Like pretty much everything else these days, with the exception of Chick-fil-A, spring football stories are overrated. Too many eventual spot-starters get hailed as future All-Americans based on piling up big numbers against third-teamers, but occasionally we do get a good window into future greatness. So with that lukewarm introduction I give you the most buzzworthy performers of the spring:
1. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma: No one is intimating that the Sooners aren't going to miss the great Adrian Peterson, but it looks like the Sooners are still in really good shape in the post-AP era. Hard-running Allen Patrick will provide the toughness and the explosive Murray, a redshirt freshman from Vegas will provide the burst. Murray, a stunning blend of moves and speed, averaged over 11 yards per carry in OU's three spring scrimmages. He also has very good hands.
2. Rejus Benn, WR, Illinois: Big, fast and confident, Benn lit up the Illini spring, teaming with Juice Williams to give Ron Zook some hope to at least double the win total from last year. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound frosh caught five passes for 145 yards in the Illini's spring game. Three plays went for 30 yards or more. Benn, a much-needed big-play threat, is a huge reason why Williams (39.5 percent completion rate) should be one of the country's most improved players in 2007.