Who are you? Who, who? Who, who?

Anyone else catch this tidbit from the newly released Athlon college football preview magazine:

For all the crazy talking (coach Pat) Hill does about playing anyone anywhere and all his cute slogans, he really is a pretty conservative offensive football coach. They've just tried to grind it out, and that's not working anymore." — an opposing WAC assistant coach

While we all know the conservative offense criticism of Pat Hill has some truth to it, for cryin' out loud don't say something that harsh of one of your WAC coaching peers and then remain anonymous.

I know part of this Athlon feature is to let coaches be anonymous in their responses, but when it's one of your conference rivals saying it, knowing who that person is might shed some light. If it's an Idaho or Utah State assistant (for example) it might just be sour grapes. But if it's a Boise State assistant maybe there's some more validity since the Broncos have had the Bulldogs' number most of the past decade?

So let's hear Mr. Opposing WAC Assistant Coach ... who are you? Who, who? Who, who?

Looking ahead to '09 'Dogs offense

Let's talk about what to expect from the young up-and-comers in the program who saw little to no playing time this past season but will figure in to the 2009 campaign...

QB: Ebahn Feathers redshirted this season but is already a fan favorite because his speed is so unique to the position it makes fans gawk. Problem is, he came in as a raw thrower with a ton of refining to do. But he's also the type of youngster who is coachable, modest and willing to work at it. Will it be good enough to beat out the elder statesman Ryan Colburn and an even newer young stud, Derek Carr?

RB: A.J. Ellis and Michael Harris both redshirted. Ellis might have been able to help out in 2008, but came out of high school super skinny and would have been knocked around a little at the running back position. But Rashad Evans was much undersized and did a fine job as a true freshman at receiver. While Harris might be more likely to develop into a "featured back" so to speak, Ellis has the potential to develop into a multi-threat lining up in the backfield, the slot and as a return man.

WR: Jamel Hamler was the offensive scout player of the year after academic issues caused him to redshirt this season after playing as a true freshman in '07. Though many don't realize it yet, Hamler has the ability to be the best wideout on the team, and is set to make the type of impact next season that Seyi Ajirotutu did this season. Matt Lindsey, with his height, hands and ability to go up and get the ball in traffic, will be plenty capable too, but this unit might just be too deep and talented for Lindsey to get on the field much before 2010.

TE: We saw what Ryan Skidmore is capable of late this year, and he'll be the main receiving threat, along with Issac Kinter, next year. But more unknown are Tapa Taumopeau and David Gory. Taumopeau started on special teams as a true freshman before an injury led to him redshirting. When Gory steps on the field, many fans will think Bear Pascoe is back until they notice he's wearing No. 88 instead of 85. Gory has a very similar body type and came in listed at 6-4, 235 pounds but looks to be more like 250 now.

OL: There will definitely be an adjustment period here with 2-3 new starters, but it might be a short one considering big talents like Kenny Wiggins and Bryce Harris have been around a while. Wiggins has had the best size and footwork of the unit for two years now and will finally get his shot to start with Kenny Avon and Bobby Lepori gone. And Harris is an athlete who adapted quickly to the switch from defensive to offensive line. The guard spot will be more interesting with Charley Robbins, Devan Cunningham and Richard Pacheco all vying. Pacheco is a senior spot starter, Cunningham could dominate if he dedicated himself to getting in better football shape and Robbins practices and plays well enough to deserve the job. But watch out, highly-touted prospect Douglas Spacht, who redshirted this year and is a true center, has looked good enough to make a run at a starting spot at guard if others don't step it up.

Fall Camp Update (Offense)

Quarterback: The long-awaited debut of true freshman Ebahn Feathers arrived with Tuesday's first practice. Feathers has a long way to go. While he displayed his awe-inspiring quickness rolling out, he was terribly inaccurate on short passing routes. Two things to keep in mind -- he threw mostly on the run (which is more difficult than standing in the pocket) and he's working predominantly with other newcomers or guys coming off their redshirt year (meaning they're still growing and learning too). Tom Brandstater was a visible leader from the get-go, hustling through practice and leading the younger guys from drill to drill, exercise to exercise. He's vocal, keeping the guys loose and confident. Oddly enough, he looked off on several throws, and threw a couple interceptions. Nothing to worry about this early though. Ryan Colburn took lots of reps with the veterans and looks much improved from this time a year ago. Matt Faulkner is now wearing jersey No. 10.

Running Back: All the talk has been about Ryan Mathews since last year ended, but Lonyae Miller just might hold onto that title of "starter" for now. Miller came out with his trademark explosive first step and looks faster and more muscular. He broke several long runs in drills (but keep in mind it wasn't live hitting and no pads, just shells). Mathews play of the day Tuesday was a handoff he took, while twisting and side-stepping upfield past the front seven, then the secondary. Amazing how he turns his hips and runs sideways without losing speed. Anthony Harding didn't take many reps at tailback. Isaac Kinter is going to be a huge weapon at H-back -- think Stephen Spach but faster.

Receiver: Chastin West is back ladies and gents -- no knee brace and showing that same ol' speed. All the receivers seem in extremely good shape with Chastin leading the way in upper body strength. He's also back working in the return game. Marlon Moore is taking return game reps as well, and looks darn good doing it. He's so light on his feet he appears to glide downfield at times. True freshman Rashad Evans is now No. 11 (redshirt freshman J.J. Stallworth switched to No. 82). Evans also took reps returning kicks, and appeared to have hands trouble. He let one kick bounce off his chest and dropped a throw from Feathers earlier in the practice. Devon Wylie is holding his own in every aspect -- quickness and speed. If the endurance is there he's going to be a weapon. Seyi Ajirotutu might be the biggest threat of the bunch, and he's poised for a breakout year.

Offensive Line: Bobby Lepori is already giving the younger guys a hard time in a good-natured way. One of the freshmen blew a blocking assignment while in with the starters and Lepori shouted out, "geez coach, where'd you find these guys!?" Lepori and Cole Popovich seem to have even more added size and will be forces. Joe Bernardi and Adam McDowell took turns repping at center, with true freshman Douglas Spacht (No. 57) taking reps with the newcomers. Andrew Jackson is a monster -- think giant rectangular body i.e. Frankenstein. He may be the biggest NFL prospect on the team. Kenny Wiggins looks in better shape and is just waiting his turn. He's a future standout at tackle. Devan Cunningham on the other hand is still somewhat of a mystery. He doesn't seem to have lost any weight from last season and is still the slowest lineman.