10 Spot

SI.com

Pete McEntegart

Post-spring Top 25: Even with issues, USC still No. 1

CBS SportsLine.com

By Dennis Dodd - CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer

All the (mostly meaningless) results are in. In other words, spring practice is over.

Hallelujah.

What we've learned might fit on the head of a pin. But as long as 58,500 folks come pouring into The Swamp for what amounts to a scrimmage, well, it's an annual happening. We'll cover it. And the fans will love it.

The results might be forgotten as long as it takes to kick it off in the fall. Meanwhile, behold the reshuffling in the CBS SportsLine.com post-spring Top 25.

1. USC: Missing several key players because of academics and suspensions, the remaining spring USC crew still could have played in the Holiday Bowl. Spring news: Police did not file charges against corner Eric Wright, who had been accused of rape. But Wright still faces a review by the school that could keep him suspended (or worse). On the down low, USC coaches are worried only that defensive lineman Manny Wright won't make the academic hurdle this summer. Incoming freshman quarterback Mark Sanchez regularly attended spring practices. Pete Carroll was more than impressed. He says Matt Leinart's backup John David Booty could start right now. Leinart missed the spring recovering from minor elbow surgery to treat tendinitis. He should be in better shape in August than last year, when he didn't throw until a week before fall drills. Pre-spring ranking: 1.

2. Iowa: No formal spring game, which was probably a good idea. This program can't take any more injuries. Spring news: Left tackle Lee Gray will miss the season after undergoing corrective knee surgery this month. Gray, a rising redshirt senior, most likely will petition for a sixth year of eligibility in 2006. Running backs Marcus Schnoor and Albert Young were rehabbing from injuries in the spring. Both should be 100 percent by the beginning of fall drills. Previous: 2.

3. Tennessee: The Vols are favored to win the SEC, but who needs football? Phil Fulmer and Steve Spurrier renewed their old feud throwing verbal punches as each coach's player threw real ones. Spring news: Backup quarterback Brent Schaeffer is transferring. He was charged last month with misdemeanor assault. Coincidence? Freshman sensation Erik Ainge isn't necessarily going to be the starter. Rick Clausen won't let go of the position after taking over after Ainge was injured late last season. Should be interesting in August. Previous: 3.

4. Texas: The biggest offseason addition might have been defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who came over from Auburn. Greg Robinson left for Syracuse. Spring news: Selvin Young, Cedric Benson's replacement, did not practice while rehabbing a broken ankle. The spring game is a big deal in Austin. More than 40,000 watched as Vince Young threw for 115 yards. Backup running back Ramonce Taylor showed promise. The new go-to receiver might be Limas Sweed. A gentle warning in case of a one-point loss this fall: New kicker David Pino looked a bit shaky in the spring. Previous: 4

5. Ohio State: The way seems to be clear for quarterback Troy Smith to return to the team after he accepted money from a booster. Smith will remain suspended for the opener against Miami (Ohio). It will be an interesting return on Sept. 10 against Texas. Spring news: The smartest move of the spring was keeping Ted Ginn Jr. healthy. The fastest player in college football (can you think of someone faster?) was limited to one carry (13 yards), one reception (8 yards) and one punt return (6 yards) in the spring game. His days on defense aren't over. Ginn also played cornerback on a raw, windy, rainy day last month. Previous: 6.

6. Virginia Tech: Why doesn't Frank Beamer get more run? He is Virginia Tech football. Last year's ACC title was further validation of his big-time coach status. Spring news: No more excuses for Marcus Vick. In other programs, he might have been kicked off the team. Vick began the long road back from off-field problems by winning the starting job in the spring. Inconsistent before his fall 2004 suspension for drinking with an underage girl, Vick was drawing raves in the spring. Marcus has a lot to overcome, his brother's legacy and a tarnished past. Based on his potential, the Hokies will be picked to repeat in the ACC. Previous: 11.

7. Oklahoma: Bob Stoops is spreading the don't-count-us out message after losing the core of the 2004 Big 12 champions. Spring news: Defensive lineman Larry Birdine has emerged as perhaps the new Dan Cody on the defensive line. Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek has rejoined the team after being kicked off following a bar fight in September. Then in the spring game he tore a left bicep that required surgery the next day. A complete recovery is expected. There was little separation between Tommy Grady, Paul Thompson and Rhett Bomar at quarterback. Previous: 8.

8. Florida: New coach Urban Meyer blew it out in the spring game. There were a combined 62 points. The top two quarterbacks -- Chris Leak and Josh Portis -- combined for 474 yards and eight touchdowns. Spring news: Gator Nation is going ga-ga over Meyer. He hasn't disappointed telling a basketball crowd, "You're either a Gator or Gait bait!" Expect Florida to light it up offensively. There will be issues at linebacker, but this seems like a program destined for a return to the top 10 on momentum alone. Previous: 7.

9. Michigan: Lloyd Carr isn't big on spring games. Nothing new this year. The final spring "practice" was an underwhelming affair at Michigan Stadium, where renovation is going on. Fans were not allowed on the field. Players did not sign autographs. Spring news: Matt Gutierrez was the starter a week before last season before shoulder problems eventually led to surgery. He didn't start throwing until February and participated in spring drills, although his contact was limited. Otherwise, the Wolverines will be loaded. They have to replace only David Baas on the offensive line. Chad Henne and Michael Hart are only sophomores. Steve Breaston will replace Braylon Edwards as the go-to receiver. He is already a world-class returner. Previous: 9.

10. Louisville: No more chasing the Liberty Bowl. Instead, the Cardinals are chasing an automatic BCS berth for the first time as a member of the Big East. Spring news: The magic number is six. A record six Cardinals were taken in the NFL Draft. In the spring game, Brian Brohm threw for six touchdowns. After Bobby Petrino's meanderings, Louisville is the country's newest power. It could become the Big East's new Miami. Previous: 10.

11. LSU: The Tigers won't be as good defensively (Saban is gone) but they are set for the long haul. Unless Michigan comes open, new coach Les Miles plans to stay awhile. Spring news: Miles was described in the spring as "friendlier" than Saban. The Tigers practiced in pads, something Saban seldom did. Miles' biggest early chore will be improving the consistency of quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Recruit Ryan Perrilloux didn't come to Baton Rouge to sit around. He'll be challenging in the fall. Previous: 5.

12. Miami: Hurricane Nation inundated this space with protests over the pre-spring ranking. Look, things were unsettled. Now we know that Kyle Wright is the quarterback and Devin Hester is a stud Heisman candidate. Spring news: This was as important a spring game as there was. Wright came through completing 10 of 13 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. This could be a key year for Larry Coker. Great coach, great record, but nine victories isn't going to get it. That's tough, because the Canes have to kick off in Tally, and Virginia Tech remains the ACC's best team. Previous: 18.

13. Georgia: This makes three from the SEC East in the top 13. For good reason. The Dawgs have at least two preseason All-Americans on offense (tight end Leonard Pope and offensive lineman Max Jean-Gilles). The defense gets seven starters back. Wait a minute, why are we so in the tank for Florida and Tennessee? Spring news: D.J. Shockley is replacing David Greene, the NCAA's all-time winningest quarterback. He gets his chance in his final season of eligibility. Shockley, a run-pass threat, threw for three touchdowns in the spring game. Coach Mark Richt hasn't had a talent like this since he was quarterbacks coach at Florida State in 1993. That was the year Charlie Ward won the Heisman. Previous: 22.

