New running backs coach Major Applewhite knows a little something about position battles, having been under the microscope in a quarterback controversy with Chris Simms during his Texas playing days.

Instead of having the pressure of a millstone around his neck, Applewhite has a whistle around his collar this time as he attempts to resolve a multi-way contest to replace Jamaal Charles in the burnt-orange backfield. Sophomore Vondrell McGee, redshirt freshman Fozzy Whittaker and fifth-year senior Chris Ogbonnaya are the top contenders, with early enrollees Jeremy Hills and Tre Newton waiting in the wings.

"We have a lot of backs that can make a lot of explosive plays," Applewhite said. ...More