That's great news on the quarterbacks. It will not only make them more durable; a stronger core and legs significantly enhance arm strength and delivery.  A good foundation promotes proper throwing fundamentals.  It allows the passer to reach both sidelines, the deep out, and the home run ball, with authority and consistency.

FishDuck from practice: up close and in person, Lyerla is really something to see. And the Qbs have gained weight this winter, looking very solid and sturdy.

Also brings to mind Eric Dungy. Never underestimate the smart, tough football player with a great work ethic and instincts. Like Jeff Maehl, maybe?

Tony Dungy is the featured speaker at today's clinic, FishDuck notes. Another great stroke of synergy. Want success? Surround yourself with quality people.

Should be an amped-up practice today: first day in pads, coaching clinic, junior day, quite a few fans. FishDuck will have a sideline report.

Tales from the Stat Sheet: How Good Can a Freshman Be?

The safe answer is, wait until the season is over and find out.

But whenever the team gets an exciting freshmen prospect, it's only natural that speculation arises about his role and impact in the coming season.  Conventional wisdom says not to expect much from freshmen and newcomers, but no one ever rises to low expectations.

Vontaze Burfict had 69 tackles as a freshman.  In 2009, redshirt freshman LaMichael James had 1546 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Dr. Saturday Pleads for Reason

Matt Hinton, Dr. Saturday of Yahoo Sports, writes today that the NCAA may have to explore paying college football players.  "It may also have no other choice," he says.

With HBO and ESPN aggressively reporting multiple  possible violations at a host of top schools, the push for widespread reform and a new deal is growing.  Currently there are inquiries underway at Auburn (allegations of a pay-for-play scandal and booster handouts to players), Ohio State (free tattoos, and Jim Tressel's coverup), Mississippi State (where the trail of odiferousness began in the Cam Newton recruitment), Oklahoma State (Dez Bryant reportedly "borrowed" $600,000 in jewelry, sports tickets and cash), and North Carolina (agent payouts).  A former Texas A&M coach says Will Lyles shopped Jim Thorpe Award winner Patrick Peterson for $80,000 four years ago (wow, the price of top college football players is going up faster than gas). 

Lyles, of course, is the name that got Oregon mixed up in this mess.