Tigers report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel · Inside slant

SPRING OBJECTIVES
The Tigers look set at the skill positions but must do some rebuilding in their offensive line. Defensively, there are some holes at linebacker, and finding depth at that position will be a priority, especially with returnee Cortney Vincent's status undetermined. The Tigers will be looking for four new starters in the offensive line. There also could be an interesting competition for field-goal duties after PK Mark Buchholz's inconsistent performance in 2007.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The Tigers have an explosive duo in the backfield in TBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and they have one of the most prolific passers in the ACC returning in QB Cullen Harper. WR Aaron Kelly is a big-play receiver. NG Dorell Scott, DT Rashaad Jackson and DE Ricky Sapp are among returning starters on defense. All four starters -- CBs Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler, FS Chris Clemons, and SS Michael Hamlin -- return in the secondary.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
The Tigers open the 2008 season where they closed out 2007 -- in Atlanta. Only this time the opponent will be Alabama, not Chick-fil-A Bowl foe Auburn. The Tigers play their first two conference games at home -- against North Carolina State on Sept. 13 and Maryland on Sept. 27 -- and have a couple of lesser foes (The Citadel and South Carolina State) mixed in their first five games.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The injury is not serious. We know what James can do." -- Coach Tommy Bowden, after pulling TB James Davis out of spring drills when Davis sustained a slight shoulder injury.