Quarterback: Kiel can at least hold his own and can be at some level competitive. Rees has done nothing new to eliminate himself from contention.
Running Back: Slot receiver Robby Toma may be coming out of the backfield at times this season.
Tight End: Eifert could be splitting our wider than we first thought this season. Troy Niklas seems to be settling in at the tight end position and his hands look good early.
Offensive Line: Braxton Cave is healing well but has a ways to go. Nick Martin is looking as if he is moving in the right direction and could develop into a very good lineman like his older brother.
Cornerbacks: going more or less as planned, Wood and Jackson leading the way with Atkinson and Brown developing into backup roles. Safety Jamoris Slaughter has taken reps at safety to as Brian Kelly said; diversify the defensive backfield and be prepared for injuries in a inexperienced stable of backup cornerbacks.
Safety: Slaughter (when not working out at cornerback) has solidified his starting role. Austin Collinsworth is doing well, maybe well enough to give Zeke Motta competition for the starting job in the fall. Matthias Farley has yet to have his great physical talent translate to great play.
Linebacker: With Dan Fox limping with a knee injury on the sidelines Carlo Calabrese is plating well and making some solid it’s to offensive lineman and running backs. Prince Shembo is sidelined with turf toe has allowed more rotation of Ben Council, Danny Spond and Ishaq Williams at the outside backer position (Ben looks good).
Defensive Line: After the rumors were squared about Aaron Lynch leaving there are some other newsworthy developments. Junior defensive end Kona Schwenke has added weight and is giving established defensive linemen a run for their money.
Special Teams: Former quarterback turned wide receiver Luke Massa has gotten work in has a field goal holder. Could fake field goals be in our future?
Coaches: New and returning coaches alike seem to be confident, enthusiastic and connecting well with the players.
Of course, spring practice will only offer a small insight as to what the fall holds. Until kick off and maybe even the final whistle in Dublin, we may not have a truly clear view of this 2012 Irish Football Team. Look for Kelly and his staff to check off on their veterans and sure things, and then begin to put players in positions on the depth for fall. In addition, with the exception of the two early enrollees, fall will bring hungry contenders to prove their worth in the form of freshmen.
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