We are getting deep into spring practices now and the young guns seem to be impressing the coaches the most.

-The sophomore running backs in Brian Schroeder and Paris Cotton are really looking good thus far. Each is brining a nice explosive step to the running back position while also doing a great job of catching the ball in the passing game. I think Schroeder likely is your fall starter, but expect Cotton to get a lot more carries and snaps this season.

-I for one will be surprised if D.J. Scott is not getting a lot of playing time at corner next season. Scott seems to make numerous plays in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills in each practice. Just today he had pick six where he was in perfect position and looked like he was reading the quarterback from the start. He is small in height, but his vertical and his overall athleticism makes him a tremendous talent. Just like Nick Bellore flourished with his early enrollment, Scott appears to be doing the same.

-With Scott and Taylor Bradley doing great things, the CMU defensive secondary looks like it will be deep this season at cornerback. With Josh Gordy and LaVarus Williams recovering from injuries, Bradley, Scott, and Kirkston Edwards have gotten a lot of snaps and I think all five are capable of starting, which will hopefully pay off in the fall.

-Jake Olson is getting better each day and if he can get his weight to 300 pounds, I think he will do just fine at left tackle. He is doing a good job of sealing off the defensive line on plays that move out of the pocket. He is not going to bowl too many guys over in run blocking, but that is not really CMU's style to being with.

-Cornelius Gallon has also impressed the coaching staff this fall. The redshirt freshman has taken a lot of snaps in the slot and provides good depth along with Jahleel Addae. Both guys will play the slot opposite Antonio Brown on the other side. There is a handful of redshirt freshmen at the receiver position that should make a name for themselves in 2009.

-At this point in the backup quarterback race, neither Radcliff or Rifenbury is really running away with the competition. Each struggled today and haven't looked real sharp in the last few practices. Radcliff has been getting more snaps with the second team as of late, but he certainly has not won the spot yet. The spring game will be a big test for both.