The next big things

Sporting News, The, May 24, 2004 by Matt Hayes

Of course we remember Lorenzo Booker--everybody's No. 1 recruit in 2002, the can't-miss running back from Los Angeles who somehow got away from the clutches of USC's recruiting machine. The Trojans' staff was stunned when Booker signed with Florida State; they thought more of him than a receiver in that same class, a guy named Mike Williams.

Let me reintroduce Lorenzo Booker: 15 pounds heavier, a few clicks of a stopwatch faster and the next big thing in college football. He has come a long way from his dramatic, delayed decision to sign with FSU--a few days after national signing day--and his eventual two-year hiatus from the spotlight. He redshirted as a freshman and played sparingly last season.

Now FSU coach Bobby Bowden is comparing him to Peter Warrick--you know, the same Peter Warrick who sucked the life out of defenses. The Seminoles have tweaked the offense to get Booker more involved, bringing back the swing pass that made Warrick Dunn so dangerous in the mid-1990s. The staff wants to improve its short-to-intermediate passing game, and will use Booker out of the backfield or in the slot to get favorable matchups in space against slower linebackers and safeties.

So what does all that football jargon mean? Booker is crazy fast, has hips and moves like Elvis and finally has the frame--he's up to 190 pounds--to get 20-25 touches a game. You could compare Booker to a star recruit USC did get: Reggie Bush.

Booker is at the top of the list of breakout players for 2004--role players from last season or incoming players who will develop into legitimate All-American candidates by December. Other breakout players:

* RB Kregg Lumpkin, sophomore, Georgia. Had the typical freshman problems: pass protection, patience in hitting the holes, protecting the football. Lumpkin reported to spring practice 10 pounds heavier and immediately began using his 6-1, 220-pound frame to punish defenders. He understands the offense and is playing with more confidence. Coach Mark Richt says Lumpkin attacks the defense. Here's proof: Starting linebacker Tony Taylor tore knee ligaments trying to tackle Lumpkin in the spring game.

College comparison: Chris Brown, Colorado, 2001-02.

* DT Manuel Wright, sophomore, USC. Over the next two years, there could be four first-round picks from the Southern California defensive line, and Wright, the baby-faced giant, will be the best of them all. By the end of last season, he was USC's best defensive lineman, even though he was primarily a backup.

He has drooped more than 60 pounds from his reporting weight of 345 last fall, when he wore down too quickly. The weight loss makes him more dangerous in pass-rush situations and gives him more quickness to shoot gaps in run situations.

College comparison: Richard Seymour, Georgia, 1997-2000.

* WR Xavier Carter, freshman, LSU, The best of the incoming freshmen, he'll likely be the fastest player in college football. He has been clocked at sub-4.3 in the 40--and he's 6-3, 195 pounds. He won't get knocked off of his route like most freshmen, and he won't be intimidated. If Marcus Randall makes a smooth transition at quarterback, Carter's game will flourish.

College comparison: Andre Johnson, Miami, 2000-02.

* QB Mike Sanford, senior, Boise State, OK, how can Mike Sanford, a senior with all of 17 career pass attempts, emerge this season? Because Boise State has the easiest non-BCS road to an unbeaten season, and because the offense under coordinator Chris Petersen spits out no-name success stories. Sanford made significant strides in spring practice, and his knowledge of the offense will translate into a big season.

College comparison: Craig Krenzel, Ohio State, 2002-03.

SPEED READ

* The ACC is seeking bids for its championship game, and the clear leader is Jacksonville. But ACC purists want the first one played in the heart of the league's footprint, Charlotte. It's not about tradition, folks--it's about money. Besides, the championship game might as well be in Florida. Miami and Florida State will feel right at home every year.

INSIDE DISH

The Ole Miss staff had hoped a breakout spring for heralded redshirt freshman QB Robert Lane would give the Rebels two options at the position heading into fall camp. Now, it's clear there is only one choice to replace Eli Manning: rising sophomore Micheal Spurlock, who made significant progress this spring as Lane struggled. Spurlock reminds the staff of Romaro Miller, who was good enough to keep Manning on the bench for two years (his redshirt and freshman seasons).... New Arizona coach Mike Stoops tried to hire Steve Spurrier Jr. during the early days of his tenure. He finally did when an opening was created by the sudden departure of assistant coach John Peterson, who left after four months in Tucson for a position at his alma mater, Ohio State. Spurrier will coach the tight ends for the Wildcats.... Purdue is beginning to see development in 6-9 WR Kyle Ingraham, who caught seven passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game. The staff has worked on Ingraham being more aggressive and using his frame to shield defenders.... If Stanford's rebuilt offensive line holds up, look for QB Trent Edwards to have a big season. After struggling last year as a freshman, Edwards impressed the staff this spring with his increased accuracy and his grasp of the offense. The line, however, is a cloudy issue. The Cardinal could be forced to start two redshirt freshmen at the tackle spots.... Tennessee is moving its home opener against UNLV to Sunday night, September 5, to avoid complications similar to last year's opener, when sweltering afternoon heat led to dehydration and injuries. That Sunday is one week before the start of the NFL season.--M.H.