Bleacher Report - Articles by Dave Grenley

College Football: Around the PAC-10

Dave Grenley — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:44:24 -0400

Continuing our look around the PAC-10 this week...we begin in Corvallis where the Beavers have begun spring practice. Oregon State coach Mike Riley and his staff are focused on "reloading" a defense that was nationally-recognized last season. Paul Buker of The Oregonian has the particulars in his Sunday column.

In Westwood it is Final Four time. All the attention is on the basketball team right now...and understandably so...but spring football has begun on Spaulding Field. Rick Neuheisel is back in the PAC-10, running the show. Unreal.

Chris Foster takes a long look at the new coach in this piece for the LA Times. Wide receivers Marcus Everett and Gavin Ketchum and defensive tackle Brigham Harwell will all be on the team this year as the NCAA approved their petitions for an additional year of eligibility. Just as Cal last year, UCLA will play Tennessee in their season opener on Sept. 1.

On Montlake, spring practice has begun and the Huskies coaching staff is trying a new approach as well. Ty and co. recently took a trip to the University of Florida to learn some new tricks, reports Seattle Times writer Bob Condotta.

College Football: Around The PAC-10

Dave Grenley — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:22:26 -0400

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.

Pac-10 Football: Spring Practice Schedules

Dave Grenley — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:11:10 -0400

Spring ball is here!

That's right—after two very long, painful months we will soon have the greatest sport, played on the most competitive level, back in focus.

Early Top-25 prognostications are being offered and firmed up. College football beat writers from South Florida to Pullman are developing the top story lines of the spring.

The time has come to shut down the 7-on-7's and get down to business!

Pac-10 Spring Football Practice

Arizona Wildcats: March 8 - April 12

Arizona State Sun Devils: March 25 - April 19

Cal Bears: March 17 - April 19

Oregon Ducks: April 2 - April 26

Oregon State Beavers: March 31 - May 3

Stanford Cardinal: February 26 - April 12

UCLA Bruins: April 3 - April 26

USC Trojans: March 25 - April 19

Washington Huskies: April 3 - April 22

Washington State Cougars: March 17 - April 12