1. QUARTERBACK
Is it gonna be Matt Moore or Brian Hildebrand? The transfer or the sophomore?
Who knows! But let's not forget about Ryan Gunderson. He has been in the system
the longest and (we have heard this before) has all the physical tools to be
a good one. The hang up? Rusty mechanics.
It's a three, not two, man battle come April and don't count any of them out
just yet.
2. RUNNING BACK
A bucket load of talent sits at tailback with Florida transfer Jimtavis Walker,
sophomore Yvenson Bernard, and a host of talented freshmen. While a freshman
will most likely not take the starting job, they will provide extra incentive
for Walker and Bernard to stay at the top of their game.
Walker was clearly the front runner, until his run in with the law and Bernard
is more than capable of taking the starting duties.
3. CORNERBACKS
Both cornerback spots are up for grabs. Mike Riley landed two outstanding
junior college prospects in Edorian McCullough and Aaron Miller who will both
compete immediately for playing time. But don't forget sophomore Gerard Lawson
who had a superb year on special teams and is looking to make the transition
from special teams to starting defender.
Redshirt freshman Keenan Lewis, who was named defensive scout MVP in 2004,
and Bryan Payton are both good athletes and have one year of Riley's system
under their belts which will help greatly.
4. OL: LEFT GUARD
Junior Josh Linehan returns after having a solid season where he showed
he could pass block and get out and block up field. The gifted Jeremy Perry
may be a future All-Pac-10 performer and is ready to play a significant role
in the offense after paying his dues.
Linehan and Perry will push each other the entire month of April in what could
be one of the most highly contested starting spots on the team
5. DL: RIGHT TACKLE
The tackles always play an important role in pressuring the opposing teams quarterback
and stopping the run. Sophomore Curtis Coker and senior Alvin Smith both return
after playing significant minutes.
Both players also saw their time on the field increase as the season progressed
and both will play a major role in the Beavers defensive scheme this year. Who
is going to grab the starting spot? That is up to the coaches.