Schaddy
04-01-2007, 10:28 PM
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~upchurs/cs102/ncaa_football_logo.jpg
Big Shoes to Fill
by Andrew 'Schaddy' Schad
Every year, the top college football teams in the land must replace star players who have moved on to bigger and better things, like flashy cars, magnificent mansions and garbage bags full of greenbacks.
This season is no different. With the departure of high-profile starters, many powerhouse programs are searching, if not scrambling, to fill out their two-deep rosters with legitimate replacements. The departures of players like Brady Quinn, JaMarcus Russell, Adrian Peterson, Reggie Nelson and Alan Branch have left teams with major question marks at important positions. Some teams are better prepared to replace their stars than others, but this article will focus on some of the more intriguing spring practice battles...er the teams that may well be scrambling, if you want to put it that way. Is your team prepared for the upcoming season?
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/schaddy2/chriswells235.jpg?t=1175480259
Why not start where last season ended? Ohio State not only lost the national title game, but the Buckeyes lost QB Troy Smith, RB Antonio Pittman and WRs Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez. Ouch. The leading candidate to take over under center is Todd Boeckman (6'5", 235), a strong-armed and deceptively athletic junior who threw just three passes last seaosn. It would be nice to say that the Buckeyes return their backup from last year, at least, but Justin Zwick also graduated. Rob Shoenhoft (6'6", 242), a sophmore with who throws a good deep ball, and Antonio Henton (6'1", 207), a redshirt freshman who reminds some fans of Smith with his athleticism, will get a shot to compete for the starting job; it's relatively wide-open. One thing that all three candidates have going for them is athleticism; each was an accomplished multi-sport athlete in high school. At wideout, the Buckeyes have returnees in Brian Robiskie (6'3" 195), who impressed as the #3 receiver last season, and Brian Hartline (6'3", 190). Look for youngsters Ray Small (5'11", 175), who's dangerous in the open field, and Albert Dukes (6'1", 192) to push the Brians. Chris Wells (6'1", 228) was just about as good a backup runner as any team in the country had last season as a true freshman. It's too bad the Buckeyes have to count on him to replace Pittman. Joining Wells in a very talented, young backfield will be this year's intriguing recruit, Brandon Saine (6'0", 200); he's a home run threat and figures to compliment the bigger Wells nicely.
While the Buckeyes have holes all over their offensive depth chart, the Men of Troy have at least one skill position very well taken care of. QB John David Booty doesn't have a lot of experience around him in the huddle, but like always, Southern Cal has an embarassment of riches to coach up. Departed receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith were arguably the best duo in all of college football last season, and the pair did a dance all over USC's impressive record book. Now, it's up to talented youngsters like Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner to emerge. Hazelton (6'3", 202), one of the most talented players - at any position - in the country, saw only one pass come his way last season as a freshman, though he was pretty well roadblocked by USC's veterans. He'll need to show that he's got sure hands and route-running polish to become Booty's top target, and there's no reason to think he can't do it. Turner (6'5", 230), the elder statesman as a junior, saw quite a bit of action in USC's multi-receiver sets last year. In a perfect world, the stocky, sure-handed Turner will be a high-quality second receiver while Hazelton assumes Jarrett's downfield big play role. That's not to say that Turner can't make plays; he has a body that seems closer to tight end than receiver, and can outmuscle many defensive backs. With the size of Turner and Hazelton, Booty should have the luxury to occasionally just throw it up in the general direction of the opposing team's end zone and get credit for a touchdown pass. Travon Patterson (5'11", 182), a sophmore, adds more of a speed option, and is dangerous any time he's got the ball in his hands. Look for redshirt freshmen David Ausberry (6'4", 213) to push for playing time, as he gives the team yet another jumbo receiver. True freshman Ronald Johnson projects as a good corner, but he should see time at receiver as well. He's an explosive athlete and a playmaker.
http://images.athlonsports.com/d/1323-1/%2310+QB+John+David+Booty+0035.JPG
The running back position was never truly settled for the Trojans last year, and there is even more competition for the job now. Returning sophmores CJ Gable (6'0", 198) and Emmanuel Moody (6'1", 193) showed plenty of flashes last year. Gable impressed in the Trojans' Rose Bowl win, and while Moody missed time due to injury, both players showed the talent to help not only on the ground, but to be threats catching the ball out of the backfield. Oh, yeah, you might have heard that USC is bringing in a pretty decent freshman back this year, too. Joe McKnight (6'1", 195) can only be compared to Percy Harvin for now, and projects to end up in the swanky part of Reggie Bush's neighborhood someday. Probably the most talented player in the entire 2007 recruiting class, McKnight can play in the backfield or line up outside. He's a threat to score literally any time he touches the ball, whether he's using his blazing speed or surprising toughness running between the tackles. Suffice it to say that despite the high-profile departures, nobody in college football circles will be feeling sorry for Southern Cal in 2007.
