No Dunn Deal, This Replacing Standouts

Ah, spring football. Coaches have no game plans to worry about, no films to watch and no TV shows to tape. It’s a time when coaches can focus on . . . coaching.

But coaches have more to do in March and April than spin a whistle around their index finger and scream into a bullhorn while standing atop a tower. If fact, springtime can be downright stressful. There have been sleepless nights in places such as Boulder, Columbus, Los Angeles and Austin, and they weren’t caused by worries over that snooze-a-thon they call a spring game. They weren’t even caused by the fear of injuries, although that’s always a major concern. Nope, coaches are stressed about replacing All-Americans.

A sampling:

Running back: Warrick Dunn, Florida State. He proved his value in the Sugar Bowl, when he was limited by flu symptoms and FSU generated 70 yards rushing in a lopsided loss. Senior Rock Preston, the No. 2 man in ‘96, is an academic question; he was suspended in late December and isn’t likely to return. Junior Dee Feaster, the No. 3 guy last year, doesn’t appear to be the answer. Redshirt freshman Vannez Gooch’s bid to replace Dunn was derailed when he hurt his ankle in spring ball. So who’s No. 1? It might be Travis Minor, the USA Today High School Offensive Player of the Year, who arrives in August.

Receiver: Ike Hilliard and Reidel Anthony, Florida. The opposition couldn’t break these guys apart, so why should we? The Gators will have trouble replacing the 119 receptions, 2,193 yards and 28 touchdown catches the duo combined for last season. One spot will be filled by Jacquez Green, a speedy junior with 52 career receptions. The only other holdover with star potential is sophomore Jamie Richardson, but he hasn’t done anything on the field. Expect two incoming freshmen from the trio of Steve Shipp, Darrell Jackson and Brian Haugabrook to provide help and maybe even star.

Offensive line: Orlando Pace, Ohio State. Arguably the top player in college football last season, Pace can’t be replaced at left tackle, but his position must be filled. The guy who will try to do it is Tyson Walter, a 6-5, 290-pound freshman who was redshirted because of a chronic sore shoulder. But Walter won’t be the entire focus. The Buckeyes must replace three starters on their offensive line.

Defensive line: Darrell Russell, USC. The massive, athletic Russell is the prototypical NFL tackle, which is why he bolted for the pros a year early. In his wake, USC will look to senior Cedric Jefferson, who has been good when healthy. Primarily an end throughout his career, Jefferson must prove he’s committed to playing inside. Although he lacks Russell’s size, Jefferson is quick and has proven to be a stout run-stuffer. Look for redshirt freshman Ennis Davis to figure in the mix. And don’t count out prep All-American Ryan Nielsen, who arrives in the fall.

Linebacker: Matt Russell, Colorado. Spring practice boiled down the battle to replace the Butkus Award winner to Clifton Peters and Mike Phillips. Peters, a junior who missed last season with an injury, may have a slight edge. He possesses good quickness, and--like Russell--he looks like a linebacker. Phillips, a former outside linebacker who’s smaller than Peters, is a senior known for his leadership and quickness. The wild card is Ty Gregorak, a freshman who was considered the top prospect in Washington state.

Defensive back: Bryant Westbrook, Texas. His likely replacement--Joe Walker--will arrive on campus this fall and could start from Day 1. If he’s not ready, the Longhorns aren’t hurting for options. There’s senior Quinton Wallace, voted most improved player of the spring. Junior Tony Holmes, who’s recovering from December knee surgery, has the most experience. And there’s sophomore Anton Hector, the team’s fastest and most athletic option. Incoming freshmen Quentin Jammer, Greg Brown and Tyres Dickson also may figure in the mix.