The coaches are looking for players to take control of several positions and some players are trying to make themselves known they want to secure an open slot or to take one away from someone else. Fans that attend the practices and the scrimmages get an early insight of what is going on.  

One of the most notable positions the coaches are trying to fill is the punt return slot.  Several players have been tried there but no one seems to want the job. Afterall it is hard position to handle.  You have to have mental toughness. There you are on your own with thousands fans watching you and there is no where to hide if you make a mistake. Not only do you have to concentrate on catching the ball but where to run after the catch. However, before you catch the punt, you have to watch where the pressure is coming. Then those opponents are running at you full speed ahead ready to take your head off. This might end up being won by a player who does not want it the least.

The kicking game has not been stellar at this point. Field goal kicking has not been promising. With the  competiveness and the equality of the teams in the league, this area is critical for wins. The offensive line has to keep the opponents out and if they don’t there will be a lot of blocked FG tries this year.

Shaping up are several battles on the offensive side of the ball.  Derek Thompson is trying to dethrone Nathan Tune as the back up quarterback. So far, he is getting noticed by the fans and the coaches. He is tall, his passes appear more accurate and arrive with more zip then any else.  It looks like he understands the offensive scheme. This position will be a heated contest and Riley Dodge, Tune and Thompson will make it interesting.

With new offensive coordinator Mike Canales installing his new tight end oriented offense, he is looking for some tight ends who will work in his scheme. They are getting a work out and it will be interesting to see how it works,

Another exciting battle is the running back slot. Brandin Byrd has let it known by his performance he plans to start this coming fall.Running back coach Shelton Gandy has some interesting decisions to make. If his son, Shelton Gandy, runs like anything his father did at Southern Miss whew,the small back will give North Texas Fans some excitement. You can’t forget about redshirt big back Jeremi Mathis. With Lance Dunbar expected to be the starter, it appears there are plenty support behind him. This probably is the strongest position on the team and these guys will be fighting for playing time. No one on this unit can afford to let their game down because there are plenty in the wings who can take care of business.

No matter how good the running back position, it all starts on the offensive line. Will they be able to open the holes? While they are gelling together as a unit for the spring practice they have to learn the new schemes being installed. Sometimes offensive linemen are called the dumbest position on the team but in reality some offensive linemen have up to 22different assignments on one play.

It’s no secret the big battle on the whole team is the secondary. The incoming players are getting the opportunity to knock off some of last year’s starters and jumping over last year’s back ups. This unit will be the one that determines a winning or a losing season. For North Texas Fans,during the spring practice this is where the action will be and it is well worth watching.