14. Florida State: Almost a crossroads season for Bobby and the boys. Does FSU return to the top of the ACC or finish third? Spring news: Wyatt Sexton claimed a shaky hold on the quarterback position. Bowden would like to see more athleticism out of the position. Neither Xavier Lee nor Drew Weatherford has stepped up yet. Whatever happens, it is expected that FSU gets better at QB. Chris Rix is gone. Previous: 16.

15. Fresno State: Coach Pat Hill is jacked. His team is loaded again. It gets Boise State at home and USC on the road. The Nov. 19 game at the Coliseum is being called the biggest in Fresno history. Spring news: The Bulldogs are deeper at running back than most teams. Bryson Sumlin and Wendel Mathis were five yards away from being twin 1,000-yard rushers. The offensive line losing All-American Logan Mankins (first round, New England) means some shuffling. There will be enough there to protect Paul Pinegar who is 24-8 as a starter (6-3 vs. BCS schools). Previous: 15.

16. Arizona State: The program was shocked by the loss of tailback Loren Wade, who has been charged with murdering a man in the parking lot of a Phoenix nightspot. Spring news: The Wade situation caused the Sun Devils to drop in this evaluation. It's not clear what effect Wade's actions will have on the team, but during a recent visit to Tempe, it seemed like the whole thing had blown over. The team is jacked about its chances. There is an early road trip to LSU, but the whole season comes down the Oct. 1 home game against USC. Receiver Derek Hagan was named to the Playboy All-American team. Quarterback Sam Keller is a unique person and talent. His dad played at Michigan. That's where Sam originally committed before he decided he wanted to follow his heart. With all of one career start, it looks like Keller should be the next great Arizona State quarterback. Previous: 12.

17. Pittsburgh: The Dave Wannstedt era has begun. There are enough national championship rings floating around to start a jeweler. Both Wanny and offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh won rings with Pittsburgh's last title team in 1976. Spring news: It's still weird that former coach Walt Harris basically delivered, but was forced out. The Panthers reached their fifth consecutive bowl for the first time in more than 20 years. Harris won 18 of his last 24 Big East games, then bolted for Stanford when the school wouldn't extend his contract. Still, if there is a good coaching change this season, this is it. Wannstedt is a Pittsburgh native who understands the pressures and expectations. Previous: 21.

18. Texas A&M: The Curse of the Big 12 South. The Aggies might be able to win a lot of conferences but are stuck behind Texas and Oklahoma in this hyper-competitive division. Spring news: Quarterback Reggie McNeal was ruled out of the spring game because the risk of injury wasn't worth it. Makes you wonder why other coaches don't do this. McNeal is a poor man's Vince Young, or maybe better than Vince Young. He certainly throws better and added 718 yards on the ground. Previous: 14.

19. Purdue: Joe Tiller will have to win with defense this year. All 11 starters return. Spring news: Kyle who? Brandon Kirsch takes over at quarterback. The redshirt junior has started at various times since 2002. He's more mobile than Kyle Orton. The spring game was played in 38-degree temperatures. The Boilers haven't played in colder conditions since a November 2002 regular-season game at Michigan State. Previous: 17.

20. Boston College: BC's chances got a boost when defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka announced he would return for his senior season. After that, everything seemed to fall into place. Spring news: BC goes to the ACC in a division with Clemson, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina State and Wake Forest. Quarterback Quinton Porter started 10 games in 2003, then redshirted in 2004. He reclaims the job this year. Previous: 19.

21. Auburn: Tommy Tuberville said goodbye to a team for the ages. The Tigers will be competitive in the SEC West, but every foe will want payback. Spring news: Almost no one in the front seven on defense, where the strength lies, saw much action in the spring game. End Stanley McClover is an All-American type. His gold teeth are all-dentist. Previous: 13.

22. Texas Tech: As long as Mike Leach is in Lubbock, the Red Raiders are reserved a spot in the preseason top 25. He is the only coach in school history to lead his first five teams to bowl games (39-25 overall). The Red Raiders won their third consecutive NCAA passing title in 2004. Spring news: Cody Hodges seems like he will be the program's third consecutive first-time senior starter at quarterback. Leach won't name a starter until fall drills, but it's pretty much Hodges' job. Backup Graham Harrell underwent ankle surgery that will keep him out at least until July. Previous: 20.

23. Boise State: The next Utah? We'll see. The season begins at Georgia and at Oregon State. Win those two and we'll talk. Spring news: After averaging fewer than two losses per season in his four years, coach Dan Hawkins and crew might come down to earth. The schedule is a little too ambitious. In addition to Georgia and Oregon State, the Broncos have to go to Hawaii and Fresno. Hawkins gave quarterback Jared Zabransky only a 6½ out of 10 recently for a 2004 season in which he threw for 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Previous: 25.

24. Colorado: Hard to doubt the Buffs, who, in the middle of a Big 12 North decline and scandal, have managed to play in three of the past four Big 12 title games. Spring games: You've got to like CU again. Kansas State is the only division foe to win a title this decade. Quarterback Joel Klatt could break all the school's major passing records. Nebraska comes to Boulder to end the regular season. In spite of everything else, Gary Barnett is a heck of a coach, at least when he has to be. Previous: NR.

25. Utah: The Utes might not win the Mountain West, but they will have the best overall record in the league. Utah is one of the two teams in the Mountain West that will play more home games than road games. Against those five road opponents, Utah is 113-53-6 all-time. Spring news: On the same day Alex Smith got taken No. 1 in the draft, his replacement Brian Johnson completed 19 of 33 for 258 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game. Previous: 24.

Ten to watch: Alabama, Bowling Green, Cal, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma State, Virginia, Wyoming.

Non-BCS top 10: 1. Fresno State; 2. Boise State; 3. Utah; 4. Wyoming; 5. Memphis; 6. Bowling Green; 7. UTEP; 8. Miami (Ohio); 9. Toledo; 10. North Texas.

USC the Top of the News

DAN WEBER
PE.com

Forget how many days until the kickoff for USC's opener at Hawaii Sept. 3, Trojan fans say. When do the football magazines hit the news stands?

Well, the one that usually hits first, Athlon Sports, is available now, at least for ordering, on the publication's Web site.

All you have to do is pick your cover from five different national editions or four Pac-10 cover issues for the magazine that will be released across the country in late May and early June.

The news may be better than even the most rabid Trojan fan could hope.

Two-time defending national champ USC is on all five national covers.

There's a USC/Notre Dame/Ohio State cover, a USC/Oklahoma/Texas cover, a USC/Tennessee cover, a USC/Notre Dame cover and a USC/Oklahoma cover.

In Pac-10 country, Athlon offers four regional covers: Arizona-Arizona State for the desert, Oregon/Oregon State/Washington/Washington State for the Northwest, Cal/Stanford for Northern California and USC all by itself for Southern California.

That's right, nine of the Pac-10 teams get on a cover, one doesn't.

Hard to know which will make Trojan fans happier: the five national covers or the one at home all by themselves with no Bruins anywhere in sight.

Doesn't Everybody Have One?

Got to give the New England Patriots Web site credit. When Matt Cassell, USC's backup quarterback who was drafted by the Patriots, was joined in mini-camp by a famous former Boston area quarterback signed just this weekend, the New England folks got the significance of it.