Starting quarterback at Notre Dame. Those five words can catapult a player to heights few others can ever hope to aspire to. And this year, with Brady Quinn off to make bank in the big leagues, one of the most pressure-packed, high profile jobs in the country is wide open. Demetrius Jones (6'3", 195) is the closest thing there is to a favorite entering spring practices. He's very athletic and can make just about all the throws. He's also never officially thrown a college pass. Jones could get the nod due to his ability to make something out of nothing, though if he does get the job he'll likely just be keeping it warm for our second contender, true freshman Jimmy Clausen. Clausen (6'3", 200) is pretty much the prototype for a Charlie Weiss offense. Tall, athletic, mobile and cannon-armed, Clausen will likely get every chance to win the job in his first season. He's got all the talent in the world on his side, along with pure mechanics and poise rarely seen in a player so young. If he does win the job, however, no amount of poise can truly prepare him for starting at QB in South Bend as an 18-year-old. The next candidate for office is the graybeard of the bunch, Evan Shaprley. A junior, Sharpley (6'2", 206) has a good arm and better athleticism than it would appear at first glance. He's also got far and away the most experience of the three, and is familiar with Weiss's offense. It really is hard to forcast how good the Irish will be this season, considering the fact that even Weiss probably has no idea who his #1 signal-caller will be at this moment. One thing is certain, though: whoever ends up starting, you're sure to hear plenty about them, good or bad. After all, being the starting qarterback at Notre Dame is...well, being the starting qarterback at Notre Dame.
Ryan Perrilloux once said he'd win a whole bunch of Heisman trophies during his time in the Bayou. Well, now is the time to see what one of the highest-rated recruits in recent memory can really do. Now a redshirt sophmore, Perrilloux (6'3", 220) enters spring practice in a dogfight with Matt Flynn to replace superstar JaMarcus Russell under center for LSU. Perrilloux is a very athletic quarterback, capable of making a huge play out of thin air a la Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick. He's got a rocket arm, but mechanical issues are one note that scouts tend to harp on with regards to Perrilloux's game. Flynn (6'2", 228) certainly has the edge in experience. A senior, he was Russell's backup last season and threw for 133 yards and a pair of scores. Like Perrilloux, he's also more than capable of making something happen with his feet. While Flynn doesn't wow you with his raw athleticism, he's crafty and has good feet and awareness when scrambling. He also lacks elite arm strength, but Flynn is a savvy player who could be very effective considering the talent around him. While fans are anxious to see Perrilloux get some extended playing time, Flynn appears to be the coaching staff's early favorite for the job. But ah, that's what spring practices are for, right? Keep an eye on this battle all through the summer, as it will not only decide things on the campus at LSU, but whomever earns the job could well have a big say in who wins the typically rough and tumble SEC West.
Michigan's offense figures to be set in 2007-08, with stars at quarterback (Chad Henne), running back (Mike Hart) and receiver (Mario Manningham). The defense, however, must replace a lot of talent and production from last season's elite unit. It starts up front, where Alan Branch and Lamarr Woodley have moved on to the NFL. Tim Jamison (6'3", 255), a senior, will start at one end spot. He's shown flashes of becoming a reliable pass rusher, and has the talent to become an impact player. Sophmore Adam Patterson (6'3", 262) saw limited action last season, but he was a touted recruit who should flash his talent this year. The battle to replace Branch will feature junior Marques Walton (6'0", 295) and Will Johnson (6'5", 293). A redshirt sophmore, Johnson has pass-rush ability and should play regularly even if he doesn't start over Walton, a better run defender. Shawn Crable is a star as an oversized 'backer, but he'll be working with a pair of new starters from among John Thompson and Chris and Brandon Graham. A senior, Chis Graham (5'11", 228) is a good tackler who has coverage skills. Brandon Graham (6'2", 242), another highly regarded recruit, saw some action last season and showed his talent. He should make an impact rushing the passer. Thompson (6'1", 234) doesn't do anything especially well, but is an experienced junior who can fill in if Brandon Graham struggles to adjust. In the defensive backfield, Michigan returns a solid trio in safeties Brandent Englemon (5'11", 207) and Jamar Adams (6'2", 218) and corner Morgan Trent (6'1", 192). Redshirt freshman Jonas Mouton (6'2", 215) will push for time at safety, as will sophmore Steve Brown (6'0", 200). Junior Charles Stewart (6'1", 195) has good size, and figures to start at the other corner spot. True freshman Donovan Warren (6'0", 175) will get a chance to show what he can do in spring practice. A very athletic corner with fluid cover skills, Warren is touted as one of the very best defensive backs in the 2007 recruiting class.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/schaddy2/25302181.jpg?t=1175481037
