Oklahoma
 | Allen Patrick had four 100-yard games after Adrian Peterson was injured last season. John Biever/SI |
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Have questions or feedback? E-mail Cory McCartney.
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Who's Gone?
Adrian Peterson, RB
After 4,045 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons, "All Day" left Norman. Peterson was picked seventh overall in the draft by the Vikings.
Who's Next?
As we saw when Peterson was injured last year the cupboard isn't exactly bare. The trio of Allen Patrick, Chris Brown and Jacob Gutierrez combined for 1,323 yards and 10 touchdowns in Peterson's absence. Redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray stole the spotlight in the spring game, running for 103 yards on four carries.
The Verdict
Patrick, who had four 100-yard games last season appears to have the No. 1 spot locked up for the season opener and that's no knock on Murray. Coach Bob Stoops isn't one to throw freshmen into the fire right away -- Peterson didn't start until the fourth game of his first year -- but Murray should get his share of opportunities.
Tennessee
Who's Gone?
Robert Meachem, WR
The third-team All-America was fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game and was the catalyst in the rebirth of the Volunteers' passing game. He was picked 27th overall by the Saints.
Who's Next?
The current crop of receivers includes just four players who caught a pass in 2006, combining for 26 receptions, 252 yards and no touchdowns. Right now Lucas Taylor and Austin Rogers are penciled in as the starters, and Quintin Hancock has shown promise. Help will come in the fall in the form of freshmen Brent Vinson, Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige and JUCO transfer Kenny O'Neal.
The Verdict
The Vols return one of the nation's top passers in Erik Ainge but no proven threats to catch the ball and that's big trouble. The performance in Tennessee's spring game had offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe so upset that he declined to talk to the media afterward. Right now, the smart money is on the newcomers making an immediate impact.
Texas
Who's Gone?
Aaron Ross, CB
Not only did the Longhorns lose Ross, the Thorpe award winner who was picked 20th overall by the Giants, but backfieldmate Tarell Brown is also gone (he was a fifth-round selection by the 49ers).
Who's Next?
There's talk Texas could go two-deep at corner with veteran backups Brandon Foster (senior) and Ryan Palmer (junior) in one group and Deon Beasley (sophomore) and Chykie Brown (redshirt freshman) in the other. Early enrollees Curtis Brown and Ben Wells add depth.
The Verdict
Foster and Palmer may have experience on their sides, but it's likely that they'll take a back seat to the more talented wunderkinds down the line. Beasley should take one of the starting spots and Chykie Brown could man the other side of the field. I'll be surprised if Wells, who made some noise in spring practice, doesn't also see the field quite a bit.
Wisconsin
Who's Gone?
Joe Thomas, OT
The Outland Trophy winner may have left the biggest void on this list. He anchored the Badgers offensive line for three years at left tackle before being picked third overall by the Browns.
Who's Next?
Either true sophomore Jake Bscherer (6-7, 297 pounds) or redshirt sophomore Gabe Carimi (6-8, 292 pounds) will take over. They split reps with the first-team offense throughout the spring. Coach Bret Bielema has said the decision won't be made until the end of preseason camp this summer.
The Verdict
Carimi may be the more fluid of the two, but Bscherer's experience will likely be the deciding factor. He played in 11 games last season as a reserve and an extra tight end.
