Spring practices around the region

A quick look around at some of the area’s non-FBS football programs' spring practices:

Appalachian State (11-3 in 2009)
Season opener: Sept. 4, at Chattanooga
The Mountaineers, who finished spring practice March 25, will replace All-American quarterback Armanti Edwards with either junior DeAndre Presley or redshirt freshman Jamal Jackson. Running back Rod Chisholm (Independence High) and wideouts Blake Elder, Rodger Walker and Tony Washington had strong moments during practice, as did middle linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough.


Davidson (3-7)
2010 schedule not set
Spring game: April 24
The Wildcats – who return 15 starters -- are changing things around on offense. Last year’s quarterback, Michael Blanchard, has been moved to tight end. Matt Heavner and Chris Cochrane are the candidates to replace Blanchard. Kenny Mantuo and Justin Williams, both solid running backs, have had good springs.

Gardner-Webb (6-5)
Season opener, Sept. 4, vs. Brevard
Spring game: Saturday
All-Big South quarterback Stan Doolittle is gone, with sophomore John Rock, freshman Chandler Browning and freshman Keenan Grissett competing for his spot. Senior offensive guard Corey O’Daniel (6-7, 315) is being noticed by the NFL.


Western Carolina (2-9)
Season opener: Sept. 4, at N.C. State
Spring game: May 1
The Catamounts delayed the start of spring practice to make sure injuries were healed from last season. Running back Nate Harris, one of the Southern Conference’s top freshmen, has had a good spring. Third-year coach Dennis Wagner said earlier this week on the school’s website: “We are starting to have veterans at every position, whereas before, we had freshmen coming in and competing right away. We are telling our older guys that those freshmen better not come in and beat them out for a position.”

Wofford (3-8)
Season opener: Sept. 4, at Ohio
The Terriers finished spring practice March 24. They got impressive performances in a final-day scrimmage from Brad Nocek, who scored on a 45-yard run. Alex Dunmire also scored on a 32-yarder. "Have we arrived? No," said coach Mike Ayers on the school's website. "We have miles to go." -- David Scott