Guys filling the biggest shoes

Sporting News, The, August 23, 2004

Michigan's running backs. It'll be replace Chris Perry unless someone (most likely Pierre Rembert) gets a hot hand. David Underwood, Tim Bracken and Jerome Jackson each brings something different to the field.

Dillon Cleckler, LB, Southern Miss. Rod Davis was the heart of the team's defense, and the job falls to Cleckler, a senior, to try to replace Davis' production in the middle. Cleckler, who's big, has experience after working as a reserve in 2003.

Josh Betts, QB, Miami (Ohio). Betts, a junior stepping in for Ben Roethlisberger, has a howitzer for an arm and is elusive in the pocket, but he needs to work on fundamentals. He'll benefit from playing with a loaded group of receivers and a good running game.

Justin Holland, QB, Colorado State. The junior finally has the offense to himself. He's nowhere near the athlete, runner or leader that Bradlee Van Pelt was, but he's a good passer with a history of leading the Rams on clutch late drives.

Steve Smith, WR, USC. With Mike Williams' situation still up in the air and the departure of Keary Colbert, the Trojans need a steady receiver. Smith is it after showing off his warp speed last year by averaging 18.8 yards per catch as a true freshman.

Micheal Spurlock, QB, Mississippi. Spurlock never will be Eli Manning, but the junior knows the system and will add a mobile dimension Manning lacked. Spurlock is an accurate passer who can make something happen if everything breaks down.

Evan Cardwell, DT, North Texas. Brandon Kennedy was the signature star on a team that won its third straight Sun Belt title in 2003. Senior Cardwell now will lead the Mean Green line and should be in the all-conference mix coming off a six-sack season.

Boise State's quarterbacks. It's a three-way battle among Jared Zabransky, Michael Sanford and Legedu Naanee to replace Ryan Dinwiddie. Zabransky, with his good arm and mobility, has the inside track, but Sanford is the best passer.