Skyline coach Reginald Samples said senior-to-be Chris Frazier is "a little ahead" of junior-to-be Javiar Hall in the competition at quarterback.

Frazier (6-2, 210) started at quarterback as a sophomore, then played receiver, fullback and tight end last season after the arrival of Troy Stoudermire.

Hall (6-2, 185) alternated at quarterback last year until Stoudermire took over for good.

"Both of them are doing real well," Samples said. "We think both of them will get playing time."

Samples is equally impressed with the maturation of running back James White, and he likes what he sees in a young group of receivers.

"We're really excited about the balance on offense," Samples said. "We think we're going to be better at the passing game."

Offense is not the issue at Plano, where quarterback Carson Meger, running back Rex Burkhead and wide receiver Kris Lott are returning along with three starting linemen. It's the defense that has holes to fill.

The only returning starters are safeties LaRon Kelly and Justin Collins. Kelly has been clocked at 4.34 in the 40 and could see action on offense and returning kicks.

First-year coach Jaydon McCullough said there are a number of defensive players returning who played on varsity last season, such as Phillip Hale, who was a nickel defensive back and may take over at weakside linebacker.

Linemen Luke Terrell and Preston Leahy logged time on varsity last season, as did linebacker Reid Lyness and corners Andrew Caufman and Ryan McDuff.

There's another offensive star in the making, too. McCullough said that 6-3 wideout Holt Hoetger, who will be a junior, has been timed at 4.39 in the 40.

Even with the luxury of full-contact practices in the spring, North Mesquite, like most teams, limits its tackling.

"We're trying to learn instead of just trying to kill each other," coach Mike Robinson said. "We try to stay off the ground as much as possible. Just get there and make contact."

Even with limited contact, Robinson said about eight players will miss Friday's final scrimmage because of various ailments. Two suffered thumb injuries that require surgery.

Quarterback Charleston Johnson could miss the scrimmage with a hamstring injury. If he can't go, Xavier Smith, last year's junior varsity quarterback, will take the snaps.

College recruiters visiting North Mesquite have shown a lot of interest in wide receiver Mark Barefield, a move-in from Wills Point, and safety Chris Royal. And it's hard to miss 6-6, 300-pound offensive lineman Josh Aladnowye.

"Everybody says he's got the best feet that they've seen in a big man in a long time," Robinson said.

Spring football isn't just about offense and defense. Special teams standouts can also make their marks.

At Lewisville, coach Steve Gaddis said punter Will Atterberry is turning the heads of college coaches.

"Everybody that comes through here asks about him," Gaddis said. "In practice, he was consistently turning it over between 50 and 60 yards."

Punting runs in the Atterberry family. Older brother Zac Atterberry recently signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears after finishing his college career at Lindenwood University in Missouri.

Spotlighting a player who could make an impact his first year on the varsity

Boykin will be West Mesquite's starting quarterback next season, even though he won't turn 15 until August. Boykin possesses size, strength, speed and a strong arm. He should be a playmaker in the mold of predecessor Kendall Thomas, only bigger. "The big part about it is learning the mental aspect of the game, and he's made some strides," coach Mike Overton said. "Each week, he's gotten better and is making better decisions. That's the key for him, to make good decisions."