The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Dan Gindraux Cornerback Jasper Howard (right) defends a pass during a recent spring practice. Howard, who was excused from Saturday's practice for excessive celebration after a touchdown during drills, was more reserved after making a big play Tuesday.

The offensive and defensive linemen huddle in a circle between the two hash marks on the 20-yard-line. At offensive line coach Mark Foley's command, two men come forward, drenched in sweat, the collective eyes of their peers watching on. A whistle, and they attack.

In a drill reminiscent more of a gladiatorial battle than a football game, the offensive and defensive player launch themselves toward each other, each one trying to push the other out of the circle.

Redshirt freshman tackle Jimmy Bennett explodes toward defensive end Mike Cox, accelerating so hard he loses his footing and falls to both knees. Even at a leverage disadvantage, Bennett keeps fighting, rising back to his feet and proceeding to build up momentum. He eventually shoved Cox to the ground to the cheers of his teammates.

"Way to keep your feet moving," shouts Foley encouragingly. "That's what we need to do out there."

Bennett, a three-star recruit out of Alexandria, Va., was the 41st-best offensive tackle in the 2007 class and the Huskies' highest rated recruit a year ago. Bennett received offers from seven Division I programs but finally decided on UConn.

After redshirting his freshman year, Bennett is ready to make an impact this season for the Huskies.

"There's a couple of guys ahead of me so I'm really just looking to get a whiff of the playing field," Bennett said. "But I guess you could say I'm really excited about getting out there and making a statement."

The position battle at offensive tackle is one of the more heated battles this spring. As of Tuesday, Edsall was reluctant to name who would be the starter heading into Saturday's Blue-White Spring Game, let alone the rest of the season.

"Every position is still open," Edsall said. "We'll talk some personnel as we head into the game Saturday, we talk personnel every day. For any kind of finalization, that won't come until at least Tuesday of next week. You got four months before we play a game, so the starters can change spring to fall."

Continued...

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