Doug Flutie would be just one more Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback that Cassel would be working with, the third straight, actually, after backing up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC.

"It's exciting," was Cassel's quote. "He's 42 and I'm 22. I think when he was getting the Heisman, I was 2 years old. He's another guy I can learn from."

It's All in the Numbers

If you look at the total NFL draft numbers, the SEC with 37 players drafted last week led the way among conferences. The ACC had 36, the Big 12 34 and the Pac-10 33.

But if you factor in the number of teams in each conference, the Pac-10, with 3.3 draftees per team, was No. 1, edging out the 11-team ACC (3.27 per team) with the 12-team SEC (3.08) third and the Big 12 (2.8) fourth.

That backs up Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen's point last week at the BCS meetings that any standards used for polling or evaluating conference strength must be adjusted for numbers of teams in the conferences and not simply for the number of teams in the top 25.

"We'll do a percentage there," BCS Coordinator Kevin Weiberg said a day later. "There have to be adjustments for smaller conferences."

Webb, Watkins Honored

USC seniors Lee Webb and Travis Watkins have each been chosen winners of national academic awards for athletes.

Webb, a public policy major, recently was selected as one of 12 Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award winners by the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletes.

A starter at fullback in USC's Orange Bowl national championship game, Webb has managed to overcome being raised by various relatives, in foster and group homes, and even being homeless, living on the street.

Webb and five other Wilma Rudolph Award winners, singled out for rising above great personal, academic or emotional challenges to achieve academic success as an athlete, will be honored at a banquet June 12 in Raleigh, N. C.

Watkins, a backup offensive guard and international relations major, is one of 16 athletes nationwide to earn a $6,000 Ethnic Minority Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship from the NCAA.

UCLA Football Notes

UCLA announced three game times for the 2005 season. The Sept. 17 home game against Oklahoma will be at 12:30 p.m.; the Nov. 12 Arizona State game will be at 4 p.m. and the Dec. 2 game at USC will be at 1:30. All three will be televised by ABC.

Defensive lineman Kevin Harbour was declared academically ineligible. Harbour will take classes at UCLA's extension and also summer school classes in hopes of regaining his academic eligibility.

Offensive guard Marc Villafuerte announced his retirement due to an arthritic left knee. His scholarship will not count against UCLA's limit of 85 per year.

Defensive lineman C. J. Niusulu was granted his release and will transfer after the spring quarter. Niusulu was dismissed for multiple violations of team rules.

UCLA and San Diego State switched home sites for 2008 and 2009, enabling UCLA to have six home games in each season. San Diego State will host the game in 2008.

If the Pac-10 approves a nine-game conference schedule, UCLA will host Oregon State in 2006, giving the Bruins seven home games that season.

Cassel Will Take It Slow With Patriots

LA Times

By Gary Klein, Times Staff Writer

They had a three-time All-Pro quarterback on their roster, but the New England Patriots sensed there might be something special about the lanky college kid and selected him late in the NFL draft.

The year was 2000, and Tom Brady, chosen 199th overall, eventually displaced Drew Bledsoe and became the leader of a team that has won three Super Bowls in the last four years.

Matt Cassel knows the story line.

Cassel, who sat behind two Heisman Trophy winners and threw 33 passes during five seasons at USC, was selected by the Patriots in the seventh and last round of last week's NFL draft. He began his indoctrination Friday, the first day of a three-day rookie mini-camp in Foxboro, Mass.

"It's been made quite clear," Cassel said in a brief phone interview Friday night. "You're no longer on a four-year scholarship program. You're in the NFL and you have to earn your keep. You have to act like a professional."

Cassel, chosen 230th overall, has no illusions about challenging for playing time. Besides growing-legend Brady — "I'd like to refer to him as Mr. Brady until told otherwise," Cassel said — the Patriots also have quarterbacks Rohan Davey and Chris Redman, and Friday they signed 42-year-old Doug Flutie.

Cassel is the only quarterback at the mini-camp. The players practiced twice on Friday and Cassel said he got plenty of repetitions in a system that utilized terminology similar to what he learned at USC.

"The best-case scenario is to go in and compete, show them I can do some things, and make them confident enough to go with me as a No. 3 guy," Cassel said last week. "The worst-case is that they put me on the developmental squad, which will allow me to develop in the system. Either way, it's an incredible opportunity."

And an incredible turn of fortune.

Cassel, 6 feet 5 and 230 pounds, backed up Carson Palmer for two seasons and Matt Leinart for most of two more. He was moved to tight end midway through the 2003 season but requested and was granted a return to quarterback last season.

During his college career, Cassel, 22, completed 20 of 33 passes for 192 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. His biggest play? Recovering an onside kick that helped ensure the Trojans' 29-24 victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl last season.

Cassel, however, impressed scouts during a workout at USC in late March and was drafted, whereas 2003 Heisman winner Jason White of Oklahoma and Timmy Chang of Hawaii, the NCAA's all-time passing yardage leader, were passed over.

"He really hasn't had the opportunity under fire, but he has shown a lot of talent and has been behind two of the very best quarterbacks in college football," Patriot Coach Bill Belichick told Associated Press after the team selected Cassel.

Patriot tight end Christian Fauria said Cassel stood to benefit from a system that has developed other outstanding role players.

"They have the foresight to see the potential in a guy," Fauria said in a phone interview Friday. "They'll say, 'Listen, he's not Tarzan right now, we know that. Let's give him some time to eventually turn him into a player.' "

When Cassel arrived at USC from Chatsworth High in 2000, he thought he would possess bona-fide NFL credentials by the time he finished his eligibility.

But he red-shirted his first season and backed up the strong-armed Palmer in 2001 and 2002, the year Palmer won the Heisman. Leinart then beat out Cassel for the starting job during 2003 spring practice.

"There was a time when I thought, 'God, this whole football thing might not work out for me,' " he said last week. "At some point, you can only go through so much because it starts to take a toll."

Cassel missed spring practice last year to play for the Trojan baseball team. In May, he told Coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Norm Chow that he wanted to play his last season at quarterback.

"I was just coming back, really, to make a statement that I enjoyed the quarterback position and wanted to end the way I started," said Cassel, who was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 36th round of the 2004 baseball draft.

With Leinart on his way to the Heisman Trophy, Cassel played sparingly as the Trojans won their second consecutive national title. He completed 10 of 14 passes and was not invited to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, the Senior Bowl or any other event that serves as an evaluation forum.

Instead, Cassel set his sights on March 23, the day NFL scouts and coaches would descend on USC to evaluate draft-eligible Trojans.

That day, Cassel threw better than perhaps at any time in his career.

"You kind of get in a zone," he said. "Every throw was just, 'Boom! Boom! Boom!' It was a great day."

Said Carroll: "He was like a pinch-hitter who came in and hit the ball out of the park."

Nearly a dozen scouts requested that Cassel send them tapes of his throws from practices and games over the years. As the draft approached, about seven teams told Cassel they wanted to draft him late or sign him as a free agent.

When the seventh round began last Sunday, Cassel's phone began ringing with calls from NFL personnel directors.

"I was like, 'Hello, hello, hello.' It was just nuts," he recalled.

Once the Patriots were on the clock, Cassel's phone rang again. He was told that Belichick wanted to speak to him.