Another defense that will be very much in the spotlight this season is Florida's, and the Gators must replace quite a few stars of their own. Gone are safety Reggie Nelson, defensive ends Ray McDonald and Jarvis Moss, linebacker Brandon Siler and corner Reggie Lewis, among others. Derrick Harvey (6'4", 262), a junior, came into his own last season with 11 sacks. He'll be joined at end by either Darryl Gresham or true freshman Carlos Dunlap. Gresham (6'1", 260), a sophmore, hardly played last season but can stop the run. Dunlap, a consensus top 10 national prospect, can be a pass rushing terror and has the size to be an all around stud. At linebacker, Brandon Spikes (6'4", 232) looks like he's ready to star. He gained experience as a freshman last season, as did Dustin Doe (6'0", 210). The sophmores will be joined by redshirt Jon Demps (6'4", 235), who can play the middle and is a sure tackler. Look for true freshman Lorenzo Edwards (6'2", 221) to push for time with his coverage ability and athleticism. The defensive backfield is more stable with veteran safeties Tony Joiner (5'11", 210) and Kyle Jackson (6'1", 203) and corner Ryan Smith (5'11", 172). Look for the competition to be fierce for the open cornerback job. Jacques Richardson (5'10", 182) is a talented redshirt freshman who is solid in man coverage, while true freshman Ahmad Black (5'11", 170) is a ballhawk who isn't afraid to mix it up despite his diminutive frame.
Other spring plotlines that should have a big effect on the national scene include the QB battle at Wisconsin between Tyler Donovan and Allan Everidge, the fight between Brad Lester and Ben Tate to start in Auburn's backfield, and the competition for Nebraska's running back job, featuring Marlon Lucky, Cody Glenn and Kenny Wilson.
Big Shoes to Fill
by Andrew 'Schaddy' Schad
Every year, the top college football teams in the land must replace star players who have moved on to bigger and better things, like flashy cars, magnificent mansions and garbage bags full of greenbacks.
This season is no different. With the departure of high-profile starters, many powerhouse programs are searching, if not scrambling, to fill out their two-deep rosters with legitimate replacements. The departures of players like Brady Quinn, JaMarcus Russell, Adrian Peterson, Reggie Nelson and Alan Branch have left teams with major question marks at important positions. Some teams are better prepared to replace their stars than others, but this article will focus on some of the more intriguing spring practice battles...er the teams that may well be scrambling, if you want to put it that way. Is your team prepared for the upcoming season?
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/schaddy2/chriswells235.jpg?t=1175480259
Why not start where last season ended? Ohio State not only lost the national title game, but the Buckeyes lost QB Troy Smith, RB Antonio Pittman and WRs Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez. Ouch. The leading candidate to take over under center is Todd Boeckman (6'5", 235), a strong-armed and deceptively athletic junior who threw just three passes last seaosn. It would be nice to say that the Buckeyes return their backup from last year, at least, but Justin Zwick also graduated. Rob Shoenhoft (6'6", 242), a sophmore with who throws a good deep ball, and Antonio Henton (6'1", 207), a redshirt freshman who reminds some fans of Smith with his athleticism, will get a shot to compete for the starting job; it's relatively wide-open. One thing that all three candidates have going for them is athleticism; each was an accomplished multi-sport athlete in high school. At wideout, the Buckeyes have returnees in Brian Robiskie (6'3" 195), who impressed as the #3 receiver last season, and Brian Hartline (6'3", 190). Look for youngsters Ray Small (5'11", 175), who's dangerous in the open field, and Albert Dukes (6'1", 192) to push the Brians. Chris Wells (6'1", 228) was just about as good a backup runner as any team in the country had last season as a true freshman. It's too bad the Buckeyes have to count on him to replace Pittman. Joining Wells in a very talented, young backfield will be this year's intriguing recruit, Brandon Saine (6'0", 200); he's a home run threat and figures to compliment the bigger Wells nicely.
