As the start of fall practice hangs in the air like a hazy August day, things are starting to heat up on the field as well.

As you know, conferences have started to have their media days, the Pac-10 has theirs today.

Lots of activity from Chapel Hill, as the Tar Heels get ready for the 2006 season. The Raleigh News and Observer says that Junior DE Khalif Mitchell will take a year away from school and address some personal issues. Mitchell was slated to start this year, but did not enroll in classes.

Also, RB Antwain Carey has left the team to pursue a track career and walk-on RB R. J. Waters has transferred to Norfolk State to get more carries.

Possible trouble in Ole Miss. Starting QB Brent Schaffer is not academically eligible yet. The Tennessean in a note piece about the SEC, reports that the transfer from Tennessee is waiting for two grades from classes taken at a community college in California. (Tony Barnhart has some good Q and A about the SEC in that column too.)

Notre Dame has scored Thomas Bemenderfer from Northwestern, that according to the South Bend Tribune The tackle did not play last season and after sitting out this season, will still have three years left of eligibility. Rotoworld had him as a reserve this year with the Wildcats.

Auburn CB, and possible NFL prospect, Montavis Pitts has transferred to Jacksonville State. Being a I-AA school, he can play this year.

Those of you hoping that Laura Quinn may leave A.J. Hawk and come to you can now drown your sorrows. The couple tied the knot in Green Bay Monday, according to the South Bend Tribune.

Finally in the ACC, watch for a battle at UNC for the QB job. The Charlotte Observer reports that Cam Sexton and Joe Dailey are “neck and neck” for the job. UNC Head Coach John Bunting hints that they even may do the two quarterback system. (Never a good idea, IMHO)

WR Ryan Moore may have his suspension lifted before the season and despite not taking any contract drills yet, RB Tyrone Moss is expected to start the season opener.