"I ran down the hall as fast as I could to see the television," Cassel said, laughing. "Then I hear in my phone, 'Matt, this is Coach Belichick. I want to say congratulations. It's official. You're a Patriot.' "

Cassel called his selection by the Super Bowl champions a perfect fit. The Patriots have thrived by adhering to a team concept, and Cassel said his humble nature and his experiences at USC left him well prepared for his new challenge.

"Being a good guy, being a team player — it's become quite pivotal in how they look at you these days," he said. "Teams really take into account character. For me, obviously, it really helped in the whole process."

Rookie fitting in nicely in middle

TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

MIKE SANDO; The News Tribune

KIRKLAND – Lofa Tatupu isn’t the biggest middle linebacker. Neither is he among the fastest.

But in his first NFL minicamp, the rookie from USC showed the instincts that led the Seattle Seahawks to draft him in the second round April 23. He usually appeared to be in the right place at the right time, or even a little early.

“You’ve got to be able to translate this game from the classroom to the field,” Tatupu said Sunday as the Seahawks concluded the mandatory portion of their post-draft camp.

Tatupu’s father, Mosi, played in the NFL for more than a decade. His college coach, Pete Carroll, was among the NFL’s most respected defensive coordinators. And his position coach at USC, Ken Norton Jr., was a Pro Bowl linebacker for Dallas and San Francisco.

“I guess I have a head for the game,” Tatupu said.

The Seahawks list Tatupu at 6 feet and 238 pounds. Scouts clocked his 40-yard dash time in the 4.7-second range – a bit slower than NFL teams generally like their linebackers.

The distinction between track speed and football speed is one the Seahawks stressed on draft day. Jerry Rice and Steve Largent weren’t as fast as most of the defensive backs they burned for nearly 300 touchdowns, to cite an extreme example.

The Seahawks aren’t comparing Tatupu to any of the great pro linebackers. But they worked him with their starting linebackers and Tatupu appeared to belong.

“I ran a similar kind of defense (at USC),” Tatupu said. “The terminology is so much different, but it’s a great system.”

Players wore helmets but no pads during the minicamp. There was blocking but no tackling, allowing coaches to get a feel for how prospects move and react against NFL competition. College game tapes show how well a player hits and tackles.

Beyond Tatupu, running back Marquis Weeks, defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs and fullback Leonard Weaver also impressed coaches.

First-round pick Chris Spencer also flashed the mobility he’ll need to challenge starting center Robbie Tobeck.

“He moves very, very well,” coach Mike Holmgren said of Spencer. “He’s stout, he’s strong, he wants to be good. He is going to be fine.”

Weeks is making the transition from college safety at Virginia to NFL running back and kick-return man. At 5-10 and 216 pounds, he’s a bit stouter than No. 2 running back Maurice Morris.

Tubbs is looking to bounce back from a disappointing rookie season. A first-round pick a year ago, he reported to this camp in better condition. Improved quickness helped him win a few more battles against interior offensive linemen.

Like Weeks, Weaver entered this camp as an undrafted free agent. At 6 feet and 251 pounds, the rookie from Carson-Newman is about the same size as starting fullback Mack Strong.

He’ll compete with sixth-round choice Tony Jackson, who played tight end at Iowa. Jackson has little experience catching the ball, and he dropped a few passes over the weekend.

Third-round choice David Greene, a quarterback from Georgia, was a bit inconsistent. He seemed to improve considerably Sunday, at one point connecting with Jason Willis for a long touchdown pass despite coverage from starting strong safety Michael Boulware.

Rookie quarterbacks often struggle early as they try to absorb new terminology. Greene saw the playbook for the first time Thursday night, and the Seahawks began practicing the next morning.

Extra points

Fifth-round pick Jeb Huckeba proved fast enough to get around pass blockers on occasion, but there were times when his 252-pound frame made him vulnerable. The defensive end from Arkansas plans to add weight before training camp. …

Matt Malaspina, a scout with the Seahawks since 2000, has accepted a scouting position with San Francisco. His new boss with the 49ers is Scot McCloughan, the Seahawks’ former college scouting director. Additional changes could be forthcoming as new Seahawks president Tim Ruskell adjusts the front office. …

Defensive end Bryce Fisher is expected to return in time for training camp after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his ankle. Fisher, signed in free agency from the St. Louis Rams, played with the injury last season. The Seahawks said they knew about the condition before signing him and decided surgery was the best remedy. … Defensive tackle Rocky Bernard is participating in camp even though he has yet to sign a contract. Bernard is the last of the Seahawks’ unsigned restricted free agents.

Tatupu's first step a good one

SEATTLE POST

By CLARE FARNSWORTH

KIRKLAND -- The play went to the left, and Lofa Tatupu's first step was to his right, allowing him to meet running back Maurice Morris at the line of scrimmage.

The next play was a run up the gut by Kerry Carter, and Tatupu's initial step was toward the same gap. The play that followed went off left guard, and again Tatupu's first move was toward the ball carrier. This time, rookie center Chris Spencer put a block on Tatupu, but the rookie middle linebacker had not wasted a step.

The Seahawks think so much of Tatupu's instincts -- which allow a too-small, too-slow linebacker to play bigger and faster than he is -- they traded up in the second round of the NFL draft last weekend to select the USC playmaker and son of former NFL running back Mosi Tatupu.

In the case of Tatupu at the team's mandatory minicamp that concluded yesterday, seeing is believing.

"You've got guys that can run 4.4, 4.5 (seconds for 40 yards), but if they're sitting there and waiting until the ball is thrown to turn and run, so what?" Tatupu said. "But if a guy who runs 4.7 and sees it, 'OK, his arm is going back, take off.' You can't think, you've just got to react."

That was Tatupu in five practices over the weekend. He didn't read ... and ... react to plays. His was a game of readandreact. "Maybe it's something I was blessed with," he said. "I'm very thankful for it."

Actually, it might have been developed while directing the offense as a high school quarterback. At least that was the theory of Nick Holt, Tatupu's position coach at USC and now head coach at Idaho. "He said the best linebackers used to be running backs, because they can read and they know where the openings are going to be by the flow of the line," Tatupu said. "It's true."

Still, his selection with the 45th pick overall -- not to mention the fact that the Seahawks traded a pair of fourth-round picks to move nine spots to do it -- seems to have no middle ground around the rest of the league. One scout considered it a monumental reach; another said it was a bold move that could define the Seahawks' draft.

Tatupu's take? He just shrugged and smiled. When you're not quite 6-foot and do run closer to 4.7 than 4.5, being underrated and over-scrutinized is nothing new. "That's my motivation," he said. "Everywhere I go, I get that same stuff. Of course I expected it at this level."

Tatupu went to Maine out of King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, Mass., because some schools wanted him to play quarterback and others considered him too small and slow to play linebacker. "They told me I wasn't a Division I-A athlete," he said.

Until he got to what has been the Division I-A school. After sitting out the 2002 season under NCAA transfer rules, Tatupu started in 2003 and 2004 and was the leading tackler for USC teams that won back-to-back national championships. "At Maine, he made almost every tackle and was on every pile," said USC coach Pete Carroll. "We took a chance on him."

This same scenario was played out this spring by Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes and president of football operations Tim Ruskell, and for the same reasons. "The thing that jumped out on film is that he is very instinctive," Rhodes said. "He understood the game extremely well. He's one of those guys that makes plays."

