Butch Davis' opening day lineup is by no means set, but today we get a glimpse at where things stand in two hotly-contested position battles: quarterback and running back.
TJ Yates appears to be leading the quarterback race. Yates worked with the first-team offense, while Cameron Sexton took snaps with the second string. I don't think Yates has the job locked up, but the fact that he worked out with the "ones" certainly bodes well for him. This definitely looks to be a two-man race between Yates and Sexton, as freshman Mike Paulus appears to be trailing somewhat.
As for the guys these QB's will be handing the ball to, Johnny White and Richie Rich stood out at tailback. The highlight of the open part of today's practice came when White broke through untouched on an inside run against the first string defense. White appeared to be running with the first string, Rich with the second.
A few other notes: Freshman DT's Marvin Austin and Aleric Mullins should get significant playing time this fall. They lined up side-by-side on the second string defensive line. D-Line coach John Blake likes to "bust a few dance moves" during warm-ups. The players really seem to love it -- he clearly has a great rapport with them. It's easy to understand why he's known for being a top-notch recruiter.
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