AROUND THE PAC-10: March 19
On ESPN.com Ted Miller, one of the best in the business in my opinion, takes a closer look at Gary Rodgers who enters spring practice as the starter at quarterback for the WSU. What is it with the Cougs and their love affair with college basketball-sized quarterback prospects?
Miller examines the race to take over the quarterback position for Oregon, now void due to the graduation of Dennis Dixon. He says this will be "far less daunting" due to Justin Roper's four-touchdown performance against South Florida in the Sun Bowl. "But Roper won't automatically walk into the starting job when spring practices start April 4. He'll first be challenged by sophomore Cody Kempt; but watch out for sophomore Nathan Costa, who was ahead of those two before blowing out his knee last season. Costa will be limited in spring but figures to enter the race in the fall."
The Ducks have often struggled mightily while trying to replace a senior quarterback with a new man behind center. Very few quarterbacks have experienced great success as first-year starters regardless of how long they have been in the program. I have a hunch neither Roper nor Kempt will be the man come September 1. Nathan Costa, who was in line to be that man when spring practice begins next week, tore both his ACL and MCL in an October practice. Regardless of the limitations this puts on him while working back to 100%, I really believe he will be the starter for Oregon.
In Berkley, the Cal Bears hit the practice field March 31. This team has got to get it back and have a strong season. Bad news...James Montgomery has chosen to transfer, possibly to Washington, where he originally committed out of Cordova H.S. Good news...Sophomore Jahvid Best is a stud and will be a capable starting running back despite a hip injury that will keep him out of spring practice.
Meanwhile, in Westwood, the Neuheisel-led Bruins begin spring practice April 3. I have to admit, I am a big Patrick Cowan fan. The guy is just so inspiring to his teammates. You can just see it...they play on a different level when he is on the field. With half the pure natural talent of a Ben Olson, Cowan is just fun to watch. Both players are coming off major knee injuries that took them out of action last season.
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