HAWK TALK: Recently signed free agent linebacker Jamie Sharper worked exclusively on the strong side over the weekend, despite having started at middle linebacker the past three seasons for the Houston Texans. Coach Mike Holmgren said Sharper will remain outside "unless something drastic happens." That left Niko Koutouvides, a fourth-round pick last year, Tatupu and Cornelius Wortham, a seventh-round pick this year, to split time at middle linebacker. ... The rookies left town yesterday, but the veterans will continue to practice today through Thursday.
P-I reporter Clare Farnsworth can be reached at 206-448-8016 or clarefarnsworth@seattlepi.com

Making sense of Lions' leap and other risky draft picks

CBS SportsLine.com

By Clark Judge - CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer

I still don't understand why the Detroit Lions, stuck at 22nd in defense last year, passed over the top pass rusher and linebacker in this year's draft, but I guess we're about to find out. They're one of 26 teams to hold minicamps this weekend, and look for Mike Williams to be there.

Williams, the team's first pick, is one of the most intriguing choices in this year's draft. Some people thought he would go in the first 10; some thought he would last until the middle of the round. No one figured him for Detroit, where the Lions had spent their past two first-rounders on wide receivers.

"Before the draft, Matt (Millen, the team's president and CEO) and I were talking," said Lions' coach Steve Mariucci, "and we said, 'What if Mike Williams is there when we pick?' We both agreed we'd have to choose him."

Well, they did, and for that reason alone Williams becomes one of the most intriguing players to watch from this year's draft. And the others? Well, I chose four more, and not because they're the best at their positions or could have the greatest impact, but because, like Williams, I'm not sure why they are where they are.

The roll call, please:

Mike Williams, WR, Detroit

When the Lions passed over Demarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman and Derrick Johnson for someone who lines up at a position where the Lions are deep, the first reaction was: Don Coryell got loose in the building. The second was: There's something wrong with Charles Rogers' recovery.

Neither, it turns out, is accurate, though Mariucci conceded the Lions don't really know what they have in Rogers, the wide receiver coming off his second season-ending injury in two years.

"Charles really hasn't played for two years," Mariucci said, "and he's coming off surgery. And Roy Williams is coming off surgery, too. We also lost Tai Streets and Reggie Swinton, so we needed another player."

No problem there. But with the first pick? I mean, can Williams help the Lions more than, say, a Ware or Johnson? Detroit thinks he can, and here's why: They look at their offensive production the past three years -- correction, their passing production -- and it's dreadful.

They averaged 184 yards passing per game, and that's not enough to satisfy the coach or the front office. What's more, they weren't explosive, averaging 5.32 yards per attempt last year, which was below the NFC average.

While they considered Ware, Merriman and Johnson, they believe Williams can do as much for their defense by making their offense more productive. If the passing game improves, the Lions extend their drives. And the longer they control the ball the less the opposition has a chance to score.

"Part of what we wanted to do was improve Joey's (Harrington) surrounding cast," said Mariucci. "Mike Williams will help us do that."

The Lions look at is this way: Five of their final six losses last year were by six or fewer points, including three by no more than three. Yes, the defense was a problem. But so was an offense that ranked 30th inside the 20. If Williams is close to what he was at Southern California, where he scored 30 times in two years, the Lions might have solved two issues with one player.

Matt Jones, QB, Jacksonville

When Dallas passed on a wide receiver at the 20th spot, it appeared Jacksonville would have Oklahoma wide receiver Mark Clayton to itself. Only the Jags didn't jump at Clayton; they went for Arkansas' Jones, a quarterback the Jaguars will move to wide receiver.

Can you say ... Drew Bennett?

I understand how the 6-foot-6 Jones wowed scouts at the combine with his 4.40 time in the 40 and 39½-inch vertical leap, and, yes, the guy looked terrific at wide receiver at the Senior Bowl. What I can't figure is why you spend a first-round pick on a project -- in essence, gambling on a player at a position he hasn't played consistently since his junior year of high school.

Better listen to James Harris, the team's vice president in charge of player personnel.

"We don't look at it as a gamble," he said. "We did a lot of research on him, and he spent a lot of time at the position at the Senior Bowl and took a few snaps during the season at Arkansas.

"We're not looking at it as a gamble at all. We're looking at a guy who was productive in the SEC; who was a playmaker at Arkansas; who has the ability and who looked good in the Senior Bowl against some of the guys who were drafted high. He's a special talent."

No argument there. Jones played on the Arkansas basketball team. He set school records for passing and rushing by a quarterback. He set a total offense record, too, obliterating the previous mark set by Clint Stoerner.

But why would you take him ahead of the more experienced Clayton? And how long will it take him to adapt to wide receiver and make an impact?

"Clayton's an excellent player," said Harris, "but (Jones) was the highest-rated player on our board when we picked.

"It's going to take the same time for him (to adapt) as other receivers. I think there's going to be some adjustment, but he has the size and speed you look for. We don't look at him as raw; he has a feel for the position."


Jason Campbell, QB, Washington

The worst-kept secret was that the Redskins, who met with Campbell the week of the draft, would take him. But why would a club that just lost Laveranues Coles and is eager to dump Rod Gardner look at Campbell before checking its list at wide receiver -- especially with UAB's Roddy White still on the board?

Well, they did look at White but figured Campbell was the better choice.

"Because of the value of the quarterback," said a source close to the organization. "It's huge. You can't pass up a quarterback who has ability."

OK, fine. But it's not as if Washington doesn't have other issues. We've already talked about wide receiver. They could use a defensive lineman. Maybe two. An offensive lineman. A linebacker. A playmaker for an offense that averaged 15 points a game.

They already had two veteran quarterbacks, including a 26-year-old who was the team's first draft pick only three years ago. So I guess you can read two things into the choice: 1) Patrick Ramsey should start house hunting outside the D.C. area, and 2) maybe coach Joe Gibbs is in this thing for the long haul.

I haven't run across anyone who believes that, but why would Gibbs -- who historically prefers veterans, starting a rookie quarterback only 11 times in his 13 years with Washington -- mortgage the future (remember, they spent three picks, including next year's No. 1, on this choice) on a guy who carries a clipboard this year?

Gibbs later said something about Campbell's "value to the organization," and, if that's the thinking, great. But most coaches with 6-10 teams aren't thinking of the future of the organization; they're thinking of themselves, making first-round picks of players who can help them win immediately.

"If this guy weren't rated so highly," said the source, "they would have drafted the wide receiver. But they fell in love with Campbell."

This is why: He flourished under a new offensive coordinator last year, completing 70 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and was named SEC offensive player of the year. The Redskins liked Campbell's 31-8 record, his size, the strength of his arm and, apparently, their future with him more than their future with Ramsey.

Gibbs insists that's not true, saying the club still belongs to Ramsey, but let's be honest here: You don't trade away a future No. 1 for a second-string quarterback. Ramsey is on the clock. He's the starter for now. But he either turns into Drew Brees or he's gone.

Luis Castillo, DT, San Diego

When Chargers general manager A.J. Smith showed up for work last weekend he vowed to emerge with a premier pass rusher -- either through the draft or through a trade. He explored a trade, reportedly talking to Tampa Bay about Simeon Rice, but when talks fell through, he made Merriman his first choice.

