--Chris "Beanie" Wells enters 2008 as a legitimate Heisman candidate after rushing for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, all while playing with a nagging ankle injury and a broken bone in his hand. If healthy, Wells could take a run at 2,000 yards.

--LB James Laurinaitis was a lock to be a top pick in the draft. He gave it all up to return for another season, but the fact Ohio State is 0 for 2 in national championship games during his time in Columbus had little to do with the decision. At least, that's what he says. "You have to realize how hard that is just to get there," Laurinaitis said. "So that (winning a national championship) can't be your motivation. Your motivation has to be for the right reasons, for education and wanting to experience these lifelong friendships. You're not going to experience a team like this again."

SPRING MOVERS

DE Lawrence Wilson -- Looked good in his first appearance since breaking his leg last year in the opener. Wilson had a steel rod surgically implanted in his leg and is ready to assume the role as a pass rusher that Vernon Gholston was so successful in last year.

RB Brandon Saine -- Slowed last season by injuries, Saine looked good in the spring. He is the fastest of all the tailbacks and could carve a role as a pass catcher out of the backfield and a dangerous third-down weapon.

WR Brian Hartline -- With top receiver Brian Robiskie out recovering from a knee injury, Hartline took advantage this spring to become quarterback Todd Boeckman's top target. Hartline had 52 catches last season, just three less than Robiskie. Hartline made the tough catches over the middle last year and should do the same next season.

DE Thaddeus Gibson -- Has been lost in the numbers for most of his career, but now as a junior, a strong spring camp might propel him into a larger role next season.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"If you go into a season expected to win them all, you don't have any room for error. If anything, that makes it a little more stressful. But here, we're used to having that stress. We're not going to shy away from it." -- receiver Brian Hartline.

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