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

  • Auburn has at least three freshmen offensive linemen making a push for playing time in 2012. Coach Gene Chizik has never been scared to play freshmen. Guards Jordan Diamond and Alex Kozan, along with tackle Avery Young, are hoping to take advantage of that.

  • Arkansas hired former USC and Washington assistant Nick Holt to handle on-campus recruiting. That position was previously held by Jessica Dorrell, the mistress of former coach Bobby Petrino at the time of his motorcycle crash.

  • Approximately 20 schools have inquired about former LSU DB Tyrann Mathieu. A school spokesman said the school will handle the situation just as it would for any other transfer leaving the Tigers. 

  • South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, who is never afraid to voice his opinions, thinks the Gamecocks can top their 2011 win total of 11 in 2012. He was recently miffed when an athletic department member asked him if they would have a winning season.

  • The Vols faced eight of the top 25 picks in the 2012 NFL draft in 2011. Their schedule is loaded again with future NFL talent. Marcus Lattimore, Aaron Murray, Jarvis Jones and Johnthan Banks are among the potential first-round picks the Vols might face in 2012. 

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.