But what we've tried to say since we came in here is the best players are going to play.'' Backups Robert Reynolds, Fred Pagac Jr., Cie Grant and Marco Cooper, to name a few, no doubt are buoyed by that declaration. But that doesn't mean the veterans' past achievements will be thrown out. With the entrance of Tressel and his staff, many fans believe Bellisari's days might be numbered, that it's time to give sophomores Craig Krenzel and Scott McMullen or redshirt freshman Rick McFadden more of a chance. Bollman and Tressel have indicated they won't be hasty to toss away two years of starting quarterback experience in the Big Ten. They think it should pay a dividend of some sort.
Experience is a hard thing to simulate.
Yet Krenzel, McMullen and McFadden have been promised strong shots through the 15 spring practices, which culminate with the spring game April 28 in Columbus Crew Stadium. With Tressel doing most of the coaching at that position, it will be a battle to watch. There are more pressing needs elsewhere, though, such as on the offensive line, where three starters have departed. Returning are center LeCharles Bentley and left tackle Adrien Clarke. Also back is Walter, who started for three years.