There has been a lot of speculation about the starting lineups for fall 2007, since shortly after the Sugar Bowl. Fortunatly, for Irish fans, nothing has been really set in stone after a few weeks of spring practice. (What the hell is these coaches problem?) There have been a few minor surprises however. Here’s a rundown of stuff. Just stuff and randomly thought out, about the team and the spring practice session.
Quarterback
- Jimmy Clausen has the smoothest delivery. He has also made a few very tight throws and did a few of those while on the run.
- Zach Frazer has the strongest arm of any of the quarterbacks. He also seems to have a quiet leadership quality.
- Evan Sharpley throws a very nice ball. A few of the receivers mentioned that they prefer his throws over Brady Quinns.
- Demetrius Jones has given one of the better quotes of the off-season “Ain’t no buster ever wear number 3.” He has looked good from what I could tell.
Running Back
- Travis Thomas seems to have the #1 spot locked up. Has had a little trouble with blitz packages.
- James Aldridge is 100% healthy for the first time since the start of his senior year in H.S. He is pushing Thomas for the starting job.
- Armando Allen is fast. He could be VERY dangerous next year.
- Junnior Jabbie has been a pleasent surprise. He has been doing very well, but he may still be buried on the depth chart.
- Robert Hughes. Yes, Robert Hughes. He isn’t on campus yet, but has been to a lot of practices. He looks like he really wants some playing time right away his freshman year.
Wide Receiver
- David Grimes has got the number 1 slot locked up.
- It appears as if George West has the #2 spot to himself. Weis said as much in an earlier presser.
- Weis also mentioned that the rest of the WR are even steven with one another.
- D.J. Hord is not looking too well. The rust needs to go bye-bye in a hurry, if he wants to nab the 3rd WR job.
O-Line
- Young RT
- Sully C
- Turkovich LG
- Duncan LT
- Carufel RG
- The line looks a lot more physical. Still some shake-ups to come I imagine.
Tight End
- Carlson is Heismanesque.
D-Line
- Looks like Pat Kuntz is going to nail down the NT job. Chris Stewart is in a boot and riding a bike.
- Laws at one end and the other side is still very much open. Dwight Stephenson has been running with the first group.
Linebackers
- Anthony Vernaglia is the big surprise here. Looks like he has a starting job at OLB. Think he’s happy with the 3-4 and Corwin Brown?
- Crum and Brockington are going to shore up the middle 2 spots.
- Toryan Smith will be rotating in with Brockington. Smith has looked like a beast so far.
- John Ryan seems to have a hold at the other OLB job…but I think he will be greatly challenged by Kerry Neal this summer.
Defensive Backs
- Zibby is…well…Zibby, and looks faster. Carlson has owned him though.
- David Bruton is bigger and looks to be the leader for the other safety spot.
- Wooden and Lambert seem to have a firm grip at the corner spots.
- McNeil is rotating with Walls at the nickel position on the first team.
There you have it. Just a few notes. By the time you read this things might have changed…I’ll let you know.
SUBWAY DOMER
