STARS OF 2008:

WR Brandon Gibson -- The senior led the Pac-10 in receiving last year with 1,180 yards and could be in line for another big year in the new no-huddle offense the Cougars envision. He's the only starting WR back from a year ago.

DE Andy Mattingly -- The junior was all-conference honorable-mention pick as a sophomore last season but is now moving to DE to help fill in the depth up front and take advantage off his pass-rushing skills.

LB Greg Trent -- The senior is back for another year as the starter in the middle after tying with teammate Mattingly for the Pac-10 lead in forced fumbles last season (four).

TOP NEWCOMERS
Safety Myron Beck -- The junior-college transfer, who has three years of eligibility left, is already enrolled and listed as the backup at strong safety.

WR Michael Willis -- The junior missed last season with grade issues but is now back and listed as the backup at flanker.

WLB Jason Stripling -- The junior missed last season due to academics but is now back and listed as the backup. He was listed as a starter going into last fall.

DT Andy Roof -- A former starter on the O-line, he missed last season after being suspended following an alcohol-related arrested. He has been welcomed back to the team and switched to defense to fill in the gaps on the D-line and entered the spring as the backup at right tackle.

ROSTER REPORT

--The Cougars received some good news when CB Markus Dawes, who missed most of last season with an injury, was granted a medical redshirt. He will immediately be in the mix to start.

--RB Chris Ivory was expected to be out some of the spring to concentrate on academics but has been on the field.

--RB Dwight Tardy, the team's leading rusher last season, is out for the spring to recover from knee surgery.

--WR Jeshua Anderson, a sophomore who some project as the team's next start at that spot, is not participating in spring practice to concentrate on track.

--New coach Paul Wulff allowed two players battling legal issues to continue practicing with the team. Safety Xavier Hicks, accused of assault for allegedly putting rubbing alcohol in the contact lens of teammate and roommate Grady Maxwell, is listed as the starting free safety. And DT A'I Ahmu, accused of an alcohol offense after an incident at a fraternity, is listed as the starter at right tackle.

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