While the Buckeyes have holes all over their offensive depth chart, the Men of Troy have at least one skill position very well taken care of. QB John David Booty doesn't have a lot of experience around him in the huddle, but like always, Southern Cal has an embarassment of riches to coach up. Departed receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith were arguably the best duo in all of college football last season, and the pair did a dance all over USC's impressive record book. Now, it's up to talented youngsters like Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner to emerge. Hazelton (6'3", 202), one of the most talented players - at any position - in the country, saw only one pass come his way last season as a freshman, though he was pretty well roadblocked by USC's veterans. He'll need to show that he's got sure hands and route-running polish to become Booty's top target, and there's no reason to think he can't do it. Turner (6'5", 230), the elder statesman as a junior, saw quite a bit of action in USC's multi-receiver sets last year. In a perfect world, the stocky, sure-handed Turner will be a high-quality second receiver while Hazelton assumes Jarrett's downfield big play role. That's not to say that Turner can't make plays; he has a body that seems closer to tight end than receiver, and can outmuscle many defensive backs. With the size of Turner and Hazelton, Booty should have the luxury to occasionally just throw it up in the general direction of the opposing team's end zone and get credit for a touchdown pass. Travon Patterson (5'11", 182), a sophmore, adds more of a speed option, and is dangerous any time he's got the ball in his hands. Look for redshirt freshmen David Ausberry (6'4", 213) to push for playing time, as he gives the team yet another jumbo receiver. True freshman Ronald Johnson projects as a good corner, but he should see time at receiver as well. He's an explosive athlete and a playmaker.
http://images.athlonsports.com/d/1323-1/%2310+QB+John+David+Booty+0035.JPG
The running back position was never truly settled for the Trojans last year, and there is even more competition for the job now. Returning sophmores CJ Gable (6'0", 198) and Emmanuel Moody (6'1", 193) showed plenty of flashes last year. Gable impressed in the Trojans' Rose Bowl win, and while Moody missed time due to injury, both players showed the talent to help not only on the ground, but to be threats catching the ball out of the backfield. Oh, yeah, you might have heard that USC is bringing in a pretty decent freshman back this year, too. Joe McKnight (6'1", 195) can only be compared to Percy Harvin for now, and projects to end up in the swanky part of Reggie Bush's neighborhood someday. Probably the most talented player in the entire 2007 recruiting class, McKnight can play in the backfield or line up outside. He's a threat to score literally any time he touches the ball, whether he's using his blazing speed or surprising toughness running between the tackles. Suffice it to say that despite the high-profile departures, nobody in college football circles will be feeling sorry for Southern Cal in 2007.
Starting quarterback at Notre Dame. Those five words can catapult a player to heights few others can ever hope to aspire to. And this year, with Brady Quinn off to make bank in the big leagues, one of the most pressure-packed, high profile jobs in the country is wide open. Demetrius Jones (6'3", 195) is the closest thing there is to a favorite entering spring practices. He's very athletic and can make just about all the throws. He's also never officially thrown a college pass. Jones could get the nod due to his ability to make something out of nothing, though if he does get the job he'll likely just be keeping it warm for our second contender, true freshman Jimmy Clausen. Clausen (6'3", 200) is pretty much the prototype for a Charlie Weiss offense. Tall, athletic, mobile and cannon-armed, Clausen will likely get every chance to win the job in his first season. He's got all the talent in the world on his side, along with pure mechanics and poise rarely seen in a player so young. If he does win the job, however, no amount of poise can truly prepare him for starting at QB in South Bend as an 18-year-old. The next candidate for office is the graybeard of the bunch, Evan Shaprley. A junior, Sharpley (6'2", 206) has a good arm and better athleticism than it would appear at first glance. He's also got far and away the most experience of the three, and is familiar with Weiss's offense. It really is hard to forcast how good the Irish will be this season, considering the fact that even Weiss probably has no idea who his #1 signal-caller will be at this moment. One thing is certain, though: whoever ends up starting, you're sure to hear plenty about them, good or bad. After all, being the starting qarterback at Notre Dame is...well, being the starting qarterback at Notre Dame.
