College Football 2011: The 20 Spring Practice Sites We'd Like To Spy on Most
It has become more common in recent years for coaches to close spring college football practices.
It cuts down on distractions and allows for a level of privacy that many coaches desire. But if you could sneak into a few practices this March and April, where would you go?
Here's a look at 20 such sites that most fans would love to get an all-access pass for this spring.
20. Hawaii Warriors
1 of 20
Let's be honest, we probably wouldn't watch too much football.
It's Hawaii in March. Sun, sand and surf are all we really care about.
Okay, maybe also watching Bryant Moniz throw a few passes, as the Warriors do have some talent. So hanging out in the sun and watching some spring ball in Hawaii is a good deal.
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
2 of 20
The Huskers open practice Saturday, and it will be their first day as a Big Ten program (that's probably not really "official," but it sounds good).
Sneaking around Memorial Stadium waiting to get some juicy video of Bo Pelini chastising Taylor Martinez would make it all worthwhile.
There are also a few new assistant coaches, who were hand-picked by Pelini, so he probably won't yell at any of them until the second day of practice.
18. Pittsburgh Panthers
3 of 20
What are the chances Mike Haywood is lurking around somewhere outside the UPMC Sports Performance Complex?
Okay, focus on the present.
The Todd Graham era officially gets underway. Tino Sunseri will have to adapt to a new offense under Graham and offensive coordinator Calvin Magee.
This is also a first chance to see how Pitt plans to replace stars like Jonathan Baldwin, Dion Lewis and defensive stalwarts Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
17. Stanford Cardinal
4 of 20
Ahhh, look at Andrew Luck throw. Ahhh, look at Andrew Luck run. Ahhh, look at Andrew Luck's big brain.
Say what you want, but the reason to hang around Stanford's spring practice is to get a closer look at the future No. 1 pick and the Heisman Trophy winner in 2011.
The only real downer is no Jim Harbaugh running around saying random things.
16. Arizona Wildcats
5 of 20
Sorry, but this is another weather-related choice.
After a frigid winter, Tucson in March has to be a great place to go. Look at that, it's supposed to be 85 tomorrow. Who doesn't want to join me in Tucson?
Okay, we'll watch Nick Foles and see if he can improve on his ability to recognize defenses. The Wildcats have some special athletes, such as Junior Criner, who will be fun to watch.
Much like Pelini, Mike Stoops is a ticking time bomb, so just sit back, and wait for the explosion.
15. Oregon Ducks
6 of 20
Do you think Oregon's athletic department would pay us $25,000 just for showing up in Eugene?
Probably not, but it would be interesting to gauge the early mood around the Ducks' camp following a second-straight BCS bowl loss.
Besides, it would be fun to hear Chip Kelly answer those uncomfortable questions about paying for players for like the 1,000th time on the first day.
14. Miami Hurricanes
7 of 20
The quarterback competition between Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris should make practice exciting every day.
Only problem is, new coach Al Golden may not have a clear-cut winner when camp closes.
Spring should also be a hard-hitting affair. Golden needs to improve Miami's tackling ability, so there should be plenty of hitting drills.
Oh yeah, I hear the weather in South Florida is nice this time of year too.
13. Boise State Broncos
8 of 20
The Broncos are a well-oiled machine under Chris Petersen's leadership, so hanging around Boise for a couple days will be a treat.
Actually, about 75 Division I coaches should be there for the coaching clinic.
Hanging out near the blue turf and watching Kellen Moore complete pass after pass with an average arm is entertaining.
12. Minnesota Gophers
9 of 20
The place may be packed because Tim Brewster isn't there any longer; every day will feel like Midnight Madness.
Jerry Kill, Minnesota's new coach, may not have the flash of his peers in the Big Ten, but the opportunity to see him start the rebuilding nightmare up north is an intriguing proposition.
The Gophers' MarQueis Gray should earn the starting quarterback job, as Kill has said every position is open this spring.
Downside: Not really a good weather choice.
11. Georgia Bulldogs
10 of 20
Is it Mark Richt's final spring in Athens?
It's probably not, but just in case, you don't want to miss it.
