--Notre Dame's top trio of running backs has a lot to prove, but there is talent there and a buzz about sophomore Robert Hughes. He's a big back who came on strong at the end of last season, and, for what it's worth, had 100 yards on 22 carries in the spring game. Armando Allen and James Aldridge are other backfield options.

--Tight end will be an area of concern in fall camp. The Irish have to replace second-round pick John Carlson. Sophomore Mike Ragone has the pass-catching size (6-5, 230) for the position, but how he does at the line of scrimmage in the run game is still an open question.

SPRING MOVERS

QB Jimmy Clausen -- Much more at ease and now entrenched at the position, he's also healthy. He spent much of last season not quite right after elbow surgery. Clausen may or may not ever live up to the massive recruiting hype, but he'll be more accurate and a better leader as a sophomore. And there should be a noticeable change in his arm strength, which he showed in spring.

LB Maurice Crum Jr. -- The senior is one of the leaders of the defense and one of its most productive players. He has a chance to make more big plays this season, as Crum could have his number called often in coordinator Jon Tenuta's blitzing schemes. DB Harrison Smith -- Smith, who redshirted as a freshman last season, should make an impact this season somewhere on defense, as a strong safety or even as a small, quick linebacker. He was the defensive MVP of the spring game, with a 15-yard INT return for a score.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I don't know how it's going to play out. The best part about it is you're not worrying about who is first. They're all going to end up playing. That's a good thing." -- Coach Charlie Weis, on his tailback situation.

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