Search is on in UT spring game

4/19/2003

Several starting spots will be up for grabs tonight at 6:30 when the University of Toledo holds its annual spring game in the Glass Bowl.

All eyes will be focused on the quarterback position, where junior Cedric Stevens is battling redshirt sophomore Bruce Gradkowski for the right to replace Brian Jones.

The Rockets also are seeking replacements for receivers Carl Ford, Dont Greene and Manny Johnson, who combined for 428 career receptions, as well as for their two best defensive players, linebackers David Gardner and Tom Ward.

Toledo, which is gunning for its 10th consecutive winning season this fall, finished 9-5 last year and appeared in the Mid-American Conference championship game and the Motor City Bowl for the second year in a row under coach Tom Amstutz.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Amstutz said. “At the same time, we are optimistic.”

The format for this year's intrasquad scrimmage, which is free of charge, will be similar to previous years, with just a few exceptions.

The game will consist of four 12-minute quarters, with a running clock in periods two and four. The first string will take on the second and third strings. All kicks will be dead balls and not returnable.

At halftime, UT will honor its most improved players this spring.

The game will be carried on WSPD radio (1370 AM).