Quarterback competition still up in the air for Michigan

ANN ARBOR — For the second spring, the Michigan football team has a sizable hole to fill at quarterback.

While the Wolverines again don’t have an incumbent at quarterback, this year’s candidates come in a little wiser, a little more confident and with a little more perspective on the position, on their contributions, and the competition for the job of starting quarterback.

“This is more wide-open,” redshirt freshman Wilton Speight said.

“They kind of has the mindset that it was going to be [Jake] Rudock last camp, which is kind of how transfers work. “This year, it’s anyone’s job.”

Michigan concludes its spring practices with its spring game at 6 tonight at Michigan Stadium, and its three top contenders for quarterback will show off their wares. FULL STORY

Dunn in the running to replace Buckeyes’ Elliott

COLUMBUS — As the Ohio State football team continues its open spring auditions to replace running back Ezekiel Elliott, the first man in line might come as a surprise.

It is not one of the NFL-bound star’s heralded young understudies, but one of his old mentors. That’s how long Bri’onte Dunn — a fifth-year senior in search of a last chance to validate his once-five-star billing — has stuck around in Columbus.

“It’s been a long journey,” Dunn said after practice Thursday. ”Some people have quick journeys, some people have long journeys. I’m just trying to develop myself to be the best player I can. Every second I’m out there, I play my heart out. I feel like it’s my time.”

The Buckeyes hope it is someone’s time. The leading candidates to fill the vacancy had all of 14 carries between them last year. FULL STORY

BGSU quarterbacks impress coaches so far in spring drills

BOWLING GREEN — Bowling Green State University’s new football coaching staff have worked with its new team for only a few months — and just 11 spring practices.

Still, new co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Andy Padron admits he has liked the growth he has witnessed from senior James Knapke and redshirt freshman James Morgan, the two quarterbacks fighting for the starter’s job.

“We’ve put a lot on our quarterbacks,” Padron said following Thursday afternoon’s practice at Perry Fieldhouse. “And they both have done a great job of learning, then executing at the pace we need them to work at.”

The competition for the starting QB job will continue when Knapke and Morgan lead the Falcons in the school’s annual spring game, which will be played Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at Perry Fieldhouse. FULL STORY

First Published April 1, 2016, 4:14 a.m.