The 8 Biggest Takeaways from 2016 College Football Spring Practice
Quarterback competitions highlighted college football's return to the national scene, but huge performances in scrimmages—not just by players—created some buzz during spring practice.
Perhaps most importantly, though, few of those headlines involved a season ending before it officially began. The biggest news was a northern coach making waves in the South.
Leading contenders for the 2016 national championship offered reminders why they've earned that status, and a couple preseason darlings reinforced the hype.
And lastly, there were quarterbacks. Some pulled away from every teammate, and others remain locked in a battle spring practice simply couldn't decide.
Lamar Jackson's Hype Train Is Rolling
1 of 8Louisville's starting offense—which is loaded with returning players at each position—absolutely hammered the second-string defense.
And sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson dominated.
The dual-threat weapon picked apart his teammates to the tune of 519 yards and eight touchdowns, completing 24 of 29 passes, according to Jody Demling of Scout.
Although Jackson likely won't lift college football's premier award, he's an under-the-radar contender for the Heisman Trophy. We knew Jackson can run, but the spring showed he has the arm talent and weapons to cause some trouble in the ACC.
Houston Remains the Group of Five Favorite
2 of 8
The combination of head coach Tom Herman and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. will keep Houston competitive in 2016.
In order for the Cougars to crash the College Football Playoff party, however, they must replace top contributors on both sides of the football. At worst, the spring was encouraging.
Leading receiver Demarcus Ayers headed for the NFL, but Isaiah Johnson racked up 15 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns during the spring game. He'll join Chance Allen and Ra'Shaad Samples as Ward's primary targets.
Star corner William Jackson III was a first-round pick. Elandon Roberts was a sixth-round selection, and Adrian McDonald and Trevon Stewart used up their eligibility. Yet the defense was a pleasant surprise.
The offense is going to score. If the defense is better than 2015 despite departures, Houston might just reach the final four.
Buckeyes Fans Filled the Shoe
3 of 8
Ohio State supporters really, really love their football program. That, or Buckeyes fans are really bored. Maybe both.
But we're not here to judge.
The mid-April Saturday resulted in a new record for attendance at a spring game. According to ESPN's Austin Ward, the school announced a crowd of 100,189—which broke its own previous mark of 99,391.
Per Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com, Ohio State's official capacity will drop to 102,854 by 2018. In the meantime, can the Buckeyes continue to edge their record?
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Jim Harbaugh Ruffled Plenty of Feathers
4 of 8
In the never-ending and entertaining saga of Jim Harbaugh vs. Whoever Cares This Time, the Michigan coach upset a few football programs in the South.
Harbaugh took his Wolverines to IMG Academy for a week of spring practice, undoubtedly a crafty maneuver to play in front of a high school powerhouse during a recruiting dead period. Even without direct contact, he built a connection with prospects in Florida—not just at IMG.
Other sports like baseball, softball and tennis take trips to Florida or Texas, yet the SEC, ACC and others only decided to care when Harbaugh brought Michigan football.
Later on, the NCAA temporarily banned satellite camps, ultimately rescinding the decision within three weeks.
No matter your view on either topic, Harbaugh sure is entertaining during an otherwise quiet time of year.
Injuries Weren't a Huge Problem
5 of 8
Injuries are going to happen; they're simply an unfortunate part of football. But seeing few significant issues arise is relieving.
Now, that doesn't change the disappointment for anyone.
Illinois wide receiver Mike Dudek caught 76 passes for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman in 2014. He missed 2015 because of a torn right ACL, and then it happened again.
Purdue running back D.J. Knox tore his left ACL, and USC defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow Jr. had surgery on his right ACL. Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk ruptured his left Achilles, three years after having the same happen to his right.
Big names like Baylor quarterback Seth Russell, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook and Iowa signal-caller C.J. Beathard missed action, but they'll be back for fall camp. Others weren't so fortunate, and that's saddening.
Clemson's Offense Will Be a Problem
6 of 8
Clemson's offense is a serious problem. For everyone else.
Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson will continue developing, and the Tigers only added skill-position weapons for the dual-threat star.
Wayne Gallman, Artavis Scott, Jordan Leggett, Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud return. Mike Williams is healthy. Deon Cain could be a breakout player. Watson's supporting cast looks deeper and more dangerous, Bleacher Report's Justin Ferguson wrote.
Clemson isn't a lock for the College Football Playoff because Florida State should also be excellent—while Jackson and Louisville might be trouble—but the Tigers offense is destined for a huge year.
So Will Alabama's Defense
7 of 8
In case you were wondering if Alabama's defense would regress after losing several players, the Crimson Tide answered the question.
They're going to be scary good.
Jonathan Allen, Da'Shawn Hand, Da'Ron Payne and Dalvin Tomlinson highlight the defensive line. Tim Williams, Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Ryan Anderson form a stellar linebacking corps.
Eddie Jackson, Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick were significant contributors last season in the secondary. Maurice Smith and Ronnie Harrison are headed for starting roles.
None of the nine Top 200 recruits set to arrive this summer are included. Considering the roster's talent and depth, Alabama's defense might be better than 2015's unit.
Few Resolutions in Quarterback Battles
8 of 8
Favorites emerged in the quarterback competitions at Florida and Michigan State. Otherwise, spring practice was merely step one in battles that will linger until fall camp.
Notre Dame, Michigan and TCU have no leader exiting the workouts, while Auburn and Georgia seem to be holding out to declare a recent arrival the No. 1.
Front-runners for Baylor, Florida State and USC are in good position to secure the job, but no starting spots are official. Veterans will attempt to continue holding off highly recruited and younger players.
In most cases, the only resolution was a clear line between a team's best two quarterbacks and its third-stringers or below. Progress is progress, but winners will be decided in August.
Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
