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 Search for Gibson's successor continues Posted: Tues March 30, 1999 at 12:55 p.m. EST Badger Herald (U. Wisconsin) MADISON, Wisconsin (U-WIRE) -- Literally speaking, Brian Lamont and Ben Johnson, the two Wisconsin natives leading the competition for All-American Aaron Gibson's former job at right tackle, will have no problem filling the big shoes left behind by Gibson. "Me and Ben are both size 18 sneakers like Gibson so it shouldn't be that hard filling his shoes." Lamont joked. But in reality, it will be nearly impossible for either to one to duplicate the terror that Gibson created for opposing Big Ten linemen. "I can never be him but I have to try and bring myself up to his level even though it may take a while," Lamont said. Along with the battle for the starting quarterback position, the competition at right tackle has caught some eyes thus far at practice. Both Johnson and Lamont have similarities in their size and the paths they have traveled. They are listed at 6-foot-7, 319 pounds, and 6-foot-8, 316 pounds, respectively. "We are both small-town Wisconsin kids and like doing the same thing," Lamont said. "We also both really enjoy the competition. It doesn't get any better than this." Although both are eager to prove themselves as worthy of a starting role, the competition is a friendly one. "We help each other along and if we are on the sideline together we are helping each other out," Lamont said. "We are both in the same boat in that it is our first real opportunity to start". According to offensive line coach Jim Hueber, the battle is not limited to just Lamont and Johnson. Any one of a number of young candidates could use this spring to impress the UW coaching staff. "Everyone is still in the mix: Josh Jakubowski, Joe Gribowski, all those guys" Hueber said. "Let me put it this way. Someone will be the right tackle when we are done." Shoe size aside, chances are the successor will pale in comparison to his predecessor. "We may never have anyone as dominant as Gibby," coach Barry Alvarez said. "It's a very important spot. But I anticipate the other returning starters will be strong, and someone will fill in effectively. Roster updates: The injury report for spring practice continues to stack up. Add Leu Gillem to the list of Wendell Bryant, Eddie Faulkner and Chris Ghidorzi. Gillem, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound sophomore running back from Racine, is in a cast after tearing a pectoral muscle in the weight room. "It just happened the other day," Alvarez said. "And we were really impressed with the way he tested. He's one of the fastest guys out there. He was impressive on Saturday. But time will heal it." Arguably the toughest void left to be filled will be Cecil Martin's role as team leader and starting fullback. "Losing Cecil will hurt obviously because he was a good player but his leadership and charisma will really be missed," Alvarez said. While Chad Kuhns may not have the same leadership skills, the junior appears to be the front runner for fullback. "I feel confident that Chad will step in," Alvarez said. "He has been impressive the first couple of days and he played a lot for us last year." The successor to captain Bob Adamov's outside linebacker position appears as if it will be either junior Dan Lisowski or sophomore Bryson Thompson. The Madison native and younger brother of UW captain Donnel Thompson has moved from the inside spot to the outside. Roger Knight, coming back from a broken arm, was scheduled to make the transition to the outside but for now will remain on the inside. Barry on the DL: Wisconsin has enough to worry about without having their coach hobbled. Alvarez was scheduled to have minor surgery on his knee Monday, but the medical powers that be left him hanging. "I got postponed to the 12th," Alvarez said. "I'm a little bit disappointed about that." The surgery occurs on the same day as UW's eighth practice. "It was the doctors that did it, you can be sure," Alvarez said. "Ididn't know that I wasn't supposed to be on anti-inflammatories and aspirin." Stay in school: Wide receiver Willie Austin, who is still on the roster but not on the two-deep depth chart, watched practice from the sidelines Tuesday. He has been released from practice to concentrate on his studies, which have been a problem for him in the past. A year ago, Austin had to take classes at a community college to regain academic eligibility. He did so successfully, and returned to Wisconsin for the fall season. Alvarez also revealed that wideout Rasheed Golden has left school.© 2000 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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