Thursday March 15, 2007

Spring Football Categories

Hope Springs Eternal
Spring football means different things to different players. I think it can be summed up into a five categories.

Just Don't Get Hurt
C.J. Spiller
James Davis
Rendrick Taylor
Thomas Austin
Phillip Merling
Rashaad Jackson
Michael Hamlin
Notes: These guys will be starters no matter how the spring goes if they stay healthy. Spiller and Davis have little to prove except they have anew position coach. Taylor just needs to stay healthy. Merling, Jackson and Hamlin are dependable and just need to out of the training room. Austin may be the surprise here but I put all faith and confidence in this future star at either guard or center.

Keep Improving at Your Current Rate
Alex Pearson
Tyler Grisham
Jacoby Ford
Barry Richardson
Chris McDuffie
Jamie Cumbie
Ricky Sapp
Jock McKissic
Dorell Scott
Crezdon Butler
Chris Chancellor
Chris Clemens
Notes: This group has already made solid impressions and should be counted on more in 2007 if they continue to improve at their current rate. I think Ford will be a major part of the game plans in 2007. The staff should look to utilize him more. Richardson has been up and down but I look for him to have a big senior season. McDuffie should benefit from last year's experience. Sapp and Cumbie showed signs as true freshmen and could be in for big years in 2007. McKissic and Scott are proven up front. Like McDuffie, Butler got more snaps last season than we originally thought and will benefit from the playing time.

You Have Waited Your Turn So Now Lets See It
Cullen Harper
Michael Wade
Ray Ray McElrathbey
LaDonte Harris
Jeff Ogren
Durrell Barry
Michael Palmer
Akeem Robinson
Chris Capote
Corey Lambert
Brandon Pilgrim
Jamarcus Grant
Kwam Williams
Antuan Murchison
Cortney Vincent
Kevin Alexander
Kavell Conner
Josh Miller
Jeremy Campbell
Sadat Chambers
Chris Russell
Jimmy Maners
Richard Jackson
Notes: This group has laid a solid foundation but there is now a sense of urgency for the first time. Harper and Wade are key components to the QB battle. McElrathbey has missed some time due to suspension but needs to get back and get the staff's attention. Barry could develop into a very good player at tight end. Capote and Lambert have waited their turns at tackle but the staff feels pretty good about them. Vincent and Alexander have an opportunity since Clay is not participating in the spring. Conner, Miller and Campbell are trying to take advantage of Watkins and Billie's status. Maners and Jackson will be keys to the spring.

Redemption Time
Tribble Reese
Aaron Kelly
Barry Humphries
Bobby Hutchinson
Elsmore Gabriel
Nick Watkins
Tramaine Billie
Haydrian Lewis
Notes: This group has had some set backs but have chances to get back in good graces this spring. Reese will get every opportunity in the QB battle. Kelly needs to improve his strength and blocking but has provided big plays. Both centers need to solidify the position so Austin can stay at guard. Watkins and Billie have had academic issues.

First Impressions Are Important
Willy Korn
Xavier Dye
Brian Linthicum
Chris Hairston
Landon Walker
Jamal Medlin
Byron Maxwell
DeAndre McDaniel
Darius Gaither
Notes: Besides Richard Jackson, this group consist of all of the freshmen and red-shirted freshmen. Obviously korn is the big name here. Like the other QBs he has every chance to win the job. Dye, Linthicum and Walker are trying to avoid red-shirts. Maxwell and McDaniel have the ability to make huge impressions this spring.

Please feel free to add your comments to certain players or if you would have put a player in another category.

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