SportsLine wire reports
April 12, 1999

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Amidst the hammering and pounding in Spartan Stadium, which is under renovation, the MSU football team capped off the second week of spring practice with its first scrimmage.

On the field with a smile of relief and anticipation was senior Lloyd Clemons. On the sidelines was Amp Campbell, also a senior. Both received sixth-year waiver requests from the NCAA.

"I was really just elated that we got these two guys the extra year," MSU head coach Nick Saban said. "Not for me, for them -- that they have the opportunity to do this."

Clemons, who sat out the 1996 season after transferring from Rhode Island and 1997 season with rib and back injuries, and Campbell, who suffered a season-ending cervic-spinal injury in the second game of the season against Oregon last year, must graduate this summer and then petition the Big Ten for eligibility.

SABAN SAID THERE IS PRECEDENT FOR the league to grant both Spartans eligibility for the 1999 season, but what the conference will decide is a matter of some conjecture. As for graduation, Saban said Clemons can graduate and, although Campbell has little room for error, can also.

With the probable return of Clemons (364 yards on 73 carries), it's a three-horse race for the starting tailback position. Accompanying him on the track are sophomores Shawn Foster (126 yards on 22 carries) and Little John Flowers (66 yards on 8 carries).

Clemons, the Spartans' second leading rusher behind the departed Sedrick Irvin, runs authoritatively, with experience behind him. Foster offers speed, which could complement Clemons. And Flowers has performed well this spring, Saban said.

Leroy McFadden won't be the fourth horse in this race unless he proves himself academically. Saban said McFadden's in the doghouse until the junior proves he's dependable in the classroom and assured to be on the field every game Saturday.

THE SPARTANS HOPE ONE TAILBACK will emerge as a starter, Saban said.

"Somebody's going to take the bull by the horns from a leadership standpoint," Saban said.

With that in mind, Clemons may have the best odds to win it. The entire senior class has jumped to the forefront, inspiring a more spirited and enthusiastic spring.

"The overall attitude of the seniors alone is a good one and it filters down through the rest of the team," senior quarterback Bill Burke said. "Our group of seniors is really determined. I'm having a lot of fun and I'm going to have a good time no matter what happens."

The seniors' attitude has been so infectious that Saban has seen its benefits on the field already.

"The guys seem like they have more fun playing. They enjoy themselves more," Saban said. "They're more enthusiastic, more positive, more upbeat. They're kind of fun to be around and kind of fun to coach."

Offensive Line

Next to him, 6-3, 286-pound junior Dave Sucura will line up at left guard, moving over from left tackle. Anchoring the new-look left side is 6-7, 294-pound senior Casey Jensen, who will move from right guard to center.

"We have a fairly good nucleus in the offensive line," offensive line coach Pat Ruel said. "My biggest concern is I didn't want to leave spring practice with questions."

Almost injury-free

Stats