 season is in full force, with one paper picking the team to be the national champion.

Andy Hamilton, Iowa City Press-Citizen: Kirk Ferentz isn't going anywhere. In fact, the Iowa coach was amused to see an ESPN report saying that he had removed his name from consideration for NFL head coaching openings.

Marlon W. Morgan, Commercial Appeal: Mississippi will roll out the red carpet when former Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer visits the campus this weekend (registration).

Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald: Miami juniors Baraka Atkins and Ryan Moore won't be leaving early to pursue professional careers (registration).

Moisekapenda Bower, Houston Chronicle: Alabama defensive ends coach Paul Randolph is headed to Rice to become defensive coordinator.

Paul Gattis, Huntsville Times: Speaking of Alabama, the Crimson Tide is prepping for a key weekend when several targeted recruits will visit.

George Schroeder, Oklahoman: Rufus Alexander, a junior linebacker and leader on the Oklahoma defense, is returning for his senior season (registration).

Randy King, Roanoke Times: Virginia Tech quarterback coach Kevin Rogers said the dismissal of quarterback Marcus Vick from the team had nothing to do with his decision to take a job with the Minnesota Vikings.