by Sports Xchange

Updated: August 11, 2008, 5:00 PM EST

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MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Jeremiah Johnson formed the back end of the 1-2 punch with Jonathan Stewart and is now returning from injury as the main man; and he has all kinds of running ability.

BREAKOUT STAR: RB LeGarrette Blount -- The junior college transfer now slides into Johnson's spot as No. 2 but that could be in name only.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Freshman Hamani Stevens was moved from center to defensive tackle because of need and said, "I love it. O-line was fun but D-line is where I should be. I fit there perfect."

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:

Offense -- QB Nate Costa, RB Jeremiah Johnson, WR Jaison Williams, WR Jeff Maehl, WR Jamere Holland, TE Ed Dickson, LT Fenuki Tupou, LG Jeff Kendall, C Max Unger, RG Mark Lewis, RT Jacob Huckoc

Defense -- DE Will Tukuafu, DT Ra'Shon Harris, DT Cole Linehan, DE Nick Reed, SLB Jerome Boyd, MLB John Bacon, WLB Spencer Paysinger, CB Jairus Byrd, CB Walter Thurmond III, Rover Patrick Chung, FS T.J. Ward.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Freshman QB Chris Harper was battling a sore right shoulder in the early days of fall camp.

--DE Will Tukuafu continues to get better and better and may well be an All-Pac 10 player this season.

--WR Blake Cantu has a shoulder injury and will delay enrollment until the winter to save a year of eligibility.

--LB Tyrell Irvin, a junior college transfer, was cleared to practice and the coaches were excited. "I think he's a quality athlete," said coach Mike Bellotti.

--TE NaDerris Ward, a transfer from Georgia, was waiting to be cleared after applying to have his transfer year waived because he moved closer to home because of family troubles.

--DT Justin Thompson, a junior college transfer, is not eligible.

--DT Tonio Celotto was still making his way back from a summer bout with mononucleosis.