No more RBs at CB

The claim here is that 40 players are still eligible for 22 starting positions at MSU.

   So let's break down the positions in more detail.

    Quarterback: 2. You should know their names by now.

    Running back: 7. While that's technically true, I think it's more accurate to consider this a four-man competition, the same four we've been saying since the start of camp. Mark Dantonio told special guest ESPN.com on Monday that Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker "have separated themselves a little bit, but things can change quickly." Ashton Leggett -- the player Dantonio cited at one point during spring ball for separating himself -- has been right in there as well. Andre Anderson and A.J. Jimmerson have been trailing, and we still have no idea what the exact deal is with Glenn Winston.

    Fullback and tight end: Hawken and Gantt appear set, with good backups to play.

    Receiver: 4. Mark Dell and Blair White are the expected starters, but Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham are both good enough to make bids.

    Offensive line: 7. The three returning starters, then J'Michael Deane, Jared McGaha, Brendon Moss and D.J. Young. All will probably play, especially if the nagging injuries continue. I'll still guess Deane-Moss on the right side to start the opener.

    Defensive line: 7. This might be a slight inflation. We know Jerel Worthy and Kevin Pickelman are competing at DT, with Pickelman slowed recently by an injury. Colin Neely and David Rolf are the top guys at the end opposite Trevor Anderson. But I threw Tyler Hoover in there because he has generated some buzz lately and Neely has also been a bit banged up.

    Linebacker: The starters look set, with a quality second unit in place.

    Cornerback: 4. Pat Narduzzi said three guys have separated themselves a bit, but he wouldn't say which of the initial four contenders -- Chris L. Rucker, Ross Weaver, Johnny Adams, Jeremy Ware. And that was last week. So four is the safe number, and the only sure thing is Rucker.

    Safety: 4. Marcus Hyde, Trenton Robinson, Danny Fortener, Kendell Davis-Clark. Fortener is the "buzz" guy lately. Roderick Jenrette is back and may work his way onto the field, but after a year away from the program, he isn't a starting candidate. Lots of good young guys, too.

    OK, so it might be more like 36 or 37, but 40 still have some kind of shot. And it sounds better.