Aaron Murray made some big strides as quarterback last season, and spring is where he'll grow even more into the position.
While South Carolina is the early favorite in the SEC East, spring practice is a good place for the Bulldogs to develop into a real contender.
Besides, who wouldn't want a slim chance of getting to see the new UGA bulldog? What number is it now, 67?
10. TCU Horned Frogs
11 of 20
TCU has been one of the nation's best programs the past two years and just getting the opportunity to be around Gary Patterson is worth a day or two at the Horned Frogs' practice.
There are some positions that TCU needs someone to step up big time, but none more than at quarterback with Andy Dalton graduating.
Who will it be? That's why spring practice in Fort Worth should be exciting.
9. WVU Mountaineers
12 of 20
Okay, this one is personal.
As a WVU graduate, I just enjoy being back in Morgantown for a few days.
So who will be running practice, Bill Stewart or Dana Holgorsen? Of course, Stewart will probably be barking out instructions, but behind the scenes, Holgorsen isn't going to sit by and do nothing.
Watching Holgorsen down a six-pack of energy drinks just before he diagrams a new play on Stewart's back will clear up who's running the show.
8. UCLA Bruins
13 of 20
Normally, Rick Neuheisel would use spring practice as a chance to catch up on his tan and fill out his bracket for the NCAA tournament.
Nowadays, he must actually do some work, since the Bruins have had only one winning season in his first three years at his alma mater. With a 15-22 record, this spring is going to be critical to Neuheisel's long-term employment future.
It's also a chance to see two new coordinators do their best to save Neuheisel's rear, while working with average talent.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
14 of 20
Last spring, Brian Kelly was just trying to figure out what he had in South Bend. Now he's ready to work that Kelly magic.
The Irish finished 2010 on a four-game winning streak, which included big wins over USC and Miami in the Sun Bowl.
Kelly should have a bit of a battle at quarterback with Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees, who played a big role as a freshman following Crist's season-ending injury.
This would be a chance to say you were there to see Kelly really begin the process of returning Notre Dame to prominence.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
15 of 20
Nick Saban is likely to find us and boot us from the joint before anyone knew what hit them.
However, the chance to see that special assortment of talent on one field in Tuscaloosa is worth the risk.
Of course, there will be about 30 players more than Alabama is supposed to have on scholarship, but spring practice is a good opportunity to see who makes the cut.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
16 of 20
Is there anyone still eligible in Columbus?
Oh wait, Jim Tressel and the Tattoo Five will be at spring practice? Okay, going to Columbus is worth it now.
Watching Terrelle Pryor in his final spring at Ohio State is great value, and seeing the Buckeyes' talent should be fun.
4. Auburn Tigers
17 of 20
Getting an opportunity to see the defending national champs is always memorable, even if Cam Newton and Nick Fairley aren't around.
With the early departure of Newton to the NFL, getting a first glimpse at the quarterback competition between Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley is what college football fans love to see.
Making the trip to Auburn would also be a great opportunity to visit Toomer's Corner before the revered oak trees are gone.
3. Michigan Wolverines
18 of 20
Denard Robinson was the biggest story during the first half of the 2010 season, and the talented quarterback decided to stick around Ann Arbor to give the new coach a shot.
Brady Hoke has taken over for Rich Rodriguez, who was jettisoned off to the island of reject coaches.
It's a new day for Michigan, and Hoke has a big task of returning the Wolverines to the top of the Big Ten.
The hard work begins this spring.
2. Texas Longhorns
19 of 20
In 27 seasons as a head coach, Mack Brown did one of his worst coaching jobs in 2010.
The 59-year-old shook up his staff and has challenged his players to live up to their potential. What does that mean?
It means there's going to be some hitting and some inspirational practices.
And Austin's a pretty cool city to hang out in, or so I hear.
1. Florida Gators
20 of 20
This will be the first spring since 2005 that Urban Meyer won't be running the show.
It would be interesting to see how things have changed under Will Muschamp, and even more interesting to see what offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is doing with John Brantley.
And let's be honest, the weather in Gainesville is just beautiful during March.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
