--QB Tom Brandstater seemed very comfortable in the spring, though he didn't play that much. Brandstater and new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier are on the same page. Brandstater went 4-for-5 passing for a touchdown against the first-team defense in his lone series of the spring game. He could be in line for a big season.

--RB Ryan Mathews, too, played sparingly in the spring game. The Bulldogs know what he can do and have no need to risk an injury.

SPRING MOVERS

WR Seyi Ajirotutu -- With starting WRs Jason Crowley and Marlon Moore returning and 2006 leading receiver Chastin West expected back from a knee injury, it was Ajirotutu who took No. 2, a number worn by Bernard Berrian and Clifton Smith in recent years. He appeared intent on creating a role for himself on this year's team, grabbing a 44-yard pass and a 3-yard touchdown from QB Tom Brandstater in the spring game. He had 28 catches for 453 yards last season, second among returners to Moore.

DE Wilson Ramos and Ikenna Ike -- The Bulldogs need to replace the production of DE Tyler Clutts, who had 64 tackles and 7.5 sacks last year. It's up to Ramos, a returning starter, and Ike, who will likely take Clutts' spot, to get it done. Ike had two sacks in the spring game, while Ramos had three tackles, one for loss and a pass breakup. That's the kind of production they'll need in the regular season.

C Adam McDowell and Richardo Pacheco -- The seniors are competing for the starting job at center, provided Joe Bernardi can't make it back onto the field. Things started off slow as both struggled with center-quarterback exchanges, but they got better as spring wore on. Bernardi's status is uncertain, so either McDowell or Pacheco is likely to be under center for the opener.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"That was a goal for this spring to develop some of the young players on both lines and we made progress. We are molding this thing and in no way are we done. We are a work in progress, but we have some talented young players who will continue to develop." -- Head coach Pat Hill.

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