Futbol

Spring practice comes to a close today. There will be no final scrimmage Friday, as the rains have forced the 'Dogs indoors for their final three practices. The Fresno Indoor Soccer facility is adequate for emergencies but hardly able to handle over a hundred players and coaches.

Quarterback Tom Brandstater has done enough this spring to secure the starting spot. Unless Sean Norton has a spectacular first week of preseason practice in August, Brandstater will be the guy September 1. The indoor practices pretty much hinder Norton's chance from taking the reigns from Brandstater. The final scrimmage would have the best chance for Norton to impress the coaches, but that has been shelved.

Defensively, no one stepped up to fill the void left by cornerback Richard Marshall. Senior Elgin Simmons should be the starter come August, but will have to fend off some talented true freshmen. Junior Damon Jenkins has to prove he can stay healthy if he wants to compete for the starting position.

Overall spring practice has to be considered a success amid the playing conditions and numerous starters who sat out due to injury. Next week I will have a full report and review of spring practice, with depth charts and analysis.