Spring football kicks off today and though the starters are anything but set,
Peegs.com will give its take on the depth charts going into spring ball and
breakdown the position battles in each area. The most hotly contested positions
are at wide receiver and cornerback. But who gets the nod going into spring
ball? We'll take a look in our version of the depth charts as they stand now.

Quarterback: Ben Chappell. Chappell heads into spring
practice the starter because of the suspension of all-conference selection Kellen
Lewis. Behind Chappell is former safety Mitchell Evans, who was an
all-state prep quarterback two years ago. Evans provides a little bit more
athleticism than Chappell, who is more of a pocket passer. The No. 3 on the QB
depth chart should be holder Dustin Hass, who will need to fill in for
redshirt freshman Teddy Schell. Schell underwent Tommy John surgery and
had a hernia operation as well in the offseason. He ran the scout team last
fall. When or if Lewis returns, Evans will probably slide back over to safety -
a move that seems eminent as the buzz on Lewis has been that he is likely just
facing a short-term suspension of some sort.

Running back: Marcus Thigpen. Head coach Bill Lynch
said on a radio show recently that Thigpen would get the nod going into the
spring, but look for junior Bryan Payton to get a bulk of the
carries with the first team or move ahead of Thigpen before spring ball ends.
Thigpen's speed and versatility makes him an asset to an IU offense that needs
receivers. He can be lined up in the slot or even as an outside wideout. Payton,
on the other hand, is more of a traditional running back who will work better
with an offensive line that is only returning two starters. Behind Payton will
be Demetrius McCray, who had a tough sophomore campaign mired by a
nagging foot injury. Walk-on Trea Burgess will round the depth chart
out. Burgess, at 6-1, 218 pounds, could play a role similar to what Josiah Sears
did when he was with the team.

Wide receiver:

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