Highlighting the top performer for each position group over five weeks of spring practice:
QB: Max Browne – guided first-team O smoothly most days while always facing first team D; still surprised he didn't win starting job
RB: Justin Davis – has grown into leader, isn't allowing über-talented RoJo to take his carries
TE: Daniel Imatorbhebhe – explosive, downfield threat; can he claim starting job by the opener?
WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster – still No. 1 ... by a good margin
OL: Chad Wheeler – reclaimed grip on the blind side
DL: Rasheem Green – most productive D-lineman, most ready to be full-time
LB: Uchenna Nwosu – contributes in several ways, starting to play with an edge
CB: Biggie Marshall – cutting down on penalties and mental mistakes; still disruptive
S: Marvell Tell – could be someone who lines up all over the field
Honorable mentions (gap between leader and runner-up wasn't substantial): QB Sam Darnold (might be ready to ball sooner than expected; more first-team reps are in order), RB Ronald Jones II (strengthening weaknesses, breakout appears inevitable but will need more carries), TE Tyler Petite (very natural receiver, good combo of smarts and skills), OL Zach Banner (can be effective on either side), DL Malik Dorton (arguably most improved player on D), LB Porter Gustin (made his presence felt on regular basis)
Top true freshman: WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (managed to stand out amid deep receiving corps)
QB: Max Browne – guided first-team O smoothly most days while always facing first team D; still surprised he didn't win starting job
RB: Justin Davis – has grown into leader, isn't allowing über-talented RoJo to take his carries
TE: Daniel Imatorbhebhe – explosive, downfield threat; can he claim starting job by the opener?
WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster – still No. 1 ... by a good margin
OL: Chad Wheeler – reclaimed grip on the blind side
DL: Rasheem Green – most productive D-lineman, most ready to be full-time
LB: Uchenna Nwosu – contributes in several ways, starting to play with an edge
CB: Biggie Marshall – cutting down on penalties and mental mistakes; still disruptive
S: Marvell Tell – could be someone who lines up all over the field
Honorable mentions (gap between leader and runner-up wasn't substantial): QB Sam Darnold (might be ready to ball sooner than expected; more first-team reps are in order), RB Ronald Jones II (strengthening weaknesses, breakout appears inevitable but will need more carries), TE Tyler Petite (very natural receiver, good combo of smarts and skills), OL Zach Banner (can be effective on either side), DL Malik Dorton (arguably most improved player on D), LB Porter Gustin (made his presence felt on regular basis)
Top true freshman: WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (managed to stand out amid deep receiving corps)
