These players should produce in new positions

Sporting News, The, July 17, 2000 by Tom Dienhart

Sometimes change is good. CDs are way better than records. Kiss is better masked than unmasked. (What were they thinking?) But sometimes, change isn't so good. Remember New Coke? And how about those BYU uniforms?

Although these position changes might not be as anticipated as was the release of the new Harry Potter book, here are three that figure to have the biggest impact this season:

* Tony Driver, Notre Dame. Driver's move from tailback to free safety, a position he played before switching to offense before last season, will boost a Notre Dame defense that looks like the best in the Bob Davie era. As a tailback, Driver was a physical runner who lacked size. Plus, he wasn't elusive, and Notre Dame had better options. Driver, who missed the last five games of 1999 after breaking team rules, also has shown a playmaking ability in the secondary. He picked off two fourth-quarter passes vs. Purdue in 1998 to steal a victory.

Driver, a senior known for his hard-nosed play, will be inserted into a secondary that should be a team strength. His leadership will be a boon because last year's starting safeties--A'Jani Sanders and Deke Cooper--are gone. Cornerbacks Brock Williams, the team's best cover man who missed last season serving a suspension, and Clifford Jefferson, who figures to be recovered from being burned many times last season, will allow the Irish to play more man-to-man coverage. With the ability to play man, the Irish should be able to blitz effectively in hopes of pressuring the passer. That also will allow Driver to seek the ball.

* Dante Ellington, Alabama. It seems illogical to think a tree freshman offensive tackle could start for Alabama. But that was the case for Ellington last season, when he might have been the best freshman offensive tackle in the nation.

Though moving from one side of the line to the other seems subtle, it's a significant switch for Ellington. He moves from the right side to the left to take over for NFL first-round draft pick Chris Samuels, who won the Outland Trophy last season. Aside from filling those shoes, Ellington will be entrusted with protecting the blindside of Tide quarterbacks Andrew Zow and Tyler Watts.

Putting more pressure on Ellington is the fact Alabama figures to go from a tailback-oriented offense to a quarterback-oriented attack because Shaun Alexander is gone.

Ellington (6-6, 330) has the reach to extend his arms to keep linemen from getting into his body. He also has the footwork and athletic ability to keep speed rushers at bay.

Marcus Fields, California. Few teams need offensive production more than California. Last season the Golden Bears ranked last in the Pac 10 in rushing (99.7 yards per game), passing (151.1) and total offense (250.8). Cal was so anemic that cornerback/return man Deltha O'Neal led the team with six touchdowns (four on interceptions and two on returns). Looking for a spark, the Bears chose to move Marcus Fields from tailback to a new H-back role.

The emergence of Joe Igber at tailback last season made the move possible. And because wideouts Michael Ainsworth and Ronnie Davenport flunked out of school, the team needed to find playmakers. Cal relied on both wideouts too much last season, and each disappointed. When they struggled, true freshman quarterback Kyle Boiler was in trouble. As a result, he often was harassed and completed only 38.6 percent of his passes with 15 interceptions.

The Bears still will operate from four- and five-receiver sets, but look for coach Tom Holmoe to establish the run more often. That's where Fields, who can provide a different dimension at H-back, will help.

Fields was tried some at wideout last season, but coaches didn't think his 220-pound frame was used best at that spot. At H-back, Fields can release quickly from the backfield to catch a pass or take a handoff. He also will be in motion often, making it difficult for linebackers to match up with him.

In search of ways to use Fields in the new role, Cal coaches studied tape of the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers, NFL teams that often use an H-back.

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