Conventional wisdom said he would turn to wide receiver or the offensive line with his second choice, the 28th overall, but Smith had his eyes set on Northwestern's Castillo -- the best defensive tackle in the draft until testing positive for steroids at the February scouting combine.

Yes, steroids. That's a no-no in the sports world today, and some scouts figured it could -- and maybe would -- push Castillo into the second or third round. They forgot to check with Smith.

"Luis Castillo was always, always on my mind going into the draft," said Smith. "We were going to go defense at the bottom, with Castillo penciled in. Up top was the debate -- are we going for a wideout or the defensive rush guy? But I kicked off of that when the rush came on offense and said, 'We're committed.'

"The marquee wideouts supposedly were the five or six in the first round, but we thought there was a group in the second round that might be darned good."

So he took Vincent Jackson there. But let's back up to Castillo. The Chargers have a marvelous defensive tackle in Jamal Williams, and, as much as Castillo seems a likeable guy, it's hard to get past his decision to turn to steroids.

"When you first see his name and steroids next to it you have to be concerned," said Smith. "But we started an investigative process all the way through the draft. From all the information we have we're very excited about what we're getting back. We feel he made a terrible mistake and that it's a one-time deal that had to do with an (injured) elbow.

"He panicked, but we feel very, very comfortable. This is not a loaded-up steroid guy who's been doing this for years. This is a great kid. That's our gut instinct, and I believe in that. He's going to be tested coming into the program -- like 24 times a year -- but I don't think it matters because I don't think he tests (positive) again. I really believe that."

He also believes Castillo will help the Chargers where they need it most -- with their pass rush. For the moment they have him at left defensive end but envision moving him inside on passing situations. That's the short-term plan. The long-term design might depend on how negotiations to retain Williams go. He has a year left on his contract.

"Luis Castillo is a terrific football player, and we're excited about having him," said Smith.

Maurice Clarett, RB, Denver

We knew he would be drafted, and you figured it would be by someone that could sit him behind another back. But the third round? And by Denver? Clarett has been out of the game two years, and the Broncos not only used their second draft pick a year ago on running back Tatum Bell; they just signed free-agent running back Ron Dayne.

"We always feel you never have enough depth at the running-back position," said coach Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan always gains the benefit of the doubt at the position. The Broncos' success with running backs is well documented, with the club scoring direct hits through the draft with Terrell Davis (sixth), Olandis Gary (fourth), Mike Anderson (sixth) and Clinton Portis (second).

You might throw Quentin Griffin (fourth) and Bell in there, too, but let's give them time. Besides, you have to run for 1,000 yards in Denver to join this conversation.

Clarett's an intriguing player. When he last played, in 2002, he led Ohio State to a national championship, set a school rushing record for yardage, scored 16 times and had seven games where he ran for 100 yards. But he has had a raft of personal trouble since then and embarrassed himself at the February scouting combine, failing to complete his workout after a poor 40.

Apparently, the Broncos weren't concerned. Their running backs coach, Bobby Turner, developed a relationship the past two years with Clarett and was convinced he could help them. It was Turner, who served as an assistant at Ohio State in 1989-90, who convinced Shanahan to stand up for Clarett in the third round.

"Coach Turner (and Shanahan) took a gamble," said Clarett. "I don't want to make them look stupid."

Indoor minicamp practice

MLive.com

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Rookie WR Mike Williams (88) from USC and Charles Rogers look on as minicamp begins at the training facility in Allen Park, Friday, April 29. After working out on his own for more than a year, Williams practiced withteammates for the first time.

Mike Williams (88) stretches out as the Lions minicamp begins at their training facililty in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, April 29, 2005.

Mike Williams (88) catches a pass during minicamp drills at the Lions training facililty in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, April 29, 2005.

Johnathan Goddard was the Lions' last draft pick, in the sixth round. He's an outside linebacker from Marshall, and led the nation in sacks as a senior with 16 and had 27 for his career.

Earl Holmes fires up the Lions' linebackers before minicamp practice. Each guy hops and chants in unison.

A vast number of Lions' defensive backs jog down the line, warming up prior to practice.

Former Colts WR Marcus Pollard talks with a member of the Lions' staff during minicamp practice. None of the tight ends on the roster, including Pollard, were drafted.

Big Mike Williams makes his way to a receivers' drill during his first NFL minicamp.

Last year Rick DeMulling blocked for Peyton Manning all the way up until he was injured on Thanksgiving Day against the Lions. This year, he'll be blocking for Joey Harrington -- or Jeff Garcia.

Rookie Dan Orlovsky throws the ball downfield in a passing drill.

Charles Rogers, left, and Mike Williams grab a drink after running routes in minicamp. Rogers is recovering from a second-consecutive broken collarbone, and says he is 100 percent.

Orlovsky was rated highly after his senior season at UConn, but he played poorly at the Senior Bowl and dropped to the Lions in the fifth round. He says he never played under center before, and he didn't get a feel for it during the Senior Bowl.

Rookie free agent punter Adam Anderson, from Western Michigan University, waits to catch a pass from QBs running drills. Anderson flew to Detroit from Kalamazoo because he didn't think his car would make the 2-hour drive down I-94.

Cory Schlesinger lines up for his next drill while rookie free agent Howard Jackson from UTEP, No. 40, looks on.

Joey Harrington hopes to find new success in new offensive coordinator Ted Tollner's version of the West Coast offense. Tollner intends to use more motion, and will look downfield more often.

Kenoy Kennedy is arguably the Lions' biggest offseason addition. He was considered the top free agent safety available, and left Denver to come to Detroit.

Second round draft pick Shaun Cody lines up against a one-man sled for down-lineman drills.

Earl Holmes (50), Boss Bailey (97), Donte Curry (55), and Teddy Lehman (54) prepare for unit linebacker drills.

The original Williams wide receiver, Roy, enters his second year and will be one of the anchors of Detroit's most potent position.

Rookie WR Mike Williams toes the sideline while pulling in a pass.

Mike Williams talks with veteran wideout Kevin Johnson during practice. Johnson voided his contract with the Ravens in order to become a free agent, and then joined the Lions. He said he wanted to join and exciting, up-and-coming team.

Jared DeVries lines up to the left of rookie Shaun Cody (75) for defensive line drills.

6-foot-5, 235 pound Mike Williams takes over for the recently cut 5-foot-9, 185 pound Az Hakim in the slot.

As the rest of the team looks on, Dan Orlovsky effortlessly throws the ball deep downfield.

Lions introduce 2005 draft picks

MLive.com

Photos by Bill Emkow/MLive.com

Steve Mariucci says both Mike Williams and Shaun Cody both know how to win, and how to prepare to win. They will bring the proper attitude to the Lions.

Matt Millen said the Lions were stunned to see both Mike Williams and Shaun Cody falling to them in the first and second rounds, respectively.

Mariucci says Shaun Cody went to the same high school as his wife at Los Altos HS. "You were not born when my wife went to school there, but she's really excited to have you here, too."

Mariucci says Pete Carroll, USC's head coach, runs his team like an NFL program so both guys will be ready for the jump. Plus, Carroll was an NFL defensive coordinator, so Cody may have a good jump on the NFL.

Matt Millen is very proud of the moves they made to get Cody, and the luck of landing Williams. "We got better yesterday as a football team."

