As the news around the college football landscape picks up it's easy to miss some of the bigger news that may be flying under the radar. That's why I'm here. Because we're a full-service college football website on the World Wide Web we have to give a damn about Louisiana Tech...but some big names are making a little noise this spring, and we don't want it to get lost among all the headlines.
Here's a deeper look at four players making moves (good and bad) this spring.
Michael Floyd's Irish Career in Doubt?
It'd be easy to file Michael Floyd's second alcohol-related offense in the last 15 months under the "not good" category. However the fact that this one is for OWI puts it on the "really not good" side of things. He's expected to miss the spring, and while this may or may not have too much impact from a game standpoint, it does put the Notre Dame senior on more than just thin ice entering the 2011 campaign. Check out The Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton's article on how quickly the Irish have acted to make Floyd disappear this spring.
There aren't many better wideouts than Floyd, and his return to South Bend rather than enter the draft was deemed a surprise by many, one that was expected to be the springboard to considerable Irish growth this season. But his arrest was an even bigger stunner.
It appears that most footballers in South Bend recognize their fish bowl existence; certainly a senior All-American candidate knows what's at stake. And while there's no shame in putting back a few and raising a little hell on occasion, getting behind the wheel changes everything.
Michael Floyd's poor decision making comes on the heels of a devastating 2010 football season in South Bend, one where one poor decision led to a tragic result. Thankfully Floyd's move didn't result in tragedy. However, as The Tribune mentions, it may signal the end of Floyd's senior season before it even begins.
Donovan Varner ready for a Blue Devil bounce back?
Coming off a 65-1047-8 2009 season, it was expected that the 2011 version of Donovan Varner would post comparable, if not better, numbers for Duke in 2010. This did not happen as not only did his catches and yards fall to 60 for 736, but he could only find paydirt on one occasion, in the season opener against Elon. Yet the feeling here is that Varner is poised for a comeback.
A bigger and stronger Varner has been lighting up the Blue Devil secondary (I know, I know) this spring. And while this may not mean too much, the fact that Sean Renfree should make great strides does. As does the 3rd year of the David Cutcliffe project in Durham.
If you're looking for a receiver poised for a 1,000-10 then this is your guy. After all Varner has already proven himself capable of getting it done.
Is an LSU QB ready to make some noise?
It's fair to say that despite their impressive run of success in recent years, the LSU quarterback position has not be a place to find huge production. Matt Mauck and JaMarcus Russell have both had seasons with 28 touchdown passes in the last ten years, but these are blips on an otherwise unimpressive passing radar.
Zach Mettenberger's arrival in Baton Rouge is providing some hope that the Tigers may soon get things done through the air. Standing 6-5 and going about 250, Mettenberger may have the same type of SEC impact as another recent transfer, gunslinger Ryan Mallett. And spring reports have this former Dawg as advertised.
Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson will get their chance to claim the 2011 starting quarterback job. But my money is on Mettenberger, a talented young man looking to move past a mistake made in a Remerton bar, one that led to his dismissal from the Georgia program.
There was a good deal of doubt when Mettenberger and Aaron Murray were both at Georgia, as one wondered how Mark Richt was going to get two talented quarterbacks on the field. If things go as planned we may see both on the field together in Atlanta in early December.
Sooner RB Update #42: Freshman Brandon Williams
As expected, there is no clear heir-apparent to the explosive DeMarco Murray in Norman. We've been fortunate over the past few seasons as we've known that if wasn't just Murray then it would he and Chris Brown toting the rock for da Sooners. Now while there appears to be much less certainty, there's also a very good chance that freshman Brandon Williams takes the gig and doesn't look back.
Coach Bob Stoops recently heaped a whole ton of praise on Mr. Williams, making it clear that his prize freshman is more than ready to take the field.
Roy Finch and Brennan Clay will have their say, but it's this guy's bet that Williams makes the most hay.
And with that it's time for bed.