Carvin Johnson expected to start against UConn

The initial depth chart has been released, and as always, there are a few surprises. Several freshmen will play in the Saturday opener with UConn, including one who recently found a new position.

Freshman Carvin Johnson had been playing free safety and cornerback until last week, but he's now listed as the No. 1 spur (hybrid safety/linebacker position) ahead of Thomas Gordon.

"He's been getting interceptions, laying the wood ... he just comes to practice and does his job, makes the play and gets back up and does it again," defensive tackle Mike Martin said Monday. "He's smart. He's always around the ball. He's a young guy and a humble kid ... I've been really impressed with him this camp and he has done a great job."

Senior receiver Darryl Stonum said frosh Marvin Robinson was the biggest hitter of the freshmen, but he also likes what Johnson brings to the table.

"He's like a ball hawk," he said. "He's always around the ball. Wherever the ball is, that's where Carvin is. He never jogs ... he's got a motor, and he never quits on a play. He always goes 110 percent."

Veterans Mark Huyge and Perry Dorrestein are listed at the starting tackles (left and right, respectively). The quarterback and running back positions remain wide open.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez said Johnson and others will have to solidify their starting spots this week.

"There could have been an 'or' on [the depth chart] because that hasn't been solidified yet," he said. "But he is a young, athletic guy who is a quick learner ... he gives us some athleticism at that spot."