Williams said he landed in Detroit wearing short sleeves during an unusual April snow storm. He ran all over the airport looking for Detroit Lions leather coats or a winter jacket.

Williams said he was caught off-guard by the Lions' selecting him. When they went on the clock he stopped staring at his cell phone, put it into his pocket -- and then it rang. It was a 313 area code, and he still didn't believe it.

After trying to piggyback Maurice Clarrett's challenge of the NFL's underclassmen rule, and being denied admittance to last year's draft, Williams says he holds no grudges and is at peace with the decision. Although he wouldn't do it again.

Shaun Cody had 10 sacks for USC last year playing inside and outside on the defensive line. He weighs nearly 300 pounds, and says he holds that pretty well so he hopes to put on more before the season.

Cody's first words to the media in his introductory press conference, he said "First of all I'd like to thank Coach's wife for drafting me."

Cody has a rare talent of good speed rushing the passer from the interior of the defensive line. Steve Mariucci salivates over the idea of lining him up next to Shaun Rogers. Opponents will have to decide whom to double-team.

After being passed over by nine teams, Williams thought the Chargers were the next team intersted in him. "When they drafted me I thought, 'My god, we're going to have the best receiving group in the NFL.'"

One of the aspects he knows about the Lions is that the defensive line is a very tight-knit group. He said that's how the team is at USC. "When I felt that, I was really excited to be a Lion."

Mike Williams on ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. saying he's a Hall of Famer, while Merrill Hoge says he'll be average at best. "Thank you Mel, it's flattering. As for Merrill Hoge, I've never met the man. You know, controversey gets ratings."

Williams advised USC QB Matt Leinart to stay in school, despite possibly being the No. 1 pick. To learn from his mistake of trying to leave too early. Williams says he's glad to finally be a part of a team again, with a familiar face on his side.

Cassel hopes he's not a throwaway

Boston.com / Sports

Patriots minicamp first shot to impress

By Jerome Solomon, Globe Staff | May 1, 2005

FOXBOROUGH -- Just as he has done a thousand times before, Matt Cassel dropped back and rifled pass after pass to uncovered receivers in a passing drill yesterday afternoon, this time in the practice bubble at Gillette Stadium.

And instead of targets such as Mike Williams, Reggie Bush, and Keary Colbert -- whose names are very recognizable to college football fans -- Cassel was throwing to backs and wideouts few have heard of.

That's OK. Cassel is about as unknown as a major college quarterback on back-to-back national championship teams could be.

He had the misfortune of being a backup to two Heisman Trophy winners at Southern California -- Carson Palmer (2002) and Matt Leinart (2004).

Cassel threw as many passes in the first 10 minutes of the drill at the Patriots' rookie minicamp as he did in four seasons at USC.

"[I was behind] two Heisman Trophy winners, so who knows? I could be the third-best quarterback in the nation, but I never got the opportunity," Cassel said with a laugh.

But few college athletes have been in such a unique situation. Maybe only two: Cassel and what's his name, you know, Archie Griffin's backup at Ohio State.

Griffin is the only two-time Heisman winner, claiming the award in 1974 and '75. Before Cassel arrived at USC, no school had ever had two quarterbacks win the honor in a three-year span.

Cassel's numbers as a Trojan were decent -- for a single game. He appeared in 25 games (some as an H-back and tight end), yet threw only 33 passes, completing 20 for 192 yards with one interception and no touchdowns.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick described Cassel's limited game film as "circumstantial," as in he played only when games were out of hand.

Yet he was drafted in the seventh round by the Patriots (230th overall), when Hawaii's Timmy Chang, the NCAA's career passing leader, and Oklahoma's Jason White, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2003, went undrafted.

"I'd say the big thing for Matt, even though he didn't have a lot of passing attempts, he was in a pro offense," Belichick said. "That's a sophisticated system that [USC coach] Pete [Carroll] runs, and with [Norm] Chow as the coordinator, that's a pro offense.

"I think from that standpoint he might have a lot better background, mentally and being in a system that way, than a guy who was in less of a pro offense but had taken more snaps under center. There's a little bit of a trade-off there."

Cassel said being one play away from the starting lineup helped his focus.

As the only rookie among the Patriots' five quarterbacks -- Tom Brady, Doug Flutie, Rohan Davey, and Chris Redman being the others -- Cassel is unlikely to be anywhere near that close to joining the Patriots' lineup any time soon.

But that's what was said about Brady when he arrived as a sixth-round pick in 2000. Actually, that's "Mr. Brady," according to Cassel.

"Nobody in the NFL has been able to accomplish what he has, whether they are a first-round draft pick, a third-round draft pick, or a seventh-round draft pick," Cassel said. "So for me to say that I'm going to emulate what he's done with his career is a little bit of wishful thinking at this point."

The early wish would be to make the squad.

Belichick said having five quarterbacks in training camp would not be too unwieldy.

The question will be how the group ranks in order after Brady at No. 1, and likely Flutie at No. 2. Three quarterbacks is the norm, but the Patriots could elect to carry four.

"That will all be decided on the field, how they play and how they perform," Belichick said. "It's not predetermined. We'll just take it as it comes." . . .
There are a couple of interesting sights in the Patriots' locker room.

The stalls of Troy Brown and Roman Phifer are as they were last season, despite the fact that the two were let go on consecutive days two months ago. There is even mail in both of their lockers.

Neither has signed with another team after their salary-cap-related departures.

Phifer has indicated he is considering retirement, but he has rehabbed a shoulder injury to be ready to play should he choose to do so.

Speculation that Brown would be back slowed after the Patriots signed free agent receivers Tim Dwight and David Terrell. But Belichick has never closed the door on a possible return of the 12-year veteran.

Belichick said the intact lockers may or may not mean something.

"I wouldn't read too much into that either way," he said. . . .
Belichick addressed Friday's signing of Flutie for the first time.

"I'm happy that he's here," Belichick said. "I have a lot of respect for him, from competing against him many times. He's always been a tough guy to defend.

"I like his approach to the game. I think he brings a good competitive attitude and leadership. I'm glad we have him."

Flutie was with the Patriots from 1987-89. Belichick agreed with the 42-year-old's statement that his biggest contribution to the team could be in the classroom, though he was brought in to be ready to go if pressed into service for Brady, who has started 71 straight games. . . .
Because of the low numbers of invitees to rookie minicamp (21 dressed), the coaches elected to forgo a morning practice, and instead conducted meetings.

The Patriots added six players and cut one prior to the afternoon session. Added were: Rhett Kopp, a punter from Carson-Newman; running back Earl Charles of Marshall; guard Michael Rogers of Richmond; defensive lineman Santonio Thomas of Miami (Fla.); wide receiver Michael McGrew of Virginia; and defensive lineman DeMarco McNeil of Auburn. Matt Phillips, a fullback from Edinboro, was released.

Third-round draft pick Nick Kaczur participated in the Friday morning drills, but then left because of a death in the family. . . .
Of the players at minicamp, kicker Robbie Gould may have the longest shot of earning a spot on the roster.

Adam Vinatieri, considered by many to be the best kicker in the NFL, has that position pretty well in hand.

Gould said that is one of the reasons he selected the Patriots after being asked to sign as a free agent.

"The Patriots are the best team in the league, and Adam Vinatieri is the best kicker in the game, so who better to learn from than the best?" he said.

Belichick said Gould could work himself onto another roster.

