EVERYTHING You Need To Know About This Week's Practices

Quarterbacks:
Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle have been splitting first team snaps in practice. Barrett Trotter has been taking snaps with the second team. Chris Todd is taking "mental" reps while recovering from his shoulder surgery. All passers have had some inconsistency but Caudle has looked good.

Running Backs:
Onterio McCalebb has been playing tailback and receiver. Mario Fannin has been much of the same. Fannin is incorrectly listed as a wide receiver on the roster. Ben Tate made some great runs in today's practice. Coach Luper says he expects Tate to rush for over a thousand yards and be a big part of the offense. Justin Albert is healthy and at full speed and has been running with first and second team. Malzahn says he could have a real chance.

Receivers/Tight Ends:
Gabe McKenzie has been a no-show at spring practices. Chizik says it is due to an injury but a source close to the team told me it was a personal issue so that could still be an injury. Tommy Trott and Philip Pierre-Louis both are in orange non-contact jerseys. Coach Trooper Taylor named Darvin Adams, Quindarius Carr and Terrell Zachary as standouts. Brent Slusher is no longer with the team due to injuries. Montez Billings has been been dressed out but minimal participation.

Offensive Line:
Lee Ziemba is up to 308 pounds (from 280) but is moving well since his injury. Ryan Pugh is up twenty pounds (from 270 to 290). Ziemba (LT), Pugh (C), Andrew McCain (RT), Mike Berry (LG) and Byron Isom (RG) are the starters on the offensive line. Vance Smith moved from tight end to offensive line with the lack of linemen.

Defensive Line:
Derrick Lykes has reportedly made great strides. Andre Wadley is day to day. Mike Blanc has also been a standout. Coach Rocker has called Cameron Henderson a little raw but could be something special. I've really found little news for defensive line. Starters will likely be Michael Goggans, Antonio Coleman, Mike Blanc and Jake Ricks.

Linebackers:
The current starting linebackers are Spencer Pybus, Craig Stevens and Josh Bynes. Eltoro Freeman has been standing out on second team. Other second teamers are walk-on Wade Christopher and Da'Shaun Barnes. Adam Herring is nursing an injury. I'd imagine "The Bull" (El Toro) to get some major playing time.

Defensive Backs:
Christian Thompson has been first team strong safety with Zac Etheridge being hurt. Mike McNeil is first team free safety. Drew Cole and Mike Slade have been running second team at safety. Slade has also taken some reps with first team. Cornerback T'Sharvan Bell has been a standout in Coach Lolley's eyes. Aairon Savage has been playing cornerback. Walter McFadden is at the other corner.

OTHER NOTES:
Coach Chizik has repeatedly called practices sloppy in execution but good intensity. Sloppiness likely due to learning the new systems. There are only 12 more practices. Chizik is allowing minimal press access to practices and they are closed to the public. Coaches are saying the players need to be more physical after their first full pad practice.