--DT Pete Tverdov won the Frank R. Burns award as the Rutgers player who displayed the most physical and mental toughness during spring practice. That's the kind of leadership coach Greg Schiano is looking for out of Tverdov, who takes on a greater role on the defensive line with the loss of Eric Foster to graduation.

--FS Courtney Greene considered declaring for the NFL draft after the 2007 season, but elected to return for his senior year. He'll be counted on to shore up what should be strength of the defense, an experienced secondary. But the unit struggled at times in the spring, and Greene and the veterans will look for better luck once the games start counting in the fall.

SPRING MOVERS

LB Manny Abreu -- Abreu didn't get much of a chance to show what he could do in 2007, but made up for that with a strong performance in the spring. He has the speed to cover a lot of ground, and the hitting ability to make an impact on defense.

WR Dennis Campbell -- Campbell was named the team's most improved player on offense in spring practice. Though there's a crowded crew of wideouts to compete with for playing time. Campbell has the talent to make a push for playing time.

RB Jourdan Brooks -- It's a risk-reward tradeoff whenever Brooks is in the game for Rutgers. At 6-1, 235 pounds, the redshirt freshman has both the speed and the power to star in the backfield. He showed problems taking care of the football in spring practice, which hurts his chances of seeing the field, but he did open some eyes on the coaching staff with some spectacular runs.

QB Jabu Lovelace -- Lovelace struggled when he saw the field last season, and as the offseason began his long-term role on the team was uncertain. However, with a strong April effort, he looks to have solidified his spot backing up starter Mike Teel under center.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It is what we make it. I think we have a lot of great players. (Strong-side linebacker) Manny Abreu has had a great spring, and that's a spot (where) we need someone to step up. Damaso Munoz (recovering from shoulder surgery) is out now but will be back in the summer. So we're getting another linebacker back. I think the defensive line has been tremendous. We have the talent. It is what we make it." -- Rutgers safety Courtney Greene, as told to the Newark Star-Ledger.

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