"If you look at the kicking situation in the National Football League, you're looking at an opportunity [to] get out there and perform, especially in the preseason games," Belichick said. "We all scout those positions pretty hard and we see what's out there.

"That's what those guys have. They get an opportunity, a chance to play in the National Football League and show everybody what they can do. If it is good enough, somebody will recognize it."

Recapping a wild spring fling

Yahoo! News

By Matt Hayes - Sporting News

Hoppin', skippin' and jumpin' through an eventful spring-and maybe learning something along the way ...

Just the facts, ma'am

Since the end of last season, 11 South Carolina players have been arrested. Tennessee has had 11 arrests since February 2004. Somebody better make sure there's a substantial police presence at Neyland Stadium, where the Gamecocks and Vols will play October 29.

And there's no truth to the rumor that Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer is taking cues from Burt Reynolds' character in the original version of The Longest Yard.

Fulmer, exasperated: "You boys wanna play football today?"

Vols: "Nah."

Fulmer, smiling: "We're gonna play the guards."

Spears and arrows ...

The offseason lovefest for Southern California has lost its oomph. Sort of like Britney's quick tailspin. Let's recap, shall we, the fall of Tinseltown in just a few short months:

January

USC wins its second consecutive national championship.

February

The lovely Ms. Spears wins her first Grammy with the hit "Toxic." How fitting.

# Coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Norm Chow divorce, and Carroll replaces the sage mastermind with 29-year-old assistant Lane Kiffin. Four other assistants also leave, forcing Carroll to revamp a highly successful staff.

April

UPN comes to terms with Spears and hubby Kevin Federline for a new reality show. What, the Missy Elliott Project didn't drive enough revenue?

# Four key starters-defensive linemen Frostee Rucker and Manuel Wright, running back LenDale White and tight end Dominique Byrd-might have too much academic work to do this summer to be eligible this fall.

# Spears announces she's pregnant.

All aboard the Tinseltown Express: Pffffft.

... and outrageous good fortune

It's getting shaky on the Tommy Trojan Bandwagon. Moving up quickly on the outside are those lunchpailers from southwestern Virginia.

Hokie, Hokie, Hokie Hi!
Tech, Tech, VPI Sol-a-rex, Sol-a-rah Vick steers clear of jail in Vir-gin-ia!

Taylor made for the job

The best part about Zac Taylor's meteoric rise on the Nebraska depth chart? Until the annual spring game, he never had been to a game in Lincoln. Now he's Big Red's starting quarterback.

In less than two years, Taylor has gone from Wake Forest to a community college to thinking he'd never get another chance to play Division I football to hearing Huskers coach Bill Callahan rave about his potential.

Taylor's spring game numbers: 20-of-27, 357 yards, 3 TDs. He showed nice touch on deep balls and accuracy on shorter throws all spring, distancing himself from the three other quarterbacks fighting for the spot. By the way, Nebraska's second game of the season is against Wake Forest.

Don't you just love how the football gods take care of everything?

Spring game stats that just have to be typos, don't they?

1 TD, 4 INTs: Oklahoma quarterbacks Paul Thompson, Rhett Bomar and Tommy Grady.

12 sacks: The N.C. State defense, led by quick ends Manny Lawson and Mario Williams.

Say it ain't so, Joe

At least JoePa is consistent. Years of deferring to senior players hasn't changed, even though the pressure to win never has been greater for Penn State's legendary coach. Case in point: the strange saga of Michael Robinson.

You know, I know and anyone who has watched Penn State's painful offense the past three years knows that Robinson is not a quarterback. He is a dynamic athlete who could give the Lions a threat at receiver-as he has done off and on when not trying to be a quarterback.

Robinson informed Paterno this spring that he wants to play quarterback this fall. And Paterno, who loves his seniors, says Robinson will be his quarterback instead of talented but raw sophomore Anthony Morelli. So instead of Morelli throwing to Robinson and big-time freshman receiver Derrick Williams (think Reggie Bush), Robinson will look lost (again), throw multiple interceptions per game (again) and lead an offense as exciting as late-night reruns of The Golden Girls.

Like you've never fantasized about throwing a football with Wonder Woman

Maybe Oregon thought it could get one over on the big, bad
NCAA.

But the sport's fun police nixed the idea of the Ducks sending personalized comic strips to players as a recruiting tool. The NCAA says any attachment to a correspondence must by "authored" by football coaches. Oregon had a former intern sketching the strips, some of which showed recruits arriving on campus in-horror of horrors!-private planes.

Look, if someone in the Oregon athletic department were to draw a strip of Wonder Woman and me on a beach in the Bahamas, I wouldn't be offended.

Will Florida's offense spring a leak?

I'm still not convinced Chris Leak can run Urban Meyer's spread option offense at Florida-at least the way it was executed at Bowling Green and Utah. Leak is a pocket passer, not a dual-threat athlete.

Coordinator Dan Mullen has tweaked Leak's throwing motion, from how high he holds the ball to how far back his hand drops when he winds to throw. Coaches have worked with Leak on play fakes from the shotgun and his point of release. And they've changed his velocity, telling him to "let it go" on every throw.

As a passer, Leak will be better than any of the quarterbacks who have played in Meyer's system, including Alex Smith. But how much will that mean when Leak continually takes hits when he runs the spread option?

4 things I know now that I didn't know then

1. Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs is a better pro prospect than USC's Matt Leinart.

2. That revamped Iowa D-line? Redshirt freshman Matt Kroul and sophomore Kenny Iwebema are future stars.

3. After playing so well in the Sun Bowl, Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller struggled this spring and was given a C-plus grade by coach Dirk Koetter. So much for those Cal-like (read: runner-up to USC in the Pac-10) dreams.

4. After all the pining and posturing for Kyle Whittingham, BYU got the right coach in Bronco Mendenhall.

One way or another, Ginn's gonna getcha

Admit it, you're fascinated with Ted Ginn. Stand in line, pal-so is Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. This spring, Tressel and his staff developed plays to use Ginn at wideout (his projected position), tailback and quarterback. His plays at quarterback likely will be in the shotgun. When Ginn lines up at tailback, the objective will be to get him matched up on a slower linebacker or safety in coverage. Ginn also will play some cornerback (his original position) and return punts.

Two more two-timers, both from the ACC

Will Blackmon, Boston College. He probably will be a first-round draft pick next year as a cornerback. Yet he worked a majority of snaps this spring at wide receiver. The staff won't make a decision on Blackmon's primary position until fall camp. He also will return punts.

Devin Hester, Miami. His development as a corner tailed off this spring, so he might be no more than a third corner in nickel and dime packages. He has been used at wideout, tailback and quarterback in previous seasons. Don't think the Canes will let his 4.3 40 speed go to waste. If he can't win a starting job on defense, they'll use him on offense.

'Uh, Coach? I can't lift my arm'

Arizona coach Mike Stoops has given new meaning to "camp arm." With projected starting quarterback Richard Kovalcheck out for the spring-and possibly the fall-recovering from back surgery and the team thin at the position, former walk-on Adam Austin stepped in during spring practice and ran more than 1,400 plays in 15 practices.

Stoops says incoming blue-chip freshman Willie Tuitama will play this year and get to compete for the starting job. Some friendly advice for Tuitama: Get that arm ready.

Matt Hayes is a senior writer for the Sporting News. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.