 | Hard-hitting free safety David Bruton starred in Notre Dame's Blue-Gold game. AP |
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By Olin Buchanan, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com
The clock isn't the only thing that moves forward in the spring.
It's also a time for change on college football teams. New coaches, new schemes and new positions provide new opportunities.
Of course, for every action there is an opposite reaction. For each player that springs forward, another may fall backward.
With that in mind, here's a list of 10 players whose status rose and five who declined this spring.
Risers
Brandon Bair, DE, Oregon
The 22-year-old redshirt freshman delayed his career to serve a two-year Mormon mission, but he has made up for lost time this spring. The 6-foot-7, 250-pounder drew raves from Oregon coaches for his consistent performance all spring. He led the team in tackles during a scrimmage last week. He's making a strong challenge for a starting job over veterans Victor Filipe and Nick Reed.
David Bruton, FS, Notre Dame
Primarily used on special teams in his first two seasons in South Bend, Bruton finished a strong spring with a brilliant performance in the Blue-Gold game. He returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown, recorded four tackles -- including a bone-jarring hit that knocked bullish tight end John Carlson backward -- and was named defensive MVP. He'll give the Irish more speed in the secondary than they've had in recent seasons.
Graig Cooper, RB, Miami
Despite missing the last week of practice with a broken finger, the freshman showed he's a big-time threat. His breakaway ability has drawn comparisons to former Hurricane Devin Hester. Cooper had arguably the best showing of any Miami player this spring, regardless of position. He raised eyebrows and dropped jaws on one 60-yard touchdown run. He appeared to be contained, reversed field, accelerated and dashed untouched into the end zone. Expect Cooper and Javarris James to line up together in some sets next season. "We'll get them on the field and get them touches," running backs coach Tommie Robinson said.
Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Florida
Not only did the 6-3 star add 34 pounds to get up to 230 pounds, he also bulked up his spring performance. He showed his potential to be a dominant pass rusher and in one practice he beat starting tackle Carlton Medder on consecutive plays to sack Tim Tebow. Cunningham will also have the luxury of playing opposite potential All-America Derrick Harvey, so he doesn't figure to see many double teams. He could ease the loss of ends Ray McDonald and Jarvis Moss.
Anthony Heygood, LB, Purdue
Listed as the fourth string running back last fall, Heygood is now a starting linebacker. He has good speed and size (6-2, 230) and proved a surprisingly quick study at picking up the nuances of the new position. "He's clearly our best weak-side linebacker," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. "And if you grade him out over the entire spring, he was our best linebacker overall." Heygood was one of three players presented the most improved player award.
