--The Bobcats are faced with the prospect this season of replacing RB Kalvin McRae, the program's all-time leading rusher. Juniors Chris Garrett, a converted slot receiver, junior L.J. Flintall, sophomore Vince Davidson and redshirt freshman Donte Harden all have the breakaway speed Ohio is seeking in the backfield. But, through spring drills none of the four showed the knack for getting the tough yards between the tackles that became McRae's specialty the last three seasons.

--TEs Andrew Mooney and David Carter, both seniors, developed into consistent weapons in the passing game a year ago. Now, Ohio plans to have both on the field as much as possible. Adequate blockers, both players have a knack for stretching the field and coming up with tough catches. The pair figures to be a large part of Ohio's new look offensively, which will feature less I-formation and more spread looks.

SPRING MOVERS

WR LaVon Brazill -- Brazill separated himself from a crowded group of players at wide receiver with a terrific spring season. A spot player last fall, Brazill attacked the spring season with attention to detail -- on route running, on blocking, on consistently catching the ball. Marked improvement in all areas pushed Brazill, a sophomore, to the top of the Bobcats' depth chart.

QB Boo Jackson -- Two weeks into spring drills, Jackson looked confused, unsure of himself, and a bit lost. By the time the spring game ended, the junior college transfer had the look of a possible starting quarterback. Jackson's performance in the spring game -- 16-of-20 for 190 yards with no interceptions -- cemented his place in the quarterback discussion heading into fall camp.

FS Donovan Fletcher -- The sophomore capped a good spring with a seven-tackle, two-interception showing in the spring game. With the starting safety combo out of spring drills with injury, Fletcher proved he could serve as a capable backup and provide depth.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's a lovely competition. There's nothing cut-throat about it. It's just about working hard and pushing each other. The best guy will win." -- Ohio QB Boo Jackson about the Bobcats' ongoing quarterback competition.

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