Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Commodores CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 months, practice facility and a' new field at the stadium and we’ve been working in a new weight room.” Johnson recognizes, however, that he has his work cut out for him. “Our biggest concern is a lack of depth at just about every position,” he said. You look down at every other team you’re playing and say our first group will compete fairly well. After that, we’ll have to move some people around and try to strengthen a position here or there.” All-SEC wide receiver Dan Strieker is close to breaking the conference’s receiving record, but it’s still unknown as to who will be passing him the ball. Greg Zolman graduated last year and left a huge void at the quarterback po sition. Johnson hasn’t chosen yet be tween junior Benji Walker and redshirt freshman Jay Cutler. Norval McKenzie is expected to start at tailback, and he will be running be hind an offensive line that returns four starters. Only one starter returns for Vandy: defensive tackle Brett Beard. That does n’t bode well for a team that was 95th last season in scoring. Cornerback Rushen Jones is expect PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK Wide receiver Dan Strieker Is one of the few bright spots on a Vanderbilt team that is rebuilding after a 2-9 season. ed to lead the secondary. Thank goodness Furman is on the schedule — it could be the team’s only win of the season. With a rebuilding de fense and no established leader on of fense, it could be a long first season for Johnson. Razorbacks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 leagues there is.” Offensively, the tailback position is set with Fred Talley, last year’s leading rusher, return ing along with Cedric Cobbs and Brandon Holmes. Receivers Richard Smith and George Wilson should become a solid pair as the season pro gresses. Who will be throwing to them remains an unanswered question. Matt Jones, Tarvaris Jackson and Ryan Sorahan are the three candidates for starting quarterback, though none has pulled to the front of the pack. Nevertheless, Nutt is pleased with their play in practice thus far. Nutt said the starter will be “the guy that puts the team in the end zone the most consis tently, gets us out of a bad play — and he does n’t necessarily have to be a hero. “For the most part, Tarvaris, Ryan and Matt have all been doing that. That’s what you want.” With a new defensive coordinator in place and seven returning starters, Arkansas’ de fense should be one to be reckoned with. While the defensive line and linebackers will need to sort themselves out and develop some depth, the secondary appears to be the overall strength. Junior safety Ken Hamlin is a hard hitter with more than 100 tackles to his credit. Lawrence Richardson and Ahmad Carroll provide excellent speed and pass coverage as well. The Razorbacks will not have it easy this season, especially when they roll into Columbia. Daniel Weaver’s blocked field goal from last year is still fresh in the minds of the Gamecocks. But Arkansas will be tested at just about every SEC stop this season. As long as the team finds a starting quarterback, it should be able to rise to those challenges. Want to be a part of the best college newspaper in the Southeast? Get with The Gamecock. We’re looking for dedicated students to be copy editors, page designers, photographers and writers. E-mail us at gamecockeditor@hotmail.com. mmmm t ] • • • Serving the University Family unih Quality Financial Services Since 1967 CarolinaCoHegateFederalCredftUnion 710 Pulaski Street • Columbia, South Carolina 29201