Ryan Perrilloux once said he'd win a whole bunch of Heisman trophies during his time in the Bayou. Well, now is the time to see what one of the highest-rated recruits in recent memory can really do. Now a redshirt sophmore, Perrilloux (6'3", 220) enters spring practice in a dogfight with Matt Flynn to replace superstar JaMarcus Russell under center for LSU. Perrilloux is a very athletic quarterback, capable of making a huge play out of thin air a la Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick. He's got a rocket arm, but mechanical issues are one note that scouts tend to harp on with regards to Perrilloux's game. Flynn (6'2", 228) certainly has the edge in experience. A senior, he was Russell's backup last season and threw for 133 yards and a pair of scores. Like Perrilloux, he's also more than capable of making something happen with his feet. While Flynn doesn't wow you with his raw athleticism, he's crafty and has good feet and awareness when scrambling. He also lacks elite arm strength, but Flynn is a savvy player who could be very effective considering the talent around him. While fans are anxious to see Perrilloux get some extended playing time, Flynn appears to be the coaching staff's early favorite for the job. But ah, that's what spring practices are for, right? Keep an eye on this battle all through the summer, as it will not only decide things on the campus at LSU, but whomever earns the job could well have a big say in who wins the typically rough and tumble SEC West.
Michigan's offense figures to be set in 2007-08, with stars at quarterback (Chad Henne), running back (Mike Hart) and receiver (Mario Manningham). The defense, however, must replace a lot of talent and production from last season's elite unit. It starts up front, where Alan Branch and Lamarr Woodley have moved on to the NFL. Tim Jamison (6'3", 255), a senior, will start at one end spot. He's shown flashes of becoming a reliable pass rusher, and has the talent to become an impact player. Sophmore Adam Patterson (6'3", 262) saw limited action last season, but he was a touted recruit who should flash his talent this year. The battle to replace Branch will feature junior Marques Walton (6'0", 295) and Will Johnson (6'5", 293). A redshirt sophmore, Johnson has pass-rush ability and should play regularly even if he doesn't start over Walton, a better run defender. Shawn Crable is a star as an oversized 'backer, but he'll be working with a pair of new starters from among John Thompson and Chris and Brandon Graham. A senior, Chis Graham (5'11", 228) is a good tackler who has coverage skills. Brandon Graham (6'2", 242), another highly regarded recruit, saw some action last season and showed his talent. He should make an impact rushing the passer. Thompson (6'1", 234) doesn't do anything especially well, but is an experienced junior who can fill in if Brandon Graham struggles to adjust. In the defensive backfield, Michigan returns a solid trio in safeties Brandent Englemon (5'11", 207) and Jamar Adams (6'2", 218) and corner Morgan Trent (6'1", 192). Redshirt freshman Jonas Mouton (6'2", 215) will push for time at safety, as will sophmore Steve Brown (6'0", 200). Junior Charles Stewart (6'1", 195) has good size, and figures to start at the other corner spot. True freshman Donovan Warren (6'0", 175) will get a chance to show what he can do in spring practice. A very athletic corner with fluid cover skills, Warren is touted as one of the very best defensive backs in the 2007 recruiting class.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/schaddy2/25302181.jpg?t=1175481037
Another defense that will be very much in the spotlight this season is Florida's, and the Gators must replace quite a few stars of their own. Gone are safety Reggie Nelson, defensive ends Ray McDonald and Jarvis Moss, linebacker Brandon Siler and corner Reggie Lewis, among others. Derrick Harvey (6'4", 262), a junior, came into his own last season with 11 sacks. He'll be joined at end by either Darryl Gresham or true freshman Carlos Dunlap. Gresham (6'1", 260), a sophmore, hardly played last season but can stop the run. Dunlap, a consensus top 10 national prospect, can be a pass rushing terror and has the size to be an all around stud. At linebacker, Brandon Spikes (6'4", 232) looks like he's ready to star. He gained experience as a freshman last season, as did Dustin Doe (6'0", 210). The sophmores will be joined by redshirt Jon Demps (6'4", 235), who can play the middle and is a sure tackler. Look for true freshman Lorenzo Edwards (6'2", 221) to push for time with his coverage ability and athleticism. The defensive backfield is more stable with veteran safeties Tony Joiner (5'11", 210) and Kyle Jackson (6'1", 203) and corner Ryan Smith (5'11", 172). Look for the competition to be fierce for the open cornerback job. Jacques Richardson (5'10", 182) is a talented redshirt freshman who is solid in man coverage, while true freshman Ahmad Black (5'11", 170) is a ballhawk who isn't afraid to mix it up despite his diminutive frame.
Other spring plotlines that should have a big effect on the national scene include the QB battle at Wisconsin between Tyler Donovan and Allan Everidge, the fight between Brad Lester and Ben Tate to start in Auburn's backfield, and the competition for Nebraska's running back job, featuring Marlon Lucky, Cody Glenn and Kenny Wilson.