Tigers report: Strategy and personnel
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Strategy and personnel · Inside slant · Notes, quotes
 

STARS OF 2008:

TB James Davis -- Davis has led the Tigers in rushing in each of the last three years and will need 837 yards to become the school's all-time leading ground gainer.

TB C.J. Spiller -- The "other half" of one of the top running back duos in the country, Spiller gives the Tigers a breakaway threat plus he is a good receiver out of the backfield.

QB Cullen Harper -- Harper was thought to be just a caretaker at quarterback last season but he became one of the most prolific passers in the league as a junior last season.

S Michael Hamlin -- The veteran of an experienced unit in the secondary, he had six takeaways (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) last season.

TOP NEWCOMERS

DE Da'Quan Bowers -- Probably the top signee out of this year's recruiting class, Bowers is on campus and will compete to take over the spot vacated prematurely by Phillip Merling.

TE Dwayne Allen -- Allen isn't among the six signees taking part in spring drills but looks to have a shot at competing for time, if not a starting position, when he reports in the fall.

LB Brandon Maye -- The redshirt freshman has a good shot at assuming the starting spot in the fall.

WR Brandon Clear -- Another redshirt freshman, Clear can be an inviting target at 6-5 and looks to compete for playing time.

ROSTER REPORT

--LB Cortney Vincent is sitting out spring practice after being suspended for a violation of team rules, and his status for the fall is questionable. He faces a DUI charge from a December arrest. He started 12 of 13 games last season and had 68 tackles.

--S Darius Gaither, who played in two games last season, will transfer at the end of the academic year.

--WR Jacoby Ford (ankle) will be available for limited contact work over the final practice sessions, but CB Haydrian Lewis (knee) is still being held out of contact.

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