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Big news day

Posted August 19, 2007

It was pretty much expected that Cody Hawkins would be the starting quarterback.

But let's take a look at some of the other notes from today.

Losing Josh Smith to a bruised kidney is a big blow. The guy was probably the team's top receiver or maybe tied for that title with Patrick Williams. He will be back at some point, but he is a difference maker and not having him for any length of time will be big for this team.

On the flip side, losing Marcus Burton to academic trouble isn't as big a deal as some might believe. I think everyone assumed he would be the guy to take over for Mike Sipili, who is suspended, but I don't think coaches had that plan.

I think if both Burton and R.J. Brown were both eligible, coaches would go with Brown. That's clear to me based on how coach Dan Hawkins speaks about Brown. He loves the guy. Raves about him.

Still, losing another linebacker isn't good for this team. If there is a serious injury there this season, it could get ugly in a hurry.

One thing fans should keep in mind is this is the depth chart two weeks before the season opener. Things can still change and probably will. Hawkins made that point this morning when talking with us slugs in the media.

The quarterback position isn't going to change, between now and then, but I think two weeks is plenty of time for guys to nudge ahead of one another at virtually every other position.

A perfect example is at cornerback where Ben Burney is lsted as the starter ahead of Cha'pelle Brown. that could easily change if Burney gets too satisfied with himself.

Another interesting battle should be at defensive end where Maurice Lucas and Marquez Herrod are listed as co-starters. Lucas is a junior and has all the physical tools to be a dominant player. He has to take charge there or his opportunity could pass him by.

He is a guy who still hasn't quite reached his potential and junior year is usually is the time to do it.

Back with more later